Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)

The Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) is a self-report tool for exploring four different empathy-related tendencies: perspective taking, fantasy, empathic concern, and personal distress.

It is not a diagnosis, a measure of moral worth, or a single score for whether someone has more or less empathy. It can be useful for self-understanding, reflection, and preparing notes to discuss with a clinician or therapist.

Before You Start

Answer each item according to how well it describes you. There are no right or wrong answers.

Your answers stay in your browser. Autistic Empire does not store them.

Instructions

For each statement, choose a response from 0 to 4, where 0 means "does not describe me well" and 4 means "describes me very well". The results show four subscale scores from 0 to 28.

Source: Davis, M. H. (1980, 1983), Interpersonal Reactivity Index. The IRI permissions guidance says it is freely available for non-commercial use.

0 of 28 answered
Please answer every item before viewing your results.
Statement 0
Does not describe me well
1 2 3 4
Describes me very well

Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) Results

Your Results

The IRI produces four separate subscale scores. It is not designed to produce one total empathy score, and there are no official cut-offs for high or low scores.

How to Read This

Each score ranges from 0 to 28. Higher scores mean you endorsed more items in that particular area. The scores are best read as a profile of different empathy-related experiences, not as a pass/fail outcome.

Answers and Scoring Notes

Disclaimer and Source

This tool is for self-understanding and reflection. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a substitute for assessment by a qualified professional.

Source: Davis, M. H. (1980). A multidimensional approach to individual differences in empathy. Davis, M. H. (1983). Measuring individual differences in empathy: Evidence for a multidimensional approach.