3.4.2 Self-QUIZ: Test Your Empathy

Test Your Empathy

Read these statements, marking the ones with which you agree. Total up your check marks and interpret your score below.

Perspective-Taking

Before I criticize a person, I try to imagine how I would view the situation in his or her place.
I believe there are two sides to every question, and I try to look at both sides.
I find it easy to see things from another person’s point of view.
I try to look at everybody’s side of a disagreement before I make a decision.
When I am upset with someone, I usually try to put myself in his or her “shoes” for a while.

Conscientiousness

When I see a person being taken advantage of, I feel protective toward him or her.
I often have tender, concerned feelings for people who seem less fortunate than I.
I would describe myself as a pretty softhearted person.
Other people’s misfortunes disturb me a great deal.
I am often touched by the things that I see happen to people around me.


Note: This Self-Quiz is adapted from Stiff et al. (1988).