1
Department of Psychology, Ne. C., Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Ne. C., Islamic Azad University, Neyshabur, Iran
10.30468/beyhagh.2026.8350.322
Abstract
Materials and Methods: This descriptive-correlational study with a structural equation modeling approach was conducted during the 2024–2025 academic year on 196 medical students at Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences. Participants were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling, and the sample size was determined based on the Krejcie and Morgan table. The instruments included the Wolf Caring Behaviors Scale, the Mehrabian Empathy Questionnaire, and the Zimet Perceived Social Support Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 23 and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS version 3. The level of statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Empathy acted as a significant mediating variable (indirect path coefficient = 0.15, p < 0.001) in the relationship between emotional support and caring behaviors. Emotional support (β = 0.29, p < 0.001) and empathy (β = 0.30, p < 0.001) each had significant direct effects on caring behaviors. Emotional support facilitated the understanding of patients’ needs through strengthening cognitive-emotional patterns, while empathy improved interaction quality and reduced clinical errors by increasing sensitivity to these needs. Conclusion: Empathy played a significant mediating role in the relationship between emotional support and caring behaviors, while both factors also independently influenced caring behaviors. Enhancing empathy and fostering emotionally supportive environments may improve caring behaviors among medical students and ultimately enhance the quality of healthcare services.
yahyaabady, A., & Khodabakhsh, M. R. (2026). The Mediating Role of Empathy in the Relationship
between Emotional Support and Caregiving Behaviors
toward Patients in Medical Students. Beyhagh, 31(2), 1-11. doi: 10.30468/beyhagh.2026.8350.322
MLA
Afsaneh yahyaabady; Mohamad Reza Khodabakhsh. "The Mediating Role of Empathy in the Relationship
between Emotional Support and Caregiving Behaviors
toward Patients in Medical Students". Beyhagh, 31, 2, 2026, 1-11. doi: 10.30468/beyhagh.2026.8350.322
HARVARD
yahyaabady, A., Khodabakhsh, M. R. (2026). 'The Mediating Role of Empathy in the Relationship
between Emotional Support and Caregiving Behaviors
toward Patients in Medical Students', Beyhagh, 31(2), pp. 1-11. doi: 10.30468/beyhagh.2026.8350.322
VANCOUVER
yahyaabady, A., Khodabakhsh, M. R. The Mediating Role of Empathy in the Relationship
between Emotional Support and Caregiving Behaviors
toward Patients in Medical Students. Beyhagh, 2026; 31(2): 1-11. doi: 10.30468/beyhagh.2026.8350.322
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