201
|
McDonald NM, Murphy HG, Messinger DS. Empathic responding in preschool-aged children with familial risk for autism. Autism Res 2017; 10:1621-1628. [PMID: 28608419 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show deficits in social and emotional reciprocity, which often include empathic responding. The younger siblings of children with ASD (high-risk siblings) are at elevated risk for ASD and for subclinical deficits in social-emotional functioning. Higher levels of empathy in high-risk siblings during the second and third years of life predict fewer ASD symptoms and likelihood of diagnosis. We conducted a multi-method investigation of empathic responding to an examiner's accident in 30 low-risk and 48 high-risk siblings with (n = 12) and without ASD outcomes (n = 36) at 4-6 years of age. Empathic responding was measured through behavioral observation and parent report. Prosocial behavior did not differ by ASD outcome. Children with ASD exhibited lower levels of personal distress than high-risk and low-risk siblings without ASD. Per parent report, high-risk siblings without ASD demonstrated higher levels of empathic responding than low-risk children, while the ASD group did not differ from children without ASD on this measure. Higher levels of observed empathic concern, but not prosocial behavior, were associated with lower Social Affect scores on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule in high-risk children. Results suggest that ASD diagnosis and symptoms are associated with reduced emotional responsiveness to an adult's distress, but not associated with deficits in prosocial behavior at preschool age. Results do not support the idea that empathic responding is negatively impacted in a broader autism phenotype. Findings extend previous research by suggesting that empathy may be a protective factor in the social-emotional development of children with familial risk for ASD. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1621-1628. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M McDonald
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Haley G Murphy
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061
| | - Daniel S Messinger
- Departments of Psychology, Pediatrics, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Music Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, 33146
| |
Collapse
|
202
|
Arango Tobón OE, Olivera-La Rosa A, Restrepo Tamayo V, Puerta Lopera IC. Empathic skills and theory of mind in female adolescents with conduct disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 40:78-82. [PMID: 28614490 PMCID: PMC6899411 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2016-2092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Most studies on conduct disorder (CD) have focused on male adolescents, disregarding analysis of this psychopathology in women. The purpose of this study was to identify differences in empathy and theory of mind (ToM) in a group of adolescent women with CD and a control group. Method: Thirty-six adolescent women were selected from an initial sample of 239 adolescents (CD group = 18, control group = 18). Empathy and ToM were evaluated through objective instruments. Mean comparisons and multivariate analysis were performed to ascertain differences between cases and controls and to propose a prediction model based on clinical status. Results: Significant differences in empathic abilities and ToM were found between the groups. The model that differentiated both groups was composed of eye-reading ability, perspective taking, and personal distress. Conclusion: These findings are consistent with previous studies. Capacity to take the other’s perspective and the recognition of emotions in the face are protective factors against CD in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olber E Arango Tobón
- Facultad de Psicología y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Antonio Olivera-La Rosa
- Facultad de Psicología y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Viviana Restrepo Tamayo
- Facultad de Psicología y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Isabel C Puerta Lopera
- Facultad de Psicología y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Católica Luis Amigó, Medellín, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
203
|
Bruneau EG, Cikara M, Saxe R. Parochial Empathy Predicts Reduced Altruism and the Endorsement of Passive Harm. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2017; 8:934-942. [PMID: 29276575 PMCID: PMC5734375 DOI: 10.1177/1948550617693064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Empathic failures are common in hostile intergroup contexts; repairing empathy is therefore a major focus of peacebuilding efforts. However, it is unclear which aspect of empathy is most relevant to intergroup conflict. Although trait empathic concern predicts prosociality in interpersonal settings, we hypothesized that the best predictor of meaningful intergroup attitudes and behaviors might not be the general capacity for empathy (i.e., trait empathy), but the difference in empathy felt for the in-group versus the out-group, or "parochial empathy." Specifically, we predicted that out-group empathy would inhibit intergroup harm and promote intergroup helping, whereas in-group empathy would have the opposite effect. In three intergroup contexts-Americans regarding Arabs, Hungarians regarding refugees, Greeks regarding Germans-we found support for this hypothesis. In all samples, in-group and out-group empathy had independent, significant, and opposite effects on intergroup outcomes, controlling for trait empathic concern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emile G. Bruneau
- Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Emile G. Bruneau, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, 3620 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Mina Cikara
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca Saxe
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
204
|
Schaich Borg J, Srivastava S, Lin L, Heffner J, Dunson D, Dzirasa K, de Lecea L. Rat intersubjective decisions are encoded by frequency-specific oscillatory contexts. Brain Behav 2017; 7:e00710. [PMID: 28638715 PMCID: PMC5474713 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is unknown how the brain coordinates decisions to withstand personal costs in order to prevent other individuals' distress. Here we test whether local field potential (LFP) oscillations between brain regions create "neural contexts" that select specific brain functions and encode the outcomes of these types of intersubjective decisions. METHODS Rats participated in an "Intersubjective Avoidance Test" (IAT) that tested rats' willingness to enter an innately aversive chamber to prevent another rat from getting shocked. c-Fos immunoreactivity was used to screen for brain regions involved in IAT performance. Multi-site local field potential (LFP) recordings were collected simultaneously and bilaterally from five brain regions implicated in the c-Fos studies while rats made decisions in the IAT. Local field potential recordings were analyzed using an elastic net