Measurement properties and confirmatory factor analysis of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy in Italian medical students.

Perspect Med Educ

Clinical Psychology and Psycho-Oncology Unit, 'Rita Levi Montalcini' Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, 15, Via Cherasco, 10126, Turin, Italy.

Published: December 2014

Medical educators agree that empathy is essential for physicians' professionalism and most studies on the patient-physician relationship demonstrate that this attitude has a key role in improving clinical outcomes. Literature findings show conflicting views in defining and measuring empathy. Nevertheless, the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) is a psychometric tool now widely used. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine psychometrics and confirm factor structure of the Italian version of the JSE in Italian medical students (JSE S-Version). During 2012, 257 second-year Italian medical students completed the JSE S-Version. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test the factor structure. The Italian JSE S-Version showed an acceptable internal consistency (r = 0.76) and test-retest reliability (r = 0.72). Confirmatory factor analysis found that the factor structure proposed by the developers of the tool provides an acceptable data fit. In this sample, female medical students showed a higher mean empathy score than did males. The present study provides evidence confirming the structural validity and reliability for the Italian JSE S-Version. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to explore cross-cultural differences and their implications.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4263786PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40037-014-0137-9DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

medical students
16
jse s-version
16
confirmatory factor
12
factor analysis
12
italian medical
12
factor structure
12
jefferson scale
8
scale empathy
8
structure italian
8
internal consistency
8

Similar Publications

Teaching death, spirituality, and palliative care to university students: Novel pedagogical approach.

Palliat Support Care

January 2025

Department of Theology and Religious Education, College of Liberal Arts, Manila, Philippines.

Teaching death, spirituality, and palliative care equips students with critical skills and perspectives for holistic patient care. This interdisciplinary approach fosters empathy, resilience, and personal growth while enhancing competence in end-of-life care. Using experiential methods like simulations and real patient interactions, educators bridge theory and practice.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: The main objectives were to investigate the prevalence of ED and associated risk factors among medical students in Romania, as well as to determine which variables may predict ED and to explore the differences between medical students and the general population.

Methods: The Eating Disorders Inventory questionnaire (EDI-3) was applied. Also, the body mass index of the students was calculated, socio-demographic information regarding personal and family medical history was collected (mental and chronic diseases, self-reported sleep difficulties in the past 6 months, family history of obesity) and potentially risky events (history of ridicule, major negative events, social pressure to be thin from family, friends, media).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Large language models (LLMs) have demonstrated impressive performance on medical licensing and diagnosis-related exams. However, comparative evaluations to optimize LLM performance and ability in the domain of comprehensive medication management (CMM) are lacking. The purpose of this evaluation was to test various LLMs performance optimization strategies and performance on critical care pharmacotherapy questions used in the assessment of Doctor of Pharmacy students.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: University graduates are leaders, great human resources, and responsible for the economic and social development of every country. The present study aimed at evaluating the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between stress and effort-reward imbalance (E.R.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Clinical education is an essential part of medical science education in the operating room, and considering its high importance, it is necessary to identify challenges in this regard. The study aims to explain the perception of students and professors regarding the challenges and strategies for improving education in the operating room. The context of this study was the Khomein School of Medical Sciences.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!