Psychometric Properties of Rational-Experiential Inventory, and It's Relationship with Cognitive Regulation of Emotions

Psychologists have proposed two styles for thinking and processing information. Experiential system, which is automatic and non-verbal; And the Rational system, which is analytical and verbal. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Rational- Experiential Inventory; and to find it's relationship with cognitive regulation of emotions. This cross-sectional study was performed by descriptive contextualization method. The statistical population consisted of all students of Islamic Azad and Sama Universities, Roodehen Branch, and 503 individuals were selected randomly via multi- period method and completed the Rational-Experiential Inventory (REI) and Cognitive Regulation of Emotions Questionnaire (Garnefski & Kraaij, 2006). Data were analyzed by exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and correlation coefficient. After analysis, four components were identified: Rational Ability, Rational Engagement, Experiential Ability, Experiential Engagement. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.682, 0.823, 0.695, 0.750, and the correlation coefficient in the retest was 0.79, 0.78, 0.73, and 0.76, respectively. In the validity of criterion, rational components had negative correlation with negative strategies of regulation of emotions, and the experiential components had positive correlation with these strategies. The rational- experiential inventory showed proper reliability and convergent validity, In general, Rational people used positive emotion regulation strategies more and negative strategies less. The Rational- Experiential Inventory had adequate reliability and convergent validity. It can be used to improve the teaching, and psychotherapy.