PSC 142 Chapter 10: PSC142- ch10 notes
Document Summary
Infants & toddlers seem to recognize & may react to the distress of companions, but their response may not always be helpful. They may also show distress because they see their companion in distress. Or even attack them so they don"t experience distress themselves. Parents can help promote sympathetic responses by. Relying on affectively oriented forms of discipline that help young children to understand the harmful effects of any distress they may have caused others. Parents who are warm & nurturant & who respond sensitively when their child becomes distressed tend to have children who are more empathic & prosocially inclined. This sense of emotional security helps kids regulate their negative emotions when seeing others distressed. Makes them more inclined to interpret their own empathic arousal as sympathy rather than personal distress. Link is modest at best for preschool & young grade - school kids. Link is stronger for preadolescents, adolescents, & adults.
