Development and validation of a scale for measuring intercultural empathy

The research and practice connected to the use of empathic strategies in multicultural educational settings is emerging as one of the most effective ways to combat intergroup bias. The aim of this study is to design an instrument to measure the specific intercultural empathy in its affective component for the Spanish population towards the population of Moroccan origin. Thus, this instrument makes possible the measurement of this feature or capability before implementing educational strategies in multicultural contexts. Therefore, two samples of University students were used to carry out a cross validity study through exploratory (Factor 9.20) and confirmatory factor analysis (SPSS-AMOS). Then, a 3-factor structure was obtained: empathic concern, understanding and affection. The goodness of fit indices, together with the validity and reliability revealed by multidimensional analysis prove that the model is optimal. Eventually, it is discussed the desirability of designing specific instruments that take into account the profile of the populations under this study