Introduction
The Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ) is a 16-item self-report measure focused mainly on the emotional or affective side of empathy. Eight positively worded and eight negatively worded items are scored so that a higher total reflects more self-reported empathic responding.
This page reports a raw score from 0 to 64 and retains the site's existing below-average and above-average interpretation around 45. These labels are not a universal clinical cutoff or a diagnosis.
Scores can vary with population, language, context, and response style. Use the result for education and reflection, not to label yourself or another person.
Instructions
Below is a list of statements. Please read each statement carefully and rate how frequently you feel or act in the manner described. Circle your answer on the response form. There are no right or wrong answers or trick questions. Please answer each question as honestly as you can.
Scoring and result metrics
The result page reports a local screening score for this questionnaire. Use the score range, any subscale scores, and the interpretation band together rather than treating one number as a diagnosis.
- Score range
- 0-64
- Items scored
- 16
- Result indicators
- Total score / Interpretation band when available
Score interpretation bands
- 0-44Below average empathy
Scores below 45 are indicative of below average empathy levels.
- 45-64Above average empathy
Scores above 45 are indicative of above average empathy levels.
Interpretation bands summarize screening thresholds from the questionnaire source material. Higher scores usually indicate more of the measured concern unless the tool notes a different scoring rule.
Tool information
- Version
- Original 16-item TEQ
- Administration
- Self-report with eight reverse-keyed items
- Intended audience
- Adults and research participants exploring affective empathy and their typical emotional responses to other people
Sources
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