Development and Initial Psychometric Evaluation of the Semi-Structured Emotion Regulation Interview

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychopathology

Background:

• Emotion regulation (ER) strategy use is a key factor in psychopathology.
• Current ER strategy assessment relies on self-report measures with limitations.
• A need exists for objective, clinician-administered ER assessment tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and psychometrically evaluate the Semi-Structured Emotion Regulation Interview (SERI).
• To assess the frequency and efficacy of 9 ER strategies.
• To examine the SERI's validity in measuring ER strategy use for anxiety and anger.

Main Methods:

• The SERI was developed using a construct validation framework with a multistage content validity process.
• Clinician-administered interviews assessed frequency and efficacy of ER strategies.
• Participants (N=68 undergraduates) completed self-report measures and the SERI interview.
• ER strategies were evaluated for moderate and severe anxiety and anger.

Main Results:

• The SERI demonstrated excellent discriminant validity for all assessed strategies.
• Associations between SERI and self-report measures varied by emotion type and intensity.
• The SERI provides a novel, clinician-administered approach to ER strategy assessment.

Conclusions:

• The SERI is a promising new measure for assessing ER strategy use.
• Further research is needed to explore its full clinical utility.
• The SERI can enhance understanding of ER in psychopathology.