Empathy and Aggression Among Adolescents in Kosovo: Exploring Gender, Age, and Socioeconomic Differences

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between empathy and aggression among 646 adolescents aged 13–18 in Kosovo, with particular attention to gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Standardized self-report measures were used to assess empathy and aggression and to explore their associations. Results indicated that emotional aggression was the most frequently reported form of aggression, whereas physical aggression was the least common. Participants exhibited stronger affective and behavioral empathy than cognitive empathy. Overall, the correlation between empathy and aggression was weak and non-significant (p = 0.233). Gender analysis revealed no significant differences in aggression scores between males and females (p = 0.298), though females demonstrated significantly higher empathy than males (p < 0.001). Neither age (p = 0.224) nor socioeconomic status (p = 0.285) significantly influenced empathy, and neither variable significantly impacted aggression (p = 0.057 and p = 0.512, respectively). Principal component analysis identified three dimensions of aggression—general, relational, and emotional/physical—highlighting its multidimensional nature. These findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions for different forms of aggression and the promotion of empathy, particularly in Kosovo’s cultural context.

Received: 5 January 2025 / Accepted: 15 February 2025 / Published: 06 March 2025