The Relationship between Empathy and Altruism in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

The objective of the current research study was to investigate the relationship between empathy and self-compassion and altruism in mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Method: by convenience sampling, 161 participants were selected. The short form self-compassion, empathy and altruism inventories were implemented. Results: The Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis revealed that there was a direct relationship between empath, self-compassion and altruism. Conclusion: Empathy is a complex capability which enables individuals to understand the emotional states of others, and results in compassionate behaviour. Empathy requires cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and moral capacities to understand and respond to others' suffering. Compassion is a proper response to the perception of others’ suffering. In addition, compassion cannot exist without empathy; they are part of the same perception and response continuum which moves human beings from observation to action. It seems that maternal care, together with the hope that a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities lives independently, provides the necessary grounds for empathy, self-compassion and altruism.

Keywords

• mothers
• autism
• intellectual and developmental disabilities
• empathy
• self-compassion
• altruism