When it comes to teen conflict, empathy is an essential tool for navigating relationships. A recent survey of teens conducted by the American Psychological Association found that teens who practice empathy are more likely to have successful relationships with their peers. The survey found that teens who demonstrate empathy are better able to understand and relate to the feelings of others. This understanding helps teens to better manage conflicts and resolve them in a more positive manner. Teens who practice empathy are also more likely to be less aggressive and more likely to be able to compromise and cooperate. The survey also found that teens who demonstrate empathy are more likely to be able to recognize when someone is in need of help or support. This recognition can help teens to be more proactive in helping others and to be more supportive in difficult times. The survey also found that teens who practice empathy are more likely to be better communicators. They are more likely to be able to express their feelings and thoughts in a respectful manner, which can help to prevent conflicts from escalating. The survey concluded that empathy is an essential tool for teens when it comes to managing conflict. Teens who demonstrate empathy are more likely to have successful relationships with their peers, be better communicators, and be more supportive in difficult times. Teaching teens the importance of empathy can help them to better navigate the conflicts that arise during their teenage years.
How often would you make the following statements?
1. I can listen to others.
2. Kids I don’t like can have good ideas.
3. I get upset when my friends are sad.
4. I trust people who are not my friends.
5. I am sensitive to other people’s feelings‚ even if they are not my friends.
These items measure an individual’s ability to listen‚ care‚ and trust others. Youths are asked to indicate how often they would make several statements.
This instrument can be found on page 154 of Measuring Violence-Related Attitudes‚ Behaviors‚ and Influences Among Youths: A Compendium of Assessment Tools‚ available online at: http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/YV_Compendium.pdf
Middle school age youth.
Point values are assigned as follows:
Never = 1
Seldom = 2
Sometimes = 3
Often = 4
Always = 5
Scores are derived by summing all responses‚ with possible scores ranging from 5 to 25. Higher scores
indicate higher empathy.
Bosworth K‚ Espelage D. Teen Conflict Survey. Bloomington‚ IN: Center for Adolescent Studies‚ Indiana University‚ 1995. (Unpublished)
Found in: Dahlberg LL‚ Toal SB‚ Swahn M‚ Behrens CB. Measuring Violence-Related Attitudes‚ Behaviors‚ and Influences A mong Youths: A Compendium of Assessment Tools‚ 2nd ed.‚ Atlanta‚ GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‚ National Center for Injury Prevention and Control‚ 2005.