Does empathy always inhibit amorality and offending?
Results of previous studies have been inconsistent over the role of emotional and cognitive empathy in aggressive and antisocial behavior. The aim of this study is to clarify the specific nature of the empathic profiles associated with different types of amoral behavior (induced by impulsiv...
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Drustvo Psihologa Srbije
2015-01-01
|
| Series: | Psihologija |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0048-5705/2015/0048-57051503213V.pdf |
| Summary: | Results of previous studies have been inconsistent over the role of emotional
and cognitive empathy in aggressive and antisocial behavior. The aim of this
study is to clarify the specific nature of the empathic profiles associated
with different types of amoral behavior (induced by impulsivity, frustration
and brutality), measured through self-reports. The sample consists of male
prisoners who have committed violent and non-violent types of offenses
(robberies and thefts) and the control group with no criminal history
(N=200). Results demonstrate that general amorality which combines all three
types of amoral attitudes is negatively associated both with emotional and
cognitive empathy, but the association with the emotional empathy is much
stronger one. On the other hand, amorality induced by frustration
(characterized by resentment, dark picture of reality which justifies
personal Machiavellianism) is positively associated with cognitive empathy
which might be used for manipulation. These results provide guidelines for
empathy trainings for offenders, highlighting the significance of increasing
emotional empathy [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 179018] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0048-5705 1451-9283 |