Empathy, emotional expression and peer relationship among Chinese college students

International Journal of Research Studies in Psychology
CollabWritive Special Issue
2024 Volume 10 Issue 3

Available Online: 20 October 2024

Author/s:

Xiao, Hong
Graduate School, Lyceum of the Philippines University – Batangas, Philippines
Jinan Preschool Education College, China

Abstract:

Empathy, emotional expression and peer relationship are important factors affecting the social development of college students. However, the current research on college students’ empathy is still in the exploratory stage, and the research on the relationship among empathy, emotional expression and peer relationship is scarce. Therefore, to carry out the research on these aspects is not only the objective needs of the psychological development of college students, but also the realistic requirements of mental health education. This study explores the effects of empathy and emotional expression on the peer relationship of Chinese college students and its mechanism, so as to provide relevant data basis for improving the group mental health level of college students. Through literature analysis, this study investigated the empathy, emotional expression and peer relationship of 700 college students from 5 universities in Shandong province with a questionnaire survey, and 643 valid questionnaires were collected. Regression models were used for data analysis. The results showed that the correlation between the study variables of empathy and emotion expression was significantly positive (P < 0.01). If college students had better emotional empathy ability, their emotional expression would be better, and the total score of empathy and emotion expression and peer relationship was negatively correlated, indicating that college students with better empathy and stronger expression ability would have better peer relationship. Therefore, schools and families should encourage college students to enhance their emotional empathy ability and actively express emotions, so as to guide college students to cultivate good interpersonal relationships and increase the quality of peer relationships to promote their good mental health level.

Keywords: Chinese college students, emotional empathy, expressive competence, peer relationship

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsp.2024.039

Cite this article:
Xiao, H. (2024). Empathy, emotional expression and peer relationship among Chinese college students. International Journal of Research Studies in Psychology, 10(3), 115-147. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrsp.2024.039