ABSTRACT
Aim: This study aims to identify different levels of empathy and emotional regulation along adolescent years and their relationship with cooperative behavior. Methods: Eighty healthy males were divided into four age groups: 20 Early Adolescents, 20 Middle Adolescents, 20 Late Adolescents and 20 Adults. Participants responded to empathic and emotional regulation scales, then were assigned to an unknown partner to perform the prisoner's dilemma paradigm. Results: The statistical analyses allowed to distinguish the groups on the basis of the components making up the two scales: scores on the Perspective Taking component were higher for Adults and Late Adolescents participants than for Middle Adolescents and Early Adolescents groups (p < 0.05); scores on the Personal Distress component were higher for Early Adolescents group than for Late Adolescents and Middle Adolescents groups (p < 0.05); scores on the Difficulties engaging in goal directed behavior component were higher for Middle Adolescents and Early Adolescents groups than for Adults group (p < 0.05). We observed differences between groups (p < 0.001) with higher number of cooperation responses in Adults compared to Middle Adolescents (p < 0.05) and Early Adolescents groups (p < 0.001). Discussion: These findings suggest that the cooperative behavior changes during the different stages of adolescence seem to be related to the development of empathy and emotional regulation components.
ABSTRACT
La empatía es una habilidad relevante en la conducta humana, ya que permite entender y actuar conforme a los estados emocionales de los demás. La empatía puede ser evaluada a través de medidas de auto informe como el Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Objetivo: El presente estudio tuvo como propósito analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del IRI (Pérez-Albéniz, de Paúl, Etxeberría, Paz, & Torres, 2003) en universitarios, para su adaptación al contexto mexicano. Material y Método: El IRI se aplicó a 729 estudiantes de pregrado de diversas facultades de la Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla. Resultados: Los resultados indican que la adaptación del IRI muestra una adecuada consistencia interna (α=.81), y el análisis confirmatorio corroboró la estructura teórica de cuatro factores, similar a la adaptación española y la versión original. Asimismo, se presentaron diferencias de género en las cuatro dimensiones. Conclusión: El estudio proporciona una adecuada consistencia interna del IRI para ser utilizado en población mexicana con características similares a los de esta investigación. Sin embargo, se sugiere corroborar su validez externa y ampliar la muestra en otras zonas del país para generalizar su adaptación en todo el territorio mexicano
Empathy is a relevant skill in human behavior, since it allows us to understand and act according to the emotional states of others. Empathy can be evaluated through self-report measures such as the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the IRI (Pérez-Albéniz, de Paúl, Etxeberría, Paz, & Torres, 2003) in university students, for their adaptation to the Mexican context. Material and Method: The IRI was applied to 729 undergraduate students of various faculties of the Benemérita Autonomous University of Puebla. Results: The results indicate that the IRI adaptation shows an adequate internal consistency (α = .81), and the confirmatory analysis corroborated the theoretical structure of four factors, similar to the Spanish adaptation and the original version. Likewise, there were gender differences in the four dimensions. Conclusion: The study provides an adequate internal consistency of the IRI to be used in the Mexican population with characteristics similar to those of this research. However, it is suggested to corroborate its external validity and expand the sample in other areas of the country to generalize its adaptation throughout the Mexican territory
