How long does this quiz take?

Most people complete this quiz in about 3-4 minutes.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

Will this quiz tell me if I’m a bad listener?

No, this quiz highlights listening patterns and areas for growth, not labels or diagnoses.

Can my results help improve my relationships?

Yes, understanding your listening style can help you communicate more effectively and build stronger connections.

Discover how effectively you listen, understand emotions, and respond with empathy in everyday conversations.

Active Listening And Empathy Scale

A deeper look at how you show understanding, presence, and engagement when others speak.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Reviewed by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

Listening is more than hearing words. It’s about understanding meaning, emotion, and intent. Many people assume they’re good listeners, but true listening involves attention, empathy, and thoughtful responses that help others feel understood.

This assessment explores how you process conversations, notice emotional cues, and signal engagement to others. Rather than focusing on memory or intelligence, it looks at everyday listening behaviors that shape relationship quality, trust, and emotional safety.

Your results on this test can be especially meaningful when paired with insights from tools like the Relationship Satisfaction Scale or the Authenticity in Relationships Scale, offering a fuller picture of how you connect with others.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: Most people complete this quiz in about 3-4 minutes.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Active Listening And Empathy Scale answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Active Listening And Empathy Scale results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me if I’m a bad listener?: No, this quiz highlights listening patterns and areas for growth, not labels or diagnoses.
Can my results help improve my relationships?: Yes, understanding your listening style can help you communicate more effectively and build stronger connections.

Active Listening And Empathy Scale: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Listening Skills

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. I notice emotional cues even when they are not spoken aloud.

2. I often pick up on meanings that others imply rather than state directly.

3. I can usually tell how someone is feeling during a conversation.

4. I listen for tone, emotion, and context—not just words.

5. I make an effort to remember what others share with me.

6. I reflect back areas of agreement or difference when it helps clarity.

7. I mentally track key points while someone is talking.

8. I use brief verbal responses to show I’m paying attention.

9. I communicate openness to ideas even when I disagree.

10. I ask follow-up questions that show I understand the speaker.

11. My body language signals that I’m engaged in the conversation.

12. I pause before responding to make sure I’ve fully understood what the other person means.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Active Listening And Empathy Scale Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Bodie, G. D. (2011). The Active-Empathic Listening Scale (AELS). Communication Quarterly, 59, 277–295.

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.