The mediating role of interpersonal competence between adolescents' empathy and friendship quality: A dyadic approach

Abstract The current study examined the effect of empathy on friendship quality in the context of dyadic same-sex friendships, and how such an effect might be mediated by interpersonal competence. A special version of the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) was used to examine this hypothesis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of adolescence (London, England.) England.), 2013-02, Vol.36 (1), p.191-200
Main Authors: Chow, Chong Man, Ruhl, Holly, Buhrmester, Duane
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Actor–partner interdependence model
Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior - psychology
Adolescents
Biological and medical sciences
Competence
Conflict
Conflict management
Conflict Resolution
Correlation
Developmental psychology
Dyadic
Empathy
Female
Friends - psychology
Friendship
Friendship quality
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Grade 10
Humans
Interdependence
Interpersonal Competence
Interpersonal Relations
Intimacy
Male
Negotiating
Pediatrics
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Role
Teenagers
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Summary:Abstract The current study examined the effect of empathy on friendship quality in the context of dyadic same-sex friendships, and how such an effect might be mediated by interpersonal competence. A special version of the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM) was used to examine this hypothesis in 146 same-sex friend dyads in 10th grade. Results showed that empathy was positively related to intimacy and conflict management competences. Also, adolescents higher in intimacy and conflict management competences had more friendship closeness and less discord, respectively, as perceived by both members. Consistent with our hypothesis, the relationship between empathy and self- and friend-reports of friendship closeness and discord were mediated by adolescents' intimacy and conflict management competence, respectively. These findings emphasize the importance of empathy and interpersonal competence in adolescent friendships, and of considering the interdependence of these constructs in friend dyads.
ISSN:0140-1971
1095-9254
DOI:10.1016/j.adolescence.2012.10.004