The effectiveness of empathy training on aggression, adaptation and social responsibility of preschool children

Objective Empathy education appears to help children learn to behave in a caring manner towards others, which in turn improves compatibility and decreases aggression. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of empathy education on aggression, adjustment, and social responsibility in preschool children.Method The research design was quasi-experimental, utilising a pre-test post-test design with a control group. The statistical population comprised all preschool children in Hamadan. Using a convenience sampling method, 50 children were selected as the final sample and were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group (25 children in each group). Research tools included a life skills questionnaire, an aggression questionnaire, and a child adjustment questionnaire. The experimental group received empathy training over 7 sessions of 60 minutes each, while the control group remained on the waiting list.Results The results of covariance analysis showed that empathy training significantly reduced aggression (F = 11.89, p < 0.01), increased adaptability (F = 8.68, p < 0.01), and enhanced social responsibility (F = 16.14, p < 0.01) in children.Conclusions The findings indicate that empathy training can effectively reduce aggression and enhance positive social behaviours such as responsibility and adaptability in preschool children. Based on these results, it is recommended that empathy training be incorporated into preschool education programmes.