Abstract

Introduction: the Chilean child and adolescent population have serious mental health problems. Therefore, the ability to regulate emotions becomes a critical skill. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the psychometric properties of the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24) in its abbreviated version in a Chilean child and adolescent population. Method: cross-sectional validation was carried out on 636 Chilean children and adolescents. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to examine the scale’s factor structure in this population. Results: internal consistency showed robust results (α = 0,931; ω = 0,932) indicating high reliability. Using a Varimax rotation, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified three significant factors explaining 57,95 % of the total variance. The results of the CFA suggested a good model fit with an RMSEA (0,061), CFI (0,934), and TLI (0,923). Parsimony indices indicated adequate fit PCFI (0,802) and PNFI (0,781). Convergent validity was also supported by significant correlations between the TMMS-24 dimensions and depression, anxiety, and stress factors measured with the DASS-21. Conclusion: these findings suggest that the TMMS-24 has adequate and validated psychometric properties, allowing its use as a reliable tool to assess the most relevant variables of emotional intelligence such as Emotional Attention (EA), Emotional Clarity (EC), and Emotional Regulation (ER) in Chilean children and adolescents in educational and mental health contexts.