Only the Perceived Differences in Empathy May Lead to Depression When You Carry Zero-Sum Beliefs

When it comes to the problem of whether empathy is essential in interpersonal interactions, the answer is undoubtedly affirmative. However, it is important to acknowledge that empathy doesn't always lead to favorable outcomes. When examining the exchange of emotional support between individuals within the framework of empathy, concerns arise regarding its effects on the recipient's psychological health when they perceive their partner's empathy as unjust or unequal. We focus on two key aspects in the family environment: the perceived differences in empathy between 'partner toward others' and 'partner toward me' (DIF1), and similarly, between 'me toward the partner' and 'partner toward me' (DIF2). This study aims to shed light on the relationship between the perceived differences in empathy and depression, and its underlying mechanisms from the perspective of empathy recipients. Drawing on survey data from 745 participants, we found that: DIF1, as well as DIF2, could positively predict depression. Personal relative deprivation mediates the relationship between perceived differences in cognitive empathy and individual depression, and high levels of zero-sum beliefs exacerbate the predictive role of relative deprivation on depression. However, no significant predictive role was found in the aspect of affective empathy.