Development of a Violence Prevention Educational Program for Elementary School Children Using Empathy (VPEP-E)

Abstract

Purpose: This study describes the development of a violence prevention educational program for elementary school children using empathy (VPEP-E) that teachers can use during class. Methods: Hoffman's theory of empathy and Seels and Richey's (1994) ADDIE model were applied to develop this program. Results: The developed program consisted of eight sessions: "Orienta-tion/definition of violence and empathy", "Types and boundaries of violence", "Look into my feelings", "Say it with a facial expression", "Preventing non-empathic violence due to social prejudice", "Preventing physical violence", "Verbal and online violence prevention: empathic conversation", and "I can do well: review of the whole curriculum". The program was evaluated by 15 elementary school teachers, who considered it to be easily accessible to elementary school students. The final VPEP-E, which will be provided in eight times for 40 minutes each for fifth-grade students, will provide a basis for preventing violence by fostering empathy. Conclusion: We expect the developed educational program to be effective in preventing violence among elementary school students. However, further research involving children from various age groups is needed.