Empathic and Non-Empathic Responses in Romantic Relationships: The Association between Frequency, Response Satisfaction and Overall Relationship Quality ‡ Rylee Holt, Mariah Roseman, Kaleb Seek, Carlina Arellano Project Mentor(s): Duane Dowd, PhD This research examined empathic communication responses in romantic partnerships and their association with relationship quality. Based on a typology of empathic and non-empathic relationship communication styles, measures were developed that assess the frequency and impact of each of five empathic communication scenarios. A sample of 289 adults who were currently in romantic relationships completed online questionnaires which assessed frequency and experience with the five different ways of responding empathically, as well as relationship satisfaction. Frequency of two negative empathic responses (judgmental, topping) was negatively associated with satisfaction, while two positive empathic responses (questioning, emotionally reflective) were positively associated. Results suggest that measuring empathy using behavioral examples is a robust method for evaluation of relationship quality. U.S. Couples’ Experiences Navigating Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Qualitative Dyadic Analysis of Mental Health, Coparenting, Barriers, and Supports Samantha Parr* Project Mentor(s): Amy Claridge, PhD Pregnancy and postpartum can be challenging periods for couples as they navigate family and couple relationship changes and physical and mental health needs. This project explores U.S. couple parent perspectives about pregnancy and postpartum in terms of mental health, coparenting, and the role of formal and informal support. The majority of interviews (n = 18 so far) have been conducted already and the remaining interviews will be conducted in the next two months. Initial results highlight challenges couples face during the prenatal and postpartum period related to physical and mental health, coparenting, balancing work and family, and accessing needed formal and informal support. Couples discussed their coping strategies and support that improved their adjustment and well-being, as well as ideas about U.S. policy changes to better support families. Implications for practice and policy related to supporting couples navigating pregnancy and the postpartum period will be discussed. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation (May 20, 9:30am–5:00pm) Keywords: Pregnancy, Postpartum, Mental health, Coparenting, Barriers/Supports SOURCE Form ID: 174 Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: Relationship Satisfaction, Communication, Empathy SOURCE Form ID: 12
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