Theory of Mind and Dispositional Empathy in Young Adults

Abstract

Facial expressions play an important role in understanding emotions. Eyes are observed the most when emotions are processed. Eyes are a medium of communication in many cultures. In India, people use their eyes to express themselves, their interests, emotions, and mood. In this study, the researchers aim to observe how adults, who perceive emotions conveyed in the eyes, navigate and respond empathetically in social scenarios. The researchers will collect data from 100 adults, both males and females, between the ages of 18-25. The participants will be given the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index through online platforms. The interpersonal reactivity index will reveal the person’s empathetic disposition by measuring perspective-taking (PT), empathic concern (EC), personal distress (PD), and fantasy (F).  The researchers will analyse the data using Pearson’s correlation to test whether individuals who perform well in the RME test will have better interpersonal reactivity. By studying the role of eyes in recognising emotions and whether interpersonal reactivity and recognition of emotions are correlated, the researchers will try to add to the existing pool of knowledge.