Understanding Empathic and Cooperative Intergenerational Relationships: A New Theoretical Framework

ABSTRACT

The population and age of North American older adults is increasing faster than ever, making it harder for children to form meaningful relationships with them. Thus, programs like the Hamilton Intergenerational Music Program aim to bridge this divide. During this program, children seem to form empathic and cooperative bonds with older adults during their visits to long-term care homes. In this article, I describe a theoretical framework that draws from existing theories in social psychology to not only explain this phenomenon, but to also provide practical suggestions that other facilitators can implement in their intergenerational programs for optimal delivery.

KEYWORDS:

• Psychology
• music
• empathy
• cooperation
• theory

Acknowledgments

I would like to use this space to thank Paolo David (BHSc) and Chelsea Mackinnon (MA, BHSc) for their contributions to the editing process. Their detailed comments, insights, and recommendations greatly contributed to the quality of this manuscript.