Related commentaries – Compassion

A Canaanite Women With Great Faith – Matthew 15:21 – 15:28

Franz’s Results of Compassion Tests

Harvard University’s Carol Franz used personality tests to determine compassion and sympathy. The subjects: 75 of an original 379 children who were 5 when the study began. Findings:

1. Dads who spent time alone with his kids reared the most compassionate adults.
2. Moms who were most accepting of a child’s dependency, also helped foster empathy.
3. Both parents’ involvement was equally important for sons and daughters.
4. But single moms and dads who work long hours shouldn’t feel their kids are doomed. “A child can benefit from having another adult who’s very responsive."

(Encyclopedia of Illustrations #3690).