Abstract

This study aimed to validate the Cognitive, Affective, and Somatic Empathy Scales (CASES) intp the Korean context. Through close collaboration with the original author, the instrument was carefully translated and culturally adapted. A total of 510 Korean adults participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analysis, Rasch rating scale modeling, differential item functioning (DIF), and correlational analyses were conducted. Results revealed a six-factor structure comprising Cognitive–Positive, Cognitive–Negative, Affective–Positive, Affective–Negative, Somatic–Positive, and Somatic–Negative empathy, with five items allocated to each factor. The Rasch rating scale analysis supported the appropriateness of the 3-point Likert scale. Item fit statistics indicated that all items met the criteria, and both item separation indices and split-half reliability demonstrated adequate discrimination and reliability. Although the person–item distribution suggested participants’ ability levels were somewhat higher, item difficulty levels were found to be appropriately matched. DIF analysis identified four items that functioned differently by gender, indicating the need for caution in interpretation. Correlational results showed that Sadism (SD4) and Psychopathy (DD12) were significantly and negatively associated with all six factors. In contrast, Machiavellianism (SD4 and DD12) demonstrated inconsistent correlations. This study extends empathy measurement beyond specific occupational or age groups by validating CASES for the general population in Korea and introduces the important distinction between positive and negative empathy within the domestic context.