Psychometric properties of Lithuanian versions of empathy questionnaires for children

The aim of this study was to investigate the factorial validity, reliability, and measurement invariance across sex of the Lithuanian versions of the Empathy Questionnaire for Children (EmQue) and Empathy Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (EmQue-CA). Parents provided information regarding their children's empathy (N= 480). Two age groups were investigated: 2-6-year-olds (n= 218, 52.3% girls) and 7-12-year-olds (n= 262, 51.9% girls). A confirmatory factor analysis supported a three-factor model of empathy in each age group. Both questionnaires showed sufficient internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Measurement invariance (configural, metric, and scalar) was established across children's sex. In sum, our findings support the application of distinct versions of the empathy questionnaires for early and middle childhood and justify the developmental schema of empathy.

Automated summary

This study examined the Lithuanian versions of the Empathy Questionnaire for Children (EmQue) and Empathy Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (EmQue-CA), finding support for their factorial validity, reliability, and measurement invariance across genders. The questionnaires showed consistent performance for early and middle childhood, with no gender differences detected in empathy levels.