| Responses that are aggressive and inconsistent toward non-compliant and aggressive behavior in children have been found to actually increase the frequency and intensity of children's aggressive and non-compliant behavior (Patterson, 1982). Feshbach's (1989, 1995) studies found that parental empathy has a socializing effect on children, a regulatory effect on aggression, and is a deterrent to aggression. Client centered theory considers the role of empathic responses fundamental to the therapist-client relationship and client positive change (Rogers, 1951). Axline (1947) found that empathic responding to the child in a play therapy setting brought about positive change in the child.; There is limited empirical research in the area of parent empathy and children's aggressive behavior. The greatest degree of improvement for aggressive youth, and perhaps the most strategic point for intervention, is generally seen in younger children, prior to age eight (Dodge, 1993; Kazdin, 1987). The purpose of this study was to determine if parent empathic responses to children's aggressive behavior would decrease aggressive behavior on the part of the child.; A multiple baseline across subjects design was used with three parent-child dyads. Participants were mothers involved with Child Protective Services and their three to seven year old children identified with aggressive behaviors. Parents were trained in content reflection and empathic responding and employed them with their child's behavior.; Results showed that aggressive behavior significantly decreased for all three children, although they were confounded by the use of content reflection and empathy combined. It was hypothesized that content reflection may have served to reinforce non-aggressive behavior. More research is needed to parcel out the effects of each variable.; Mother's pre and post self-report measures identified change in perception of empathy and child behaviors as well. Information from this study may be useful in education, parent and teacher training, and family interventions dealing with violence and aggressive interactions. More information is needed on ways to reduce child aggression in the parent-child relationship and contemporary society. |
