The extent to which individuals with a variety of cultural backgrounds differ in empathic responsiveness is unknown. This article describes the differences in trait empathy in one independent and one interdependent society (i.e., the US and Iran, respectively). The analysis of data collected from self-reported questionnaires answered by 326 adults indicated a significant difference in the cognitive component of empathy concerning participants’ affiliation to either egocentric or socio-centric society: Iranian participants with interdependent cultural norms, reported higher cognitive empathy compared to American participants who share independent cultural norms. In line with previous studies, gender differences were observed in all subscales of questionnaires, except the Empathy Quotient (EQ). Female participants demonstrated more empathy than males in both samples. Implications for understanding the cross-cultural differences of various components of empathy are discussed.

Purpose: Although researchers have examined empathy among many populations worldwide, investigations of empathy among Farsi-speakers are limited. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) for Farsi-speakers (IRI-Farsi). Methods: After translating, we explored psychometric properties of the IRI-Farsi with exploratory factor analysis and item response theory using a sample of Iranians ( N = 517). Results: The IRI-Farsi appeared to exhibit a four-factor structure and acceptable item properties within each subscale. Moreover, the IRI-Farsi rating scale categories were generally ordered and distinct with emotion-triggering items as easier to endorse compared to more complex cognitively aroused statements. Conclusions: Results support using the IRI to measure dispositional empathy in mainland Iran. Social work researchers can use these results to inform research and practice related to empathy in this population and design more effective interventions to increase awareness of empathic feelings and understanding for practitioners and clients.

In this study, an exploratory mixed-method approach was employed to investigate the attitudes of Iranians and Americans toward each other, specifically focusing on two critical incidents in their modern history. Drawing from quantitative and qualitative data collected in relation to the hostage crisis in 1979, the missile attack on an Iranian passenger plane (Iran Air 655) in 1988, and the travel ban (Executive Order 13780) in 2018, the study aimed to uncover any changes in attitudes over the course of history. Unlike previous research, the majority of participants had a more balanced and less biased viewpoint toward each other and approached the incidents by considering the consequences and ethical aspects associated with each event. These findings challenge the notion of a mirror image effect, which suggests that people tend to adopt their government’s attitude toward other nations. Instead, participants demonstrated a tendency to rely on their own judgment and critically evaluate information, rather than blindly accepting media narratives.