Evaluating the Psychometric Properties of Emotion Reactivity Scale in Iranian Adolescents: Relation to Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

Background: Emotional reactivity is important in the development and maintenance of psychopathology, including Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI), Emotion Reactivity Scale (ERS) is a self-report measure to assess this concept. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of ERS in Iranian adolescents. We also compared the emotional reactivity in adolescents with and without NSSI.  Materials and Methods: The study samples consisted of 646 high school students with the Mean±SD age of 16.55±0.71 years. The data were gathered using ERS, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), and Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation (FASM). The collected data were analyzed using factor analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and analysis of variance. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was also calculated as a measure of internal consistency. Results: The 21-item ERS demonstrated strong internal consistency (α=0.92), and factor analysis supported the single factor structure of ERS. With regard to convergent validity, the ERS indicated positive correlations of medium to large magnitudes with the measures of depression, anxiety, and stress, ranging from 0.45 to 0.62. The study participants with a history of NSSI reported significantly higher emotion reactivity, compared to those without such condition.  Conclusion: This investigation suggested that the Persian version of ERS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring emotional reactivity in nonclinical Iranian adolescents.

Keywords:

Adolescent , Emotion , Psychometrics , Self-injurious behavior