Date of Award

12-1-2023

Language

English

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

College/School/Department

Department of Psychology

Dissertation/Thesis Chair

Mark Muraven

Subject Categories

Psychology

Abstract

Perspective taking has been the subject of considerable psychological research for decades. Numerous empirical articles provide evidence for a wide range of perspective taking effects across a variety of contexts. However, the role of imagination in these effects has not been sufficiently considered. With three studies, we demonstrated an influence of episodic processes in a recent experimental design which increases individuals’ willingness to help others (Study 1), a seminal perspective manipulation which enhances empathy (Study 2), and a further replication of the results found in the second study (Study 3). These findings strengthen current conceptualizations of these two psychological processes, and offer insights into ways in which imagination might be utilized to enhance meaningful effects of perspective taking.

Included in

Psychology Commons

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