Generality or specificity? Examining the mechanism of the transdiagnostic associations between different aspects of emotion dysregulation and various anxiety-related disorders.

Objectives: Different aspects of emotion dysregulation (ED) have been found to be broadly associated with various anxiety-related disorders (ADs), but the mechanism underlying these transdiagnostic associations is largely unknown. There are at least two possible hypotheses. The generality hypothesis suggests that the associations are better explained by the link between a general ED factor and the general vulnerability factor derived from various ADs. The specificity hypothesis posits that specific ED facets make a unique contribution beyond the general ED factor.

Methods: In a treatment-seeking sample of 351 patients with a primary diagnosis of an AD, we simultaneously examined both the general and facet-specific effects of ED, as assessed by the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), on the general vulnerability factor underlying ADs over the course of treatment using a bifactor latent change modelling approach.

Results: Supporting the generality hypothesis, we found decreases in the general DERS factor were associated with symptoms reduction and improvement in life functioning. Except for emotional clarity, specific DERS factors had limited effects beyond the general factor.

Conclusions: Our findings suggested that the well-documented broad associations between ED and various ADs are best explained by the relationship between the general ED factor, rather than specific facets, and the general vulnerability factor to ADs. Thus, assessing overall ED, rather than focusing on specific facets, may be more effective for screening individuals at risk for ADs and monitoring therapeutic progress in the treatment of ADs.