Sensitivity to Animals Through the Eyes of Primary School Students

Abstract

Animal love holds an important role in the emotional and social development of children. The ability of children to form an attachment to and to take responsibility for an animal, and the development of sensitive behaviors towards animals emphasize the importance of animal love in the personal development of children. This study was conducted to examine the views of primary school students about sensitivity to animals. The phenomenology design, among qualitative research methods, was used in the study. Based on criterion sampling and maximum variation sampling methods, 120 primary school students attending the 3rd grade of 3 distinct public schools with low, middle and high socioeconomic levels in Afyonkarahisar provincial center were determined as participants. The data of the study were obtained by using a semi-structured interview form. The data obtained in the study were analyzed with descriptive analysis technique, and students' responses were examined in-depth, and results were tabulated using descriptions and supported with direct quotations from the views of primary school students. According to the findings, the ability of students to empathize with street animals, to give examples from their own lives on the protection and improving the living conditions of animals, and to use emotional statements like "'I feel sorry for the animals left to the street', 'The animal's life is so precious', 'They are living beings, too and like members of my family'" reveals that students have sensitivity to animals.