Abstract
We defined empathy as consisting of both cognitive and affective components. Features of empathy in young offenders were compared with those of normal adolescents. Japanese version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index was used in this study. The findings indicated the following: Offenders had stronger empathic concerns than general adolescents; and There was no difference in perspective taking between the two groups. It is known that people do not develop mature empathy until they have recognized differences between the self and others. Moreover cognitive and affective components are needed to maintain balance and to develop. Based on these ideas, offenders in this study were expected to have a higher perspective-taking score, which was not confirmed by the date. Therefore, it is possible that in general, offenders have an"imbalanced empathy", because their behaviors that are seemingly empathic may not be intrinsically empathic. It is concluded that offenders have a diminished system for protecting the self from mental suffering, that they have difficulties in following social rules, and that they have difficulties in experiencing guilt.
