Nurturing empathy, one tale at a time.
Antisocial behavior, which disrupts social norms and harms others, is a global issue with long-term consequences. Early intervention is crucial, as persistent antisocial tendencies often begin in childhood. One key factor in preventing antisocial behaviour is empathy, which is the ability to understand and share feelings of others. Empathy can be nurtured through early developmental strategies that help redirect antisocial behavioural trajectories to more prosocial ones.
This study investigates the potential of storytelling by parents to foster empathy and prosocial behaviour in children aged 3 to 6 years. Over eight weeks, parents and children will engage in a daily activity at home, involving either empathy-evoking stories, neutral stories, or solving riddles. We will then look at how these different activities affect oxytocin levels, parent-child interaction, empathy, and prosocial behaviour. A follow-up of two weeks will help us explore long-term effects.
Focusing on at-risk and young children, we hope to prevent antisocial behaviours as early as possible, in vulnerable children. Findings will contribute to early prevention strategies aimed at reducing antisocial behavior and fostering a safer society.