Empathy and the expression and recognition of sarcasm by close relations or strangers.

This study examined how relational type and empathy affect the use of sarcasm. We paired interviewers of high and low empathy with either an interviewee who was closely related or a stranger. Interviewers were given 10 questions to ask the interviewee, alternating sarcastic questions with sincere questions. Following each interview, participants completed questionnaires to assess their understanding of how sarcasm affected the interview. Relationship (closely related vs stranger) was a significant factor in recognition of sarcasm but not in its use. Empathy (high vs low) did not significantly affect the production or recognition of sarcasm.