Primary School Empathy

The Influence of Empathic Concern on Prosocial Behavior in Children

Amanda Williams, Kelly O’Driscoll, Chris Moore

Experimental study with 3- to 6-year-olds. Children shared more resources after witnessing another child in distress. Empathic concern, rather than personal distress, was linked to greater prosocial behavior. Teachers can use stories, videos, and discussions about others' feelings to encourage caring actions in class.

The Me and the Us of Emotions: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial of the Feasibility and Efficacy of a Compassion-Based Social–Emotional Learning Program for Children

Ana Xavier, Paula Vagos, Lara Palmeira, Paulo Menezes, Bruno Patrão, Sofia Abreu Mendes, Marta Tavares

Cluster randomized trial with 3rd and 4th graders. A 10-session compassion-based SEL program increased empathy and prosocial skills over time. Teachers can use structured lessons, games, and reflection activities to promote caring and cooperative classroom behaviors.

“From Observing Empathy to Understanding Empathy”: A Film and Activity Based Intervention to Foster Emotional and Cognitive Empathy in Primary School Children

Ertuğrul Talu

Quasi-experimental study with fourth-grade students. A six-week empathy program using animated films and follow-up activities increased both cognitive and emotional empathy. Teachers can use short videos, role-playing, storytelling, drawing, and guided discussions to strengthen empathic understanding in the classroom.

Effects of Empathy-Based Learning in Elementary Social Studies

June Lee, Yunoug Lee, Mi Hwa Kim

Study with fifth-grade students. An empathy-based learning approach in social studies increased students’ empathy and academic engagement compared to traditional instruction. Teachers can use perspective-taking activities and discussion-based lessons to foster empathy and participation in classroom learning.

Children’s Reasoning About Empathy and Social Relationships

Alexis S. Smith-Flores, Gabriel J. Bonamy, Lindsey J. Powell

Experimental study using story-based tasks with young children (around 4-7 years old). Children’s predictions about emotions and relationships showed early developing links between empathy, counter-empathy, and social reasoning. Teachers can use story discussions, feeling-focused questions, and perspective-taking prompts to support empathy and social understanding.