Reciprocal associations among self-focused attention, self-acceptance, and empathy: A two-wave panel study

Reflection and rumination are conceptualized as two distinct forms of self-focused attention that differentially relate to psychological outcomes; however, recent findings indicate that individuals who tend to engage in reflection may be prone to rumination. The purpose of the present study was to extend the existing literature in this area by examining the reciprocal relationships between reflection and rumination. In addition, we examined how these two self-focusing tendencies relate to self-acceptance, and empathy. Using a two-way panel study design, data of this study were collected from 231 college students at two time points. The time interval between the two waves of data collection was approximately six weeks. The results of the structural equation modeling indicated that after controlling for temporal stability and the other variables in the model, the relationship between reflection and self-acceptance was reciprocal and positive. In addition, higher levels of self-acceptance at Time 1 were associated with lower levels of rumination at Time 2, suggesting that individuals with higher levels of self-acceptance are less likely to ruminate on the negative aspects of the self. Results also indicated significant relationships between rumination and empathy; however, contrary to our expectations, the relationships between these constructs were reciprocal and positive.