Empathy and the Self-Absorption Paradox: Support for the Distinction Between Self-Rumination and Self-Reflection

• Published in: Self and identity 2002-01, Vol.1 (1), p.53-65
• Main Authors: Joireman, Jeffrey A., III, Les Parrott, Hammersla, Joy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1529-8868; 1529-8876
• DOI: 10.1080/152988602317232803

The present study examined whether private self-attention is at odds with empathy. College students (N = 184) completed Trapnell and Campbell's (1999) Rumination-Reflection Questionnaire (RRQ) assessing self-rumination and self-reflection; Davis' (1980, 1983) Interpersonal Reactivity Index assessing empathic concern, perspective taking, and personal distress; and Rosenberg's (1965) Self-Esteem scale. Self-rumination was negatively correlated with perspective taking and positively correlated with personal distress, whereas self-reflection was positively correlated with perspective taking and empathic concern. Further analyses suggested that the relationship between self-reflection and empathic concern may be mediated by perspective taking. Self-esteem was positively correlated with empathic concern and perspective taking, and negatively correlated with personal distress. Relationships between self-rumination, self-reflection, and empathy were independent of selfesteem. Results provide additional support for the distinction between two forms of private self-attention (reflection and rumination), as well as the reliability and validity of the RRQ. Implications and future research directions are discussed.