APS
2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026
Dynamic Coupling of Empathic Concern and Personal Distress In Response to Infant Crying
- Hung-Chu Lin
University of Louisiana Lafayette - Md Istiak Jaman Ami
University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Jason Woodworth
University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Arun Kulshreshth
University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Heather Stone
University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Christoph Borst
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Abstract
Using VR simulation, we examined real-time coupling between empathic concern and personal distress in response to infant crying. Forty participants (Mage=19.7) provided continuous ratings sampled at 120Hz. Cross-correlation analyses revealed three distinct temporal coupling profiles that were independent of trait empathy, suggesting dynamic state-level regulatory processes underlying cry responses.
