A study of the transference between empathy towards companion animals and empathy towards humans in children

Abstract

Violence in our society is a growing concern. There is evidence of increasing violent behavior in young children. Problems such as teasing and schoolyard bullying have turned into vicious attacks and even murder. Professionals and lay persons alike have struggled for many years to understand the roots of violent behavior. Research in this area suggests that there is a connection between cruelty to animals and violent interpersonal relationships. There is growing evidence that childhood cruelty to animals is often a precursor to violence toward humans. If there is a connection between violence towards animals and violence towards people, then there may also be a connection between empathy towards animals and empathy towards people. Evidence of a positive correlation would further support early interventions to prevent cruelty to animals. Social service agencies, law enforcement, and animal welfare agencies have acknowledged that abused children often come from households where animals are also mistreated. Conversely, when pets are abused, children in the home are also at risk. These agencies have worked together and implemented programs to detect and prevent violence to both animals and children. Humane education programs have been developed for schools to teach children to be kind to animals, and in turn to be kind to one another. Healthcare professionals have found that pets can provide beneficial therapy for patients of all ages. This discovery offers further reason to promote positive animal/human relationships. In order to teach children pro-social behaviors, we must understand how and when behaviors are developed. Empathy is one behavior that is essential to caring for others. Only when a child feels empathy can he or she begin to develop a caring attitude toward others. There are many definitions of empathy and many facets of this behavior. Furthermore, the connection between empathy towards companion animals and empathy towards humans must be explored in order to develop effective violence prevention programs. The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first is to review, analyze and critique the literature relating to empathetic attitudes of children and its relationship to child and companion pet interactions, and draw sets and implications for professionals. The second is to formulate a set of recommendations for professional people, parents, and individuals concerned with the welfare of children.