Bengali Adaptation of Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) in Young Adults: The B-IRI

Abstract

Assessing trait empathy and its association with different psychological variables has been a major area of emphasis in cognitive neuropsychology and social psychology research (e.g., Chakrabarti et al., 2009; Singer & Lamm, 2009). Out of all the tools available for measurement of empathy, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI, Davis, 1983) has been one of the most comprehensive, psychometrically sound tools for measuring the cognitive and emotional domains of empathy of young adults. Although it has been a widely used psychological tool across the world, cultural and linguistic adaptations would give it more powerful applicability of the test in a specific culture. So, the aim of the study was to adapt the original Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)(Davis,1983) in Bengali. Psychometric properties, such as, validity and reliability of the tool were evaluated through applying the test on 200 undergraduate college students (100 males and females for each group; between 19 -21 years of age; from five stratified areas of the city of Kolkata). The adapted test showed high degree of correlation with its original English version. It also showed adequate temporal stability and internal consistency. Thus, the study presents a valid and reliable instrument for measuring empathy in Bengali-speaking communitywhich would aid in empathy research.