Human-animal interaction and One Health: establishment and validation of the Brazilian version of the Animal Empathy Scale

Abstract

Objective: To design and validate a Brazilian version of the Animal Empathy Scale, based on the existing Portuguese version. Methods: Content validity assessment was performed by expert judges, and the adapted scale was administered to a sample of 386 participants. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. Results: The bifactorial profile of the scale remained consistent, comprising Empathic Concern for Animals (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients: 0.75) and Emotional Attachment with Animals (Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega coefficients: 0.79). Considering the One Health framework, collaborative, multidisciplinary, and intersectoral approaches are essential for achieving optimal health conditions for people, animals, and the environment given their intricate interconnections. Empathy plays a crucial role in promoting proximity between humans and animals, fostering positive connections that encourage biodiversity conservation. Conclusion: The 13 statements were retained, confirming the validity of the animal empathy scale for use in Brazil, and a Brazilian version of the Animal Empathy Scale was established.

Keywords

• Empathy
• Animals
• Human-animal interaction
• One health
• Factor analysis
• statistical
• Surveys and questionnaires