penalized regression framework. RESULTS Rats voluntarily entered an innately aversive chamber to prevent another rat from getting shocked, and c-Fos immunoreactivity in brain regions known to be involved in human empathy-including the anterior cingulate, insula, orbital frontal cortex, and amygdala-correlated with the magnitude of "intersubjective avoidance" each rat displayed. Local field potential recordings revealed that optimal accounts of rats' performance in the task require specific frequencies of LFP oscillations between brain regions in addition to specific frequencies of LFP oscillations within brain regions. Alpha and low gamma coherence between spatially distributed brain regions predicts more intersubjective avoidance, while theta and high gamma coherence between a separate subset of brain regions predicts less intersubjective avoidance. Phase relationship analyses indicated that choice-relevant coherence in the alpha range reflects information passed from the amygdala to cortical structures, while coherence in the theta range reflects information passed in the reverse direction. CONCLUSION These results indicate that the frequency-specific "neural context" surrounding brain regions involved in social cognition encodes outcomes of decisions that affect others, above and beyond signals from any set of brain regions in isolation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Schaich Borg
- Social Science Research Institute Duke University Durham NC USA.,Duke Institute for Brain Sciences Duke University Durham NC USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Stanford University Stanford CA USA
| | - Sanvesh Srivastava
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science University of Iowa Iowa City IA USA
| | - Lizhen Lin
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics University of Notre Dame Notre Dame IN USA
| | - Joseph Heffner
- Department of Psychology, Cognitive Linguistic and Psychological Sciences Brown University Providence RI USA
| | - David Dunson
- Department of Statistical Science Duke University Durham NC USA
| | - Kafui Dzirasa
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences Duke University Durham NC USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Duke University Medical Center Durham NC USA.,Department of Neurobiology Duke University Medical Center Durham NC USA.,Department of Neurosurgery Duke University Medical Center Durham NC USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering Duke University Durham NC USA
| | - Luis de Lecea
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Stanford University Stanford CA USA
| |
Collapse
|
205
|
Brummert Lennings HI, Bussey K. The mediating role of coping self-efficacy beliefs on the relationship between parental conflict and child psychological adjustment. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/sode.12241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
206
|
Winter K, Spengler S, Bermpohl F, Singer T, Kanske P. Social cognition in aggressive offenders: Impaired empathy, but intact theory of mind. Sci Rep 2017; 7:670. [PMID: 28386118 PMCID: PMC5429629 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00745-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggressive, violent behaviour is a major burden and challenge for society. It has been linked to deficits in social understanding, but the evidence is inconsistent and the specifics of such deficits are unclear. Here, we investigated affective (empathy) and cognitive (Theory of Mind) routes to understanding other people in aggressive individuals. Twenty-nine men with a history of legally relevant aggressive behaviour (i.e. serious assault) and 32 control participants were tested using a social video task (EmpaToM) that differentiates empathy and Theory of Mind and completed questionnaires on aggression and alexithymia. Aggressive participants showed reduced empathic responses to emotional videos of others' suffering, which correlated with aggression severity. Theory of Mind performance, in contrast, was intact. A mediation analysis revealed that reduced empathy in aggressive men was mediated by alexithymia. These findings stress the importance of distinguishing between socio-affective and socio-cognitive deficits for understanding aggressive behaviour and thereby contribute to the development of more efficient treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Korina Winter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapie, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Krankenhaus d. Maßregelvollzugs Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Spengler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapie, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Bermpohl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapie, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tania Singer
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Philipp Kanske
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
207
|
The Development and Validation of the Empathy Components Questionnaire (ECQ). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169185. [PMID: 28076406 PMCID: PMC5226785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Key research suggests that empathy is a multidimensional construct comprising of both cognitive and affective components. More recent theories and research suggest even further factors within these components of empathy, including the ability to empathize with others versus the drive towards empathizing with others. While numerous self-report measures have been developed to examine empathy, none of them currently index all of these wider components together. The aim of the present research was to develop and validate the Empathy Components Questionnaire (ECQ) to measure cognitive and affective components, as well as ability and drive components within each. Study one utilized items measuring cognitive and affective empathy taken from various established questionnaires to create an initial version of the ECQ. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to examine the underlying components of empathy within the ECQ in a sample of 101 typical adults. Results revealed a five-component model consisting of cognitive ability, cognitive drive, affective ability, affective drive, and a fifth factor assessing affective reactivity. This five-component structure was then validated and confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in an independent sample of 211 typical adults. Results also showed that females scored higher than males overall on the ECQ, and on specific components, which is consistent with previous findings of a female advantage on self-reported empathy. Findings also showed certain components predicted scores on an independent measure of social behavior, which provided good convergent validity of the ECQ. Together, these findings validate the newly developed ECQ as a multidimensional measure of empathy more in-line with current theories of empathy. The ECQ provides a useful new tool for quick and easy measurement of empathy and its components for research with both healthy and clinical populations.
