Description

The DERS is a 36-item multidimensional self-report measure assessing individuals’ characteristic patterns of emotion regulation. It contains six subscales that were theoretically formulated and confirmed through factor analysis. The six subscales are:

Nonacceptance of Emotional Responses (NONACCEPTANCE)

Difficulties Engaging in Goal-Directed Behavior (GOALS)

Impulse Control Difficulties (IMPULSE)

Lack of Emotional Awareness (AWARENESS)

Limited Access to Emotion Regulation Strategies (STRATEGIES)

Lack of Emotional Clarity (CLARITY).

.Developers:
Kim Gatz & Lizabeth Roemer

References:
Gratz, K. L. & Roemer, L. (2004). Multidimensional assessment of emotion regulation and dysregulation: Development, factor structure, and initial validation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 26, 41-54.

Reliability:
Although the DERS is a relatively new measure, preliminary empirical studies have been promising. It has exhibited good overall internal consistency ( = .93) and adequate subscale reliability with Cronbach’s > .80 for each subscale (Gratz & Roemer, 2004).

Cronbach Alpha:

NONACCEPTANCE = 0.85

GOALS = 0.89

IMPULSE = 0.86

AWARENESS = 0.80

STRATEGIES = 0.88

CLARITY = 0.84

Projects Using This Scale: