Psychometric properties of the cognitive and affective empathy test in teachers of state educational institutions in La Esperanza

Abstract

The present research was oriented towards determining the Psychometric Properties of the Cognitive and Affective Empathy Test (PPCAT) of López, Fernández and Belén (2008). The sample consisted of 300 teachers from State Educational Institutions in La Esperanza, with an age range between 25 to 65 years, 49% dedicated to primary education and 51% to secondary. Regarding the results, it was observed that the homogeneity indexes of the corrected item-test procedure showed good levels. Besides, it was possible to identify the direct inter-scale correlation from medium to considerable and highly significant degree (p<0,50). Construct validity was established by confirmatory factor analysis, which yielded CFI and GFI indexes with a satisfactory value (≥0,85), and with a mean square error of acceptable approximation (0,05<RMSEA<0,099), evidencing an acceptable adjustment between the estimated model and the theoretical four-factor model proposed by the authors of the test. On the other hand, the cognitive and affective Empathy index shows very good internal consistency (α = 0,87), and regarding its scales, it shows values between 0,60 to 0,7. Finally, differences of sex and age were found for the emotional comprehension scale (EC), for the scales of Adoption of Perspectives (AP) differences in age only, Empathic Joy (EJ), Total scale and only general norms for the empathic Stress scale. (EE). Added to this, typical scores were elaborated and cut points were established with five diagnostic categories.