Actualidades en Psicología

Influence of sociodemographic variables on anxiety and academic achievement in adolescence: the pluricultural context of Ceuta

Resumen Este trabajo tiene como objetivo fundamental analizar la ansiedad y el rendimiento académico, sus tipos y niveles en función de edad, género, cultura y estrato socioeconómico, así como contemplar las relaciones entre ambas. Se contó con 811 participantes. El 71.6% de la muestra eran musulmanes, mientras que el 28.4% eran cristianos; el 46.1% hombres y el 53.9% mujeres. Como instrumentos de evaluación se empleó el STAIC (Spielberger, 2001) y las calificaciones del alumnado. Se reflejan niveles medio-bajos en ansiedad y medios en rendimiento académico. En la ansiedad influyen edad, género, cultura/religión y estatus socio-económico-cultural. Sobre el rendimiento actúan la edad, la cultura y el estatus. No se halló relación estadísticamente significativa entre ansiedad y rendimiento académico.

Abstract The main objective of this paper is to analyze the types and levels of Anxiety and Academic Achievement according to age, gender, culture and socioeconomic and cultural, as well as the relationships between both variables. We focused on 811 participants 71.6% of whom were Muslims and 28.4% Christian; 46.1% male and 53.9% female. The techniques used in this survey were the STAIC (Spielberger, 2001) as well as the students’ grades. The results reflect medium-low levels in Anxiety and medium levels in Achievement. Anxiety is influenced by age, gender, culture and status. Academic Achievement is influenced by age, culture and socioeconomic and cultural. There is no statistically significant relationship between Anxiety and Achievement, except in Mathematics, increasing as the Anxiety scores are lower.

Impulsiveness and aggressiveness in police cadets

Resumen El objetivo principal fue indagar los niveles de agresividad e impulsividad en Cadetes de Policía de San Luis, Argentina. La muestra fue intencional, no probabilística, conformada por 58 alumnos (39 varones y 19 mujeres) que cursan el segundo y tercer año de un instituto de formación. Fueron administrados dos instrumentos: Cuestionario de Agresividad (AQ) (Andreu-Rodríguez, Peña-Fernández & Graña-Gómez, 2002) y la Escala de Impulsividad de Barratt (BIS-11) (Oquendo et al., 2001). Las principales conclusiones evidencian niveles elevados de agresión física e impulsividad cognitiva. Las mujeres mostraron puntuaciones elevadas en la subescala hostilidad, mientras que los hombres mayores niveles de agresión física; los alumnos del último año de formación exhibieron niveles elevados de impulsividad motora, agresión verbal e ira. Finalmente, se corroboraron asociaciones positivas entre las variables de impulsividad y agresividad.

Abstract The main objective was to inquire the levels of aggressiveness and impulsivity in Police Cadets of the San Luis, Argentina. The sample was intentional, not probabilistic, and consisted of 58 students (39 males and 19 females) attending the second and third year of a training institute. Two instruments were administered: The Aggressiveness Questionnaire (AQ) (Andreu-Rodríguez, Peña-Fernández & Graña-Gómez, 2002) and the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11) (Oquendo et al., 2001). The main conclusions make refer to high levels of Physical Aggression and Cognitive Impulsiveness. Women showed high scores on the Hostility sub-scale, while men had higher levels of Physical Aggression; the students of the last year of training exhibited elevated levels of Motor Impulsiveness, Verbal Aggression and Wrath. Finally, positive associations between the variables of Impulsivity and Aggressiveness to were corroborated.

Cuotas raciales: un estudio sobre las representaciones sociales de universitarios y no universitarios

Resumen Objetivo. Analizar el posicionamiento de estudiantes y no estudiantes frente a las cuotas raciales en las universidades públicas brasileñas, así como las justificaciones para ese posicionamiento. Además, investigar los niveles de prejuicio existentes entre los participantes y la relación entre su color de piel y sus posicionamientos frente a esas cuotas. Participantes. 83 estudiantes y 63 no estudiantes. Los resultados demostraron que los no estudiantes se perciben más prejuiciosos y un 74% de los participantes son favorables a las cuotas, siendo los autodeclarados negros los que indicaron mayor concordancia. El análisis léxico demostró que los estudiantes anclan sus posicionamientos en principios meritocráticos, mientras que los no universitarios anclan en principios igualitarios, reflejando la forma en cómo estos grupos construyen simbólicamente el significado de las cuotas raciales a partir de sus pertenencias sociales.

