Impact of parental cognitive sensitivity on at-risk children’s empathy development

The objective of this study is to explore how cognitively sensitive parenting fosters the development of children’s empathy in at-risk children.
To date, there is some research that suggests that the parent-child relationship contributes to the development of empathy in children. Parents who exhibit cognitive sensitivity promote mutual and positive interactions, adjust their behaviour according to what children need, and provide clear verbal and non-verbal directions (Prime et al., 2014; 2015). It is hypothesized that this type of sensitive parenting may foster the development of empathy in children, and can moderate risk for children who face environmental adversity.
For my proposed study I will use data from a longitudinal study previously conducted in Dr. Jenkins’ lab that examined influences on children’s development. I will use data about the youngest child in the family (i.e. target child). I will conduct quantitative analyses to examine the relationship between environmental risk, maternal cognitive sensitivity and children’s empathy at preschool age and how they predict subsequent children’s empathy when children were between 5-9 years old.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jennifer Jenkins

Student:

Partner:

Shenzhen University

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education; Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Other

University:

University of Toronto

Program: