Trait Correlates of Empathic Responding in a Film Clip Task

Trait correlates of empathic responses to dynamic stimuli were examined in this study by combining an experimental paradigm to assess state empathy with measures of trait empathy and five-factor model traits. Undergraduate students (N = 533; 80% women) were shown a set of film clips selected to elicit empathy (i.e., individuals in distress), general negative affect, and neutral emotions; and they reported on their emotional state at baseline and following each film clip. Results showed support for the specific elicitation of empathy from the clips and the unique role of trait cognitive empathy, even above five-factor model personality traits, in explaining empathic responses to the clips. This research expands upon the limited literature on individual differences in emotional empathic responses.