ch 14 part 2 - moral development

empathy

ones feeling matches anothers feeling

development of empathy

mature expression of empathy depends on cognition and affect

empathy end of yr 1

recognize others distress yet show self distress

empathy yr 2

make advances to help but response is egocentric

• mommy here is my teddy to make you feel better

empathy early childhood

self aware, respond to particular needs of others

• mommy here is your chocolate to make you feel better

empathy late childhood/adolescence

perspective taking increased

• recognize people’s life condition

individual differences in empathy

those more likely to help/comfort: sociable, assertive and good emotion regulators

those less likely to show empathy/sympathy: poor emotion regulators, show negative emotion, impulsive, problems perspective taking

role of parents

fostering helping behaviors through cultivating empathy and helping children to internalize rules/values

Inductive discipline: pointing out the consequences, elicits empathy and perspective taking, explains appropriate ways to behave

• im really sorry i hurt her

promoting the adolescent moral identity

those qualities that are most important to the self (Honesty)

parental expressions of disappointed expectations

• i thought you were more considerate than that

• adolescent reflects and in turn feels bad and disappointed in self

• positive relationship found between parental expressions of disappointment

role of parents cont

love withdrawl: withdrawling love, affection, and approval

power assertion: using corporal punishment or taking away possessions

• these are associated with fear, anxiety, and short term compliance

• can interfere with moral internalization and prosocial behavior