Interpersonal Reactivity Index

What it measures

The most widely used multidimensional empathy measure, distinguishing cognitive empathy (Perspective Taking), affective empathy (Empathic Concern, Personal Distress), and imaginative empathy (Fantasy). Subscales can be used independently.

Response format

Likert (0–4, does not describe me well to describes me very well)

Representative items

• I try to look at everybody's side of a disagreement before making a decision. (Perspective Taking)
• I find it difficult to see things from the 'other guy's' point of view. (R, PT)
• I often have tender, concerned feelings for people less fortunate than me. (Empathic Concern)
• When I see someone being taken advantage of, I feel kind of protective. (Empathic Concern)
• In emergency situations, I feel apprehensive and ill-at-ease. (Personal Distress)

Usage notes & scoring

(R)=reverse-scored. Freely available from Mark Davis. Perspective Taking and Empathic Concern are most commonly used. Widely employed in prosocial behaviour, aggression, and clinical research.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Davis, M.H. (1983). Measuring individual differences in empathy: Evidence for a multidimensional approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44(1), 113–126.

Keywords