Description

The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is a psychometric tool used to assess the difficulties individuals face in regulating their emotions. The DERS consists of 36 questions that examine various dimensions of emotional regulation.

Purpose

The main goal of the DERS is to understand and measure the difficulties individuals experience in regulating their emotions. Specifically, the DERS aims to:
Emotion Recognition: Assess individuals’ ability to recognize and describe their emotions.
Emotion Acceptance: Measure the degree to which individuals accept or avoid their emotions.
Emotion Control: Examine difficulties in controlling impulses and maintaining focus when experiencing intense emotions.
Use of Strategies: Evaluate individuals’ ability to use appropriate strategies for regulating their emotions.

Analysis

The analysis of DERS data includes:
Descriptive Statistics: Calculation of means, standard deviations, and frequencies for responses.
Comparative Analysis: Comparison of levels of difficulties in emotion regulation across different population groups, such as age groups, gender, and socioeconomic status.
Correlational Analysis: Examination of the relationships between difficulties in emotion regulation and other factors, such as psychological well-being and psychopathology.
Factor Analysis: Identification of the underlying factors that explain the responses to the questionnaire items.

Scoring

Scoring the DERS includes:
Scale Development: Creation of a response scale for each item (e.g., from 1 to 5, where 1 = Almost never and 5 = Almost always).
Reliability and Validity: Examination of the reliability (e.g., Cronbach’s alpha) and validity of the questionnaire through statistical tests and pilot studies.
Adaptation and Revision: Adjustment of the items based on user feedback and revision of the questionnaire to improve accuracy and relevance.

References

Gratz, K. L., & Roemer, L. (2004). Multidimensional assessment of emotion regulation and dysregulation: Development, factor structure, and initial validation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 26(1), 41-54.
Gross, J. J. (1998). The emerging field of emotion regulation: An integrative review. Review of General Psychology, 2(3), 271-299.
Aldao, A., Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Schweizer, S. (2010). Emotion-regulation strategies across psychopathology: A meta-analytic review. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(2), 217-237.