Psychometric analysis of a simplified version of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire in Mexican adults: The ERQ-CA-9

Abstract

Background: The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) is the most widely used measure of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression, two core emotion regulation strategies. However, the original ERQ has complex wording, which may make it difficult for readers of lower educational levels. Objective: We aimed to examine the psychometric properties of a simplified version of the ERQ, initially designed for children and adolescents: the ERQ-CA. Method: A sample of 397 Mexican adults was studied (77.3% women, 22.7% men; mean age = 22.84). A confirmatory factor analysis, as well as a graded response model, were used to study the internal functioning of the instrument. In addition, its associations with three psychopathological variables (anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation) were examined. Results: A 9-item version of the ERQ-CA showed adequate fit (CFI = .95, RMSEA = .06), as well as good reliability (ωreappraisal = .76; ωsuppression = .75). Both subscales performed better at levels closer to the mean of their respective constructs. Finally, significant correlations were found between both subscales and the psychopathological variables. Conclusion: The 9-item ERQ-CA constitutes a promising alternative to measure cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression in the Mexican adult population.

Understanding Empathy Deficits and Emotion Dysregulation in Psychopathy: The Mediating Role of Alexithymia

“…Instead, there may have been an issue with fully comprehending all items. The ERQ in particular has been criticized for its complex wording (Burghart, Sahm, et al, 2023;Valencia & De La Rosa-Gómez, 2022), which is supported by our own observations of many inpatients asking for clarification of the meaning of some items. Second, we did not assess treatment intensity and duration within the forensic sample.…”

“…Specifically, the low internal consistencies and somewhat unexpected associations observed in the forensic sample suggest that self-report instruments may not always be the best choice to assess emotional deficits in institutionalized individuals. Previous studies have already raised concerns about using self-report questionnaires in forensic populations due to higher levels of social desirability, or difficulties understanding items (Tan & Grace, 2008;Valencia & De La Rosa-Gómez, 2022). Future studies may therefore seek to improve by employing more appropriate instruments that are tailored to the respondents' cognitive abilities and include measures to detect response biases.…”

Understanding empathy deficits and emotion dysregulation in psychopathy: The mediating role of alexithymia

“…Instead, there may have been an issue with fully comprehending all items. The ERQ in particular has been criticized for its complex wording [ 105 , 106 ], which is supported by our own observations of many inpatients asking for clarification of the meaning of some items.…”

“…Specifically, the low internal consistencies and somewhat unexpected associations observed in the forensic sample suggest that self-report instruments may not always be the best choice to assess emotional deficits in institutionalized individuals. Previous studies have already raised concerns about using self-report questionnaires in forensic populations due to higher levels of social desirability, or difficulties understanding items [ 106 , 113 ]. Future studies may therefore seek to improve by employing more appropriate instruments that are tailored to the respondents’ cognitive abilities and include measures to detect response biases.…”