Psychometric features of turkish version of empathy quotient in university students

Object: Aim of this study was to study reliability and preliminary validity of the Turkish version of Empathy Quotient (EQ) that was developed by Baron-Cohen and his collagues in the context of their influential Empathizing-Systemizing theory. EQ is a self-rated instrument that includes 40 questions tapping empathy and 20 filler items. EQ has also a 22-item short version that was based on results of a factor analysis. Another aim was to investigate the reliability of the EQ assessed by close friends of the subject. Method: The EQ was administered to 475 university students. For reliability analyses of the scale Cronbach alpha values was calculated and Split-half method was used. Reliability analysis was also done for the 22 questions that were included in the short form of the scale. Also an item analysis of the scale was conducted. Test-retest reliability was assessed by readministering the scale to 76 students in two weeks time. For 75 students, EQ assesment that was done by their very close friend was also administered. The effect of gender on self and other rated scale was also studied. Results: Cronbach alpha value for the scale was high (0.845). Short form of the scale and the EQ assesed by another person also showed significant internal consistency. Split-half Guttman coefficient for the scale was 0.78. Cronbach alpha coefficient for the first half of the scale was 0.75 and for the second part was 0.74. Test-retest reliability of the scale was satisfactory (0.76). Test- retest relaibility was also satisfactory for 22 questions of the short form. There was a significant correlation between self and other assessed EQ (r=0.49, p<0.0001). Female students scored higher in both self and other assessed EQ. Discussion: These results suggest that the Turkish version of the EQ is a reliable instrument that can be used to measure empathic skills. Results of this study support the notion of more developed empathic abilities in females. Originally, this study also showed that females are were empathic not only according to themselves but also to the others. Future work that will use the scale in neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by