The main aim of the present study was to evaluate whether different kinds of empathic feelings varied according to age range. Children's, adolescents' and adults', empathic answers to TV news were compared using a semi-structured interview procedure. Results suggest that age had a significant influence on frequency and intensity of empathic feelings. More specifically, it was observed a higher frequency of more complex empathic feelings such as pride, injustice and compassion among adults and adolescents than children, reinforcing the assumption that socio-cognitive development plays a fundamental role in empathic experiences.
empathy; development; role-taking
