Measuring Empathy in Couples: Validity and Reliability of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index for Couples
Abstract
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.
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- Authors
- Péloquin, K., & Lafontaine, M.-F.
- Affiliations
- University of Ottawa (CA)
- Venue
- Journal of Personality Assessment
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2010-02-10
- Volume
- 92
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 146-157
- ISSN
- 0022-3891 (ISSN-L)
- 1532-7752
- OpenAlex
- W2028867409
- Cited by
- 139
- References
- 67
- Citations by year
- 2026: 10 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 15 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 9 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 14 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 8 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 6
- FWCI
- 3.48
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Personality Assessment (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Attachment and Relationship Dynamics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Empathy and Medical Education
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Traits and Psychology
- Keywords
- empathy, couples, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, empathic concern, romantic relationships, same-sex relationships, heterosexual couples, scale adaptation, factor structure, validity, reliability statistics
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Empathy, Female, Homosexuality, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Male, Personality Inventory, Time Factors, Reproducibility of Results, Spouses, Heterosexuality, Young Adult
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