The Influence of Agreeableness on Perceived Social Support: The Mediating Role of Empathy
Keywords:
Agreeableness, Empathy, Perceived Social Support, Personality TraitsAbstract
This study aimed to investigate the influence of agreeableness on perceived social support, with a specific focus on the mediating role of empathy among Indonesian adults. A descriptive correlational research design was used, involving 400 participants selected through stratified random sampling based on Krejcie and Morgan's sample size determination table. Participants completed standardized self-report instruments: the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (Agreeableness), the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Empathy), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Pearson correlation analysis was performed using SPSS-27 to examine bivariate relationships among the variables. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was conducted using AMOS-21 to assess the hypothesized mediational model, with model fit indices evaluated and path coefficients estimated for both direct and indirect effects. Pearson correlations indicated that agreeableness was significantly associated with both empathy (r = .53, p < .01) and perceived social support (r = .41, p < .01), while empathy was also significantly correlated with perceived social support (r = .59, p < .01). The SEM analysis demonstrated good model fit (χ²/df = 2.04, GFI = 0.94, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.051). Direct effects were significant from agreeableness to empathy (β = .53, p < .001), empathy to perceived social support (β = .47, p < .001), and agreeableness to perceived social support (β = .22, p < .001). The indirect effect of agreeableness on perceived social support via empathy was also significant (β = .25, p < .001), confirming the mediation model. Empathy plays a critical mediating role in the relationship between agreeableness and perceived social support. These findings highlight the importance of both personality traits and socio-emotional competencies in shaping individuals’ perceptions of their social networks, especially in collectivist cultures like Indonesia.
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