+ Relationship Satisfaction

What Is Empathy?

Greater Good, Feb 05, 2014

"Empathy is good for your marriage: Research suggests being able to understand your partner’s emotions deepens intimacy and boosts relationship satisfaction; it’s also fundamental to resolving conflicts. (The GGSC’s Christine Carter has written about effective strategies for developing and expressing empathy in relationships.)"

"Empathic ability is an asset both personally and professionally. Empathic expression with a partner enhances relationship satisfaction (Long et al. 1999; Ridley et al. 1982)." (MING LAM 2011)

Long, E. C. J., Angera, J. J., Carter, S. J., Nakamoto, M., & Kalso, M. (1999). Understanding the one you love: A longitudinal assessment of an empathy training program for couples in romantic relationships. Family Relations, 48(3), 235-242.

Ridley, C. A., Jorgensen, S. R., Morgan, A. G., & Avery, A. W. (1982). Relationship enhancement with premarital couples: An assessment of effects on relationship quality. American Journal of Family Therapy, 10(3), 41- 48.