Development of an empathy improvement program for elementary and junior high school students

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In this study, we tried to develop an empathy scale consisting of cognitive and affective components for accumulating basic finding in the study of empathy. Moreover, we attempted to create an intervention program to enhance cognitive and affective empathy . In the theoretical step, we succeeded in developing a scale that can evaluate cognitive component of empathy and the empathy for others’ negative and positive affection. Furthermore, we revealed that empathy for others’ positive affection can reduce aggressive behavior and promote prosocial behavior and school satisfaction. In the interventional step, we developed a program for increasing empathy in students. The results of the program showed that empathy towards positive affection was the most effective component for suppressing aggressive behavior.