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Adolescent Measure of Empathy and Sympathy
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About Adolescent Measure of Empathy and Sympathy
Scale Name
Adolescent Measure of Empathy and Sympathy
Author Details
Helen G.M. Vossen, Jessica Taylor Piotrowski, and Patti M. Valkenburg
Translation Availability
English
Background/Description
The Adolescent Measure of Empathy and Sympathy (AMES) is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess empathy and sympathy among adolescents aged 10 to 15 years. Empathy, a multifaceted construct, encompasses both affective and cognitive components. Affective empathy refers to the capacity to share or experience another person’s emotions, while cognitive empathy involves understanding another’s emotional state without necessarily sharing those feelings. Sympathy, although related, is distinct from empathy; it pertains to feelings of concern or sorrow for another’s distress, coupled with a desire to alleviate their suffering.
The AMES was developed to address the need for a measurement tool that differentiates between these constructs and balances the emphasis on affective and cognitive empathy. The instrument consists of 12 items, divided equally among three subscales: affective empathy, cognitive empathy, and sympathy. Each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from “never” to “always.” This structure allows for a comprehensive assessment of an adolescent’s empathetic and sympathetic dispositions.
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
- Obtain a Copy: Access the AMES questionnaire through the official website of Utrecht University or relevant academic publications.
- Explain the Purpose: Inform the adolescent that the questionnaire aims to understand their feelings and thoughts regarding others’ emotions.
- Provide Instructions: Clarify that they should respond to each statement based on their typical reactions, selecting the option that best represents their usual behavior.
- Approximate Time: The questionnaire typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
- Administer the Scale: Ensure a comfortable environment free from distractions, and encourage honest and thoughtful responses.
Reliability and Validity
The AMES has demonstrated robust psychometric properties. In the initial validation study involving 499 adolescents, the scale exhibited good internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.85 for affective empathy, 0.83 for cognitive empathy, and 0.76 for sympathy. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the three-factor structure, indicating that the scale effectively differentiates between affective empathy, cognitive empathy, and sympathy. Furthermore, the AMES has shown strong test-retest reliability and convergent validity, correlating appropriately with related constructs.
Available Versions
12-Items
Reference
Vossen, H. G., Piotrowski, J. T., & Valkenburg, P. M. (2015). Development of the adolescent measure of empathy and sympathy (AMES). Personality and individual Differences, 74, 66-71.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is the AMES suitable for?
The AMES is designed for adolescents aged 10 to 15 years.
How is the AMES scored?
Each of the 12 items is rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Scores for each subscale (affective empathy, cognitive empathy, and sympathy) are calculated by summing the responses corresponding to that subscale.
Can the AMES be used in different cultural contexts?
While the AMES has been validated in certain populations, it’s essential to consider cultural nuances when interpreting the results. Researchers are encouraged to validate the scale within their specific cultural context.
Is the AMES freely available for use?
Yes, the AMES is available for academic and research purposes. Researchers should cite the original publication when utilizing the scale.
How long does it take to complete the AMES?
The questionnaire typically requires 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
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