Empathy and Perspective Taking

The Encyclopedia of Child and Adolescent Development, pp. 1–11

Abstract

Both empathy and perspective taking are deemed to play important roles in adolescents' social and moral development. Yet, the literature on empathy and perspective taking in adolesence is fragmented, due to the use of various definitions, labels, and measures. This entry defines the constructs of empathy and perspective taking, and outlines how these are assessed in adolescent research. Theories and empirical evidence regarding gender differences and development of empathy and perspective taking, including neurobiological changes, are reviewed. Further, the entry discusses socialization influences, and the role of empathy and perspective taking in adolescents' social adjustment and psychopathology.

Authors 4

1. Jolien Van der Graaff

   Utrecht University

   Affiliation as printed

   Utrecht University, Netherlands

2. Sandy Overgaauw Aachen

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University, Netherlands

3. Minet Annette de Wied

   Utrecht University

   Affiliation as printed

   Utrecht University, Netherlands

4. Susan Branje

   Utrecht University

   Affiliation as printed

   Utrecht University, Netherlands