The Basic Empathy Scale and its Application in Criminological Research

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

Empathy has been demonstrated to play an important role in understanding a range of outcomes and behaviours of interest to criminological researchers including aggression, antisocial behaviour, and offending. This panels brings together a range of research from Australia, Canada, UK, and elsewhere to highlight the potential role that empathy may play. The first paper examines the role of dependent and harmful alcohol consumption and its role in the relationship between empathy and aggression in a sample of Australian university students. The second paper examines the role of empathy in a correctional setting with a focus on examining whether changes in empathy are associated with later reoffending. The final paper takes a more holistic approach in considering the state of the knowledge regarding the role of empathy in criminology research and also presents an agenda for future research.

Sub Unit

• Area IV. Correlates of Crime / 34. Bullying, Harassment, and Abuse

Individual Presentations

• Alcohol dependence and its impact on the relationship between empathy and aggression in young adults in Australia - Tara Renae McGee, Griffith University; Darrick Jolliffe, University of Greenwich; Li Eriksson, Griffith University; David Farrington, Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge

• The Relationship between Empathy and Substance Use, Mental Health and Crime in a Sample of Canadian Offenders - Christopher J. Koegl, CJK Consulting

• Empathy Versus Offending, Aggression and Bullying: Taking Stock and Moving Forward - David Farrington, Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge; Darrick Jolliffe, University of Greenwich

Chair

• Darrick Jolliffe, University of Greenwich