How does the development of empathy in children relate to their cognitive maturation?

• A. Empathy decreases as children grow older because they become more self-centered.
• B. There is no relationship between empathy and cognitive maturation; empathy is innate.
• C. As cognitive processes mature, children become better at understanding others' perspectives, enhancing empathy.
• D. Cognitive maturation leads to a decrease in emotional sensitivity, thus reducing empathy.

Answer: (C)