Conditions and Consequences of Listening Well for Interpersonal Relationships: Modeling Active-Empathic Listening, Social-Emotional Skills, Trait Mindfulness, and Relational Quality

Valerie Manusov, Daniel Stofleth, Jacquelyn A. Harvey, John P. Crowley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

In an attempt to better understand the nature and effects of listening well in relationships, participants (N = 137) in romantic relationships completed assessments of active-empathic listening (AEL), social-emotional skills, trait mindfulness, and relational quality (i.e., satisfaction and commitment). Based on previous research, we offered two models: In one, we argued that social-emotional skill, mediated by mindfulness, would predict self-reports of AEL; in the other, we hypothesized that AEL, mediated by social-emotional skill and trait mindfulness, would predict relational quality. We found some support for both models. Specifically, our analyses revealed that mindfulness positively mediated the relationship between one social skill, social expressivity, and AEL. In addition, a negative mediating relationship emerged between a second social skill (social sensitivity), mindfulness, and AEL. Our results also showed mindfulness mediating the relationship between the processing aspect of AEL and relational satisfaction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)110-126
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Listening
Volume34
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 3 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
©, © International Listening Association.

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