Actualidades en Psicología

A Pilot Study of Obesity Management: Contributions of Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy to Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Eating

Abstract Objetive.Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) is a group approach that assesses the interconnections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a group setting. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a CBGT protocol focused on emotion regulation, in reducing emotional reactivity and its potential impact on components of emotion-driven eating behaviors. Method. Twenty participants underwent an 8-week intervention, with half receiving psychoeducational intervention and the other half receiving CBGT with a focus on emotional regulation. We used questionnaires to assess anxiety and eating behavior, and we measured psychophysiological changes through cortisol levels and heart rate variability. Results. After six weeks, the CBGT group had lower scores for emotional and uncontrolled eating, along with an increase in parasympathetic modulation and a decrease in cortisol levels. These results suggest that CBGT may hold potential for improving emotional regulation and reducing emotion-based eating behavior; however, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Resumen. Objetivo. La Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual Grupal (TCCG) es un enfoque grupal que evalúa las interconexiones entre pensamientos, emociones y comportamientos en un entorno grupal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la viabilidad y la efectividad preliminar de un protocolo de TCCG enfocado en la regulación emocional, en la reducción de la reactividad emocional y su posible impacto en los componentes de los comportamientos alimentarios impulsados por las emociones. Método. Veinte participantes se sometieron a una intervención de 8 semanas, con la mitad recibiendo una intervención psicoeducativa y la otra mitad recibiendo TCCG con un enfoque en la regulación emocional. Utilizamos cuestionarios para evaluar la ansiedad y el comportamiento alimentario, y medimos cambios psicofisiológicos a través de niveles de cortisol y variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca. Resultados. Después de seis semanas, el grupo de TCCG presentó puntuaciones más bajas en la alimentación emocional y descontrolada, junto con un aumento en la modulación parasimpática y una disminución en los niveles de cortisol. Conclusión: Estos resultados sugieren que la TCCG puede tener potencial para mejorar la regulación emocional y reducir el comportamiento alimentario basado en emociones; sin embargo, se necesita más investigación para confirmar su efectividad.

Personality Emoji Scale: Validity and Reliability Evidences

Resumo Objetivo. Apresentar evidências de validade e fidedignidade da Escala de Personalidade com Emojis, considerando que esta pode ser uma estratégia dinâmica e pouco explorada para mensuração das diferenças individuais. A medida utiliza diferentes emojis para ilustrar características dos Cinco Grandes Fatores. Ademais, também investigou-se a relação da escala com variáveis sociodemográficas. Método. Participaram 234 sujeitos, com idade média de 20.5 anos (DP = 5.60). Resultados. Observou-se adequação do modelo com os cinco grandes traços de personalidade. A fidedignidade dos fatores variou entre .61 - .89, sendo observadas diferenças de gênero na amabilidade e extroversão. Finalmente, observaram-se correlações com outra medida de personalidade

Abstract Objective. To present evidence of validity and reliability of the Emoji Personality Scale, considering that this may be a dynamic and little explored strategy for measuring individual differences. The scale uses different emojis to illustrate characteristics of the Big Five. In addition, this measure’s relationship with sociodemographic variables was also investigated. Method. 234 individuals participated, with a mean age of 20.5 years (SD = 5.60). Results. Model-fit indicators were observed for the five-factor model. Reliability ranged from .61 to .89, with gender differences observed in agreeableness and extraversion. Finally, correlations with another personality measure were observed

Distributive Justice, Culture and Self-Concept: A Comparison between Spain and Costa Rica

Resumen Objetivo. Analizar la justicia distributiva en función del individualismo-colectivismo cultural y los autoconceptos independiente e interdependiente. Método. La muestra estuvo constituida por españoles y costarricenses (N = 859; M = 33.28; DT = 13.12 años; 37.9% eran hombres y el 62.1% mujeres). Se realizaron análisis de varianza con comparaciones post-hoc para determinar cómo la combinación del contexto cultural y el autoconcepto influyen sobre la justicia distributiva operativizada a partir del juego del ultimátum. Resultados. Las personas participantes que viven en un contexto cultural colectivista aceptan, en mayor medida, las propuestas desiguales, mientras quienes poseen un autoconcepto independiente rechazan las más injustas, y interdependientes y colectivistas (vs. independientes e individualistas) tienen una menor justicia distributiva.

