Objective:

The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Digital Communication Empathy Scale (DCES), designed to assess multiple dimensions of empathy in online and virtual communication contexts.

Method:

This applied, descriptive–survey study was conducted among individuals aged 18 years and older who actively used social networks and online messaging platforms between August and September 2025 (N = 570). Participants were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data collection instruments included the Digital Communication Empathy Scale (Collins et al., 2022) and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (Spreng et al., 2009). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed using SPSS version 25, and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted with LISREL version 8.8. Content validity was assessed through expert evaluation using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI). Criterion validity was examined by correlating the DCES with the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire.

Results:

EFA results supported a six-factor structure for the 36-item DCES. First- and second-order CFA indicated a good model fit and acceptable reliability and validity of the subscales. The overall CVR was 0.98 and the overall CVI was 0.92, demonstrating strong expert agreement. A significant positive correlation was observed between the DCES and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (r = 0.46, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The findings indicate that the Persian version of the DCES demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties and can be used as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing empathy in digital communication environments.