Description
Previous research has shown that highly empathic children are generally more emotionally positive, sociable, and altruistic compared to their less empathic peers (Miller & Jansen op de Haar, 1997). These traits and behaviors linked with empathy have been associated with positive outcomes such as popularity in the peer group (Decovic & Gerris, 1994). However, a negative relation between these constructs has been found when studied in the context of preadolescence for boys (Oberle, Schonert-Reichl, & Thomson, 2010), suggesting a potential moderating effect of gender typicality since empathy is classified as a communal and therefore stereotypically feminine trait. The current study examines the relation between the constructs of gender, empathy, gender typicality, and peer acceptance in a preadolescent sample, and mixed findings suggest differential effects of empathy on peer acceptance for preadolescent boys and girls. Future research should continue examining these differential effects for boys and girls throughout childhood and adolescence.
Details
Title
- How gender typicality moderates the relation between preadolescents' empathy and acceptance by peers
Contributors
- Petersen, Shawna Michelle (Author)
- Fabes, Richard A. (Thesis advisor)
- Martin, Carol L (Committee member)
- Miller, Cindy F (Committee member)
- Arizona State University (Publisher)
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2015
Subjects
Resource Type
Collections this item is in
Note
- thesisPartial requirement for: M.S., Arizona State University, 2015
- bibliographyIncludes bibliographical references (pages 60-70)
- Field of study: Family and human development
Citation and reuse
Statement of Responsibility
by Shawna Michelle Petersen