Psychometric analysis of the empathy quotient (EQ) scale

The psychometric properties of the empathy quotient (EQ) measured by Baron-Cohen (2003) are examined. In particular, confirmatory factor analyses comparing a unifactorial structure and a three correlated factor structure suggest that the three factor structure proposed by Lawrence et al. (2004) is a better fit. Exploratory analysis using modification indices suggests that it might be possible to measure the three factors of empathy; cognitive empathy, emotional reactivity and social skills with three five item scales. The problems of self-report measures are discussed as are the problems posed by the pattern of sex differences on these three factors. Finally some links are suggested between the work on EQ and previous work on emotional intelligence.