How emotion regulation problems relate to impulsive behaviors in university students

Lack of emotional clarity predicted the largest number of impulsive behaviors among 238 undergraduate students.

• Emotion dysregulation was measured with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS).
• Non-acceptance of emotions was associated with several impulsive behaviors.
• Difficulties in achieving goals when upset also related to impulsivity.
• Certain forms of emotion regulation difficulties may act as mechanisms leading to maladaptive impulsive behaviors.
• Findings suggest a need for integrating specific emotion regulation skills into harm prevention programs for university students.

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