Introduction
The Empathy Quotient (EQ) is an assessment tool created to measure empathy levels in adults. Developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and his team at the Autism Research Centre at the University of Cambridge, the EQ consists of a questionnaire with two versions: one containing 60 items (presented below) and a shorter form with 40 items. This test is designed to gauge the empathetic capabilities of individuals, which involve recognizing and responding appropriately to the emotions of others.
The primary application of the EQ is in clinical settings, where mental health professionals use it to evaluate social impairments associated with various disorders, notably Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The ability to measure empathy accurately is vital for understanding the extent of social challenges that individuals with ASD and similar conditions might face. By assessing empathy levels, clinicians can better tailor interventions and support strategies that address specific needs related to emotional recognition and social interaction.
Beyond its clinical uses, the EQ also serves a broader purpose by measuring temperamental empathy among the general population. Empathy varies widely among individuals, not only those diagnosed with mental health conditions but also among those without any such diagnoses. This variation makes the EQ a valuable tool for researchers studying emotional and social functioning in diverse populations, as well as for individuals interested in understanding their own empathetic tendencies.
The Empathy Quotient represents a significant contribution to the field of psychological assessment, offering a detailed measure of empathy that is applicable in both clinical and non-clinical environments. Its development by a renowned research group adds to its credibility and reliability, making it a respected test in both academic research and practical applications in mental health. The EQ not only facilitates a better understanding of empathy-related deficiencies in clinical populations but also enriches our understanding of social cognition and emotional interaction in the wider community.
Instructions
Below is a list of statements. Please read each statement carefully and rate how strongly you agree or disagree with it by selecting the circle under your answer. There are no right or wrong answers, or trick questions.
Scoring and result metrics
The result page reports a local screening score for this questionnaire. Use the score range, any subscale scores, and the interpretation band together rather than treating one number as a diagnosis.
- Score range
- 0-80
- Items scored
- 60
- Result indicators
- Total score / Interpretation band when available
Score interpretation bands
- 0-30Lower empathy range
Scores of 30 or less indicate a lack of empathy common in people with Autism or Asperger's Syndrome.
- 31-80Higher empathy range
Scores above 30 are generally not indicative of an Autism Spectrum disorder.
Interpretation bands summarize screening thresholds from the questionnaire source material. Higher scores usually indicate more of the measured concern unless the tool notes a different scoring rule.
Sources
- Simon Baron-Cohen, Sally Wheelwright. The empathy quotient: an investigation of adults with Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism, and normal sex differences. 34(2): J Autism Dev Disord 163-75 (2004).
- VL Ruggieri. Empathy, Social Cognition And Autism Spectrum Disorders. 56 Suppl 1: Rev Neurol 13-21. 2013.
- E Sucksmith, C Allison, S Baron-Cohen, B Chakrabarti, RA Hoekstra. Empathy and emotion recognition in people with autism, first-degree relatives, and controls. 51(1): Neuropsychologia 98-105 (2012).
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