Kindness in Children and Adolescents: Conceptualization and Interventions

Abstract

Kindness, from the perspective of positive psychology and character strengths, is a virtue that supports others’ emotional and practical needs, strengthens relationships, and fosters a positive, inclusive social environment. Kindness can be defined as characterized by a set of behaviors, attitudes, and dispositions rooted in care, empathy, respect, and prosocial motivation. Kindness is a multidimensional, prosocial construct that developmentally evolves, shaped by cognitive development, personal and interpersonal factors, and social contexts. As individuals mature across childhood and adolescence, their understanding and expression of kindness become more complex, reflecting growing social and relational awareness and competency.