Objectives Emotion dysregulation is a transdiagnostic factor central to the etiology and treatment of various clinical difficulties. Yet, research in this area has focused almost exclusively on emotion dysregulation stemming from negative emotions. The current study confirmed the factor structure of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale‐Positive (DERS‐P) and further examined its reliability and validity. Method Participants in Study 1 were 229 college students (M age = 19.37 years; 66.8% female; 67.2% White). Participants in Study 2 were 353 trauma‐exposed community individuals ( M age = 35.77 years; 57.8% female; 71.2% White). Results Findings supported the three‐factor structure of the DERS‐P. Mean levels of the DERS‐P scales demonstrated convergent and discriminant validity and differentiated individuals with (vs. without) probable posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, alcohol use, and drug use disorders. Conclusions Findings provide additional support for the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the DERS‐P, thereby adding to its clinical utility.

No abstract

No abstract

Emotion dysregulation is associated with increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, research in this area has focused almost exclusively on dysregulation stemming from negative emotions. The present study aimed to address this gap in the literature by examining the associations between the specific domains of positive emotion dysregulation and both STBs and NSSI. Participants included 397 trauma-exposed community adults (M age = 35.95; 57.7% female; 76.8% White). Results demonstrated significant associations between positive emotion dysregulation and both STBs and NSSI. In particular, higher levels of nonacceptance of positive emotions were found to be significantly related to risk for STBs (versus no risk), higher severity of STBs, and history of NSSI (versus no history). Findings suggest positive emotion dysregulation may play an important role in the etiology and treatment of both STBs and NSSI among trauma-exposed individuals.