Empathetic Forbearing Behavior, Conflict and Relationship Quality

• Main Authors: Wei-Jie Liao, 廖韋傑
• Other Authors: Li-Chiao Huang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/31195858099165233937

碩士 === 中原大學 === 心理學研究所 === 101 === In this study, we investigated the possible impacts of “empathetic forbearing behavior” and the “perception of partners’ empathetic forbearing behavior” on Chinese romantic relationships. Previous research suggested that ren / forbearance helps to stabilize marriages. In this study we tried to separate forbearance into “empathetic forbearing behavior” and “yielding forbearing behavior”, and argued that only empathetic forbearance can minimize the possible conflicts and therefore have positive impacts on relationship quality. Data from 102 heterosexual couples who were romantically involved were collected and analyzed. We found that females perceived significantly more empathetic forbearing behavior and yielding forbearing behavior from their partners than males, whereas males reported themselves to have significantly more yielding forbearing behavior than females. The path analysis model showed both “empathetic forbearing behavior” and “perception of partners’ empathetic forbearing behavior” had direct effects on relationship quality and also could indirectly affect relationship quality by reducing possible conflicts. Results also indicated there were different paths between males and females. Females’ perceptions of their partner’s empathetic forbearing behavior were directed affected by partner’s actual behavior, and whereas males were not. Also, males’ own empathetic forbearing behavior had direct effect on their relationship quality and females’ empathetic forbearing behavior could affect relationship quality only by reducing conflicts. The implications were discussed.