Empathic concern
Title:
The Origins of Empathic Concern
Authors:
Carolyn Zahn-Waxler
Marian Radke-Yarrow
Reference:
Zahn-Waxler Carolyn and Marian Radke-Yarrow(1990),"The Origins of Empathic Concern", Motivation and Emotion, 2(14).
Abstract:
Carolyn Zahn-Wa×ler 2 and Marian Radke-Yarrow
National Institute of Mental Health
Recent developments in research cast doubt on early conceptions of young
children as primarily egocentric and uncaring of others' needs. Studies" reviewed
indicate a broad range of social competencies chiMren bring to their interpersonal
relationships. As early as 2 years of age, they show (a) the cognitive
capacity to interpret, in simple ways, the physical and psychological states of
others, (b) the emotional capacity to experience, affectively, the state of others,
and (c) the behavioral repertoire that permits the possibility of attempts to
alleviate discomfort in others. Both temperament and environment may
contribute to individual differences in concern for others. EarIy socialization
experiences that lead to adaptive and maladaptive patterns of responsiveness
to others" needs are described. Examples of environmental risk conditions
include parental depression, marital discord, parental maltreatment.
Implications of this work for broadening existing conceptualizations of empathy
and related prosocial orientations are addressed.