Empathy influences behavior at many levels. Persons who have high levels of empathy for a victim, relative to those with low levels of empathy, may show lower levels of aggressive response and higher levels of altruism toward the victim.20–22 Developmentally, empathy is critical for socialization. Caregivers typically respond to transgressions that harm others by focusing on the victim’s distress.23 Children learn to refrain from harming others in order to prevent these associated aversive feelings.
