Empathy Quotient (EQ)
Self-report questionnaire with 60 items
Suitable for adults
English questionnaire
License fee: € 0,37 per completion
For whom is the Empathy Quotient intended?
This self-report questionnaire is suitable for adults.
What does the EQ measure?
The EQ has been developed to measure empathy among adults with average IQ levels. Empathy is defined as the ability to understand others’ intentions, predict behaviour, and experience an emotion triggered by their emotion. In short, the ability to interact effectively in the social world.
What does the EQ questionnaire consist of?
The questionnaire contains 40 empathy items and 20 filler/control items. The questions contain four answer options varied from ‘definitely agree’ to ‘definitely disagree’, and mirrored items.
How does the EQ scoring work?
Scores are calculated by adding up items. Higher scores indicate higher empathy level. Scores can range between 0-80.
Research has shown that 80% of the adults with AS/HFA diagnosis score lower than 30 on the EQ. Generally, women score higher than men on the EQ. The EQ is negatively correlated to the AQ.
Source of the questionnaire
Baron-Cohen, S. & Wheelwright, S. (2004). The Empathy Quotient: An investigation of Adults with Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism, and Normal Sex Differences. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Vol. 34, No. 2, April 2004, 163-175.
© SBC/SJW Feb 1998
