Validation of the short version of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for adolescents in Norway

Abstract

Background/Aim: The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) is among the most popular and widely used measures of emotion regulation across age groups. This study aimed to validate the CERQ short version (CERQ-short) for use on adolescents in the Norwegian population. Method: A sample of 3461 adolescents (47.3% girls) aged 12–16 years was recruited through the UEVO population-based study of child maltreatment in Norway. Factor structure, reliability, measurement invariance and criterion validity were investigated. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported the original nine-factor model including 18 items; however, not a two-factor structure nor a higher order two-factor solution. Internal consistency was adequate for all subscales, with alpha levels ranging from .73 to .84 between subscales across genders. Relationships with internalizing problems measured with the 10-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist and health-related quality of life according to KIDSCREEN-10 supported the criterion-related validity of the Norwegian CERQ-short. Conclusions: Results suggest that the CERQ-short can be used to measure cognitive emotion regulation strategies in the Norwegian adolescent population. The validation of the CERQ-short in Norway could significantly improve mental health care by facilitating better diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluation, as well as informing public health policy and cross-cultural research.