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How do parenting and exposure to music in storytelling films relate
to the development of empathy?
Elsa Leon
2751513
Department of Communication Science, VU Amsterdam
31-03-2023
Word count: 1770
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Introduction
In recent decades, there has been a great deal of research on parenting, music, and
empathy (Decety & Jackson, 2004; Zaki & Ochsner, 2012; Wingstedt et al., 2010; Morris et al.,
2007). These studies each focus on a specific relationship between music and empathy or
parenting and empathy. However, there is no research on the relationship between empathy,
exposure to music in (storytelling) movies, and parenting. Therefore, this current research
focuses specifically on this.
The research question of the current study is ''How do parenting and exposure to music in
films relate to the development of empathy?'' The ultimate goal of the study is to gain a better
understanding of the role of parenting and exposure to music while watching narrative films in
the development of empathy in adolescents. In addition, this research serves to provide
recommendations for parents and educators to support this development.
The current research is both socially and scientifically relevant. For example,
empathy at the societal level is an important trait for communicating and collaborating in a
complex and diverse society (Galinsky et al.,2016; Decety & Cowell, 2017; Tappin & Capraro,
2020). Indeed, it contributes to establishing relationships, resolving conflicts, and understanding
others. On a scientific level, research can contribute to understanding how empathy develops
(Shrum, 2012; Decety & Michalska, 2010). Empathy is a complex concept that is influenced by
several factors. Investigating the influence of parenting and exposure to music in movies on
empathy can help to better understand how to promote this trait in young people.
Research on empathy, music in films, and parenting can have several implications. For
example, more knowledge about empathy could contribute to a better understanding of how
films elicit empathy from audiences. By understanding the bodily processes associated with
empathy, it is possible to find out which narrative techniques are effective in promoting empathy.
More knowledge about narrative music in films can provide a better understanding of how
stories are told in various media and how these aspects can influence viewers' emotions. These
insights can be used in creating narratives in films. More knowledge about the development of
emotion regulation and parenting can help develop stories with a focus on encouraging healthy
emotional development. As a result, one can create stories that help young people understand
what emotions are and how to cope with them.
The theory focuses on empathy, the relationship between empathy and music in films, the
relationship between empathy and parenting, and the relationship between empathy, music in
films, and parenting.
Empathy. In the article by Decety & Jackson (2004), empathy is described as the degree
to which one can feel and understand the other person's mental states, such as their needs,
intentions, beliefs, and emotions. In addition, the various components of empathy are discussed,
including empathic regulation and motivation, emotional resonance, and cognitive perspective.
The more recent article by Zaki & Ochsner (2012) describes empathy similarly. The term is
defined as the degree to which individuals can understand each other's feelings, sympathize with
them, and also display these feelings. In addition, it is named that empathy is a complex concept
consisting of several components, such as affective, cognitive, and motivational empathy. One
