Factor structure and clinical correlates of the original and 16-item version of the Difficulties In Emotion Regulation Scale in adolescent girls with eating disorders

Objectives The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is increasingly used in adolescents. This study is the first to examine the factor structure, measurement, and structural invariance across age, reliability, and validity of the original 36-item and 16-item version of the DERS in adolescents with eating disorders. Methods Several models were examined using confirmatory factor analysis. Measurement and structural invariance were studied across age groups, and Omega, Omega Hierarchical, and criterion validity were examined. Results A bifactor model, with five subscales, showed acceptable fit in both DERS versions. Measurement and structural invariance held across age. The general factor had high reliability and accounted for a large proportion of variance in eating pathology and emotional symptoms. Conclusion The Awareness subscale had a negative effect on fit in DERS, but both DERS versions were reliable and valid measures in both younger and older adolescents with eating disorders when using only five subscales.