Promoção da empatia em crianças em risco

: um estudo exploratório no âmbito do projeto Heroic Imagination

Abstract

The Heroic Imagination Project aims to promote prosocial behaviors and prevent bystander, conformist, prejudiced, and stereotyped behaviors. The main objective of this study was to assess the impact of implementing the Heroic Imagination Project program on the socioemotional development of children and youth from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Eight participants took part in this study. The data collection instrument was a semi-structured interview script constructed and adapted for this study. The results highlight the positive effects of the Heroic Imagination Project program on the participants, encompassing behavioral, social, cognitive, emotional, and environmental awareness dimensions. These impacts were reflected in the satisfaction expressed by all participants. Most children and youth also demonstrated an acquisition of knowledge related to prosocial behaviors. Considering the results, some practical guidelines are suggested, such as implementing the Heroic Imagination Project program in a greater number of contexts with children at risk. Additionally, conducting a study involving the participation of parents or guardians to understand the program's impact in the family context would be relevant. These practical guidelines aim to deepen the understanding of the program's impact in different areas of participants' lives.

Date of Award	14 Jul 2023
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Mariana Barbosa (Supervisor)