Type of Empathic Style Scale [TESS-35]

Description

The Type of Empathic Style Scale (TESS-35) is a self-report psychometric instrument consisting of 35 statements and based on the theoretical model of Gibbons and colleagues. The scale distinguishes three different empathic styles: Rejecting, Empathic, and Overly Sensitive.

It assesses how individuals respond to social or emotionally charged situations and helps identify their predominant empathic style.

Purpose

The main purpose of the TESS-35 is to differentiate and assess distinct types of empathic behavior, contributing to a better understanding of emotional functioning and personality characteristics.

The scale may be used for research, counseling, and educational purposes.

Dimensions

The TESS-35 includes three main empathic styles:

• Rejecting Style
• Empathic Style
• Overly Sensitive Style

These dimensions reflect different patterns of emotional responsiveness to the needs, feelings, and experiences of other people.

Scoring

Each statement is rated on a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from:

1 = Strongly disagree
to
5 = Strongly agree

The total score ranges from 35 to 175. In addition, separate scores are calculated for the three subscales, and these scores are interpreted according to the corresponding normative distributions in order to determine the predominant empathic style.

Validity

The comparative validity of the TESS was examined through correlations with the Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale (BEES) and the Trait Arousability Scale (TAS).

In the Greek population, the TESS demonstrated satisfactory validity through positive associations with the BEES. Its dimensions were also supported as conceptually and functionally distinct.

Reliability

Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. For the total sample of 791 participants, the coefficient was 0.82.

A similarly high level of reliability was also reported for the Greek sample, supporting the stability of the instrument.

Data Analysis and Use

The pilot study was based on a sample of 791 individuals aged 17 to 65 years.

TESS-35 data may be used to study empathy as a personality characteristic, differentiate psychosocial types, and support applications in psychoeducation, therapy, or occupational assessment.

Applications

The TESS-35 may be applied in psychology, counseling, education, psychotherapy, and occupational assessment.

Its use can contribute to a better understanding of how different individuals process and respond to the emotional states of others.

References

Gibbons, D., Lichtenberg, P., et al. (1994). Working with victims: Being empathic helpers. Clinical Social Work Journal, 22(1), 211–222.

Mehrabian, A. (1995). Theory and evidence bearing on a scale of trait arousability. Current Psychology, 14(1), 3–28.

Mehrabian, A. (1999). Manual for the Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale (BEES). Unpublished manuscript.

Mehrabian, A., & Epstein, N. (1972). A measure of emotional empathy. Journal of Personality, 40, 525–543.

Stavroyiannopoulos, M. (2002). Empathy, Traumatic Stress, and Personality: An Exploration of These Constructs and the Development of the Type of Empathic Style Scale (TESS). Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Warwick, UK.