Abstract Objective. To analyze distributive justice in terms of cultural individualism-collectivism, as well as independent and interdependent self-perception. Method. The sample consisted of Spaniards and Costa Ricans (N = 859; M = 33.28; SD = 13.12 years; 37.9% were male and 62.1% female). Analysis of variance with post-hoc comparisons was performed to determine how the combination of cultural context and self-perception influences distributive justice operationalized with the ultimatum game. Results. Participants who live in a collectivist cultural context are more accepting of unequal proposals, while those with an independent self-perception reject the most unjust ones, and those who are interdependent and collectivist (vs. independent and individualistic) have less distributive justice.

Psychometric Study of the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI-13)

Resumo Objetivo. Adaptar para o Brasil o NPI-13, reunindo evidências psicométricas. Método. Participaram 520 pessoas que responderam a medida em questão, o Questionário dos Valores Básicos, o Inventário dos Cinco Grandes Fatores, a Escala Levenson de Psicopatia e o Two-Dimensional Mach-IV. Resultados. A estrutura de três fatores do NPI-13 (Liderança/Autoridade, Grandiosidade/Exibicionismo, Senso de direitos/Exploração) recebeu suporte (TLI > 0.90; RMSEA < 0.08). O NPI-13 se correlacionou com os valores de realização e com a díade sombria (i.e., psicopatia e maquiavelismo), além dos fatores Liderança/Autoridade e Grandiosidade/ Exibicionismo se correlacionarem de forma mais consistente com a extroversão ao passo que Senso de direitos/ Exploração o fez com o neuroticismo. Em suma, reuniram-se evidências sobre o NPI-13, sendo uma medida útil para captar a multidimensionalidade do construto no Brasil.

Abstract Objective. The objective of this study was to adapt the NPI-13 for the Brazilian context, gathering psychometrics evidence. Method. A total of 520 participants completed the NPI-13, the Basic Values Questionnaire, the Five-Factor Inventory, and the Dirty Dozen. Results. The three-factor structure of the NPI-13 (Leadership/ Authority, Grandiosity/Exhibitionism, Entitlement/Exploitativeness) was supported (TLI > 0.90; RMSEA < 0.08). Correlations were found between the NPI-13 with achievement values and the dark dyad (i.e., psychopathy and Machiavellianism). The Leadership/Authority and Grandiosity/Exhibitionism factors were consistently correlated with extraversion, while Entitlement/Exploitativeness was correlated with neuroticism. In summary, evidence was gathered for the NPI-13 in the Brazilian context, indicating that it is a useful measure for capturing the multidimensionality of the construct in Brazil.

Dark personality and aggressiveness: The mediating role of anger and hostility

Resumo. Objetivo. Este estudo objetivou verificar as relações entre os traços da personalidade sombria e as dimensões da agressividade. Método. Participaram 208 indivíduos da população geral, com média de idade de 26.83 anos (DP = 8.99). Foram utilizadas as seguintes medidas: Dark Triad Dirty Dozen, Questionário de Agressividade de Buss-Perry e questionário sociodemográfico. Os dados foram explorados pelos softwares SPSS e JASP. Resultados. Os resultados mostraram que os traços de personalidade sombria, narcisismo, maquiavelismo e psicopatia se correlacionaram positivamente com os quatro fatores de agressividade. Além disso, os traços de personalidade sombria apresentaram efeitos diretos e indiretos, mediados pela raiva e hostilidade, na agressão física e verbal. Conclui-se que os sentimentos (hostis) e a emoção (raiva) podem contribuir na perpetuação de comportamentos agressivos.

Abstract. Objective. This study aimed to verify the relationships between dark personality traits and the dimensions of aggressiveness. 208 individuals from the general population participated, with a mean age of 26.83 years (SD = 8.99). Method. The following measures were used: Dark Triad Dirty Dozen, Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and sociodemographic questionnaire. The data were explored using SPSS and JASP software. Results. The results showed that the dark personality traits narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy were positively correlated with the four aggressiveness factors. Furthermore, dark personality traits showed direct and indirect effects, mediated by anger and hostility, on physical and verbal aggression. It is concluded that feelings (hostile) and emotion (anger) can contribute to the perpetuation of aggressive behaviors.

