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Zhong L, Ying Y, Zeng C, Li J, Li Y. Exploring the interplay of parenting styles, basic empathy, domestic violence, and bystander behavior in adolescent school bullying: a moderated mediation analysis. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1452396. [PMID: 39315324 PMCID: PMC11416980 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1452396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study investigates how parental styles, basic empathy, and family violence influence adolescents' bystander behaviors in school bullying. Methods A survey was conducted with 1,067 students from three middle schools in southern China. Multifactor logistic regression and a moderated mediation model were employed to analyze the relationships between positive and negative parental styles, basic empathy, and bystander behaviors. Results The study found significant correlations and predictive relationships: Positive parental styles were strongly associated with increased basic empathy (r = 0.29, p < 0.01) and behaviors that protect victims (r = 0.29, p < 0.01). In contrast, negative parental styles correlated positively with behaviors that support bullying (r = 0.12, p < 0.01) and instances of family violence (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). Basic empathy negatively predicted behaviors that promote bullying (β = -0.098, p < 0.01) and positively predicted protective behaviors toward victims (β = 0.249, p < 0.001). Furthermore, family violence weakened the positive effects of positive parental styles on both empathy (β = -0.075, p < 0.001) and protective behaviors (β = -0.025, p < 0.01). Conclusion The findings indicate that positive parental styles indirectly promote adolescents' victim protector behaviors by enhancing their basic empathy, underscoring the importance of emotional cultivation. Meanwhile, family violence weakens the positive impact of these parental styles on basic empathy and protective behaviors, harming adolescents' emotional security and behavioral norms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yun Li
- School of Health Management, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Faner JMV, Dalangin EAR, De Leon LATC, Francisco LD, Sahagun YO, Acoba EF. Pet attachment and prosocial attitude toward humans: the mediating role of empathy to animals. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1391606. [PMID: 38933589 PMCID: PMC11200204 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1391606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Attachment relationships are widely recognized as influential in increasing prosocial tendencies, with existing literature indicating that human attachment can increase empathetic processes, thereby potentially facilitating prosocial behavior. Given that pets frequently fulfill the criteria for attachment figures, this study investigates whether the observed associations among human attachment, empathy, and prosocial attitudes extend to human-animal interactions (HAI). This study examines the relationship between pet attachment, animal empathy, and prosocial attitudes toward humans. The study hypothesizes that animal empathy mediates the association between pet attachment and prosocial attitudes. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 343 Filipino participants, predominantly consisting of single female young adults with college education backgrounds. Participants completed a battery of assessments including the Contemporary Companion Animal Bonding Scale (CCABS), the Animal Empathy Scale (AES), and the Prosocialness Scale for Adults (PSA). Aligned with our hypothesis, our study reveals that animal empathy plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between pet attachment and attitudes toward humans. We found that stronger pet attachment correlates positively with heightened animal empathy, subsequently leading to elevated levels of prosocial attitudes. Our findings prompt discussions on implications for understanding human-animal relationships and suggest avenues for future research exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Evelyn F. Acoba
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Social Sciences, Central Luzon State University, Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
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Shoshani A. The roots of compassion in early childhood: Relationships between theory of mind and attachment representations with empathic concern and prosocial behavior. J Exp Child Psychol 2024; 242:105880. [PMID: 38368743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2024.105880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
This study focused on attachment representations and theory of mind as potential developmental origins of individual differences in preschoolers' peer- and adult-directed empathic concern and prosocial behavior. In two experiments, 3- to 6-year-olds were exposed to either a high-distressed or low-distressed adult or child using a laboratory setting (Experiment 1; N = 263) or hypothetical vignettes (Experiment 2; N = 202). Self-reported and coded expressions of empathic concern and prosocial behaviors were used as early indicators of compassion. The findings indicated that children expressed more empathic concern and engaged in more prosocial behavior in the high-distress condition than in the low-distress condition. Children's empathic concern and prosocial behavior increased with age. Secure attachment and theory of mind abilities played significant moderating roles in the association between distress conditions and empathic concern. Children with more advanced theory of mind abilities and secure attachment were better at recognizing the concerns of distressed peers or adults and showed significantly more empathic concern. Resistant and disorganized children exhibited more self-distress in response to others' distress. The implications for early interventions directed at increasing empathic concern and prosocial behavior are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Shoshani
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), Herzliya 46150, Israel.
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Winquist A, Rönnlund M. A time to reflect: deviations from the balanced time perspective are associated with hypomentalization. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1379585. [PMID: 38860048 PMCID: PMC11163059 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1379585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Poor mentalization, or lack of capacity to reflect on self and others in terms mental states, thoughts, and feelings, and time perspective biases were both related to mental disorders and lower wellbeing in separate studies. Expanding one prior study, we examined the relationship of mentalization and time perspective, including a measure known as deviations from the balanced time perspective (DBTP) that summarizes time perspective biases across the past, present, and future time frames. Method A convenience sample of 258 participants responded to a version of the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ-8) and a six-dimensional version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (S-ZTPI). Given recent evidence that the original two-factor structure of the RFQ may need to be reconsidered, we used confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to compare alternative models for RFQ as a first step. Results In line with several recent studies, the CFA favored a unitary model of RFQ-8 reflecting hypomentalization (or uncertainty). The total score showed significant associations with Past Negative, Present Fatalistic, and Future Negative dimensions of S-ZTPI, while hypomentalization was negatively associated with Future Positive. Of major interest, DBTP and hypomentalization showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.64 for latent constructs; r = 0.62 in an adjusted model). Conclusion Deviations from the balanced time perspective were substantially related to hypomentalization. Further research is required to examine the generalizability of the finding (e.g., to measures of mentalization focused on others) and to provide a better understanding of the theoretical basis of the link. Potentially shared associations in development (e.g., attachment style) and mindfulness, that may influence both time perspective and mentalization is of interest in this regard.
