Open AccessEmpathy Levels Correlate with Practical Examination Scores in Doctor of Physical Therapy Students
Author(s) -
Scott Richardson,
Danika Aten,
Garrett Bennett,
Matthew J. Koster,
Hannah Svilar
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
the internet journal of allied health sciences and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1540-580X
DOI - 10.46743/1540-580x/2021.1978
Subject(s) - empathy , psychology , interpersonal reactivity index , clinical psychology , physical examination , test (biology) , correlation , interpersonal communication , informed consent , medicine , perspective taking , social psychology , alternative medicine , paleontology , geometry , mathematics , biology , pathology
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine if empathy levels correlate with practical examination scores in DPT students. It was hypothesized that students with higher empathy levels would receive better scores on practical examinations. Methods: Participants were a convenience sample of 49 first and second year DPT students from Franklin Pierce University in Goodyear, AZ. After obtaining informed consent, participants completed the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to assess personal empathy. These scores were compared with participants’ practical examination scores using a Spearman Rho statistical test with data analysis completed using SPSS software. Results: 49 participants (26 females, 23 males) with mean practical examination score (92.5% ± 0.02) and mean empathy score (72.80 ± 18.66). Spearman Rho correlation (rs = 0.864, p < 0.000). Conclusions: A significant positive correlation between empathy and practical examination scores in physical therapy students was found. Educators can use these findings to provide resources to students to assist with practical examination performance.