Psychometric analysis of the pathological anger scale in adolescents in Mexico and Peru using a measurement invariance approach

Anger in adolescents is an indicator of mental health disorders. The aim of the study was to analyze the internal structure of the Pathological Anger Scale (DAR-7 and DAR-5 versions), its reliability, the invariance of the measurement in adolescents in Mexico and Peru, and its relationship with the frustration of basic psychological needs. 802 adolescents aged 11 to 16 participated, selected through non-probability sampling. An analytical-factorial strategy based on ESEM and CFA was used with the WLSMV estimation method. The DAR-5 has a more robust unidimensional structure than the DAR-7 and is invariant between both countries. Direct associations between pathological anger and the frustration of autonomy, competence, and relatedness were confirmed in both samples. In adittion, reliability was adequate (α > .79; ω > .84). In conclusion, the DAR-5 is a psychometrically robust, valid, and cross-culturally equitable instrument, allowing for its use with adolescents in Peru and Mexico.