Collapse
|
208
|
Euler F, Steinlin C, Stadler C. Distinct profiles of reactive and proactive aggression in adolescents: associations with cognitive and affective empathy. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2017; 11:1. [PMID: 28077965 PMCID: PMC5217447 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-016-0141-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aggression comprises a heterogeneous set of behavioral patterns that aim to harm and hurt others. Empathy represents a potential mechanism that inhibits aggressive conduct and enhances prosocial behavior. Nevertheless, research results on the relationship between empathy and aggression are mixed. Subtypes of aggressive behavior, such as reactive and proactive aggression might be differently related to empathy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the interrelations of cognitive and affective empathy with reactive and proactive aggression. METHODS We recruited a sample of 177 (33% female, M age 15.6) adolescents from socio-educational and juvenile justice institutions and a community sample of 77 (36% female, M age 13.1) adolescents from secondary schools. Using bivariate correlation analysis and hierarchical multiple regression analysis, we firstly investigated associations between cognitive and affective empathy and reactive and proactive aggression. Subsequently, we performed cluster analysis to identify clusters of adolescents with meaningful profiles of aggressive behavior and compared derived clusters on measures of empathy. We applied the Basic Empathy Scale and the Reactive-Proactive Aggression Questionnaire. RESULTS Bivariate analysis and hierarchical regression analysis showed that cognitive and affective empathy were negatively associated with proactive aggression, but not with reactive aggression. Cluster-analysis revealed three clusters of adolescents with distinct aggression profiles: a cluster with elevated scores on reactive and proactive aggression, a clusters with high scores on reactive aggression only, and a low aggression cluster. Cluster comparisons revealed that the reactive-proactive aggression cluster showed significantly lower scores on cognitive and affective empathy than both other clusters. Results further indicated that within the reactive-proactive aggression cluster, girls did not differ significantly from boys in empathy. CONCLUSIONS The present study extends previously published findings, and possibly explains conflicting results in prior research. Our results indicated that cognitive and affective empathy are reduced in adolescents with high levels of reactive and proactive aggression. Our study may contribute to the development of tailored clinical interventions for different aggression clusters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Euler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, Schanzenstrasse 13, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Célia Steinlin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, Schanzenstrasse 13, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christina Stadler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Clinics Basel, Schanzenstrasse 13, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
209
|
Mashuri A, Zaduqisti E, Alroy-Thiberge D. The role of dual categorization and relative ingroup prototypicality in reparations to a minority group: An examination of empathy and collective guilt as mediators. ASIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/ajsp.12163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mashuri
- Department of Psychology; University of Brawijaya; Indonesia
| | - Esti Zaduqisti
- Department of Islamic Counselling; STAIN Pekalongan; Indonesia
| | | |
Collapse
|
210
|
Fernandes AO, Monteiro NRDO. Comportamentos Pró-Sociais de Adolescentes em Acolhimento Institucional. PSICOLOGIA: TEORIA E PESQUISA 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/0102.3772e3331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO Realizou-se um levantamento de indicadores de comportamentos pró-sociais em adolescentes acolhidos. A pesquisa foi realizada com 61 adolescentes (11 a 18 anos; 34 meninas e 27 meninos), que viviam em instituições de acolhimento e foram avaliados por meio da Escala de Medida de Pró-Socialidade (EMPA). A análise dos resultados foi feita por subgrupos: idade (11-14 anos/15-18 anos), sexo e tempo de acolhimento (até dois anos e mais de dois anos). Resultados indicaram tendência a comportamentos pró-sociais de cuidado, principalmente, nos adolescentes com menos tempo de institucionalização. Meninas referiram mais comportamentos pró-sociais do que os meninos. Os participantes indicaram tendência à dificuldade de empatia e de partilha de objetos pessoais e de valor.
Collapse
|
211
|
Peplak J, Malti T. “That Really Hurt, Charlie!” Investigating the Role of Sympathy and Moral Respect in Children's Aggressive Behavior. The Journal of Genetic Psychology 2016; 178:89-101. [DOI: 10.1080/00221325.2016.1245178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Peplak
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Canada
| | - Tina Malti
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
212
|
Vasquez EA, Howard-Field J. Too (mentally) busy to chill: Cognitive load and inhibitory cues interact to moderate triggered displaced aggression. Aggress Behav 2016; 42:598-604. [PMID: 27028986 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitory information can be expected to reduce triggered displaced aggression by signaling the potential for negative consequences as a result of acting aggressively. We examined how cognitive load might interfere with these aggression-reducing effects of inhibitory cues. Participants (N = 80) were randomly assigned to a condition in a 2 (cognitive load: high/low) × 2 (inhibiting cues: yes/no) between-subjects design. Following procedures in the TDA paradigm, participants received an initial provocation from the experimenter and a subsequent triggering annoyance from another individual. In the inhibitory cue condition, participants were told, before they had the opportunity to aggress, that others would learn of their aggressive responses. In the high cognitive load condition, participants rehearsed a 10-digit number while aggressing. Those in the low cognitive load condition rehearsed a three digit number. We found significant main effects of cognitive load and inhibitory cue, which were qualified by the expected load × inhibitory cue interaction. Thus, inhibitory cues reduced displaced aggression under low-cognitive load. However, when participants in the inhibitory cue condition were under cognitive load, aggression increased, suggesting that mental busyness interfered with the full use of inhibitory information. Aggr. Behav. 42:598-604, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo A. Vasquez
- School of Psychology; University of Kent; Canterbury Kent United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
213
|
Roth G, Shane N, Kanat-Maymon Y. Empathising with the enemy: emotion regulation and support for humanitarian aid in violent conflicts. Cogn Emot 2016; 31:1511-1524. [DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2016.1237348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guy Roth
- Department of Education, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Noa Shane
- Department of Education, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | | |
Collapse
|
214
|
