Previous research has highlighted that Emotional Intelligence (EI) is related to an
array of positive interpersonal behaviours, including greater human empathy.
Nonetheless, although animals are an integral part of our lives, there is still a lack of
clarity regarding the way in which EI relates to empathy towards animals. The aim of
this study was to investigate the relationship between EI and empathy towards
humans and animals. We used the Trait-Meta Mood Scale to assess EI, the
Interpersonal Reactivity Index to assess empathy for humans, and the Animal
Empathy Scale to assess empathy for animals. Our findings revealed a positive
relationship between empathy for humans and animals. The results also supported
the idea that EI is positively related to empathy for humans, while the relationship
between EI and empathy for animals was dependent on whether or not the
participants had experience with pets. In addition, multiple regression analysis
showed that the variables that best predicted empathy for animals were having a
pet (or not), age, gender and human empathic concern. Finally, the relationship
between human empathic concern and empathy for animals was stronger in
participants who had pets. These findings provide a better understanding of the
mechanisms underlying empathic behaviour and suggest that empathy for humans
and animals can be influenced by different factors. Limitations and future lines of
research are discussed.
