Emotional expressivity in the Bangladeshis: Psychometric properties of the Bangla Berkeley expressivity questionnaire

Emotional expressivity is related to physical and mental well-being. However, there is no instrument for evaluating emotional expressivity in Bangladesh's cultural context. The Berkeley Expressivity Questionnaire (BEQ) is a commonly used instrument for measuring emotional expressivity, which consists of three correlated facets: positive expressivity, negative expressivity, and impulse strength. Therefore, this investigation aimed to adapt and validate BEQ in the Bangla language and Bangladeshi culture through two independent studies using classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT)- based approach. In Study 1, 377 participants (Mage = 25.52, SD = 1.18) were finally selected, where 244 (59%) were men and 133 (41%) were women. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the revised 15-item 3-factor model is the best model of the Bangla BEQ version. Additionally, the measurement invariance test results proved that this instrument is consistent across men and women. Furthermore, internal consistency analyses revealed that the total scale and its three facets sub-scales have acceptable reliability. In Study 2, 553 participants (Mage = 21.31, SD = 1.48) participated. Among them, 285 (52%) were women. IRT-based analyses indicated that the facets of the Bangla BEQ provide a significant amount of information across a broad continuum. The Bangla BEQ was assessed for concurrent validity by comparing it to external instruments that measure personality traits and well-being. The results of the correlation analyses confirmed the concurrent validity. Finally, the 15-item Bangla BEQ has been found to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing emotional expressivity in Bangladeshis.