Vrijhof CI, van den Bulk BG, Overgaauw S, Lelieveld GJ, Engels RCME, van IJzendoorn MH. The Prosocial Cyberball Game: Compensating for social exclusion and its associations with empathic concern and bullying in adolescents. J Adolesc 2016; 52:27-36. [PMID: 27494739 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In this study we examined prosocial compensating behavior towards socially excluded ingroup and outgroup members by using a 'Prosocial Cyberball Game' in 9-17 year old Dutch adolescents (N = 133). Results showed that adolescents compensated for the social exclusion of an unknown peer in a virtual ball tossing game, by tossing the ball more often to that player in compensation conditions compared to the fair play condition. The proportion of tosses towards the excluded player did not significantly differ as a function of the group status of that player. Although compensating behavior towards ingroup versus outgroup members did not differ, the underlying motivation for this behavior may vary. More empathic concern was associated with more prosocial tosses towards an ingroup member, while more self-reported bullying behavior was associated with less compensating behavior in the outgroup condition. These findings may have practical implications for programs intending to change bystander behavior in bullying situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia I Vrijhof
- Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Pieter de la Court Gebouw, Postbus 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands; Centre for Child and Family Studies, Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Pieter de la Court Gebouw, Postbus 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bianca G van den Bulk
- Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Pieter de la Court Gebouw, Postbus 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands; Centre for Child and Family Studies, Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Pieter de la Court Gebouw, Postbus 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sandy Overgaauw
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Pieter de la Court Gebouw, Postbus 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan Lelieveld
- Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Pieter de la Court Gebouw, Postbus 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger C M E Engels
- Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Pieter de la Court Gebouw, Postbus 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands; Trimbos-Institute, P.O. Box 725, 3500 AS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, Pieter de la Court Gebouw, Postbus 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands; Centre for Child and Family Studies, Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Pieter de la Court Gebouw, Postbus 9555, 2300 RB Leiden, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
215
|
Main A, Zhou Q, Liew J, Lee C. Prosocial Tendencies among Chinese American Children in Immigrant Families: Links to Cultural and Socio-demographic Factors and Psychological Adjustment. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/sode.12182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
216
|
Verhofstadt L, Devoldre I, Buysse A, Stevens M, Hinnekens C, Ickes W, Davis M. The Role of Cognitive and Affective Empathy in Spouses' Support Interactions: An Observational Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149944. [PMID: 26910769 PMCID: PMC4765893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study examined how support providers’ empathic dispositions (dispositional perspective taking, empathic concern, and personal distress) as well as their situational empathic reactions (interaction-based perspective taking, empathic concern, and personal distress) relate to the provision of spousal support during observed support interactions. Forty-five committed couples provided questionnaire data and participated in two ten-minute social support interactions designed to assess behaviors when partners are offering and soliciting social support. A video-review task was used to assess situational forms of perspective taking (e.g., empathic accuracy), empathic concern and personal distress. Data were analyzed by means of the multi-level Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. Results revealed that providers scoring higher on affective empathy (i.e., dispositional empathic concern), provided lower levels of negative support. In addition, for male partners, scoring higher on cognitive empathy (i.e., situational perspective taking) was related to lower levels of negative support provision. For both partners, higher scores on cognitive empathy (i.e., situational perspective taking) correlated with more instrumental support provision. Male providers scoring higher on affective empathy (i.e., situational personal distress) provided higher levels of instrumental support. Dispositional perspective taking was related to higher scores on emotional support provision for male providers. The current study furthers our insight into the empathy-support link, by revealing differential effects (a) for men and women, (b) of both cognitive and affective empathy, and (c) of dispositional as well as situational empathy, on different types of support provision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Verhofstadt
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| | - Inge Devoldre
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Buysse
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michael Stevens
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Céline Hinnekens
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - William Ickes
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas, Arlington, Texas, United States of America
| | - Mark Davis
- Department of Psychology, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
217
|
Malti T, Chaparro MP, Zuffianò A, Colasante T. School-Based Interventions to Promote Empathy-Related Responding in Children and Adolescents: A Developmental Analysis. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 45:718-731. [PMID: 26890811 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2015.1121822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Empathy has been identified as a core component of social and emotional functioning across development. Various prevention and intervention programs have utilized components of empathy-related responding to promote the development of children's and adolescents' social-emotional functioning and impede their aggression in school contexts. In this article, we assess the effectiveness of select school-based empathy interventions and the extent to which they align with developmental theory and research. First, we review current conceptualizations of empathy-related responding, identify its components, outline its normative development, and describe the need for developmentally tailored interventions. We then identify and assess the effectiveness and developmental sensitivity of 19 school-based programs with strong empirical support that target empathy-related responding across childhood and adolescence. Although the majority of these programs showed some degree of developmental differentiation between grades, none considered developmental differences within grades. Commencing interventions earlier in development and targeting higher numbers of empathy-related constructs were, in part, associated with larger effects. We discuss how future research can bridge the gap between basic developmental research and the design of developmentally tailored interventions to promote empathy-related responding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Malti
- a Department of Psychology , University of Toronto , Mississauga , Ontario , Canada
| | - Maria Paula Chaparro
- a Department of Psychology , University of Toronto , Mississauga , Ontario , Canada
| | - Antonio Zuffianò
- a Department of Psychology , University of Toronto , Mississauga , Ontario , Canada
| | - Tyler Colasante
- a Department of Psychology , University of Toronto , Mississauga , Ontario , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
218
|
|
219
