Measure scales of Empathizing/Systemizing Quotient: A validation test for the Portuguese population

Abstract

The empathizing – systemizing theory, developed by Baron­?Cohen (2002), assumes the existence of two main cognitive styles, one more characteristic of female gender (with greater capacity to empathize), and the other more characteristic of male gender (with greater capacity to systemize). To assess these concepts, Baron­?Cohen and his colleagues (2003) developed the Empathy Quotient (EQ) and Systemizing Quotient (SQ) scales. This study central aim was to validate the short version of the EQ scale (developed by Wakabayashi et al., 2006) for the Portuguese population, using a sample of 506 participants. It was carried out an exploratory factor analysis EQ scale, and there was found four factors in the EQ scale, which were denominated by 1) Cognitive empathy; 2) Emotional reactivity; 3) Social skills; and 4) Empathic difficulties.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17575/rpsicol.v25i1.280