Abstract
The effectiveness of four training programs designed to foster altruism was examined with 97 four-to-five-year-old preschool children. It was assumed that role taking skills would be a necessary and/or sufficient condition for altruistic behavior. Thus, training programs centering on cognitive perceptual and affective role taking (empathy) respectively were compared to programs in which altruistic behavior was either watched on TV or enacted (role played) by the children. Children watching 'neutral' TV episodes, or experiencing a regular preschool program, served as controls. Training lasted for four weeks I h daily training. Altruism was significantly enhanced in the three role playing programs, whereas prosocial TV viewing - while less effective than the role play conditions was marginally superior to neutral TV viewing. Cognitive/perceptual role taking was clearly implicated in the enactment of altruistic behavior while the role of affective role taking was less consistent.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
