DEVELOPMENT OF AN EMPATHY INSTRUMENT FOR JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable empathy instrument for junior high school students. The study employed a Research and Development (R&D) method by adapting the Borg and Gall model. The instrument was developed based on four dimensions of empathy proposed by Davis, namely perspective taking, empathic concern, personal distress, and fantasy. The expert validation results showed feasibility percentages of 96.87% and 87.50%, indicating that the instrument was feasible for use. The validity test revealed that all 29 items were valid, while the reliability test indicated a high level of reliability. The results of administering the instrument to 120 students showed that the majority of students were in the moderate empathy category (75 students). Therefore, the developed empathy instrument is considered valid, reliable, and appropriate for measuring empathy among junior high school students.