Fostering Empathy in Children: The Role of Maternal Supportive Response to Child Distress and Child Attachment Security

Abstract

Maternal response to child distress has been linked with child attachment security (Isabella et al., 1989); child attachment security has been associated with child empathy (Xu et al., 2022). This study examines whether child attachment security is a mechanism for the association between maternal response to child distress and child empathy. Ninety-five mother-child dyads participated (Mchild age=4.5 years). Mothers self-reported their likelihood of responding to child distress in unsupportive and supportive ways (Fabes et al., 1990). Child empathy was measured through (1) mother report (Kochanska, et al., 1994), (2) child self-report (Bryant, 1982), and (3) observation (Schrandt et.al, 2009). Observed child attachment security was measured through the MacArthur Story Stem Battery (Bretherton et al., 1990). Mother’s unsupportive response to child distress did not predict child attachment security or child empathy. Mother’s supportive response to child distress did not predict child attachment security but did predict mother-reported (but not child reported or observed) child empathy (p=0.03). Higher child attachment security predicted higher observed (but not mother or child reported) child empathy (p < 0.01). Child attachment security was not a significant mechanism between maternal response to child distress (unsupportive/supportive) and child empathy. Findings highlight the importance of supportive (but not unsupportive) maternal response and child attachment security for development of child empathy. Findings also underscore the importance of considering reporter bias. Future studies should examine this model, with careful attention to how constructs are measured.