Transcultural adaptation, structural validity, and reliability for the Perth Emotion Reactivity Scale (PERS-Br)

Abstract

Emotional reactivity, characterised by individual predispositions to specific ranges of emotional activation, intensity, and duration, plays an essential role in emotional dynamics. We conducted a transcultural adaptation and validation of the Perth Emotion Reactivity Scale for Brazilian contexts, introducing the Brazilian version (PERS-Br) in both its standard and short forms. Both versions of the PERS-Br demonstrated robust structural validity and reliability, with the hierarchical model emerging as the most adequate. Older participants exhibited higher Positive Reactivity scores, while younger participants leaned towards higher Negative Reactivity scores. The standard version of the PERS-Br presented potential redundancies, as evidenced by high inter-factor correlations. Further validations of the PERS-Br, exploring how it relates to other constructs and its correlations with psychophysiological measures, are recommended. Overall, the PERS-Br, specially the short-version enriches the range of tools available for probing affective experiences in Brazil, offering a promising avenue for future studies in emotional reactivity.