Factor Structure, Psychometric Properties, and Measurement Invariance of the Persian Version of Beliefs About Emotions Questionnaire (BAEQ) in the Iranian Population

Objectives Considering the significant role of emotional beliefs in psychological well-being and research within the field of psychotherapy, the present study examines the factor structure, psychometric properties, and measurement invariance of the beliefs about emotions questionnaire (BAEQ) in an Iranian population. Methods This cross-sectional psychometric study was conducted with residents of Zanjan City, Iran. The participants were recruited through online announcements on social media platforms from April 2024 to June 2024. A total of 453 individuals were selected using a convenience sampling method. The internal consistency reliability of the Farsi version of the BAEQ was assessed using the Cronbach α method. Construct validity was evaluated through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent validity was assessed using the positive and negative affect schedule (PANAS) and the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS). Results Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a 5-factor structure consisting of the following factors: Overwhelming and uncontrollable, shameful and irrational, useless, contagious and invalid and meaningless, with 25 items. Fit indices were satisfactory, including (χ2/df=1.74, goodness of fit index=0.930, comparative fit index=0.946 and root mean square error of approximation=0.040). The Cronbach α method was 0.75, indicating acceptable internal consistency. The average variance extracted and composite reliability were 0.50 and 0.94, respectively, indicating structural convergent validity. Criterion validity analysis revealed significant correlations with the positive affect (r=-0.27) and negative affect (r=0.415) questionnaires and SWLS (r=-0.20). Additionally, the measurement invariance confirmed the questionnaire’s usability for both genders. Conclusion Overall, the 25-item Persian version of the BAEQ demonstrates satisfactory validity and reliability in the Iranian population and culture. Therefore, researchers can confidently use the Persian version of the BAEQ in research and clinical studies.