Medical Journal of The Islamic Republic of Iran (MJIRI)
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Thu, Jun 18, 2026
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Volume 40, Issue 1 (1-2026)
Med J Islam Repub Iran 2026 |
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Delavari S, Barzkar F, Soltani Arabshahi S K, Sohrabi Z, Madankan A, Rahimian N, et al . Empathy Throughout the Clinical Years in Iranian Generation Z Medical Students: Validity and Reliability Properties of the Persian Version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2026; 40 (1) :450-460
URL: http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-10128-en.html
URL: http://mjiri.iums.ac.ir/article-1-10128-en.html
Somayeh Delavari 
, Farzaneh Barzkar , Seyed Kamran Soltani Arabshahi , Zohreh Sohrabi , Ahmad Madankan , Neda Rahimian , Mitra Amini , Mohammadreza Pourahamadi , Seyed Vahid Shariat
, Farzaneh Barzkar , Seyed Kamran Soltani Arabshahi , Zohreh Sohrabi , Ahmad Madankan , Neda Rahimian , Mitra Amini , Mohammadreza Pourahamadi , Seyed Vahid Shariat
Mental Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, and Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , shariat.v@iums.ac.ir
Abstract: (33 Views)
Background: The Jefferson Scale of Empathy–Student Version (JSE-S) is among the most widely used instruments for assessing empathy in medical students. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the JSE-S among Iranian undergraduate clinical trainees, specifically clerks and interns.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 531 medical students. Content validity was assessed using the CVR, CVI, and kappa coefficient, while face validity was evaluated through student ratings. A PLS-based confirmatory measurement model was implemented in SmartPLS 4 to evaluate construct validity and reliability, which included item loadings, CR, AVE, and discriminant validity.
Results: The Persian JSE-S exhibited excellent content validity, as indicated by the S-CVI/UA of 0.80, I-CVI of 0.97, and κ ≥ 0.87, along with satisfactory face validity (S-FVI/Av = 0.80). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the subscales of Perspective Taking, Compassionate Care, and Standing in the Patient’s Shoes were 0.846, 0.817, and 0.849, respectively, demonstrating strong internal consistency. The CR values ranged from 0.850 to 0.865. Following the removal of item JSE-18, the AVE for Compassionate Care surpassed the 0.50 threshold, whereas Perspective Taking remained slightly below it at 0.42. Discriminant validity was confirmed through cross-loadings, Fornell–Larcker, and HTMT criteria (all <0.90).
Conclusion: The Persian version of the JSE-S demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, affirming its reliability and validity for assessing empathy among Iranian Generation Z clinical medical students. Despite minor limitations in convergent validity regarding Perspective Taking, the scale’s robust structure, internal consistency, and discriminant validity confirm its utility in educational and research contexts. Further multicenter studies with larger samples are recommended to enhance cross-cultural generalizability.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 531 medical students. Content validity was assessed using the CVR, CVI, and kappa coefficient, while face validity was evaluated through student ratings. A PLS-based confirmatory measurement model was implemented in SmartPLS 4 to evaluate construct validity and reliability, which included item loadings, CR, AVE, and discriminant validity.
Results: The Persian JSE-S exhibited excellent content validity, as indicated by the S-CVI/UA of 0.80, I-CVI of 0.97, and κ ≥ 0.87, along with satisfactory face validity (S-FVI/Av = 0.80). Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the subscales of Perspective Taking, Compassionate Care, and Standing in the Patient’s Shoes were 0.846, 0.817, and 0.849, respectively, demonstrating strong internal consistency. The CR values ranged from 0.850 to 0.865. Following the removal of item JSE-18, the AVE for Compassionate Care surpassed the 0.50 threshold, whereas Perspective Taking remained slightly below it at 0.42. Discriminant validity was confirmed through cross-loadings, Fornell–Larcker, and HTMT criteria (all <0.90).
Conclusion: The Persian version of the JSE-S demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties, affirming its reliability and validity for assessing empathy among Iranian Generation Z clinical medical students. Despite minor limitations in convergent validity regarding Perspective Taking, the scale’s robust structure, internal consistency, and discriminant validity confirm its utility in educational and research contexts. Further multicenter studies with larger samples are recommended to enhance cross-cultural generalizability.
Policy Review: Original Research |
Subject:
Medical Education
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