Repository logo
 

Psychometric properties of the Basic Empathy Scale in Polish children and adolescents

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Change log

Authors

Farrington, David P 
Nasaescu, Elena 
Jolliffe, Darrick 
Twardowska-Staszek, Estera 

Abstract

jats:titleAbstract</jats:title>jats:pThe Basic Empathy Scale is widely used to measure cognitive and affective empathy in different age groups. Although empathy is studied throughout the world, research on this important psychological construct in Eastern European populations needs to be increased. In order to accomplish this, validated instruments to measure empathy are needed in this geographic area. This study was conducted to analyze the psychometric properties of the Basic Empathy Scale in Poland. The sample included 1052 children and adolescents aged 9 to 16, enrolled in Primary and Middle schools. This was a cross-sectional study conducted with a survey that was filled in by the participants during their regular classroom hours. Confirmatory Factor Analyses were conducted, together with concurrent validity analyses and comparisons between younger and older participants, and between females and males were undertaken. A final 12-item version of the Basic Empathy Scale was obtained with affective empathy and cognitive empathy factors. The Polish version of the scale showed good psychometric properties. Females scored higher on affective, cognitive and total empathy than males. Younger male participants scored higher on affective, cognitive and total empathy than older male participants. This validated measure of empathy in Polish children and adolescents can be used to study the relation between empathy and both antisocial and prosocial behaviors. In addition, this measure will allow for Poland to be included in cross-country comparisons of empathy and also used to evaluate programs focused on enhancing empathy in Poland.</jats:p>

Description

Funder: University of Greenwich

Keywords

52 Psychology, 5201 Applied and Developmental Psychology, Pediatric, Mind and Body, Clinical Research, Behavioral and Social Science, Mental Health

Journal Title

Current Psychology

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

1046-1310
1936-4733

Volume Title

41

Publisher

Springer Science and Business Media LLC