Empirical application of empathy enhancing program based on movement concept for married couples in conflict

• Published in: Journal of exercise rehabilitation Vol. 9; no. 4; pp. 426 - 431
• Main Authors: Kim, Soo-Yeon, Kang, Hye-Won, Chung, Yong-Chul, Park, Seungha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Society of Exercise Rehabilitation 01.08.2013; 한국운동재활학회
• Subjects: Original; 심리과학; Movement concept; Empathy; Marriage counseling program
• ISSN: 2288-176X; 2288-1778; 2288-1778
• DOI: 10.12965/jer.130056

In the field of marital therapy, it is known that couple movement pro- gram helps married couples faced with conflict situation to rebuild the relationship and to maintain a family homeostasis. The purpose of this study was to configure and apply the kinesthetic empathy program and to assess the effectiveness for married couples in conflict. To achieve the research aims, qualitative research method has been conducted, subjecting three couples, 6 people, who are participating in expressive movement program for this study. The study used focus group interview method for collecting date and employed for the interview method by mixing the semi-structured and unstructured questionnaire. The results were followings. First, through kinesthetic empathy enhancing program, one could develop self-awareness and emotional attunement. Second, the result showed the relationship between intention and empathy. It shows that “knowing spouse’s hidden intention” is significant factors to understand others. Third, kinesthetic empathy program could comple-ment general marriage counseling program. The results of this study provide empirical evidence that movement program functions as an empathy enhancer through the process of perceiving, feeling, thinking, and interacting with others.