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Interpersonal Reactivity Index
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About Interpersonal Reactivity Index
Scale Name
Interpersonal Reactivity Index
Author Details
Davis, M. H.
Translation Availability
Dutch
Background/Description
The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) is a multidimensional scale designed to assess empathy by measuring different aspects of interpersonal reactivity. Empathy is a vital component of human interaction and emotional intelligence, allowing individuals to understand and share the feelings of others. The IRI, developed by Mark H. Davis, breaks empathy into four distinct dimensions, recognizing that empathy is not a singular construct but encompasses multiple related processes.
The IRI is widely used in psychological research to understand how individuals respond to the emotions of others and their ability to take different perspectives. It provides a comprehensive picture of both emotional and cognitive empathy, making it an essential tool in understanding human social interactions, therapeutic settings, and emotional intelligence.
The Dutch version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index was used to measure empathic tendencies ([IRI]; Davis, 1983). This self-report questionnaire consists of four subscales. Each subscale includes seven items that can be answered on a 5-point scale ranging from does not describe me well to describes me very well. The first subscale, Empathic Concern, measures the tendency to experience feelings of concern, compassion and warmth for other people (e.g., I often have tender, concerned feelings for people less fortunate than me; α= .70). The second subscale, Perspective Taking, assesses the tendency to adopt the viewpoint of other people in everyday life (e.g., I sometimes try to understand my friends better by imagining how things look from their perspective; α= .69).
The third subscale, Fantasy, focuses on the tendency to transpose oneself into the actions and feelings of fictive characters (e.g., I really get involved with the feelings of the characters in a novel; α= .82). The final subscale, Personal Distress, measures one’s feelings of discomfort in reaction to other people’s emotions (e.g., Being in a tense emotional situation scares me; α= .70). The psychometric properties of the IRI and the separate subscales are assessed. Firstly, the four subscales have sufficient test-retest reliabilities (varying from .62 to .71) and internal reliabilities (reaching from .71 to .77; Davis, 1980). Furthermore, the overall construct validity and the internal consistency of the total IRI are satisfactory (De Corte et al., 2007).
Administration, Scoring and Interpretation
The IRI consists of 28 items divided into four subscales, with each subscale containing 7 items. Respondents rate each item on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from “Does not describe me well” (0) to “Describes me very well” (4).
Reliability and Validity
The Interpersonal Reactivity Index has demonstrated strong psychometric properties, including high internal consistency for the four subscales. The IRI has been validated in diverse populations and is considered a reliable tool for assessing empathy. Its multidimensional approach ensures that both cognitive and emotional components of empathy are captured.
Available Versions
28-Items
Reference
Davis, M. H. (1980). A multidimensional approach to individual differences in empathy. JSAS Catalog of Selected Documents in Psychology.
Important Link
Scale File:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) measure?
The IRI measures empathy through four distinct dimensions: Perspective Taking, Fantasy, Empathic Concern, and Personal Distress.
Who can benefit from using the IRI?
Researchers, clinicians, educators, and counselors can use the IRI to assess empathy in both clinical and non-clinical populations.
What is the difference between cognitive and emotional empathy in the IRI?
Cognitive empathy is assessed by the Perspective Taking and Fantasy subscales, while emotional empathy is measured by the Empathic Concern and Personal Distress subscales.
How is the IRI scored?
Each subscale is scored independently, providing insight into different dimensions of empathy without combining them into a total score.
What are some typical uses of the IRI in research or practice?
The IRI is frequently used in research on empathy, social psychology, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal relationships. It is also used in clinical settings to evaluate empathy levels in individuals undergoing therapy.
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