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Development of empathy in children: The contribution of maternal empathy and communication style

Lipsitt, Nancy
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1057075028

Abstract Details

1993, Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, Psychology.
Empathy has long been discussed as a trait of importance to the development of healthy self-esteem and social relationships (Goldstein & Michaels, 1985). However, the theory that parental empathy may make an important contribution to the development of children's empathy (e.g., Elson, 1987; Kohur, 1977; Mahler, Pine, & Bergman, 1975; Winnicott, 1970), has been examined by few studies. The present study examined the relationship between maternal empathy and communication style and empathy in children. This study conceptualized empathy as a multidimensional construct. New measures of maternal communication and multidimensional empathy (the Lipsitt Empathy Communication Test) were introduced to conduct this study. The relationship between communication style in empathy-relevant situations and empathy in mothers and in children has not been previously examined, although other stylistic factors in parenting have been found to be related to empathic development in children (Feshbach, 1975). As verbal communication may be one means through which empathy is transferred from mother to child, it was an important variable to investigate in order to better understand the relationship between maternal and child empathy. Results indicated that, contrary to prediction, maternal empathy was not predictive of c hildren's empathy. Maternal communication was predictive in that Maternal Supportive Communication style was significantly and positively related to empathy in girls and Maternal Directive Communication was significantly and negatively related to empathy in boys. There was an interaction effect of communication style and maternal empathy on children's empathy. However, all significant results should be interpreted with caution due to the number of analyses conducted. Children's vocabulary scores were also found to be significantly related to children's empathy. Results suggest that future research on children's empathy development should use some combination of related measures such as communication style with behavioral or physiological tools. Attempts to measure the internal cognitive and affective processes involved in the construct of empathy should be de-emphasized.
Sandra Russ (Advisor)
87 p.
Psychology, Clinical
empathy in children; maternal empathy; communication style

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Lipsitt, N. (1993). Development of empathy in children: The contribution of maternal empathy and communication style [Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1057075028

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Lipsitt, Nancy. Development of empathy in children: The contribution of maternal empathy and communication style. 1993. Case Western Reserve University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1057075028.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Lipsitt, Nancy. "Development of empathy in children: The contribution of maternal empathy and communication style." Doctoral dissertation, Case Western Reserve University, 1993. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1057075028

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

case1057075028
1,213
© 1993, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies and OhioLINK.