Abstract
To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Jefferson Medical Empathy Scale, Spanish version (JSE-S), its factorial structure, reliability, and the presence of invariance between genders in the behavior of empathy levels among Chilean nursing students. Instrumental research design. The JSE-S was applied to 1,320 nursing students. A confirmatory factor analysis was used. An invariance study between genders was carried out. Descriptive statistics were estimated. Between genders, Student's T distribution was applied alongside a homoscedasticity analysis. The level of significance was α ≤ 0.05. The confirmatory factor analysis determined the existence of three dimensions in the matrix. The statistical results of the invariance tests were significant, and allowed comparison between genders. Differences were found between mean empathy values, as well as in some of its dimensions between genders. The factor structure of empathy data and its dimensions is in correspondence with the underlying three-dimensional model. There are differences in empathy levels and their dimensions between genders, with the exception of the compassionate care dimension, which was distributed similarly. Women were more empathetic than men.
Highlights
Empathy is a multidimensional construct with both cognitive and emotional components[1]
Empathy data in Chilean nursing students corresponds to a three-dimensional factor structure that matches the original instrument
There is an invariance of the factor structure between genders, and data for empathy and its dimensions is comparable between them
Summary
Empathy is a multidimensional construct with both cognitive and emotional components[1]. Empathy is a central part of nursing work as it is inherent in the therapeutic relationship[2]. This makes it an essential component in delivering quality healthcare focused on the patient and family. Evidence has shown that patients perceive low levels of empathy in interactions with health providers. This is a wake-up call for those who participate in nursing education, especially when technological development of care services has increased significantly, and may threaten the humanization of care[3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
