| This study was designed to investigate the validity of a proposed theoretical model of cognitive empathy. The model consists of a circumplex with two separate constructs free to vary independently of one another, creating a contingency table: Altruism (A) on the X-Axis, measuring the ability to see similarities between self and other; and Cognitive Complexity (CC) on the Y-Axis, the capacity to see differences.; Four interpersonal relationship styles were hypothesized to result from the combination of A and CC: Cognitive Empathy---high scores on both A and CC. This is the quadrant of resonant understanding and describes the "I-Thou" relationship. Psychopathy or a less malevolent Expedience---high scores on CC but low on A, describing a contractual, contingent style characterized by the "I-You" relationship. Extremely low scores on A would indicate a more antisocial stance. Co-Dependence---low scores on CC and high on A: a state of emotional confiscation characterized by the "I-We" relationship, without much of an "I." Narcissism---low scores on both A and CC, suggesting an incapacity to decenter and reflect. It is characterized by an "I-It" relationship style.; A convenience sample of 344 subjects was solicited by direct mail, and obtained from two formal university subjects pools---a large state university and a large private Catholic university.; The study relied on a correlational design, augmented by hierarchical regressions and a 2 x 2 MANCOVA. To determine if the model was correct, the independent variables of Altruism (a subscale of the Helping Orientation Questionnaire) and Cognitive Complexity (measured by the 4 x 6 Repertory Grid) were examined for their relationship to the key dependent variables: Cognitive Empathy, four subscales of Co-Dependence, Primary Psychopathy, and Narcissism. Several additional measures were added to assess discriminant and convergent validity: Authoritarianism (CC); Splitting (Narcissism), Receptive Giving (Expedience); Empathic Concern (A); and seven subscales of the Love Attitudes Questionnaire. The Crowne Marlowe was added to control for social desirability; age and gender were also used as control variables.; The results of the study did not support the model as measured. Altruism appeared to measure what it purported to measure, yielding positive relationships with Empathic Concern and Perspective Taking, and negative relationships with Psychopathy, Personal Distress, and Splitting. Cognitive Complexity, on the other hand, contrary to previous studies, was positively related to Splitting and unrelated to Authoritarianism, suggesting that the 4 x 6 Repertory Grid did not measure Cognitive Complexity, a potential failure of construct validity. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
