Empathy Quotient (EQ)
40-item scale measuring empathy; total score range 0–80.
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Introduction
The Empathy Quotient (EQ) assesses the ability to understand and respond to others’ emotions. It is used in research contexts and is not diagnostic.
References
- Lawrence, E. J., Shaw, P., Baker, D., Baron-Cohen, S., & David, A. S. (2004). Measuring Empathy – reliability and validity of the empathy quotient. Psychological Medicine, 34:911–19.
- Baron-Cohen, S., & Wheelwright, S. (2004). The Empathy Quotient (EQ). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34:163–75.
References
- Baron-Cohen, S., & Wheelwright, S. (2004). The empathy quotient: An investigation of adults with Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism, and normal sex differences. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34(2), 163-175. 10.1023/B:JADD.0000022607.19833.00
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
What is the Empathy Quotient (EQ)?
The Empathy Quotient is a 40-item self-report questionnaire developed by Baron-Cohen and Wheelwright at the University of Cambridge. It measures how easily an adult picks up on and responds to other people's mental states and feelings.
What is an average EQ score?
In the original research, most adults without autism-spectrum conditions scored around 42-47, with women averaging slightly higher than men. Lower scores indicate fewer self-reported empathizing tendencies, not a character flaw.
Is a low EQ score bad?
No. The EQ measures a specific self-reported style of responding to others. Empathy has multiple components (cognitive and affective), and scores can shift with context, stress, and practice. The result is informational, not a judgment.
Is the EQ a diagnosis for autism?
No. The EQ was developed alongside autism research and people on the spectrum often score lower, but a low score alone means nothing diagnostically. Only a qualified clinician can assess autism.
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