Table 3 Item-total score person correlation analysis results in ERBS of 21 Items (n = 980, α = 0.05)

Q1

Emotions operate like a floodgate that is either open or closed. In other words, emotions are either “on” or “off.”

Q2

Emotions can either be expressed entirely or hidden from others-it isn’t possible to share only part of an emotional response

Q3

People can learn to control/regulate their emotions

Q4

People are ruled by their emotions

Q5

Putting forth effort to alter emotional experience is valuable

Q6

When a person has a strong emotional reaction to another person, they will always feel that way about that other person

Q7

When people are feeling down, they have to wait for a better mood to arrive before they can be productive

Q8

People would be better off if they took time to figure out where their emotions come from

Q9

When strong emotions are present, they dictate what a person says or does

Q10

When an emotion comes along, it will continue unless there is a change in the environment

Q11

When people acknowledge their emotions, the emotions will completely take them over

Q12

Learning how to alter strong emotions is a worthwhile pursuit

Q13

It is possible, with effort, to alter strong feelings in any situation

Q14

When a person feels really angry, it’s virtually impossible to not take the anger out on people or objects nearby

Q15

People are slaves to their emotions

Q16

People would be better off if they spent more time learning how to control their emotions

Q17

Strong emotions will make people do things they wouldn’t normally do

Q18

When feelings of sadness take over, a person can’t really do anything but wallow in the misery

Q19

People benefit from learning how to regulate their feelings

Q20

It’s virtually impossible for people to act opposite to the way they feel

Q21

Emotions make people lose control