Emotional Contagion Ability Scale: Compilation and empirical validity for Chinese college students

Abstract

The aim of our research was to develop a reliable and valid questionnaire to assess trait emotional contagion ability in Chinese college students. In Study 1 we generated a preliminary questionnaire by modifying previously established questionnaires and eliminating items assessing emotional response. The final version consisted of 12 items categorized into four dimensions, and it demonstrated high reliability and validity. Study 2 was designed to examine the empirical validity of the questionnaire in a laboratory setting. Results revealed that trait emotional contagion ability was significantly associated with muscle activity and level of state emotional contagion in the laboratory experiment, indicating that the Emotional Contagion Ability Scale is a valid tool for assessing emotional contagion ability and can be utilized in laboratory-based emotional contagion research among college students.