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Words Matter: Empathetic Interpretation Can Increase Children's Positive Perceptions of a Disliked Insect
Emily A Geest1, Emma L Webb1, Rebecca J Snyder1
1Department of Conservation, Education, and Science, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Zoo Biology
|April 6, 2026
Summary
Empathy-focused conservation education can improve children's attitudes toward animals like cockroaches. Empathetic presentations were more effective than knowledge-only ones in fostering positive associations and conservation connections.
Area of Science:
- Conservation Education
- Informal Science Learning
- Animal Empathy Studies
Background:
- Informal science education is crucial for conservation.
- Cultivating empathy for negatively perceived species is key for conservation programs.
- Understanding children's attitudes is vital for effective educational design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of conservation presentations on children's empathy, attitudes, and knowledge.
- To compare the effectiveness of ecological versus empathetic presentation styles.
- To assess changes in personal meanings associated with cockroaches.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a pre/post Personal Meaning Map method.
- Assigned children (7-12 years) to either ecological or empathetic presentation groups.
- Collected and analyzed 332 words/phrases from 180 participants across 12 sessions.
Main Results:
- Both presentation styles reduced negative associations with cockroaches.
- Only the empathetic presentation significantly increased positive and naturalistic associations.
- Empathetic presentations yielded a larger positive shift in attitudes.
Conclusions:
- Empathetic conservation education is more effective in fostering positive attitudes and connections.
- Informal science presentations can reduce negative perceptions of species like cockroaches.
- Tailoring presentation styles to evoke empathy enhances conservation education efficacy.
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