ERIC Number: EJ1309263
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2059-0776
EISSN: N/A
Enhancing Empathy in Preschoolers: A Comparison of Social and Emotional Learning Approaches
Soliman, Danielle; Frydenberg, Erica; Liang, Rachel; Deans, Jan
Educational and Developmental Psychologist, v38 n1 p64-76 2021
Objective: Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is at the heart of preschool education. Although there are many SEL programmes to guide early childhood teachers' practice, seldom has empathy been a focus for teaching or assessment. Method: This study examined methods to teach empathy in the early years and investigated skills that promote its development. Sixty-nine preschoolers (M = 54 months) participated in either the manualized COPE-Resilience programme (n = 35) or alternative experiential SEL programme (n = 34) over six-weeks to enhance empathy, prosocial behaviour and coping. Results: Preschoolers, who were rated as more prosocial and used more positive coping strategies by their teachers, were also found to be more empathic. The COPE-Resilience group showed more significant improvements in prosocial behaviour ([eta][subscript p][superscript 2] = 16) and positive coping ([eta][subscript p][superscript 2] = 0.25) following the intervention. Conclusion: Evidence of the consolidation of empathic understanding was found in the preschoolers' artwork and teacher interviews. Implications for future research in preschool empathy programs are discussed.
Descriptors: Empathy, Social Emotional Learning, Preschool Children, Preschool Education, Coping, Prosocial Behavior, Foreign Countries, Child Behavior, Behavior Problems, Intervention, Program Effectiveness
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A