A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Interpersonal and Social Empathy Index

Abstract

The principal purpose of this research was to gather evidence regarding the validity of scores on a multidimensional measure of empathy, the Interpersonal and Social Empathy Index (ISEI). A secondary purpose was to estimate the correlations between factors underlying scores on a measure of interpersonal empathy and scores on a measure of social empathy. An exploratory factor analysis was performed on half of the sample (n = 214) to establish the underlying factor structure. The 32-item measure yielded a 4-factor, 15-item solution. The other half of the sample (n = 236) underwent a confirmatory factor analysis to examine the subsample’s psychometric properties by comparing 3 hypothesized measurement models, and correlations between factors. A correlated 4-factor model demonstrated the best fit of all models, χ2 (84, N = 236) = 162.59, p < .001; CFI = .96; WRMR = .78; RMSEA = .06. This model suggests that key elements of interpersonal empathy are related to macro perspective-taking, which is a key component of social empathy. The findings suggest the full spectrum of social empathy includes elements of interpersonal empathy; however, additional research is needed to assess the extent of that relationship.