ICPS
2019 International Convention of Psychological Science · 2019
Nonparents' Perceptual and Physiological Responses to Inconsolable Infant Crying: Does Empathy Matter?
- Rebecca Wood
Central Connecticut State University - Susan Holt
Central Connecticut State University - Amanda Duenas
Central Connecticut State University - Stephanie Adamowicz
Central Connecticut State University - Aeron Fitzgerald
Central Connecticut State University - Brittany Tulchin
Central Connecticut State University - Carol Austad
Central Connecticut State University
Abstract
We examined nonparents' ratings of infant distress, and their physiological responses, during 10 minutes of crying. Participants’ empathic concern affected heart rate during crying, and personal distress affected skin conductance. Skin conductance and ratings and depended on which order participants heard the cry segments (naturally-occurring or random). Implications are discussed.
Infant
