Listening styles and empathy

Linkages between four listening styles (people‐, action‐, content‐, and time‐oriented) and three constructs of empathy (empathetic responsiveness, perspective taking, and sympathetic responsiveness) were examined. Data from an extensive survey reveal that individuals scoring high on the people listening style reported a tendency to be sympathetic but not empathetic with regard to another in an aversive situation. Conversely, individuals scoring high on either the action or time listening styles exhibited a tendency to feel little concern or pity for others in need. And, those scoring high on the content listening style exhibited the ability to interact with emotionally upset others without experiencing a congruent affective response. Taken together, these findings provide a strong foundation for further research into the links between individual differences in listening styles and empathy.