Social Connection: Empathy and Mentalization in Elementary Teachers

• In Event: Roundtable Session 43
  In Roundtable Session: Lives of Teachers: Characteristics and Traits

Abstract

Attending to the academic and social/emotional needs of students is a significant challenge. Empathy is important to create positive learning environments and mentalization is an important component of empathy (Fonagy, 1991). This study examined six elementary teacher’s use of empathy in supporting students. Methods: Participants completed a Teacher Style Survey (Watt & Richardson, 2007) tapping relatedness, expectations, structure, negativity; and relational goals (Butler, 2012); and identified “empathy moments” in video observations of classroom practice. Teacher experience was analysed using a process taxonomy drawn from literature. Results demonstrate empathic teachers are motivated to connect, are ‘in synch’ with student perceptions, have high levels of emotional support, and regulate teaching to meet needs.

Authors

• Paul Anthony Swan, Monash University

• Philip Riley, Australian Catholic University