The Role of Emotionality and Regulation in Empathy-Related Responding

Abstract

The constructs of emotionality and regulation are central to many current conceptualizations of temperament. In this article, the role of individual differences in emotionality and regulation in empathy-related responding (sympathy and personal distress) is discussed, and relevant research is reviewed. In general, sympathy has been linked to intense emotionality and high regulation. People prone to personal distress (a self-focused aversive response to another's emotions or situation) tend to be low in regulation and prone to intense and frequent negative emotions. Empathy-related responding generally is predicted better by the combination of emotionality and regulation than by either separately. Examples of interventions designed to promote empathy, sympathy, and prosocial behavior in which emotionality and regulation are targeted behaviors are discussed.

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Notes on contributors

N. Nancy Eisenberg

Nancy Eisenberg, PhD, is Regents' Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University. Her research interests are in the domain of developmental psychology and include social, emotional, and moral development. She is recipient of a Research Scientist Award from the National Institute of Mental Health and editor of Psychological Bulletin.

Michelle Wentzel

Michelle Wentzel, BA, was a graduate student in school psychology at Arizona State University. She currently is taking courses required for entry to medical school.

Jerry D. Harris

Jerry D. Harris is a Professor in the School Psychology Program in the Division of Psychology in Education at Arizona State University. His areas of professional interests include children's social development and the influence of legal, ethical, and professional standards on practice.