Assessing physician empathy using the interpersonal reactivity index: A measurement model and cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Abstract We sought to improve measurement of the constructs of sympathy and empathy using samples of 114 physicians and 95 college undergraduates. Separately by group, a structural model was developed for the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)-putatively a four-factor questionnaire measure of sympathy and empathy. A five-factor model emerged for both physicians and undergraduates, that explained 82% and 76% of the common variance, respectively. Four factors (fantasy, perspective-taking, empathic concern, and personal distress) suggested in prior research were identified. A fifth factor—‘involvement’—ranged from detachment to absorption. All five sub-scales had acceptable central tendency, dispersion, and reliability characteristics for both samples. Cross-sectional analyses revealed that physicians are less involved and distressed than undergraduates. Correlational analyses predicting androgyny scores using the IRI subscales revealed good convergent and discriminant validity. These data suggest that the IRI may be used with physicians and undergraduates as a more refined measure of the constructs of sympathy and empathy than has been possible previously.