A Questionnaire Assessment of the Contributing Factors to Empathy

Abstract

The present study addressed the contributing factors to empathy and the magnitude of influence among the selected factors. The main factors of interest were age, sex, personality, experience, and a desire to be empathic. Results showed that each factor influenced reports of empathy, and factors were ranked according to their strength of influence. A desire to be empathic was most related to reports of empathy. The present findings help extend our understanding of the key factors that predict empathic behaviors.