Development of a short scale to measure empathy (SPF-K)

Empathy is currently understood as a multidimensional construct consisting of affective and cognitive components. However, the concept of empathy repeatedly raises questions in two areas: Firstly, the PD scale is often criticized. Secondly, the question remains open as to whether FS should theoretically be treated more as an affective or a cognitive component. Based on a sample of n = 7,668 subjects, we carried out model fit tests using structural equation modeling for the German questionnaire (SPF) and found that the reduction from 16 items to only 2 per factor EC or PT is well suited for a quick empathy screening.