|
Nazarov A, Walaszczyk V, Frewen P, Oremus C, Lanius R, McKinnon MC. Moral reasoning in women with posttraumatic stress disorder related to childhood abuse. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2016; 7:31028. [PMID: 27837580 PMCID: PMC5106867 DOI: 10.3402/ejpt.v7.31028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preliminary evidence suggests that relative to healthy controls, patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) show deficits on several inter-related social cognitive tasks, including theory of mind, and emotion comprehension. Systematic investigations examining other aspects of social cognition, including moral reasoning, have not been conducted in PTSD stemming from childhood trauma. OBJECTIVE To conduct a comprehensive assessment of moral reasoning performance in individuals with PTSD stemming from childhood abuse. METHOD Moral reasoning performance was assessed in 28 women with PTSD related to prolonged childhood trauma and 19 matched healthy controls. Performance was assessed using 12 modified moral dilemmas and was queried in three domains: utilitarian/deontological sacrificial dilemmas (personal and impersonal), social order vs. compassion, and altruism vs. self-interest. Participants were asked whether a proposed action was morally acceptable or unacceptable and whether or not they would perform this action under the circumstances described. RESULTS Women with PTSD were less likely to carry out utilitarian actions in personal, sacrificial moral dilemmas, a choice driven primarily by consequential intrapersonal disapproval. Increased concern regarding intrapersonal disapproval was related to higher symptoms of guilt in the PTSD group. Patients with PTSD demonstrated less altruistic moral reasoning, primarily associated with decreased empathic role-taking for beneficiaries. CONCLUSIONS Women with PTSD due to childhood trauma show alterations in moral reasoning marked by decreased utilitarian judgment and decreased altruism. Childhood trauma may continue to impact moral choices made into adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Nazarov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Victoria Walaszczyk
- Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Paul Frewen
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Carolina Oremus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ruth Lanius
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Imaging Division, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Margaret C McKinnon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Mood Disorders Program, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Homewood Research Institute, Guelph, ON, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
220
|
Matosic D, Ntoumanis N, Boardley ID, Sedikides C, Stewart BD, Chatzisarantis N. Narcissism and coach interpersonal style: A self-determination theory perspective. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2015; 27:254-261. [PMID: 26689999 PMCID: PMC6849559 DOI: 10.1111/sms.12635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Athletes' sport experiences are often influenced by the interpersonal styles of communication used by their coaches. Research on personality antecedents of such styles is scarce. We examined the link between a well-researched personality trait, namely narcissism, and two types of coaching interpersonal style, namely autonomy-supportive and controlling styles. We also tested the mediating roles of dominance and empathic concern in explaining the relations between narcissism and the two coaching interpersonal styles. United Kingdom-based coaches (N = 211) from various sports completed a multi-section questionnaire assessing the study variables. Regression analyses revealed a positive direct relation between narcissism and controlling coach behaviors. Furthermore, empathy (but not dominance) mediated the positive and negative indirect effects of narcissism on controlling and autonomy-supported interpersonal styles, respectively. We discuss these findings in terms of their implications for coaching and the quality of athletes' sport experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Matosic
- School of Sport Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - N Ntoumanis
- School of Psychology & Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - I D Boardley
- School of Sport Exercise & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - C Sedikides
- Psychology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - B D Stewart
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - N Chatzisarantis
- School of Psychology & Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
221
|
Minding the Mechanisms: A Discussion of How Mindfulness Leads to Positive Outcomes at Work. INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY-PERSPECTIVES ON SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/iop.2015.89] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Hyland, Lee, and Mills (2015) asserted that the many benefits of mindfulness practices have been underutilized and understudied at work. We agree with the focal article's stance that more research is needed on mindfulness at work. We extend this argument to include a request that future research pays attention to the mechanisms responsible for the effects of mindfulness at work. In this commentary, we (a) briefly discuss the practical importance of understanding the mechanisms by which mindfulness practices lead to positive outcomes, (b) outline the mediating mechanisms proposed by the leading theoretical model of mindfulness effects and how those mediators apply to work, and (c) argue that more rigorous, empirical research is needed to understand the mechanisms through which mindfulness practices lead to positive work outcomes.
Collapse
|
222
|
McKeague L, Hennessy E, O'Driscoll C, Heary C. Peer Mental Health Stigmatization Scale: psychometric properties of a questionnaire for children and adolescents. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2015; 20:163-170. [PMID: 32680400 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nature of stigmatizing attitudes towards children and adolescents with mental health problems has received little empirical attention, despite consensus that such attitudes are widespread. As a consequence, much less is known about stigma in childhood and adolescence and methods of stigma measurement are frequently borrowed from the adult literature. For research on this topic to develop, a theoretically based and developmentally appropriate measure is needed. This study aimed to develop a theory-based peer stigma questionnaire suitable for children and adolescents. METHOD Participants were 562 children and adolescents aged 9-16 years (M = 12.99 years; SD = 1.6 years) in the Republic of Ireland, 316 female, all were White. The Peer Mental Health Stigmatization Scale (PMHSS) contains 24 statements (negative and positive) about peers with mental health problems that are rated on a 5-point scale. Participants also completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Re-test data was collected after 2 weeks from 109 participants. RESULTS Principal Components Analysis on the negative statements indicate the presence of two components: Stigma Agreement, personal endorsement of stigmatising statements and Stigma Awareness: awareness of prevailing societal stigma towards youth with mental health problems. The positive statements include three components: Intellectual Ability, Recovery and Friendship. CONCLUSIONS The PMHSS is a psychometrically sound instrument with good retest reliability suitable for use with older children and teenagers. Initial use of the scale suggests that personal endorsement of stigma is lower than perceptions of public stigma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynn McKeague
