Empathy and Interparental Conflict: How Children’s Health is Impacted
Children who report being more empathetic may actually be more susceptible to negative health effects when faced with interparental conflict, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Penn State College of Health and Human Development.
The study, led by Hannah Schreier, explored the link between empathy, interparental conflict, and children’s health. The findings, published in the journal “Brain, Behavior, and Immunity,” shed light on the physiological responses of children aged 7 to 9 to conflict between their parents.
Schreier explained, “For children this age, the family home and parents are important, so observing conflict between the parents can be stressful. And we now know that children may react negatively to perceived conflict from a physiological point of view.”
The researchers collected data from 106 children and their parents participating in the Family Foundations program, which aims to improve family relationships. Surveys were used to assess the children’s perception of interparental conflict and empathy, while blood samples were taken to measure levels of CRP and IL-6, markers of chronic inflammation.
Interestingly, the study found that children who reported higher levels of empathy had elevated CRP levels, indicating increased chronic inflammation and poorer overall health as reported by their parents. Importantly, the researchers noted that more empathetic children did not report experiencing higher levels of conflict at home.
Schreier emphasized the importance of these findings for younger children, who have often been overlooked in research on the physiological impact of empathy and conflict. She suggested that addressing individualized needs and teaching children to set boundaries could be beneficial in navigating empathy and its potential health consequences.
The results of this study have broad implications for both home and school environments, highlighting the complexity of empathy and its effects on children’s well-being. As Schreier noted, while empathy is generally perceived as a positive trait, it is essential to consider the potential drawbacks and educate children on how to manage their emotional boundaries effectively.
In conclusion, this research adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that being more empathetic may not always be beneficial for one’s health. By recognizing the nuanced relationship between empathy, conflict, and health, we can better support children in cultivating healthy emotional boundaries and overall well-being.
Contributors to this study included Jennifer Graham-Engeland, Damon Jones, Aishwarya Ganguli, and Caitlin Givens, with funding from the National Institutes of Health.
Overall, this study highlights the importance of understanding the complex interplay between empathy, conflict, and health in children, offering valuable insights for future research and educational programs.
