ARLAB
Affect and Relationships Lab
Bar-Ilan University
Psychology Dept. &
Gonda Neuroscience Center
Contact Us: arlabbiu@gmail.com
Empathic accuracies
Interpersonal perception serves as the backbone of any social interaction, from detecting another’s mere presence to appreciating their innermost thoughts and feelings. The degree of accuracy in perceptions that focus specifically on transitory internal states (i.e., thoughts, feelings, motives) within another’s mind has been referred to as empathic accuracy (Ickes, Stinson, Bissonnette, & Garcia, 1990), or more poetically as “everyday mindreading” (Ickes, 2003). This process may be a particularly important capacity within close committed relationships. Our work has suggested that empathic accuracy should not be thought of as one monolithic ability. Instead, empathic accuracies differ quite widely depending on the “target” of accuracy (e.g., positive vs. negative moods, approach vs. avoidance sexual motives, etc) as well as type of accuracy (e.g., level vs. pattern). In our ongoing work, we explore the determinants of these various accuracies, as well as their role in relationship outcome.
Close relationships
In our relationship studies, we adopt a multi-method approach to the study of day-to-day processes in close relationships. The topics we focus on are empathic accuracies, dyadic support, and sexuality. We study these topics using experience-sampling, observational, psychophysiological, experimental, and longitudinal methods. Whenever possible, we study both partners’ perspectives and experiences.
Dyadic support
Decades of research have shown both emotional and physical benefits of perceived availability of support from a romantic partner. However, the literature on social support within dyadic intimate relationships raises a seeming paradox- whereas the availability of support tends to be beneficial, its actual receipt is often unhelpful and at times may even be harmful. Together with Marci Gleason at the University of Texas, Austin, our lab began developing the Skillful Support Model, a theoretical approach for the study of support processes within relationships. We use this model to explore these processes empirically, and to find paths for improving the help that committed partners give to each other.
Sexuality
Sexuality is of great importance in romantic relationships, fostering intimacy and emotional connection between partners. In collaboration with reseachers at the Kinsey Institute we have been exploring the role of sexuality in the day-to-day life of couples. We are interested in motives for sexual activity, as well as in the association between it and the perception of partner responsiveness.