Empathy across three generations: From maternal and peer support in adolescence to adult parenting and child outcomes

Abstract

This study examined the development of empathic care across three generations in a sample of 184 adolescents in the United States (99 female, 85 male; 58% White, 29% African American, 8% mixed race/ethnicity, 5% other groups), followed from their family of origin at age 13 into their parenting years (through their mid-30s). Mothers' empathic support toward adolescents at age 13 predicted teens' empathy for close friends across adolescence (13–19 years). Participants' empathic support for friends in late adolescence predicted more supportive parenting behavior in adulthood, which in turn was associated with their children's empathy at age 3–8 years. Results suggest that individuals “pay forward” the empathic care they receive from parents, and that skills developed in adolescent friendships may inform later parenting.