Confirmatory validation of the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale‐Positive

Abstract

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.

Positive Emotion Dysregulation Among Community Individuals: The Role of Trauma Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

“…Research has provided evidence for higher levels of positive emotion dysregulation among trauma‐exposed individuals with a probable PTSD diagnosis (Weiss, Darosh, et al., 2019; Weiss, Dixon‐Gordon, et al., 2018) and more severe PTSD symptoms (Weiss, Darosh, et al., 2018, 2019; Weiss, Dixon‐Gordon, et al., 2018; Weiss, Nelson, et al., 2019). The current study extended this work by examining the role of trauma exposure on positive emotion dysregulation.…”

“…Total and subscale scores were computed by summing respective items, with higher scores indicating a higher level of positive emotion dysregulation. The DERS‐P has demonstrated excellent psychometric properties (Weiss, Darosh, et al., 2019; Weiss, Gratz, et al., 2015). Internal consistency in the current sample was good to excellent for the subscales, Cronbach's αs = .94, .85, and .95 for the Accept, Goals, and Impulse subscales, respectively.…”

“…Although research on emotion dysregulation has almost exclusively focused on negative emotional experiences, there have been recent advances in the conceptualization and assessment of positive emotion dysregulation (Weiss, Darosh, Contractor, Schick, & Dixon‐Gordon, 2019; Weiss, Gratz, & Lavender, 2015). This literature suggests that some individuals may experience dysregulation in the context of positive emotions, including (a) nonacceptance of positive emotions (e.g., “When I'm happy, I become scared and fearful of those feelings”); (b) difficulties controlling impulsive behaviors when experiencing positive emotions (e.g., “When I'm happy, I have difficulty controlling my behaviors”); and (c) difficulties engaging in goal‐directed behaviors in the context of positive emotions (e.g., “When I'm happy, I have difficulty focusing on other things”).…”

Moderating effects of dysregulation and fear of positive emotions on the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and positive memory count

“…Subscale scores are computed by summing respective items; higher scores indicate greater positive emotion dysregulation for that respective domain. The DERS‐P has excellent psychometric properties (Weiss, Gratz, & Lavender, 2015; Weiss, Darosh, et al, 2019). In the current study, Cronbach's α = .97 for DERS‐P Total, Cronbach's α = .93 for DERS‐P Accept, Cronbach's α = .89 for DERS‐P Goals, and Cronbach's α = .95 for DERS‐P Impulse.…”

“…Broadly, positive emotions are relevant to study in the context of PTSD. Evidence suggests that individuals with PTSD exhibit dysregulation of positive emotions (Weiss et al, 2018; Weiss, Darosh, Contractor, Schick, & Dixon‐Gordon, 2019), even after adjusting for negative emotion dysregulation (Weiss, Nelson, et al, 2020). Trauma‐exposed individuals may appraise positive emotions as undesirable as a result of negative affect interference (i.e., experience of negative emotions in response to positive emotional stimuli; Frewen, Dean, & Lanius, 2012; Frewen, Dozois, & Lanius, 2012), perhaps due to maladaptive beliefs (e.g., “I do not deserve to be happy;” Norman, Wilkins, Myers, & Allard, 2014) or physiological arousal (Weiss et al, 2018) when experiencing positive emotions.…”