Tanhaye Reshvanloo F, Baharloo H. Psychometric Properties of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-8 based on Classical test theory and Item-response theory. RBS 2025; 23 (1) :33-45
URL:
http://rbs.mui.ac.ir/article-1-1945-en.html
1- Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Department of Psychology, Shandiz Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran , farhadtanhay@um.ac.ir
2- MSc. in General Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract: (1519 Views)
Aim and Background: Difficulties in emotion regulation are associated with significant mental health challenges. It appears that having a brief and valid tool to identify these difficulties could be beneficial for clinicians and researchers. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the 8-item version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-8) based on classical test theory and item response theory in a sample of university students.
Methods and Materials: In a descriptive and validation study design, a total of 204, 257, and 91 students from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad were selected via convenience sampling across three studies. Data were collected using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-8), the Emotion Regulation Inventory (ERI), the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ), the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), the Subjective Vitality Scale (SVS), and the Riverside Life Satisfaction Scale (RLSS). Data analysis included assessments of internal consistency, confirmatory factor validity, gender invariance, convergent and discriminant validity, discrimination and threshold parameters, as well as item characteristic curves and test information curves.
Findings: The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) results indicated that the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-8) has a one-factor structure. There were no significant gender differences in the factor structure (P>0.05). The scale demonstrated good reliability. Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed (P<0.01). No significant gender differences were found (P> 0.05). Additionally, there was no significant relationship between age and emotion regulation difficulties (P> 0.05).
Conclusions: It appears that the 8-item version of the Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-8) demonstrates adequate reliability and validity in a non-clinical sample of university students, and it can be utilized in studies related to emotion regulation among this population.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2025/05/13 | Accepted: 2025/05/31 | Published: 2026/03/1