Media release

From: The Royal Society

Cost of compassion – Children are willing to help distressed humans and even puppets in need - unless it comes with a personal cost. This series of studies altered the cost and recipient of compassion to determine what might affect this behaviour in 4- to 5-year-olds. Children were equally likely to help in-groups (e.g wearing the same colour) and out-groups, and adults and puppets, and helping rates increased if personal costs, like giving up rewards, did not occur. (Images available) Royal Society Open Science

Testing the bounds of compassion in young children

Royal Society Open Science

Summary: Children are helpful, providing comfort to those who are distressed. Our work showed that children are equally likely to help a distressed human adult when compared to a distressed puppet, as well as an in-group member when compared to a neutral target. However, there are limitations to how readily children will act compassionately. Our research finds that personal costs, such as giving up rewards, is a strong blocker to compassionate responding.