Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)

Davis, M. H. (1980). A multidimensional approach to individual differences in empathy. JSAS Catalog of Selected Documents in Psychology, 1980, 10, 85.

Davis, M. H. (1983). Measuring individual differences in empathy: Evidence for a multidimensional approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44(1), 113-126. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.44.1.113

The measure: Davis (1980) IRI.doc

	Table of Contents
	Description
	History of Use
	References

Description:

Purpose		The IRI was designed to assess empathy, which was defined as "the reactions of one individual to the observed experiences of another."
Questions		28 items using 5-point scales (A = does not describe me well to E = describes me very well)
Sub-scales		4 sub-scales, each with 7 items: Fantasy assesses the extent to which individuals identify with fictional characters. Perspective-taking assesses the extent to which individuals spontaneously (try to) adopt others' points of view. Empathetic concern assesses the extent of individuals' "feelings of warmth, compassion, and concern for others." Personal distress assesses the extent of individuals "feelings of anxiety and discomfort" as a result of "another's negative experience."
Domain
Psychometrics
Sample items		When I am reading an interesting story or novel, I imagine how I would feel if the events in the story were happening to me. (Fantasy) Before criticizing somebody, I try to imagine how I would feel if I were in their place. (Perspective-taking) When I see someone being taken advantage of, I feel kind of protective towards them. (Empathetic concern) When I see someone who badly needs help in an emergency, I go to pieces. (Personal distress)

References:

Scale:

Davis, M. H. (1980). A multidimensional approach to individual differences in empathy. JSAS Catalog of Selected Documents in Psychology, 1980, 10, 85.

Davis, M. H. (1983). Measuring individual differences in empathy: Evidence for a multidimensional approach. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44(1), 113-126. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.44.1.113

Selected Uses:

Ungler, L. S., & Thumuluri, L. K. (1997). Trait empathy and continuous helping: the case of voluntarism. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 12(2), 785-800.

Richardson, D. R., Green, L. R., & Lago, T. (1998). The relationship between perspective-taking and nonaggressive responding in the face of an attack. Journal of Personality, 66(2), 235-256. doi: 10.1111/1467-6494.00011

Galinsky, A. D., Wang, C. S., & Gillian, K. (2008). Perspective-takers behave more stereotypically. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(2), 404-419. doi: 10.1037/0022-3514.95.2.404

Menck, J., & May, D. R. (2009). The effects of proximity and empathy on ethical decision-making: an exploratory investigation. Journal of Business Ethics, 85(2), 201-226. doi: 10.1007/s10551-008-9765-5

Larson, M. J., Fair, J. E., Good, D. A., & Baldwin, S. A. (2010). Empathy and error processing. Psychophysiology, 47(3), 415-424. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8986.2009.00949.x

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