Influence of phylogenetic proximity on children's empathy towards other species.

Researchers studied how 308 children (ages 5-12) show empathy towards different animals and living things. They found that children feel more empathy for animals that are more similar to humans (like mammals) than those that are very different (like insects). This pattern became stronger as children got older. Children who had pets at home showed more empathy towards other people. Interestingly, children with autism showed similar empathy patterns to other children when looking at animals.

This study examined how children's empathy towards different species is influenced by phylogenetic proximity (evolutionary relatedness). 308 children aged 5-12 completed empathy tests using photographs of various organisms and measures of empathy towards human peers. Results showed that children's empathy decreased as phylogenetic distance increased, with this pattern strengthening with age. Having pets at home was associated with greater empathy towards human peers. When compared to previous adult studies, children showed weaker phylogenetic distance effects than neurotypical adults, but similar patterns to adults with autism spectrum disorder, except for empathy towards humans.

The findings provide insights into empathy development and suggest animals may have special significance for people with autism.

Findings suggest animal-assisted interventions may be particularly beneficial for children with autism, as they show preserved empathy towards animals. Pet ownership may support empathy development more broadly. Understanding phylogenetic empathy patterns could inform educational approaches about animal welfare and guide therapeutic animal selection.

Sample characteristics and recruitment methods not detailed. Cross-sectional design limits understanding of developmental changes. Comparison with autism group appears to use data from previous studies rather than direct comparison. Method of empathy measurement may not capture full empathy complexity.

Empathy is an essential social skill that develops progressively during childhood. Although mainly studied in the context of human intra-specific interactions, it also extends towards other species. Various factors influence the strength of empathy towards other species, including phylogenetic distance. The present study aimed to examine if this parameter also affects children's empathy towards other species.

Three hundred and eight children - aged 5 to 12 years old- were given an empathic choice test on an extended photographic sample of organisms, followed by a scale measuring their empathic tendencies towards human peers. Results highlighted that children's empathy towards other living beings decreased with phylogenetic distance, and that this trend strengthened as age increased. Interestingly, presence of animals in the household tended to be positively related to children's empathy towards their peers. Comparison with data collected in previous studies revealed that although the effect of phylogenetic distance was stronger in adults than in children, no difference was observed compared to adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), except for human beings.

This research sheds new light on children's empathy towards other species and provides elements to consider for their sensitization to animal welfare and wildlife protection, as well as new insights on the specific status that animals can have for people with ASD.