Adaptation and Validation of the Emotional Regulation Difficulty Scale in Adults in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires

Abstract

Emotional dysregulation (ed) was identified as one of the main processes involved in the emergence and maintenance of emotional disorders. In turn, emotional disorders are the most prevalent worldwide, making ed an object of study of great relevance. The present study consists of the adaptation and validation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (ders) (Gratz & Roemer, 2004) for its use in the general population of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 315 participants between 18 and 65 years old. Internal consistency was adequate (α = 0.936; ω = 0.938). A confirmatory factor analysis was performed using the Lavaan package, leaving the scale with 30 items which fit the six original dimensions. There is also evidence of convergent and discriminant validity, the items’ discrimination ability, differences by sex and age, and normative values for adults in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires. The Spanish adaptation of the ders represents a valid and reliable tool to measure different aspects of the emotional regulation process.