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Eilis Hennessy
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Claire O'Driscoll
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Caroline Heary
- School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
223
|
The influence of effortful control and empathy on perception of school climate. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY OF EDUCATION 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10212-015-0261-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
224
|
Berger C, Batanova M, Cance JD. Aggressive and Prosocial? Examining Latent Profiles of Behavior, Social Status, Machiavellianism, and Empathy. J Youth Adolesc 2015; 44:2230-44. [PMID: 25987411 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-015-0298-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study tests whether aggression and prosocial behavior can coexist as part of a socially functional and adaptive profile among early adolescents. Using a person-centered approach, the study examined early adolescents' likelihood of being classified into profiles involving aggressive and prosocial behavior, social status (popular, liked, cool), machiavellianism, and both affective and cognitive components of empathy (empathic concern and perspective taking, respectively). Participants were 1170 early adolescents (10-12 years of age; 52% male) from four schools in metropolitan Santiago, Chile. Through latent profile analysis, three profiles emerged (normative-low aggressive, high prosocial-low aggressive, and high aggressive-high popular status). Both empathic concern and perspective taking were higher in the high prosocial-low aggressive profile, whereas the high aggressive-high popular status profile had the lowest scores on both empathy components as well as machiavellianism. No profile emerged where aggressive and prosocial behaviors were found to co-exist, or to be significantly above the mean. The results underscore that aggressive behavior is highly contextual and likely culturally specific, and that the study of behavioral profiles should consider social status as well as socio-emotional adjustment indicators. These complex associations should be taken into consideration when planning prevention and intervention efforts to reduce aggression or school bullying and to promote positive peer relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Berger
- Escuela de Psicologia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Macul, 7820436, Santiago, Chile.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
225
|
Deschamps PKH, Schutter DJLG, Kenemans JL, Matthys W. Empathy and prosocial behavior in response to sadness and distress in 6- to 7-year olds diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2015; 24:105-13. [PMID: 24643447 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-014-0535-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Empathy has been associated with decreased antisocial and increased prosocial behavior. This study examined empathy and prosocial behavior in response to sadness and distress in disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Six- and 7-year-old children with DBD (with and without ADHD) (n = 67) and with ADHD only (n = 27) were compared to typically developing children (TD) (n = 37). Parents and teachers rated affective empathy in response to sadness and distress on the Griffith Empathy Measure. Children reported affective empathic ability in response to sad story vignettes. Empathy-induced prosocial behavior in response to sadness and distress was assessed with a computer task, the Interpersonal Response Task (IRT). Compared to TD, children with DBD (with and without ADHD) and those with ADHD only were rated as less empathic by their teachers, but not by their parents. No differences between groups were observed in children who reported affect correspondence. Children with DBD (with and without ADHD) showed less prosocial behavior in response to sadness and distress compared to TD. Children with ADHD only did not differ from TD. An additional analysis comparing all children with a diagnosis to the TD group revealed that the difference in prosocial behavior remained after controlling for ADHD symptoms, but not after controlling for DBD symptoms. These findings of impaired empathy-induced prosocial behavior in response to sadness and distress in young children with DBD suggest that interventions to ameliorate peer relationships may benefit from targeting on increasing prosocial behavior in these children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P K H Deschamps
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Postbus 85500, HP A01.468, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
226
|
Sánchez-Pérez N, Fuentes LJ, Jolliffe D, González-Salinas C. Assessing children's empathy through a Spanish adaptation of the Basic Empathy Scale: parent's and child's report forms. Front Psychol 2014; 5:1438. [PMID: 25566121 PMCID: PMC4266031 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current research was to study cognitive and affective empathy in children aged 6-12 years old, and their associations with children's family environment and social adjustment. For this purpose, we developed the Spanish version of the Basic Empathy Scale (BES), self- and parent-report forms. Factorial analyses confirmed a two-component model of empathy in both self- and parent-report forms. Concordance between parent-child measures of empathy was low for cognitive and affective factors. Analyses of variance on the cognitive and affective components brought a significant effect of age for self-reported cognitive empathy, with older children scoring higher than younger ones. Gender brought out a significant principal effect for self-reported affective empathy, with girls scoring higher than boys. No other main effects were found for age and gender for the rest of the factors analyzed. Children's empathy was associated with socioeconomic status and other family socialization processes, as well as children' social behaviors. Overall the new measures provided a coherent view of empathy in middle childhood and early adolescence when measured through self and parent reports, and illustrate the similarity of the validity of the BES in a European-Spanish culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Sánchez-Pérez
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia Spain
| | - Luis J Fuentes
- Departamento de Psicología Básica y Metodología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia Spain
| | - Darrick Jolliffe
- Department of Law and Criminology, School of Law, University of Greenwich, London UK
| | - Carmen González-Salinas
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia Spain
| |
Collapse
|
227
|
Empathy and empathy induced prosocial behavior in 6- and 7-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 44:1749-58. [PMID: 24488118 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2048-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess empathy and prosocial behavior in 6-7 year old children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Results showed, first, lower levels of parent- and teacher-rated cognitive empathy, and similar levels of affective empathy in children with ASD compared to typically developing (TD) children. Second, emotion recognition for basic emotions, one aspect of cognitive empathy, in a story task was adequate in ASD children, but ASD children with severe impairments in social responsiveness had difficulties in recognizing fear. Third, prosocial behavior in response to signals of distress of a peer in a computer task was similar in ASD as in TD children. In conclusion, early elementary school children with ASD show specific impairments in cognitive empathy.
