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Factors influencing the development of empathy and pro-social behaviour among adolescents: A systematic review

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  • Silke, Charlotte
  • Brady, Bernadine
  • Boylan, Ciara
  • Dolan, Pat

Abstract

Research has indicated that empathy and prosocial responding are associated with numerous emotional, psychological and social benefits. However, although adolescence is recognised as a key period for prosocial development, knowledge about the factors that facilitate the development of empathy and prosocial responding among adolescents is limited. A narrative systematic review was conducted of studies examining the significant social and psychological correlates of empathy and prosocial behaviour in adolescents. Empirical research papers focusing on typically developing adolescents, aged 13-18 years were identified and assessed for quality. Findings from a total of 168 papers were extracted and subjected to a narrative synthesis. Results indicated that a number of different contextual and psychological factors significantly influence the levels of other-oriented (empathy and prosocial) responding expressed by adolescents. However, findings indicate that differential relationships may be observed depending on how empathy and prosocial responding are operationalised. Overall, results from this review have important implications for future research and policy.

Suggested Citation

  • Silke, Charlotte & Brady, Bernadine & Boylan, Ciara & Dolan, Pat, 2018. "Factors influencing the development of empathy and pro-social behaviour among adolescents: A systematic review," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 94(C), pages 421-436.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:94:y:2018:i:c:p:421-436
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.07.027
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Fike, Kayla J. & Mattis, Jacqueline S. & Nickodem, Kyle & Guillaume, Casta, 2023. "Black adolescent altruism: Exploring the role of racial discrimination and empathy," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    2. Brady, Bernadine & Chaskin, Robert J. & McGregor, Caroline, 2020. "Promoting civic and political engagement among marginalized urban youth in three cities: Strategies and challenges," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 116(C).
    3. Quan, Sixiang, 2021. "Socioeconomic status and prosocial behaviors among Chinese emerging adults: Sequential mediators of parental warmth and personal belief in a just world," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 120(C).
    4. Smyth, Emer & Darmody, Merike, 2021. "Risk and protective factors in adolescent behaviour: The role of family, school and neighbourhood characteristics in (mis)behaviour among young people," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number RS119, June.
    5. Alan C. Logan & Susan L. Prescott, 2022. "Planetary Health: We Need to Talk about Narcissism," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-12, May.
    6. de Wied, Minet & van der Graaff, Jolien & de Rooij, Guido & Scheepers, Floor & Hoekstra, Pieter J. & Branje, Susan & van de Schoot, Rens, 2020. "The role of client empathy in treatment outcome in a sample of adolescents referred to forensic youth psychiatric services," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 118(C).
    7. Arcadio de Jesús Cardona-Isaza & Remedios González Barrón & Inmaculada Montoya-Castilla, 2023. "Empathy and Prosocial Behavior in Adolescent Offenders: The Mediating Role of Rational Decisions," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, October.

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