A Systematic and Validated Translation of the Perceived Empathy of Technology Scale to Chinese

Abstract

The Perceived Empathy of Technology Scale (PETS) allows evaluation of empathic behavior in intelligent systems, a concept increasingly applied in human-AI interaction, particularly in emotional and mental health support applications. To support intercultural research and development, PETS is already available in multiple languages, as research suggests cultural and language-based differences in the expression and perception of empathy. Given the substantial Chinese-speaking population and the growing focus on cross-cultural HCI research, we present a validated translation of PETS into Putonghua (Mandarin) with Simplified Chinese. Based on established back-translation methodologies as used in previous PETS translations, our process included multiple independent translations, expert panel reviews, and empirical testing with a total of N=400 participants from an English and a Chinese sample. Through confirmatory factor analysis and invariance testing we show that the Chinese PETS retains the original two-factor structure with high reliability, with support for configural, metric, and scalar invariance. Beyond validation, empathic system behavior was rated equivalently across languages, while non-empathic behavior drew substantially higher ratings from Chinese participants, suggesting its absence is read less consistently across cultures than its presence. This validated Chinese version enables researchers and practitioners to assess empathy perceptions among Chinese-speaking users, supporting culturally appropriate empathic technology development.