Adaptation of the Basic Empathy Scale among a Portuguese sample of incarcerated juvenile offenders

Abstract

The main aim of the present study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Basic Empathy Scale (BES) and of its adapted short version among a forensic sample of incarcerated male juvenile offenders (N = 221). The Portuguese validations of the BES and its adapted short version demonstrated good psychometric properties, namely in terms of the two-factor structure, internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and concurrent validity that generally justifies its use among this population. Statistically significant associations were found with callous–unemotional traits and social anxiety. Findings are discussed in terms of the use of the BES and its adapted short version with juvenile offenders.

Keywords:

• assessment
• empathy
• Basic Empathy Scale
• juvenile delinquency
• validation

Acknowledgments

We wish to thank the following Portuguese juvenile detention centers for their collaboration: Bela Vista, Mondego, Navarro de Paiva, Olivais, Padre António Oliveira, Santo António, Santa Clara, Prisão-Escola de Leiria.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) with co-financing of the European Social Fund – POPH/FSE [grant number SFRH/BPD/86666/2012].