Emotion regulation difficulties as common and unique predictors of impulsive behaviors in university students

Abstract

Objectives: Researchers examined associations between specific forms of emotion dysregulation and numerous behavioral manifestations of impulsivity (i.e., problematic alcohol use, drug use, risky sexual activity, binge eating, non-suicidal self-injury). Participants: Participants were 238 undergraduate students (69% female). Method: Emotion dysregulation was assessed using the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Path models examined each DERS subscale on its own, and all DERS subscales together, as predictors of all impulsive behaviors. Results: Lack of emotional clarity predicted the largest number of impulsive behaviors, both on its own and after controlling for other forms of emotion dysregulation. Non-acceptance of emotions and difficulties achieving goals when upset also related to several impulsive behaviors. Conclusions: Certain emotion regulation difficulties, particularly poor emotional clarity, may represent specific mechanisms that lead to maladaptive impulsive behaviors. Findings provide useful information for incorporating specific emotion regulation skills in harm prevention programs and treatments for university students.

Keywords:

• Binge eating
• emotion dysregulation
• impulsive behaviors
• non-suicidal self-injury
• risky sex
• substance use

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of Canada and received approval from the institutional review board.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.