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Counter-Empathy Scale: Adapting and developing psychometric properties in Northeast India
Worthemphy Jelly1, Sonali Mukherjee1, Neeraj Panwar1
1Department of Psychology, CHRIST University, Delhi NCR Campus, India.
Acta Psychologica
|July 3, 2026
Summary
This study adapted the Counter-Empathy Scale for adults in Northeast India. Findings reveal a negative correlation between counter-empathy and empathy, suggesting higher counter-empathy is linked to lower empathy.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Empathy is crucial for social connections, but counter-empathy (incongruent emotional responses) also occurs.
- Understanding diverse emotional reactions to others' struggles is vital for social relationship research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt the Counter-Empathy Scale (CES) for adults in Northeast India.
- To investigate the relationship between counter-empathy and empathy in this population.
Main Methods:
- Adapted the CES and used the Cognitive and Affective Empathy Questionnaire (QCAE).
- Administered questionnaires to 382 participants (aged 30-40).
- Analyzed reliability (Cronbach's alpha) and validity (Confirmatory Factor Analysis).
Main Results:
- The adapted CES demonstrated good internal consistency and acceptable model fit.
- Correlation analysis revealed a moderate negative relationship between counter-empathy and empathy.
- Higher levels of counter-empathy were associated with lower levels of empathy.
Conclusions:
- The adapted CES is a reliable and valid measure for assessing counter-empathy in adults in Northeast India.
- Counter-empathy and empathy exhibit an inverse relationship, impacting social interactions.
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