Work

Navigating Stress: Exploring the Role of Empathy in Caregiving

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Stress can negatively impact caregiving behavior; while chronic stress is consistently associated with reduced caregiver sensitivity, evidence regarding acute stress remains mixed. This preregistered study examined the causal effects of acute psychosocial stress on caregiver sensitivity with an experimental pseudorandomized design. Female participants ( N = 130, M age = 21.16, SD = 1.65) were assigned to either an adapted Trier Social Stress Test or a control condition, and then interacted with an infant simulator while their caregiver sensitivity was observed. We also investigated the role of situational empathic behavior and trait empathic concern in the relationship between acute stress and caregiver sensitivity. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that acute stress did not significantly decrease caregiver sensitivity. Furthermore, situational empathic behavior did not explain how acute stress affected caregiver sensitivity, nor did trait empathic concern influence how acute stress affected situational empathic behavior. However, trait empathic concern was positively associated with caregiver sensitivity, affirming that empathy is fundamental to caregiving. We discuss that effects of acute stress may be more subtle compared to chronic stress and highlight the importance of sensitive measurement instruments in continued research, which will help us to further understand how stress impacts caregiving and, consequently, child outcomes.

Source: Developmental Psychobiology

DOI: 10.1002/dev.70177

Authors: Hannah Spencer, Peter A. Bos, Sabine van der Asdonk, Lenneke R. A. Alink, Renate S. M. Buisman

Institution: Leiden University

Language: English

Topic: Stress Responses and Cortisol

Subfield: Behavioral Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,760