Revisiting the Multidimensional Structure of Empathy: Psychometric Evaluation of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index in a Non-Western Context
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57125/FS.2026.06.20.08Keywords:
Empathy, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Psychometric validation, Emotional intelligence, Aggression.Abstract
This study aimed to adapt the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) into Azerbaijani and to evaluate its psychometric properties within a non-Western cultural context, specifically Azerbaijan. A sample of 398 participants completed the IRI along with measures of emotional intelligence, aggression, and self-esteem. Exploratory factor analysis provided initial support for the multidimensional structure of empathy. Internal consistency analyses demonstrated acceptable reliability across the final subscales, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranging from .62 to .73. However, confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the original model did not fully meet conventional fit criteria. Following item-level refinement, the final model demonstrated a substantially improved fit (CFI = .966, TLI = .961, RMSEA = .068), supporting the structural validity of the four-factor solution. Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses further confirmed adequate item discrimination across subscales, indicating that the instrument effectively differentiates among individuals at different levels of the latent trait. Correlational findings provided partial support for the nomological network of empathy, with expected associations observed between emotional intelligence and aggression, whereas the relationship with self-esteem revealed a more complex pattern, particularly for the affective components of empathy. Measurement invariance analyses supported configural invariance but failed to establish metric and scalar invariance across gender, suggesting potential group differences in item functioning. Overall, the findings support the reliability and validity of the Azerbaijani version of the IRI and highlight the role of cultural context in shaping the structure and functioning of empathy. This study contributes to cross-cultural psychometric research by demonstrating that while the multidimensional nature of empathy is largely preserved, item-level performance may require cultural adaptation.
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