Perceptions of an Alcoholic: Empathy and Attribution

Two methods for changing a perceiver's observational set towards an alcoholic were investigated: (1) instructions about the "attributional rule" of actor/observer differences, and (2) instructions to empathize. Those subjects given the empathy instructions tended to like the alcoholic more while not changing the attributions they made for his alcoholism. Those receiving attributional rule instructions responded like the non-instructional control group by showing greater dislike for the alcoholic and by making situational attributions for his behavior. Implications for interpersonal relationships and clinical application are proposed.