Photo by Vincent Albanese via CC

Researchers at the University of Virginia have been studying the development and intergenerational transmission of empathy. Over 25 years, they tracked 184 adolescents from age 13 into their 30s. Their findings suggest that when parents demonstrate empathy toward their teenagers, it helps foster empathy in their children. Likewise, adolescents who offer empathy and support to their friends are more likely to become nurturing parents. In turn, supportive parenting continues the cycle by encouraging empathy in the next generation. What goes around comes around.

""Adults want teens to develop good social skills and moral character, but simply telling them to be kind doesn’t always work. Our findings suggest that if parents hope to raise empathic teens, it may be helpful to give them firsthand experiences of being understood and supported."" - Jessica A. Stern, Joseph P. Allen

ARTICLE: A 25-Year Study Reveals How Empathy Is Passed From Parents To Teens To Their Future Children.