Abstract This work aimed at analyzing the positioning of students and non-students about racial quotas in the Brazilian public universities and the justifications for that positioning. We also investigated the levels of prejudice existing among the participants and the relationship between their skin color and their positions about those quotas. The participants were 83 students and 63 non-students. The results showed that non-students perceive themselves as more prejudiced and 74% of the them were favorable to the quotas, being the self-declared black those that indicated greater agreement. The lexical analysis showed that students anchor their positions in meritocratic principles, while non-students anchor on egalitarian principles, reflecting the way in which these groups symbolically construct the meaning of racial quotas based on their group memberships.

Differences between men and women regarding psychological meaning of sexual socialization practices among siblings

Resumen Objetivo: describir el significado psicológico de diferentes prácticas de socialización sexual fraterna y determinar si existen diferencias por sexo. Método: estudio transversal con muestreo no probabilístico (n = 214 universitarios); se utilizó la técnica de Redes Semánticas Naturales Modificadas para analizar el significado psicológico de diferentes prácticas de socialización sexual fraterna. Resultados: Las mujeres refieren prácticas y significados centrados en un rol afectivo y los varones en un rol instrumental; sin embargo, existe un amplio espectro de tácticas de socialización que son compartidas por ambos sexos. Conclusiones: el género y la cultura son elementos que deben ser considerados en las prácticas fraternas de socialización sexual.

Abstract Objective: to describe the psychological meaning of diverse of fraternal sexual socialization practices within a group of college students and determine whether there are significant differences among genders. Methods: cross-sectional study, non-probabilistic sample method (n = 214 college students) and the Modified Natural Semantic Networks were all used in order to analyze the psychological meaning of different practices of fraternal sexual socialization. Results: female participants were found to refer practices and meanings centered on an affective role, while men were centered on an instrumental role; however, there is a broad spectrum of socialization tactics shared by both men and women. Conclusion: gender and culture play a role in the fraternal sexual socialization practices that should be taken into account.

How is a best friend? Friendship’s characteristics in Argentine children

Resumen Los objetivos fueron indagar el concepto de mejor amigo en escolares y explorar la comprensión del mejor amigo como factor protector en situaciones de maltrato entre pares. Se optó una metodología cualitativa y la indagación mediante grupos focales. Participaron 85 escolares de 4º a 7º grado (M = 10.68, DT = 1.34). Se realizó el análisis del método comparativo constante. Las categorías emergentes fueron: compañerismo, conflictos, fraternidad, fidelidad, confianza, ayuda, emociones positivas y aspectos morales, manifestaciones de violencia y búsqueda de diálogo con el agresor, contención afectiva hacia la víctima y recurrencia al docente. Diferentes conceptualizaciones se interpretan considerando el desarrollo cognitivo y socioemocional. La amistad es un recurso psicosocial para amortiguar efectos del rechazo y propiciar el desarrollo socioemocional.

Abstract The aims were to inquire the concept of best friend in school children and to explore the best friend concept as a protective factor against situations of mistreatment between peers. A qualitative methodology was chosen and focus groups made. The sample was made up of 85 schoolchildren, from 4th to 7th grade (M = 10.68, SD = 1.34). The analysis was carried out via constant comparative method. The emergent categories were: companionship, conflicts, fraternity, fidelity, trust, help, positive emotions and moral aspects, manifestations of violence and search for dialogue with the aggressor, affective containment towards the victim and recourse for teacher support. Different conceptualizations are interpreted considering cognitive and socioemotional development. Friendship is a psychosocial resource to cushion the effects of rejection and foster socioemotional development.

Psychometric conditions of the stressful life events scale used on colombian population

Resumen Objetivo. Determinar las condiciones psicométricas desde el modelo TRI y evaluar la permanencia a través del tiempo de su calidad métrica determinada desde la Teoría Clásica de los Test de la Escala de Acontecimientos Vitales Estresantes. Muestra. Fue de 1225 colombianos entre 17 y 64 años (M = 33.14; DT = 12.47) de edad y ambos sexos, estratificada por sexos y procedencia. Metodología. Se analizaron las condiciones psicométricas de la escala desde la Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem (TRI), se mejoró el formato de presentación, se definieron límites de interpretación de los puntajes, y se analizó la diferencia en el impacto psicológico provocado por cada evento de acuerdo al sexo. Resultados. Los resultados muestran que la escala cuenta con un nivel adecuado de validez y confiabilidad, que el cambio de formato facilita su diligenciamiento y que es necesario ratificar si existen diferencias de sexo que deben ser estudiadas.

