Measuring empathy in couples: validity and reliability of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index for couples.
This article includes three studies aimed at adapting the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Davis, 1980), a measure of general cognitive and emotional empathy, to assess empathy expressed within a romantic relationship. We examined the factorial structure of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index for Couples (IRIC). Results supported the use of the 2-factor measure (Dyadic Perspective Taking and Dyadic Empathic Concern) in 3 independent samples (individuals in heterosexual relationships, individuals in same-sex relationships, and partners of heterosexual couples). The IRIC also demonstrated good convergent, discriminant, concurrent, predictive, and incremental validity as well as adequate internal consistency and stability over 18 months.
School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 6N5. kpelo018@uottawa.ca
Katherine
K
Péloquin
Marie-France
MF
Lafontaine
D000328:Adult; D004645:Empathy; D005260:Female; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000523:psychology; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000592:standards; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult