Turkish version of Emotion Self-Regulation Questionnaire (ESQ): its psychometric properties with Rasch analysis and two route of validation

Abstract This study examines the Turkish version of the Emotion Self-Regulation Questionnaire (ESQ) and its psychometric properties. In Study 1, validity and reliability analyses were conducted with a sample of 280 participants. Multidimensional multi-level Rasch analysis confirmed that the adapted ESQ maintained the original six-factor structure, resulting in 18-item scale assessing six emotion regulation strategies. The Cronbach's alpha and Expectation A Posteriori (EAP) reliability indicated sufficient internal consistency, while test-retest reliability showed a low to medium correlation. The ESQ demonstrated associations with mood regulation, perceived stress, well-being, and overall emotion regulation as expected. These findings establish the Turkish-adapted ESQ as a reliable and valid scale for assessing emotional regulation strategies. In Study 2, which included 275 participants, the moderating role of emotion regulation strategies in the relationship between perceived stress and depression was examined. Results revealed that positive reappraisal and controlled expression had an inhibitory effect on the perceived stress-depression relationship, while rumination and suppression showed an enhancing effect, consistent with expectations. The significance and limitations of the findings were discussed. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the psychometric properties of the Turkish ESQ and sheds light on the role of emotion regulation strategies in the context of perceived stress and depression.