The 45 participants were designated high-risk or low- risk based on their scores on the Child Abuse Potential Inventory. Results revealed no differences between groups in empathy, but differences were seen within groups. Compared to baseline, high-risk mothers reported no change in empathy across infant conditions (baseline, smiling, quiet, and crying), while low-risk mothers reported an increase in empathy following presentation of the crying infant. Although no change took place in empathy, high-risk mothers reported more sadness, distress, hostility, and unhappiness and less quietness following the presentation of the crying infant. Low-risk mothers reported no changes in sadness, distress, and hostility. Findings for high-risk mothers are consistent with reports that physical child abusers are less empathic and more hostile in response to a crying child. Findings support aggression models that suggest that lack of empathy and the presence of negative emotions precede abusive behavior. Further analyses also support an emotional contagion perspective, in which high-risk parents more often reflect the infant's emotional state than do low-risk parents. Table, figures, and 40 references (Author abstract modified)