Collapse
|
228
|
Explaining Female Offending and Prosocial Behavior: The Role of Empathy and Cognitive Distortions. LAWS 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/laws3040706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
229
|
Academic performance and social competence of adolescents: predictions based on effortful control and empathy. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2014; 16:E87. [PMID: 24230950 DOI: 10.1017/sjp.2013.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This study explored the predictive power of effortful control (EC) on empathy, academic performance, and social competence in adolescents. We obtained self-report measures of EC and dispositional empathy in 359 students (197 girls and 162 boys) aged between 12 and 14 years. Each student provided information about the prosocial behavior of the rest of his/her classmates and completed a sociogram. At the end of the school year, we calculated the mean grade of each student and the teacher responsible for each class completed a questionnaire on the academic skills of his/her students. The study confirmed the existence of a structural equation model (SEM) in which EC directly predicted academic performance and social competence. Additionally, empathic concern partially mediated the effect of EC on social competence. Finally, social competence significantly predicted academic performance. The article discusses the practical applications of the model proposed.
Collapse
|
230
|
Deschamps PKH, Been M, Matthys W. Empathy and empathy induced prosocial behavior in 6- and 7-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2014. [PMID: 24488118 DOI: 10.1007/s12274-014-0534-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess empathy and prosocial behavior in 6-7 year old children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Results showed, first, lower levels of parent- and teacher-rated cognitive empathy, and similar levels of affective empathy in children with ASD compared to typically developing (TD) children. Second, emotion recognition for basic emotions, one aspect of cognitive empathy, in a story task was adequate in ASD children, but ASD children with severe impairments in social responsiveness had difficulties in recognizing fear. Third, prosocial behavior in response to signals of distress of a peer in a computer task was similar in ASD as in TD children. In conclusion, early elementary school children with ASD show specific impairments in cognitive empathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter K H Deschamps
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, HP A01.468, Postbus 85500, 3508 GA, Utrecht, The Netherlands,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
231
|
Lockwood PL, Seara-Cardoso A, Viding E. Emotion regulation moderates the association between empathy and prosocial behavior. PLoS One 2014; 9:e96555. [PMID: 24810604 PMCID: PMC4014517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Theory and evidence suggest that empathy is an important motivating factor for prosocial behaviour and that emotion regulation, i.e. the capacity to exert control over an emotional response, may moderate the degree to which empathy is associated with prosocial behaviour. However, studies to date have not simultaneously explored the associations between different empathic processes and prosocial behaviour, nor whether different types of emotion regulation strategies (e.g. cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) moderate associations between empathy and prosocial behaviour. One hundred-and-ten healthy adults completed questionnaire measures of empathy, emotion regulation and prosocial tendencies. In this sample, both affective and cognitive empathy predicted self-reported prosocial tendencies. In addition, cognitive reappraisal moderated the association between affective empathy and prosocial tendencies. Specifically, there was a significant positive association between empathy and prosocial tendencies for individuals with a low or average tendency to reappraise but not for those with a high tendency to reappraise. Our findings suggest that, in general, empathy is positively associated with prosocial behaviour. However, this association is not significant for individuals with a high tendency for cognitive reappraisal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia L. Lockwood
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Seara-Cardoso
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Essi Viding
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
232
|
Deschamps P, Munsters N, Kenemans L, Schutter D, Matthys W. Facial mimicry in 6-7 year old children with disruptive behavior disorder and ADHD. PLoS One 2014; 9:e84965. [PMID: 24416323 PMCID: PMC3886997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Impairments in facial mimicry are considered a proxy for deficits in affective empathy and have been demonstrated in 10 year old children and in adolescents with disruptive behavior disorder (DBD). However, it is not known whether these impairments are already present at an earlier age. Emotional deficits have also been shown in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Aims To examine facial mimicry in younger, 6–7 year old children with DBD and with ADHD. Methods Electromyographic (EMG) activity in response to emotional facial expressions was recorded in 47 children with DBD, 18 children with ADHD and 35 healthy developing children. Results All groups displayed significant facial mimicry to the emotional expressions of other children. No group differences between children with DBD, children with ADHD and healthy developing children were found. In addition, no differences in facial mimicry were found between the clinical group (i.e., all children with a diagnosis) and the typically developing group in an analysis with ADHD symptoms as a covariate, and no differences were found between the clinical children and the typically developing children with DBD symptoms as a covariate. Conclusion Facial mimicry in children with DBD and ADHD throughout the first primary school years was unimpaired, in line with studies on empathy using other paradigms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Deschamps
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Nicolette Munsters
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Research Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leon Kenemans
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Research Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Schutter
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Research Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Walter Matthys
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
233
|
White BA. Who cares when nobody is watching? Psychopathic traits and empathy in prosocial behaviors. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2013.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
234
|
Taylor ZE, Eisenberg N, Spinrad TL, Eggum ND, Sulik MJ. The relations of ego-resiliency and emotion socialization to the development of empathy and prosocial behavior across early childhood. Emotion 2013; 13:822-831. [PMID: 24098930 PMCID: PMC4314208 DOI: 10.1037/a0032894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The present study explored early personality and environmental predictors of the development of young children's empathy, as well as relations of empathy to prosocial behavior with peers at a later age. How children manage their own emotions and behaviors when under stress--their ego-resiliency--would be expected to affect their responses to others' emotions. Also, socialization experiences, such as the quality of parenting behaviors, have been associated with individual differences in empathy-related responding. We examined whether mothers' emotion socialization practices and children's ego-resiliency at 18 months predicted initial levels and change in empathy across five time points (24, 30, 42, 48, and 54 months; N = 242), and whether empathy in turn predicted prosocial behavior with peers at 72/84 months of age. Ego-resiliency and mothers' expressive encouragement both uniquely predicted the intercept of empathy. Boys' empathy was lower than girls' but improved more with age. Initial levels and growth of empathy positively predicted later prosocial behavior. Children's ego-resiliency predicted the slope of empathy at near significance (p = .054). We also found that the intercept of empathy mediated the relation between ego-resiliency and prosocial behavior as well as the relation between mothers' expressive encouragement and prosocial behavior. These findings suggest that both parenting and personality characteristics are relevant to the development of empathy during early childhood and might contribute to children's later prosocial behavior with peers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoe E Taylor
