Background: Emotion regulation (ER) problems, as operationalised by the Difficulties in ER Scale (DERS), have been identified as transdiagnostic features of psychopathology.
Aims: The objectives were to synthesise the evidence to identify whether (a) ER difficulties are associated with hoarding and (b) if particular ER difficulties are associated with hoarding.
Method: Peer-reviewed studies and published dissertations measuring the association between the DERS and hoarding were identified via PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE and EMBASE. Studies were assessed for quality using a modified Downs and Black checklist.
Results: Eleven studies met inclusion criteria. Most were cross-sectional, with one employing an experimental design. Ten studies showed ER difficulties are significantly associated with hoarding. There is some evidence to suggest depression and anxiety could account for ER problems. Five studies analysed DERS subscales and hoarding. Most showed all DERS subscales, apart from Awareness, are associated with hoarding.
Conclusion: Hoarding is associated with a (a) restricted capacity to understand emotions; (b) tendency to avoid emotions; (c) narrow repertoire of strategies to feel better; and (d) difficulties controlling behaviour when emotional. Reviewed studies suggest ER problems are relevant, but not unique, to hoarding. Longitudinal and experimental research is warranted to explore the direction of these relationships.
