Title

Dataset for Study: Reliability of the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale in health sciences students

Authors

David B. Gillette, University of the PacificFollow
Todd E. Davenport, University of the PacificFollow
J. Mark VanNess, University of the PacificFollow
Rupa Balachandran, University of the PacificFollow
Edward L. Rogan, University of the PacificFollow
Deepti Vyas, University of the PacificFollow
Suzanne M. Galal, University of the PacificFollow
Tracey DelNero, University of the PacificFollow
Paul Subar, University of the Pacific
Elisa Chavez, University of the Pacific

Document Type

Dataset

Publication Date

9-2021

Keywords

Empathy, Psychometrics, Reproducibility of Results, Students, Health Occupations

Abstract

Background: Empathy is the ability to understand and identify with another person’s feelings and is important in student development.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess reliability of the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale (KCES)[1] and its subscales in health professions students.

Methods: Students in six programs received two administrations. Surveys were matched and deidentified before analysis. Total and subscale homogeneity was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Association between subscale and total scores was assessed using Pearson correlation. Total and subscale reliability was determined using two-way intraclass correlation coefficients. Minimum detectable change (MDC₉₅)[2] was calculated.

Results: Two hundred three students were included. Total score demonstrated good internal consistency reliability. Both subscales demonstrated fair internal consistency reliability. Subscales demonstrated significant and strong correlations with the total, but significant and fair correlations with each other. Total and subscale scores demonstrated moderate test-retest reliability. MDC₉₅ were 12.8 (total), 8.4 (cognitive), and 6.5 (affective).

Conclusion: The KCES and subscales demonstrate sufficient test-retest and internal consistency reliability. The subscales demonstrate convergent and divergent validity. Responsiveness data may be used to assess changes. The KCES is appropriate to measure health professions students’ empathy.

[1] KCES is the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale

[2] MDC₉₅ is Minimum Detectable Change with 95% confidence

Comments

IRB: 18-165

Recommended Citation

Gillette, David B.; Davenport, Todd E.; VanNess, J. Mark; Balachandran, Rupa; Rogan, Edward L.; Vyas, Deepti; Galal, Suzanne M.; DelNero, Tracey; Subar, Paul; and Chavez, Elisa, "Dataset for Study: Reliability of the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale in health sciences students" (2021). Physical Therapy Faculty & Staff Datasets. 1.
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/pt-data/1