Development of a measure of kindness

Abstract In the spirit of growing developments in positive psychology, there is an increasing interest how kind people are to each other. Yet, this area lacks any strong psychometric instrument. An initial exploratory study demonstrated that a 40-item questionnaire, completed by 165 people, revealed distinct aspects kindness when subjected multivariate analysis. A subsequent reported, using structure results further clarify conceptual framework (Study 1). The revised 45-item questionnaire was administered 1039 individuals from general British population. Smallest Space Analysis variables, supported Factor analysis, confirmed hypothesis two facets kindness, psychological source action (from principles or empathy), and form expression (through involvement following social prescription. It also additional general, core labelled Anthropophilia . Reliable scales derived combinations elements facet were identified: Affective-Socially Prescribed; Affective-Proactive; Principle-Socially Prescribed Principle-Proactive. Intercorrelations between they measure different modes kindness. Comparisons male female respondents provided external validity for questionnaire. Study 2 ( N = 251) reported independent dimensions correlated with similar dissimilar concepts.