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University
| | | | - Tracy L Spinrad
- T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University
| | - Natalie D Eggum
- T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University
| | | |
Collapse
|
235
|
Duffey T, Haberstroh S. Deepening Empathy in Men Using a Musical Chronology and the Emerging Life Song. JOURNAL OF COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6676.2013.00116.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
236
|
|
237
|
Vago DR, Silbersweig DA. Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): a framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness. Front Hum Neurosci 2012. [PMID: 23112770 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00296.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness-as a state, trait, process, type of meditation, and intervention has proven to be beneficial across a diverse group of psychological disorders as well as for general stress reduction. Yet, there remains a lack of clarity in the operationalization of this construct, and underlying mechanisms. Here, we provide an integrative theoretical framework and systems-based neurobiological model that explains the mechanisms by which mindfulness reduces biases related to self-processing and creates a sustainable healthy mind. Mindfulness is described through systematic mental training that develops meta-awareness (self-awareness), an ability to effectively modulate one's behavior (self-regulation), and a positive relationship between self and other that transcends self-focused needs and increases prosocial characteristics (self-transcendence). This framework of self-awareness, -regulation, and -transcendence (S-ART) illustrates a method for becoming aware of the conditions that cause (and remove) distortions or biases. The development of S-ART through meditation is proposed to modulate self-specifying and narrative self-networks through an integrative fronto-parietal control network. Relevant perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral neuropsychological processes are highlighted as supporting mechanisms for S-ART, including intention and motivation, attention regulation, emotion regulation, extinction and reconsolidation, prosociality, non-attachment, and decentering. The S-ART framework and neurobiological model is based on our growing understanding of the mechanisms for neurocognition, empirical literature, and through dismantling the specific meditation practices thought to cultivate mindfulness. The proposed framework will inform future research in the contemplative sciences and target specific areas for development in the treatment of psychological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R Vago
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston, MA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
238
|
Vago DR, Silbersweig DA. Self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-transcendence (S-ART): a framework for understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of mindfulness. Front Hum Neurosci 2012; 6:296. [PMID: 23112770 PMCID: PMC3480633 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2012.00296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 471] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness—as a state, trait, process, type of meditation, and intervention has proven to be beneficial across a diverse group of psychological disorders as well as for general stress reduction. Yet, there remains a lack of clarity in the operationalization of this construct, and underlying mechanisms. Here, we provide an integrative theoretical framework and systems-based neurobiological model that explains the mechanisms by which mindfulness reduces biases related to self-processing and creates a sustainable healthy mind. Mindfulness is described through systematic mental training that develops meta-awareness (self-awareness), an ability to effectively modulate one's behavior (self-regulation), and a positive relationship between self and other that transcends self-focused needs and increases prosocial characteristics (self-transcendence). This framework of self-awareness, -regulation, and -transcendence (S-ART) illustrates a method for becoming aware of the conditions that cause (and remove) distortions or biases. The development of S-ART through meditation is proposed to modulate self-specifying and narrative self-networks through an integrative fronto-parietal control network. Relevant perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral neuropsychological processes are highlighted as supporting mechanisms for S-ART, including intention and motivation, attention regulation, emotion regulation, extinction and reconsolidation, prosociality, non-attachment, and decentering. The S-ART framework and neurobiological model is based on our growing understanding of the mechanisms for neurocognition, empirical literature, and through dismantling the specific meditation practices thought to cultivate mindfulness. The proposed framework will inform future research in the contemplative sciences and target specific areas for development in the treatment of psychological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R Vago
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston, MA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
239
|
Kölch M, Schmid M, Rehmann P, Allroggen M. Entwicklungspsychologische Aspekte von Delinquenz. FORENSISCHE PSYCHIATRIE PSYCHOLOGIE KRIMINOLOGIE 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s11757-012-0169-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
240
|
Deschamps PKH, Schutte I, Kenemans JL, Matthys W, Schutter DJLG. Electromyographic responses to emotional facial expressions in 6-7year olds: a feasibility study. Int J Psychophysiol 2012; 85:195-9. [PMID: 22634269 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2012.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Preliminary studies have demonstrated that school-aged children (average age 9-10years) show mimicry responses to happy and angry facial expressions. The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility of using facial electromyography (EMG) as a method to study facial mimicry responses in younger children aged 6-7years to emotional facial expressions of other children. Facial EMG activity to the presentation of dynamic emotional faces was recorded from the corrugator, zygomaticus, frontalis and depressor muscle in sixty-one healthy participants aged 6-7years. Results showed that the presentation of angry faces was associated with corrugator activation and zygomaticus relaxation, happy faces with an increase in zygomaticus and a decrease in corrugator activation, fearful faces with frontalis activation, and sad faces with a combination of corrugator and frontalis activation. This study demonstrates the feasibility of measuring facial EMG response to emotional facial expressions in 6-7year old children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P K H Deschamps
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
241
|
|