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.