Brief Description

TESS is a self-report questionnaire consisting of 35 statements, based on the theoretical model by Gibbons et al. (1994). It distinguishes three types of empathic responses: (1) the repelled type, (2) the empathic type, and (3) the hypersensitive type. The scale evaluates how individuals respond to emotionally or socially charged situations, reflecting their predominant empathic style.

Purpose

The scale aims to identify and evaluate three distinct types of empathic behavior, contributing to the understanding of emotional functioning and personality traits. It is suitable for research, counseling, and educational use.

Scoring Method

Each TESS item is rated on a five-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). The total score ranges from 35 to 175. Scoring is broken down into three subscales corresponding to the empathic styles. Interpretation is based on the individual scores and their placement within normative distributions for each subscale.

Validity

The TESS shows satisfactory concurrent validity, with positive correlations to the Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale (BEES – Mehrabian, 1999) and the Trait Arousability Scale (TAS – Mehrabian, 1995). In Greek samples, the TESS confirmed distinct, conceptually and functionally separate dimensions of empathic response.

Reliability

The internal consistency of the full scale, measured by Cronbach’s alpha, was 0.82 in a sample of 791 individuals. Similarly high reliability was found in the Greek sample, supporting the tool’s stability.

Data Analysis and Usage

The scale was piloted on a diverse sample of 791 participants aged 17 to 65. Data from the TESS can be used to analyze empathy as a personality trait, differentiate psychosocial profiles, and support applications in psychoeducation, therapy, or occupational assessment.

Key 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 Unpublished Manuscript.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 Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Warwick, UK.