The development of an Emotional Regulation Scale for Adolescents***

Authors

  • Monique Strauss University of the Free state
  • Jacques Eugene Raubenheimer University of the Free State
  • Daleen Campher University of the Free State
  • Charika Coetzee University of the Free State
  • Amorise Diedericks University of the Free State
  • Heidi Danielle Gevers University of the Free State
  • Karla Green University of the Free State
  • Sandre van Niekerk University of the Free State

Abstract

Emotional regulation is an important skill enabling or disabling the occupational engagement of adolescent clients. Evaluation is a key concept in the occupational therapy process, informing treatment approaches and outcomes. The authors could not identify a scale measuring emotional regulation strategies used by adolescent in the literature. A quantitative, descriptive study was done following a process of scale development. A survey with 78 items was designed which 404 adolescents from a tertiary institution completed. From the results, a provisional scale was developed, measuring emotional regulation strategies used by adolescents. The scale has 39 items, consisting of five emotional regulation strategy categories, named Comfort and Sharing, Antisocial behaviour, Creative Activities, Physical Activities and Eating. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) model proved the provisional scale, as well as the items, to be reliable. Further research for the development and the refinement of this scale is recommended. The use of an emotional regulation scale could assist the occupational therapist in understanding the adolescent client's emotional regulation strategies or lack thereof.

KEY WORDS: Emotional regulation, Adolescents, Structural Equation Modelling

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Author Biographies

  • Monique Strauss, University of the Free state

    Qualifications: M OT (UFS)

    Position: Junior Lecturer, Dept of Occupational Therapy, School for allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State

  • Jacques Eugene Raubenheimer, University of the Free State

    PhD Research Psychology, UFS.

    Lecturer: Department of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State,

  • Daleen Campher, University of the Free State

    B.Occupational Therapy.

    Position: Community Service Occupational Therapist

  • Charika Coetzee, University of the Free State

    B.Occupational Therapy.

    Position: Community Service Occupational Therapist

  • Amorise Diedericks, University of the Free State

    B.Occupational Therapy.

    Position: Community Service Occupational Therapist

  • Heidi Danielle Gevers, University of the Free State

    B.Occupational Therapy.

    Position: Community Service Occupational Therapist

  • Karla Green, University of the Free State

    B.Occupational Therapy.

    Position: Community Service Occupational Therapist

  • Sandre van Niekerk, University of the Free State

    B.Occupational Therapy.

    Position: Community Service Occupational Therapist

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Published

15-12-2016

How to Cite

The development of an Emotional Regulation Scale for Adolescents***. (2016). South African Journal of Occupational Therapy, 46(3), 41-48. https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sajot/article/view/19607
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