Empathy: The Critical Factor in Conflict-Resolution and a Culture of Civility.

Abstract

Empathy is a critical factor in maintaining peace, respect and civility in our schools. The experience of reciprocal affect and accurate perspective taking comprise the components of empathy and stimulate the motivation to ameliorate the condition of another. The cognitive, physiological and social development of empathy is described with consideration to factors impairing empathic development and expression. Remedial, preventative and promotional interventions that enhance empathy and prosocial behavior are described emphasizing their synergistic features. (Contains 88 references.) (Author) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. Running head: EMPATHY: THE CRITICAL FACTOR Empathy: The Critical Factor 1 C og6, Empathy: The Critical Factor in Conflict-Resolution and a Culture of Civility Wallace J. Kahn and Catherine V. Lawhorne West Chester University U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality. Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 1 Contact Information: Wallace J. Kahn, Professor West Chester University, West Chester, PA Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology