The Active-Empathic Listening Scale (AELS): Conceptualization and Evidence of Validity Within the Interpersonal Domain

Although several theoretical perspectives highlight the importance of listening, our field has largely neglected developing valid listening measures. The purpose of this article is to provide a conceptualization and measurement of one type of listening important to relational and individual well-being: active-empathic listening. Results from two studies provide evidence of construct validity of a self- and other-report version of the Active-Empathic Listening Scale. The discussion focuses on directions for future research using this scale and for the need to develop additional measures that tap components of listening.