Abstract
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (C-IRI) for the assessment of empathy in Chinese people were examined. Method: The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) was translated to Chinese, and an expert panel reviewed its content validity and cultural relevance. The translated instrument (C-IRI) was administered to 189 junior high school students and 391 university students. Results: Confirmatory factor analyses revealed a stable hierarchical three-factor structure that was consistent with structure of the English IRI, but the cognitive and emotional aspects of empathy were combined to form a new factor. The subscales of the C-IRI demonstrated acceptable to good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Some evidence for the construct validity of the measure was also found. Conclusions: The C-IRI possessed acceptable psychometric properties in Chinese adolescent samples. The present findings suggest that the cognitive and emotional aspects of empathy are not differentiated in Chinese adolescents.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 118-126 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Research on Social Work Practice |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2005 |
Keywords
- Chinese
- Empathy
- Interpersonal Reactivity Index
- Scale development
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences (miscellaneous)
- Sociology and Political Science
- Psychology(all)