Comparative analysis and validation of the Portuguese version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index

Abstract

Introduction: Empathy has received greater attention in research with the creation of an Interpersonal Reactivity Index, designed to measure this factor through a multidimensional approach. The Interpersonal Reactivity Index is assessed using a 28-item self-reported questionnaire with four seven-item scales. The index and the questionnaire have been translated into many languages, namely Portuguese. Objective: The present study aims to develop, translate and validate the Interpersonal Reactivity Index for the Portuguese language. Moreover, it compares the original four-factor model with several modified models in the literature. Methods: A sample (n=275) was analysed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The original model was contrasted with modified models, reporting internal consistency statistics and their fit indices. The same structure was found in the sample with good fit indices. Results: The internal reliability of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index was not excellent (<0.90), but it is in line with the literature. Conclusions: The comparison with other modified versions of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index’s latent factor structure revealed two models with better fits than the original version, and the potential for a shortened version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index. The latter is a valid instrument to measure empathy in the Portuguese population, in line with previous findings, namely with a previous validation into Portuguese. However, some changes to the original latent structure provide a better data fit than the original one.

Keywords

• Interpersonal Reactivity Index
• Empathy
• Validation
• Portuguese
• Confirmatory Factor Analysis