An empirical investigation of relational/cultural theory: The relationship between perceived empathy and perceived mutuality with relational empowerment

This study sought to evaluate a major tenet of Relational/Cultural Theory (RCT), formerly known as Self-in-Relation Theory. RCT asserts that mutual empathy within a relational context leads to mutual empowerment. The association of mutuality and empathy with relational empowerment across various relational categories was explored, as well as whether this pattern was similarly demonstrated across gender conditions. This research project also focused on the development and initial validation of a Relationally Based Empowerment Measure (RBEM) consistent with RCT.; Data were collected from 179 undergraduate students who were asked to identify a particular relationship in their mind and to respond to a number of relational questionnaires, with that particular relationship in mind. Measures included the Mutual Psychological Development Questionnaire (MPDQ), the Self/Other Dyadic Perspective Taking Scales (ODPT and SDPT) measuring empathy, and the RBEM. The hypothesis that mutuality and empathy are positively associated with relational empowerment was supported. Results indicated that mutuality and empathy were significant predictors of relational empowerment, and accounted for 52% of the variance in RBEM scores, using forward stepwise multiple regression.; A significant main effect was also found for the gender of participants, as well as a significant interaction between the gender of participants and the gender of their relational other on all of the above mentioned measures. Subsequent ANOVA results indicated the gender variables were most influential with regard to mutuality and other's empathy towards the self. An ANCOVA indicated that gender was not a significant influence on relational empowerment when empathy and mutuality were held constant. Suggestions for future research are discussed.