Cultural Intelligence and Ethnocultural Empathy Among Psychology Students in Serbia: Insights and Perspectives

Abstract

Cultural intelligence is of great importance for effective communication between members of different cultures, but also for the possibility of better adaptation to other cultural environments. Ethnocultural empathy is necessary to better understand the emotions and needs of members of other cultures. Ethnocultural empathy also involves the understanding and effectively communicating with individuals from different cultural backgrounds. This study aimed to assess the intercultural competencies of psychology students in terms of cultural intelligence and ethnocultural empathy. The Cultural Intelligence Scale, with 20 items, and the Ethnocultural Empathy Scale, with 30 items, was used for data collection. As such, participants completed questionnaires that included basic socio-demographic questions and questions corresponding to each item on the scale. The questionnaires were completed in both online and printed form. The sample included 100 psychology students from various universities in Serbia. A detailed statistical analysis was conducted in order to detect all results elements of importance. A significant correlation was detected between cultural intelligence and ethnocultural empathy. Dimensions of cultural intelligence through which the correlation was manifested were shown to be metacognitive and motivational one. Determination of cultural intelligence and ethnocultural empathy by intercultural competencies were examined. The study demonstrates that proficiency in communicating in other languages is the primary factor predicting both ethnocultural empathy and the influence of exposure to different cultures. The effect of experiencing other cultures on ethnocultural empathy may be partially influenced by one's ability to communicate effectively in multiple languages. This study offered a fresh perspective on a previously researched topic, considering the impact of changing contexts and social structures on its outcomes. It provided insights into how these changes have influenced the subject on a global scale. Practical changes in educational approaches indicated by this study results are needed to help psychology students become more culturally aware and empathetic, which impacts overall cultural diversity development.