Empathy Levels in First- and Third-Year Students in Health and Non-Health Disciplines

Abstract

Objective. To compare empathy scores between health professions students (pharmacy and nursing) and non-health professions (law) students and between first- and third-year students.

Methods. The Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy-Student Version was completed by 282 students.

Results. Nursing and pharmacy students had significantly more empathy than did law students. Third-year pharmacy students scored higher on empathy than did first-year pharmacy students, whereas the converse was true for nurses. There was no significant difference in empathy between first- and third-year law students. Across the study years, empathy increased among pharmacy students, decreased among nurses, and remained the same among law students. Women scored higher on empathy than did males.

Conclusions. Empathy scores among university students vary depending on discipline and year of study.