The Situational Test of Emotional Management – Brief (STEM-B): Development and validation using item response theory and latent class analysis

•Using a 3-PL IRT model, the STEM-B was developed.•The STEM-B has acceptable psychometric properties and detected two latent classes.•Latent Class 2 had a higher probability of selecting the best option than Class 1.•Class 2 had a higher probability of endorsing “situation modification”.•Class 1 had a higher probability of endorsing “no regulation”.

This study uses a 3-Parameter Logistic item response theory (IRT) model to develop an 18-item short-form of the Situational Test of Emotion Management (STEM). In a sample of 900 people, the short form showed acceptable reliability (reliability index = .87; Cronbach’s alpha = .84) and a meaningful correlation with another indicator of emotional intelligence (i.e., r = .30 with the Situational Test of Emotional Understanding). Latent class analysis of the short-form detected two classes. For all items, participants in Class 2 had a higher probability of selecting the best option than Class 1. When response options were coded to represent different emotion regulation strategies, Class 2 had a higher probability of endorsing “situation modification” and Class 1 had a higher probability of endorsing “no regulation”. These results provide validity evidence for the STEM-B as an assessment of emotion regulation.