When empathy feels scarce: How zero-sum beliefs fuel depression in close relationships

This study examined how zero-sum beliefs-perceiving emotional resources as limited-shape individuals' emotional experiences in daily romantic interactions. Using experience sampling methodology and a dyadic design, we collected data from 198 heterosexual romantic dyads (N = 396 individuals), yielding 5280 valid daily observations over 14 days. We investigated how individuals' zero-sum beliefs influence both their own and their partner's daily depressive mood through two pathways: reduced empathic engagement and heightened sensitivity to perceived empathic imbalance. Results showed that individuals who endorsed stronger zero-sum beliefs tended to offer less empathy to their partners and were more prone to experience empathic trade-offs, both of which predicted elevated depression. Notably, men's zero-sum beliefs were unexpectedly associated with lower depressive mood in their female partners, suggesting a potential adaptive disengagement mechanism. These findings extend the theoretical scope of zero-sum belief research into close relationships and underscore the role of interpersonal belief systems in shaping emotional health. Understanding how individuals cognitively frame empathy may offer critical insights into the development of targeted interventions to mitigate emotional strain and promote relational well-being.