Dyadic Influences of Affect and Depth of Cognitive Processing on How Empathic Expressions Are Perceived in Supportive Interactions

Communicating empathy in supportive interactions can be an effective way for providers to help regulate receivers' emotions. Partners' perceptions of empathic expressions can be influenced by various factors, including the affect they bring into an interaction and the extent to which they engage in cognitive processing. Drawing on the affect infusion model (AIM) and the emotion as social information (EASI) model, this study examined the influence of incidental affect on perceptions of empathic expressions and how this influence is moderated by the depth of partners' cognitive processing regarding a conversation. Partners in established relationships reported their affect before an interaction, were randomly assigned to be either support providers or receivers, engaged in a supportive interaction, and then reported their level of cognitive processing and perceptions of the providers' empathic expressions. Individuals' positive affect positively influenced their own, but not their partner's perceptions of empathic expressions. How deeply participants engaged in cognitive processing moderated the influence of their affect on their perceptions of providers' empathic expressions.