Bata at batas: An exploratory research on Filipino children in conflict with the law-- concepts and levels of empathy

• Main Authors: Lopez, Hiram Andrew E., Mondia, Mary Grace S., Porio, Lorraine Mae F., Javier, Veronica Isabel W.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2016
• Subjects: Juvenile delinquency > Philippines; Empathy in children > Philippines; Children > Legal status, laws, etc > Philippines; Children > Philippines
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/8093
• Institution: De La Salle University

The research explored the perceptions and levels of empathy in Filipino children in conflict with the law (Filipino CICL). Specifically, the study delved into the children's constructs of empathy, how it was formed and their experiences showing and receiving empathy to and from other individuals. A semi-constructed interview and the Pagkamaunawain subscale from the Masaklaw na Panulat ng Loob (MAPA) was utilized in order to gather the needed data. Data collected through the interviews was analyzed through thematic and content analysis and the scores from the scale were showcased through descriptive statistics. Results from the interviews showed that the children in conflict with the law had experienced empathy mainly through their friends and family, specifically the mother and father, and constructed their perceptions through the acts of empathy happening to them. In turn, the children were able to recall experiences in which they have either shown or received empathy to or from another individual. Scores from the scale showed that the children in conflict with the law had mainly average levels of empathy. In regards to the Filipino CICL and their constructs of empathy, it was determined that these children were indeed impacted through past experiences and observations in such a way, that they are able to understand and show empathy alike to how individuals in society would normally do so today. Finally, the researchers summarized that the Filipino CICL had capabilities of expressing and understanding emotions of others, empathizing with them in order to fit in and be part of society.