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Otsuka T, Sakaguchi K, Houchens N, Nakano Y, Endo T, Odagawa S, Yamasaki D, Miwa M, Shiraishi Y, Tokuda Y, Kataoka H, Watari T. Empathy Among Physicians and Nurses in Japan: A Nationwide Cross-sectional Study. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:960-968. [PMID: 38277022 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-08620-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empathy with patients improves clinical outcomes. Although previous studies have shown no significant differences in empathy levels between physicians and nurses, investigations have not considered differences in cultural backgrounds and related factors of healthcare providers at the individual level. OBJECTIVE This study compares empathy between physicians and nurses in Japan and identifies relevant factors that contribute to these differences. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey design was used in the study. The online survey was conducted using the Nikkei Medical Online website. PARTICIPANTS A total of 5441 physicians and 965 nurses in Japan who were registered as members of Nikkei Medical Online were included. MAIN MEASURES Empathy was measured by the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE). KEY RESULTS Cronbach's α was 0.89. The mean JSE score for Japanese physicians was significantly lower at 100.05 (SD = 15.75) than the mean score of 110.63 (SD = 12.25) for nurses (p<0.001). In related factors, higher age (increasing by one year) (+0.29; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.32; p<0.001), self-identified female gender (+5.45; 95% CI 4.40 to 6.49; p<0.001), having children (+1.20; 95% CI 0.30 to 2.10; p=0.009), and working at a hospital with 20-99 beds (+1.73; 95% CI 0.03 to 3.43; p=0.046) were significantly associated with higher scores, whereas those whose mother is a physician (-6.65; 95% CI -8.82 to -4.47; p<0.001) and father is a nurse (-9.53; 95% CI -16.54 to -2.52; p=0.008) or co-medical professional (-3.85; 95% CI -5.49 to -2.21; p<0.001) were significantly associated with lower scores. CONCLUSIONS Physicians had significantly lower scores on the JSE than nurses in Japan. Higher age, self-identified female gender, having children, working at a small hospital, having a mother who is a physician, and having a father who is a nurse or co-medical professional were factors associated with the level of empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoe Otsuka
- Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Shimane, Japan
| | - Kota Sakaguchi
- General Medicine Center, Shimane University Hospital, 89-1, Enya-cho, Izumoshi, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
| | - Nathan Houchens
- Medicine Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Takeshi Endo
- General Medicine Center, Shimane University Hospital, 89-1, Enya-cho, Izumoshi, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
| | - Seiji Odagawa
- General Medicine Center, Shimane University Hospital, 89-1, Enya-cho, Izumoshi, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
| | | | - Mamoru Miwa
- Nikkei BP Nikkei Medical Editorial Department, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Shiraishi
- General Medicine Center, Shimane University Hospital, 89-1, Enya-cho, Izumoshi, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Tokuda
- Muribushi Okinawa Project for Teaching Hospitals, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hitomi Kataoka
- Diversity and Inclusion Center, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Watari
- General Medicine Center, Shimane University Hospital, 89-1, Enya-cho, Izumoshi, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan.
- Medicine Service, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Chu M, Fang Z, Mao L, Ma H, Lee CY, Chiang YC. Creating A child-friendly social environment for fewer conduct problems and more prosocial behaviors among children: A LASSO regression approach. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 244:104200. [PMID: 38447485 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Creating a child-friendly social environment is an important component of promoting child-friendly city development. This study aims to explore the key indicators of friendly family, school and community social environments from the perspective of children's conduct problems and prosocial behaviors. METHOD The sample included grade 3-5 students from one public elementary school in the urban areas and another public elementary school in the rural areas of a Chinese city pursuing a child-friendly philosophy. A total of 418 participants were included in this study. Data on conduct problems, prosocial behaviors and the social environment were collected. To effectively select important variables and eliminate estimation bias, this study used LASSO regression to identify key indicators predicting children's conduct problems and prosocial behavior, followed by linear regression coefficient estimation and significance testing. RESULTS Creating a friendly family environment (ensuring family members' assistance with academic problems) and school environment (reducing cheating, fighting, and unfriendly teacher language) was associated with reduced conduct problems in children. Creating a positive family atmosphere (enhancing children's trust in family members), school environment (increasing parents' awareness of school affairs, reinforcing students' prosocial behavior, increasing extracurricular activity programs, and encouraging student engagement in academics) and community environment (respecting all children in the community) was associated with improving children's prosocial behavior. CONCLUSIONS This study transforms the multidimensional, complex child-friendly social environment evaluation indicator system into concise and specific measurement indicators, which can provide theoretical and practical implications for government decision-making in child-friendly city development through empirical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhiwei Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen, China
| | - Li Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen, China
| | - Honghao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen, China
| | - Chun-Yang Lee
- School of International Business, Xiamen University Tan Kah Kee College, Zhangzhou, China.
| | - Yi-Chen Chiang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, School of Public Health, Xiamen, China.
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