Abstract Objective. This paper seeks to find the psychometric qualities of validity and reliability of the Scale of Stressful Life Events for Colombian people. Sample. 1225 participants aged between 17 and 64, (M = 33.14 years old; SD = 12.47) stratified by gender and origin. Method. We analyzed the psychometric conditions of the scale from the Item Response Theory (IRT) improved the format of presentation, defined limits of interpretation of the scores, and analyzed the difference in psychological impact caused by each event according to sex. Results. The results show that the scale has an adequate level of validity and reliability, that the change of format facilitates its correct fulfillment, and that the need to study differences between the sexes must be assessed further.

O papel da vinculação aos pais e da regulação emocional no investimento esquemático na aparência em jovens adultos

Resumo Os vínculos afetivos que se estabelecem na infância podem ter efeitos no desenvolvimento emocional dos jovens. A vinculação segura pode potenciar a capacidade de regulação emocional e proporcionar uma imagem de si mais positiva, gerando comportamentos ajustados de investimento na aparência. A presente investigação objetivou analisar o papel da vinculação aos pais e da regulação emocional no investimento esquemático na aparência. Foram usados instrumentos de autorrelato numa amostra constituída por 948 jovens adultos (18-30 anos) de ambos os sexos. Evidenciou-se o papel significativo que a qualidade de vinculação aos pais e a regulação emocional assumem no desenvolvimento de um investimento ajustado na aparência. Verificou-se ainda o efeito mediador positivo das dificuldades de regulação emocional entre a inibição da exploração e individualidade mãe e a saliência auto-avaliativa.

Abstract. The affective bonds that are established in childhood can have effects on the emotional development of young people. The secure attachment can potentiate the ability of emotional regulation, provide a more positive image of yourself and, therefore, adjusted investment behaviors in appearance. This study aims to analyze the role of parental attachment and the emotional regulation in the schematic investment in appearance. Self-report instruments were used on a sample that consisted of 948 young adults (18 and 30 years) of both genders. The study highlighted the significant role that the quality of parental attachment and emotional regulation take in developing an investment adjusted in appearance. The results showed the positive mediator effect of difficulties in emotional regulation between the inhibition of exploration and individuality mother and the self-evaluative salience.

Predictors of acute posttraumatic symptoms and post- stress growth after a recent work accident

Resumen El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar un modelo predictivo de sintomatología postraumática aguda (SPT) y de crecimiento post-estrés (CPE) en trabajadores que sufrieron un accidente laboral reciente. Se encuestaron 246 trabajadores (23.2% mujeres) entre los 18 y los 73 años. Se encontró que los principales predictores de la SPT son: severidad subjetiva del evento, afrontamiento religioso negativo, reinterpretación positiva y rumiación de tipos intrusiva, negativa y deliberada. A su vez, los principales predictores de CPE fueron: rumiación deliberada y afrontamiento religioso positivo. Se realizó un análisis de sendero para evaluar un modelo en el cual la rumiación intrusiva y la deliberada cumplen una función mediadora, obteniendo adecuados índices de ajuste. Se plantea la necesidad de contar con un método de evaluación temprana de las respuestas psicológicas tras un accidente.

Abstract The aim of this study is to evaluate a predictive model of acute posttraumatic symptomatology (PTS) and post-stress growth (PSG) in workers who suffered a recent work accident. To this end, 246 workers (23.2% women) were surveyed, aged between 18 and 73 years. The main predictors of PTS were subjective severity of event, negative religious coping, positive reinterpretation, and intrusive, brooding and deliberate rumination. At the same time, the main predictors of PSG were deliberate rumination and positive religious coping. A path analysis was performed to evaluate a model in which intrusive and deliberate rumination fulfill a mediating function, obtaining adequate goodness-of-fix indices. The need to have a method of early evaluation of psychological responses after an accident is proposed.