Association between Level of Empathy, Attitude towards Physical Education and Victimization in Adolescents: A Multi-Group Structural Equation Analysis

Abstract

Currently, there is a problem related to violence and tolerance towards violence, and the levels of empathy of the subjects can affect this, in addition to the practice of physical activity. The present study sought to define and contrast an explanatory model of victimization, empathy and attitude towards physical education, and to analyze the existing relationships between these variables as a function of engagement with physical activity. A total of 2388 adolescents from Spain participated in this research. The sample was made up of both sexes (43.39% males and 56.61% females), with ages reported between 11 and 17 years (M = 13.85; SD = 1.26). Empathy (TECA), attitude towards physical education (CAEF) and victimization (EV) were measured. A multi-group structural equation model was developed, which showed excellent fit to the empirical data (χ2 = 559.577; DF = 38; p < 0.001; comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.957; normalized fit index (NFI) = 0.954; incremental fit index (IFI) = 0.957; root mean squared error of the mean (RMSEA) = 0.054). A direct positive relationship exists between affective and cognitive empathy. A positive association was found between motivational climate and engagement in physical activity. With regards to victimization, the verbal dimension obtained the highest correlation score, followed by the relational and physical dimensions. In the case of adolescents who regularly engaged in physical activity, the verbal and physical dimensions presented the weakest correlations, whilst the relational dimension was the most strongly associated in the case of sedentary adolescents. The main conclusions of the present study it is that the relationship between affective empathy and cognitive empathy is positive and direct, however, this relationship is slightly stronger and differentiated in sedentary adolescents than in those who practice physical activity on a regular basis.

Musical Training in the Development of Empathy and Prosocial Behaviors

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Investigation of the Effect of High School Students' Attitudes to Physical Education Course on Empathic Behavior in Sports Environment

“…It can be said that attitudes towards Physical Education and Sports lessons are effective as a predictor of empathy subdimensions in sports. It can be said that the theoretical and practical dimensions of the courses related to sports education in the curriculum of the Physical Education and Sports courses will contribute to the empathy in the sports environment together with the positive attitude (Arufe-Giráldez et al, 2019). On the other hand, it can be said that the values such as cooperation, cooperation and respect, which are included in the game philosophy of the game activities in the Physical Education and Sports course, can be an effective factor on the empathic behavior towards the coach, his/her teammates, referees and other stakeholders in the sports environment (Dorak & Vurgun, 2006).…”

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