Examining underlying structures of cognitive emotion regulation strategies using exploratory structural equation modeling

Cognitive emotion regulation strategies (ERSs) are salient predictors of numerous mental health outcomes. Individuals rely on combinations of strategies and these are often context-dependent, so it is advantageous to evaluate several cognitive ERSs in studies on relations between emotion regulation and mental health. However, it is not always practical to examine several ERSs as separate predictors in statistical models (e.g., due to small sample size), especially when evaluating multiple factors that impact mental health. We aimed to evaluate a parsimonious underlying factor structure for overall reliance on different domains of cognitive ERSs. Using data from 2,077 young adults, we used Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) to evaluate underlying factor structures for nine ERSs as measured by the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. A three-factor solution was identified, including factors termed Positive ERSs, Internally-Oriented Negative ERSs, and Externally-Oriented Negative ERSs. The Positive ERS factor was a protective factor and the Internally-Oriented Negative ERS factor was a risk factor for several health-risk behaviors and mental health diagnoses, and effects were larger for Internally-Oriented Negative ERSs. Relations between the Externally-Oriented Negative ERSs factor and mental health outcomes were generally null. Results extend previous literature indicating that maladaptive ERSs have larger impacts on mental health concerns than adaptive strategies, and highlight that ERSs involving negative cognitions about oneself and one’s internal experiences are a salient, transdiagnostic feature of psychopathology and health-risk behaviors. This parsimonious three-factor modeling approach for cognitive ERSs may be useful in etiological models for mental health concerns.