Longitudinal Study of Self-efficacy and Personal Growth Initiative in Argentine Secondary School Students

Resumen Objetivo. Esta investigación se propuso analizar la trayectoria de la autoeficacia en estudiantes argentinos de nivel secundario durante tres años consecutivos, además, examinar su asociación con la iniciativa para el crecimiento personal (PGI) en cada medición. Método. En este estudio longitudinal, participaron 313 estudiantes en el T1, 280 en el T2 y 249 en el T3. Se aplicaron adaptaciones argentinas de las escalas de Autoeficacia de O'Sullivan y de PGI-II. Se utilizó ANOVA de medidas repetidas para estudiar la trayectoria de la autoeficacia y correlación r de Pearson para analizar las asociaciones. Resultados. La autoeficacia evidenció una disminución hacia el tercer tiempo. Se observaron correlaciones positivas y significativas entre todas las dimensiones de autoeficacia y PGI.

Abstract Objective. This study aimed to: a) analyze the trajectory of self-efficacy in Argentine secondary school students over three consecutive years, and b) examine its association with the personal growth initiative (PGI) at each measurement. Method. This longitudinal study included 313 students at T1, 280 at T2, and 249 at T3. Argentine adaptations of the O'Sullivan Self-Efficacy and PGI-II scales were applied. Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to study the trajectory of self-efficacy, and Pearson's r correlation was used to analyze the associations. Results. Self-efficacy showed a decrease towards the third time point. Positive and significant correlations were observed between all self-efficacy dimensions and PGI.

Effect of a Program Based on Emotional Regulation Skills Over Negative Affectivity and Eating behavior

Resumen. Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de un programa basado en habilidades de regulación emocional en estrés, ansiedad, depresión y comportamiento alimentario e identificar si existe relación causal entre variables. Método. Se realizó un estudio experimental con 24 personas adultas mexicanas asignadas aleatoriamente a una intervención cognitivo conductual. Se emplearon las escalas DERS-15, DASS-21, AEBQ-E y Escala de Alimentación Emocional. Resultados. Se observaron cambios en todas las variables respecto a la medición basal y varias con tamaño de efecto mediano. Existe asociación causal entre la desregulación emocional y el afecto negativo, el comportamiento alimentario y la alimentación emocional.

Abstract. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of an emotional regulation skills-based program on stress, anxiety, depression, and eating behavior, and to identify if there is a causal relationship between variables. Methods. An experimental study was carried out with 24 Mexican adults randomly assigned to a cognitive-behavioral intervention. A questionnaire including the DERS-15, DASS-21, AEBQ-E, and Emotional Eating Scale was utilized. Results. Following the intervention, changes were observed in all variables compared to baseline measurements, with several showing moderate effect sizes. There is a causal association between emotional dysregulation and negative affectivity, eating behavior, and emotional eating.

CDE Emotional Dependence Questionnaire: Evidence of Validity and Reliability in Colombian samples

Resumen. Objetivo. Estudiar las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Dependencia Emocional de Lemos y Londoño (2006). Método. Se contó con 634 participantes con edades entre los 18 y los 50 años, que contestaron el instrumento. Se encontró una estructura de cinco factores, la cual fue ratificada por el análisis factorial confirmatorio: ansiedad de separación (6 ítems, ω = 0.892), expresión afectiva de la pareja (4 ítems, ω = 0.854), miedo a la soledad (3 ítems, ω = 0.870), modificación de planes (3 ítems, ω = 0.814), y expresión límite (3 ítems, ω = 0.853) estructura que contrasta con los seis factores planteados en la escala original. Resultados. Los adecuados resultados psicométricos sugieren que se cuenta con un instrumento válido y fiable para medir la dependencia emocional.

Abstract. Objective. The purpose of this research was to study the psychometric properties of the Lemos and Londoño Emotional Dependence Questionnaire (2006). Method. A total of 634 participants, aged between 18 and 50 years, completed the instrument. Results. A five-factor structure was found, which was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis: separation anxiety (6 items, ω = 0.892), partner's affective expression (4 items, ω = 0.854), fear of loneliness (3 items, ω = 0.870), modification of plans (3 items, ω = 0.814), and borderline expression (3 items, ω = 0.853). This structure contrasts with the six factors proposed in the original scale. The adequate psychometric results suggest that this is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring emotional dependence.