How long does this quiz take?

Most people complete this test in about 2-4 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 am too empathetic?

The results show patterns of emotional responsiveness, not whether your empathy level is good or bad.

Can my results change over time?

Yes. Emotional resonance can shift with life experience, stress, and personal growth.

This test explores how strongly you emotionally respond to the feelings and experiences of people around you.

Affective Empathy Scale

Understand how deeply you feel what others feel

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

Reviewed by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

The Emotional Empathy Test helps you explore how naturally you share in the emotional experiences of others. Some people feel a strong emotional echo when witnessing joy, fear, or sadness, while others remain more emotionally separate.

This assessment focuses on emotional responsiveness rather than perspective-taking or problem solving. High emotional resonance is often linked to compassion and warmth, while lower levels can support emotional boundaries and resilience. You may also want to explore the Highly Sensitive Person Questionnaire or the Emotional Quotient Inventory.

Remember, your results are not a diagnosis. They provide insight into how you emotionally engage with others in everyday situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: Most people complete this test in about 2-4 minutes.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Affective 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 Affective Empathy Scale results may have changed.
Will this quiz tell me if I am too empathetic?: The results show patterns of emotional responsiveness, not whether your empathy level is good or bad.
Can my results change over time?: Yes. Emotional resonance can shift with life experience, stress, and personal growth.

Affective Empathy Scale: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Emotional Empathy

For each statement, indicate how often this describes you on a scale of 1 (Never) to 5 (Always). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. I become emotionally caught up in adventurous or dramatic movie scenes.

2. I feel sadness when I see others grieving.

3. Violent confrontations make me feel tense or afraid.

4. I genuinely feel happy when someone shares good news with me.

5. Seeing children laughing or playing puts me in a good mood.

6. I feel concern when I see a vulnerable person in danger.

7. I feel uneasy when someone I care about is publicly embarrassed.

8. Seeing animals play or show affection lifts my mood.

9. The excitement of a cheering crowd can energize me emotionally.

10. Witnessing someone being physically threatened makes me feel angry or distressed.

11. Seeing someone cry unexpectedly makes my chest feel heavy or tight.

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 Affective 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

Raine, A., Chen, F. R., & Waller, R. (2022). The cognitive, affective and somatic empathy scales for adults. Personality and Individual Differences, 185, 111238.

Disclaimer

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