Low Empathy in Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Pre)Adolescents Compared to Normal Hearing Controls

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124102
• Publication Date: 2015-04-23T20:25:36Z
• Authors: Anouk P. Netten; Carolien Rieffe; Stephanie C. P. M...; Wim Soede; Evelien Dirks; Jeroen J. Briaire; Johan H. M. Frijns
• Keywords: Prosocial Behavior

Objective The purpose of this study was to examine the level empathy in deaf and hard hearing (pre)adolescents compared normal controls define influence language various loss characteristics on development empathy. Methods group (mean age 11.9 years) consisted 122 children (52 with cochlear implants 70 conventional aids) 162 children. two groups were using self-reports, a parent-report observation tasks rate children’s empathy, their attendance others’ emotions, emotion recognition, supportive behavior. Results Deaf reported lower levels cognitive prosocial motivation than children, regardless type device. recognition equal both groups. During observations, showed more attention evoking events but less behavior peers. attending mainstream education or oral show higher who use sign (supported) attend special education. However, they are still outperformed by Conclusions especially those education, which can have consequences for initiating maintaining relationships.