Psychometric Validation of an Arabic-Language Version of the Pictorial Empathy Test (PET) and the Single-Item Trait Empathy Scale (SITES) in a Tunisian Young Adult Sample.

BACKGROUND

This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of two empathy measures, that is the Pictorial Empathy Test (PET) to assess affective empathic reactions and the Single Item Trait Empathy Scale (SITES) to assess empathy trait.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study carried out during March-May 2024 among 502 general population adults from Tunisia.

RESULTS

The one-factor model of the PET scale showed excellent evidence of fit with good internal consistency (α = 0.86). Invariance across gender at the configural, metric, scalar and strict levels was established. Positive correlations were observed between PET and SITES scores. The SITES scores correlated significantly and positively with psychological distress. Both the SITES and the PET showed no significant correlations with self-esteem scores.

CONCLUSION

While the present validation study leaves further work to be completed, it provides to practitioners and researchers two brief, cost-effective, valid and reliable measures of state (PET) and trait (SITES) empathy in the Arabic language.