The Portuguese Version of the Self-Regulation Scale: Psychometrics, Measurement Invariance, and Associations with Antisocial Variables Among Youth

Self-regulation is the basic capacity to regulate one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The aim of the present study is to examine the psychometric properties of the Self-Regulation Scale (SRS) among male and female Portuguese youth participants ( N = 559 youth, M = 16.51 years, SD = 1.07, range = 14–20 years). The three-factor model composed of the Emotional, Cognitive, and Behavioral regulation subscales obtained adequate fit, although the fit of the second-order model was also acceptable. Internal consistency as measured by the alpha and omega reliability estimators was good. Significant associations were found with psychometric measures of relevant constructs (e.g., self-control, psychopathic traits, criminogenic cognitions), and external criterion-related variables (e.g., engaging in activities against the law, alcohol and drug abuse). Cross-gender measurement invariance was supported, with females scoring significantly higher on the Cognitive regulation subscale, and males scoring significantly higher on the Emotional regulation subscale. The findings support the use of the SRS to validly and reliably measure self-regulation in Portuguese youth.