Empathic ability as a determinant of children's attitude toward handicapped peers

The role of empathy in children's attitudes toward handicapped peers was investigated in the present study. Empathic ability was found to be significantly correlated with positive attitudes toward handicapped peers (r =.48). Females scored significantly higher in empathy and positive attitudes toward the handicapped than males. Furthermore, children at higher grade levels demonstrated greater empathic ability and more positive attitudes than children at lower grade levels. The "Kids on the Block" program was successful in improving attitudes toward the handicapped; however, the change in attitudes resulting from the intervention was not related to the children's empathic ability. It was concluded that empathy may play a significant role in attitude modification, if the intervention utilized permits the formation of an empathic connection with a handicapped individual. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Psychology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1990 .I555. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 30-03, page: 0908. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1990.