The influence of Adverse and Positive Childhood Experiences on facets of empathy

Background: Although Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been associated with empathy, research findings have been incongruous. In contrast, positive parenting practices have been consistently, and positively, associated with empathy. Objective: The current study investigated whether the relationship between ACEs and facets of empathy (i.e., perspective taking, empathic concern, personal distress, fantasy) were moderated by Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Participants and setting: A sample of 923 participants completed an online survey. Method: Participants completed online versions of the Childhood Experiences Scale-17, the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale, and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. Results: We found that ACEs were not significantly associated with any facet of empathy. PCEs, on the other hand, were positively associated with fantasy, empathic concern, and perspective taking, and moderated the relationships between (a) ACEs and empathic concern, and (b) ACEs and perspective taking. Conclusions: These results provide a more nuanced understanding of the role ACEs and PCEs play in empathy. Specifically, PCEs appear to be a protective factor when ACEs are low, but when people experience above average levels of childhood adversity, PCEs have little influence on empathic concern or perspective taking.