Validation of the difficulties in emotion regulation scale (ders-28) in spanish young adult substance users

The 28-item Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is widely used to measure Emotional Dysregulation (ED). However, its psychometric performance has not been examined in Spanish-speaking substance users. This study aimed to validate the DERS-28 in 1,676 [ M  = 19.56 ( SD  = 1.70), % women =...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.) N.J.), 2024-06, Vol.43 (21), p.19019-19031
Main Authors: González-Roz, Alba, Postigo, Álvaro, Castaño, Yasmina, Gervilla, Elena
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Behavioral Science and Psychology
Drug use
Emotional regulation
Psychology
Social Sciences
Young adults
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Summary:The 28-item Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is widely used to measure Emotional Dysregulation (ED). However, its psychometric performance has not been examined in Spanish-speaking substance users. This study aimed to validate the DERS-28 in 1,676 [ M  = 19.56 ( SD  = 1.70), % women = 64.6] young adults with past-month substance use. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as reliability assessments using Classical Test and Item Response Theories, were conducted. The analyses supported a bifactor solution (invariant to sex) comprising five specific dimensions and a general factor (ED), each demonstrating adequate score reliability. Bifactor indices indicated an essentially unidimensional latent structure (ω HG  = .808; ECV G  = .554; H  = .951; FD  = .966). Convergent validity (values of | r | ranged between .036-.645) was supported by associations with clinical variables, including measures of substance use related problems, anxiety, stress, and depression. Among the DERS-28 dimensions, lack of control exhibited the largest effects. Despite its reliability and validity, limitations such as self-reported substance use and recruitment in college settings should be considered. In conclusion, the DERS-28 proves to be a reliable and valid tool, demonstrating utility for prevention purposes among young adults.
ISSN:1046-1310
1936-4733
DOI:10.1007/s12144-024-05729-8