Self-Report Measure

Overview

What it measures: Perspective-taking (cognitive ability to adopt others' viewpoints) and empathic concern (emotional response to others' distress). Core components of empathy and social-emotional skills.

Source: Davis, M. H. (1983). Measuring individual differences in empathy: Evidence for a multidimensional approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44(1), 113-126.

When to use: Pre/post assessment in courses emphasizing collaboration, intercultural competence, ethical reasoning, or stakeholder analysis. Particularly relevant for management education, service learning, and diversity/equity initiatives.

Completion time: 3-4 minutes

Items & Response Scale

Instructions to participants:

Please indicate how well each statement describes you.

Response scale: 1 = Does not describe me well … 5 = Describes me very well

Perspective-Taking Items (1-5 scale)

1. I sometimes try to understand my friends better by imagining how things look from their perspective.
2. When I'm upset at someone, I usually try to "put myself in their shoes" for a while.
3. I believe that there are two sides to every question and try to look at them both.
4. Before criticizing somebody, I try to imagine how I would feel if I were in their place.
5. I try to look at everybody's side of a disagreement before I make a decision.
6. I sometimes find it difficult to see things from the "other person's" point of view. (reverse-scored)
7. When I see someone being taken advantage of, I feel kind of protective toward them.

Empathic Concern Items (1-5 scale)