Cognitive and emotional empathy in children at risk: the role of hormones
Children who were exposed to harsh environments are at higher risk for destructive short and long-term effects on physical and psychological well-being, and these effects may be mediated by empathy. In this study we are investigating the effects of harsh rearing environments on empathy in young children. We are particularly interested in the differential effects of harsh environments on emotional and cognitive empathy.
We are also interested in investigating the biological correlates of these process, focusing on the role of the hormones oxytocin (social hormone) and cortisol (stress hormone).
