Active-Empathic Listening Scale

Do you consider yourself a good listener? Take this test to find out if you really are.

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | May 17, 2024

Oftentimes, individuals either underestimate or overestimate their capacity to listen to others. Being a good listener is an integral component of being an effective communicator, and effective communication ultimately defines the success or failure of a relationship.

A good listener demonstrates empathy, maintains eye contact, avoids interrupting, asks insightful questions and provides feedback. They show genuine interest, exhibit patience and strive to understand the speaker's perspective without judgment.

The Active-Empathic Listening Scale (AELS) is a tool used to measure an individual's ability to listen actively and empathetically during communication. It assesses how well a listener understands, processes and responds to a speaker's message in a way that shows empathy and engagement. The AELS helps in identifying strengths and areas for improvement in listening skills, which are crucial for effective interpersonal communication.

You can take this test here. Follow all of the steps to receive your results.

Step 1: Rate the following statements based on how much you agree with them on a scale of strongly disagree to strongly agree.

1. I am sensitive to what others are not saying.

2. I am aware of what others imply but do not say.

3. I understand how others feel.

4. I listen for more than just the spoken words.

5. I assure others that I will remember what they say.

6. I summarize points of agreement and disagreement when appropriate.

7. I keep track of points others make.

8. I assure others that I am listening by using verbal acknowledgements.

9. I assure others that I am receptive to their ideas.

10. I ask questions that show my understanding of others' positions.

11. I show others that I am listening by my body language (e.g., head nods).

Step 2: Enter your age, gender, region, and first name so we can provide you with a detailed report that compares your test scores to people similar to you.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Check to make sure you've provided answers to all of the statements/questions above. Once you've done that, click the button below to send your responses to Awake Therapy's Lead Psychologist, Mark Travers, Ph.D. He will provide you with an overview of how you scored relative to others (all answers are anonymized and confidential to protect users' privacy). He can also answer any follow-up questions you may have.

References: Bodie, G. D. (2011). The Active-Empathic Listening Scale (AELS): Conceptualization and evidence of validity with the interpersonal domain. Communication Quarterly, 59, 277-295.