Effects of conscientiousness and interpersonal sensitivity on counter-empathy: A cross-lagged panel analysis

According to the Violence Inhibition Mechanism (VIM) model, empathy can inhibit responses that can lead to violent behavior. In contrast, counter-empathy, defined as the antithesis of empathy, is one of the emotional responses that triggers aggressive behavior. However, it remains unclear which protective and risk factors contribute to counter-empathy. Understanding these underlying causes will enhance our comprehension of the mechanisms that produce counter-empathy and how counter-empathy relates to aggression. This study aimed to explore which variables among a set of 41 factors (such as personality traits, life events, depression, social support, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, etc.) can effectively predict counter-empathy. Additionally, we sought to determine the direction of the relationship between these predictive factors and counter-empathy through a longitudinal research approach and Cross-lagged Panel Analysis. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression analysis revealed that interpersonal sensitivity was the predictor with the strongest predictive power, followed by conscientiousness. Further analysis using Cross-lagged Panel Analysis suggested that conscientiousness acts as an inhibitor of counter-empathy, while interpersonal sensitivity is a risk factor for counter-empathy. Therefore, fostering appropriate interpersonal sensitivity and cultivating conscientiousness may be important methods to reduce counter-empathy and aggressive behavior.