Sleep Characteristics in Dance Students Related to Psychological Inflexibility.

Introduction: Dance, as a performance activity, is associated with various problems. Among these challenges, sleep disturbances are notably prevalent. Aims: This study aimed to explore the potential relationship between sleep characteristics-specifically chronotype and subjective sleep quality- and psychological inflexibility in dance students. Methods: This research adopted a cross-sectional design using non-probabilistic sampling. The data were collected in paper format by visiting public conservatories and private academies, and online. One hundred fourteen dance students, with a mean age of 23.87 years, participated in the study. Assessment tools included the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Composite Scale of Morningness. Results: The results revealed that 80.7% of all students reported poor sleep quality, compared to 19.3% who reported good sleep quality. Differences emerged in both subjective sleep quality (F(2, 113) = 4.825, P = .010) and chronotype (F(2, 113) = 6.172, P = .003) when students were grouped according to low, medium, or high levels of psychological inflexibility. Those with low inflexibility, as opposed to those with high inflexibility, report better sleep quality, with no differences observed between medium and high inflexibility groups. Students with high-medium levels of psychological inflexibility showed a higher risk (OR = 6.373 times higher) of experiencing poor sleep quality compared to those with low psychological inflexibility. In terms of chronotype, the low inflexibility group is inclined to be more of a morning type than the medium and high inflexibility groups, with no differences between the latter 2 groups. Students categorized as having low inflexibility tend to have a longer history of dancing under the guidance of a teacher and dedicate more hours and days per week to rehearsal. Conclusion: Conservatories can become "healthy spaces." In this regard, sleep hygiene programs and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy interventions can provide guidance to professionals working with dancers in professional companies and conservatories.

Resilient Behaviors in Music Students: Relationship with Perfectionism and Self-Efficacy.

Self-efficacy and perfectionism play an important role in high-performance activities. This cross-sectional study analyzes the relationship between these constructs and resilience in a sample of 145 music students (57.9% female) with a mean age of 27.77 years. Perfectionism was assessed using the Multidimensional Inventory of Perfectionism in Sport; resilience, using the Resilience Scale; and self-efficacy, using the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Females, compared to males, are more perfectionist, both on the adaptive (Cohen's d = 0.41) and maladaptive scales (Cohen's d = 0.70). However, no gender differences were found in self-efficacy or resilience scores. Music students categorized as highly resilient obtained significantly higher self-efficacy scores (Cohen's d = 1.30). However, no differences were found between high- and low-resilience students in perfectionism scores, the total scale scores, or its adaptive or functional factor (striving for perfection). Differences were found for the maladaptive factor, negative reactions to imperfection, where low-resilience students scored higher on negative reactions to imperfection (Cohen's d = 0.49). Self-efficacy shows significant predictive power for resilience (ß = 0.525, p < 0.001). Although functional perfectionism did not significantly predict resilience, a marginal negative relationship was found between dysfunctional perfectionism and resilience (ß = -0.156, p = 0.063). The results are discussed concerning their implications for music pedagogy and teacher intervention.

Pain Catastrophizing in Dance Students in Relation to Resilient Behavior and Self-Reported Injuries.

AIMS: Pain catastrophizing is characterized by a set of negative emotional and cognitive processes in response to pain, with a tendency to focus inordinately on the painful sensation, exaggerate the damage, and perceive feelings of helplessness. It is a psychological factor that can be treated to help people more effectively cope with pain. In this cross-sectional study, we explored the relationship between self-reported injuries, resilient behavior, and pain catastrophizing in dance students, with more than 3 years of study in public conservatories or private academies. METHODS: A sample of 147 dance students participated, 75.5% of whom were female with a mean age of 28.34 yrs (SD 11.42). Pain catastrophizing was assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, and resilience was assessed using the Resilience Scale. RESULTS: Students in the high resilience category reported lower scores on rumination and magnification, with a marginal difference in total catastrophizing and no difference in helplessness. Those who reported having suffered injuries during the last 3 years showed higher scores in total catastrophizing, rumination, and magnification, but not in helplessness. Those who reported mild injuries showed differences in pain catastrophizing, rumination, and magnification, while those with moderate and severe/very severe injuries only showed differences in magnification. CONCLUSION: The individual nature of pain perception and coping strategies suggests that pain catastrophizing may be considered before dance performance and in those dancers who do not recover as expected after injury.

Jealousy, Violence, and Sexual Ambivalence in Adolescent Students According to Emotional Dependency in the Couple Relationship.

BACKGROUND: Emotional dependency in couples involves excessive and dysfunctional emotional bonding. AIMS: This work aimed to determine the relationship between violence, jealousy, and ambivalent sexism according to emotional dependence in adolescent student couples. METHODS: A cross-sectional study. A total of 234 Spanish adolescents (69.7% female, Mage = 16.77, SD = 1.11) participated in the study. Participants completed an ad hoc interview and several validated tests (Partner's Emotional Dependency Scale, the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, the Jealousy subscale of the Love Addiction Scale, the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationship Inventory). RESULTS: Of the sample, 40.6% indicated high emotional dependence and 14.5% extreme emotional dependence. Differences were observed according to gender (t = 3.92, p < 0.001), with adolescent boys scoring higher than adolescent girls. Extremely emotionally dependent participants showed differences in both violence (sexual, relational, verbal, and physical) and ambivalent sexism (hostile, benevolent) and jealousy scores. Generating a predictive model of emotional dependence, with the variable jealousy and ambivalent sexism as predictor variables, it was found that jealousy has the greatest predictive and major explanatory capacity (R2 = 0.297); with an R2 = 0.334. However, the contribution of the ASI-Hostile subscale was not significant when the ASI-Benevolent subscale was introduced into the model. Further, in a second model where the scores on jealousy and the couple conflict inventory's subscales were considered as predictors, are again jealousy makes the greatest predictive contribution and shows the greatest explanatory capacity (R2 = 0.296). It was found that the contribution is significant only for the predictive capacity of Sexual Violence and Relational Violence. In this sense, the educational context is one of the propitious places to detect and correct behaviors that may be indicative of potentially unbalanced and unbalancing relationships for adolescents.

Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Mental Health in Nurses from Huelva: A Cross-Cutting Study during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

Currently, healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable to the impact of the SARS-CoV-2pandemic since they directly deal with patients suffering from this disease and are in the first line of fire, which increases their risk of contagion. This research examines the prevalence of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and possible non-psychotic psychiatric disorders in 48 male and 270 female nursing professionals of Huelva during the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, we analyzed the relationship between these dependent variables and considered various sociodemographic variables. The nursing staff of public hospitals in Huelva who have had contact with cases of SARS-CoV-2 in their work environment showed a poorer state of mental health than that of others of this same professional category who have not had contact with this type of situation.

Psychosocial and Diet-Related Lifestyle Clusters in Overweight and Obesity.

This study explored intraindividual multidimensional profiles integrating psychosocial factors, namely, body image and satisfaction, weight-related self-stigma, positivity, and happiness, and behavioural-lifestyle factors, namely, adherence to a healthy diet, among Spanish adults with overweight or obesity. We further aimed to investigate the association of excess weight (i.e., measured body mass index, BMI) with the abovementioned multidimensional configurations. A convenience sample of 100 adult individuals (60% females) with excessive weight (69% overweight; 31% obesity) was recruited. They completed self-reports regarding the study variables, and their weight and height were measured. With a perspective centered on the individual, a cluster analysis was performed. Three distinct intraindividual psychosocial and diet-related profiles were identified: a group of healthy individuals with excess weight (46%); a group of individuals who were negatively affected by their excessive weight and showed the most distressed profile (18%); and a group of dysfunctional individuals who seemed to be excessively unrealistic and optimistic regarding their excessive weight and unhealthy lifestyles, but were troubled by their weight (36%). Furthermore, individuals in the affected cluster had higher obesity (mean BMI ± SD = 32.1 ± 3.7) than those in the clusters of healthy (28.0 ± 3.0) and dysfunctional individuals (28.1 ± 3.3) (p < 0.05). The results showed that there are specific psychosocial and lifestyle profiles in the adult population with excess weight and that there are relationships among psychological, behavioural, and body-composition factors. For clinical application purposes, it is important to account for the heterogeneity within individuals who are obese and to individualize the interventions, with a focus from weight change to the individual's overall well-being.

Association of a Mediterranean Diet and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption with Subjective Well-Being among Adults with Overweight and Obesity.

Recent evidence suggests that among behavioral-lifestyle factors, adherence to a healthy dietary pattern such as the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is linked not only to better psychological health and mental positive status but also to increased subjective well-being (SWB). Nevertheless, this association has been unexplored among individuals with excessive weight. This study explored whether adherence to the MedDiet and the intake of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables (FV) are associated with increased happiness and life satisfaction among Spanish adults with overweight or obesity when weight, body image, and body satisfaction are also considered. A convenience sample of adult individuals with excessive weight completed self-reports on the study variables, and weight and BMI were measured by bioimpedance. No evidence of a relationship with SWB indicators was obtained for MedDiet global indicators, probably due to the low adherence to a healthy diet by these individuals. In contrast, FV intake, as a powerful indicator of healthy eating, was associated with life satisfaction when BMI and body image dimensions were considered, among which body satisfaction had a key role. Moreover, life satisfaction fully mediated the relationship between FV consumption and happiness. Our findings are expected to make a relevant contribution to knowledge on the positive correlates or protective factors for overall well-being in obesity, including dietary habits and body appreciation. Our results may inform obesity management actions focused on inclusive, positive aesthetic models and promoting a healthy lifestyle for happiness in obesity.

Considering BMI, Body Image and Desired Weight Change for Suitable Obesity Management Options.

With prevalence of obesity increasing worldwide, understanding body image in individuals with excessive weight is important, as unawareness of weight excess can prevent weight loss attempts. We explored the associations among measured and self-reported body mass index (BMI), body image and body satisfaction among Spanish females and males with overweight or obesity, with a special focus in discriminating individuals who are and are not satisfied with their body and wish or not to change their appearance. Just unifying all individuals with excessive weight may lead to uncover or deny different realities and to develop unfitted clinical management options. Updating findings for the Spanish population, we found that most participants correctly estimated their weight, but 3 in 10 underestimated it. Similarly, their body images corresponded to adults with overweight or obesity who desired to be thinner, but in average they reported a perceived body just slightly overweight and a moderate satisfaction with their body. Complementing the existing evidence, BMI and sex-gender interacted for influencing body weight estimation and desired weight change. In addition, three different subgroups were found for desired change of weight and size, depending on their BMI and body satisfaction. Discovering and considering different subjective realities and corporeal experiences among individuals with weight excess will help professionals to develop appropriate therapeutic interventions. Thus, the personal experiences that individuals have with obesity, instead of obesity itself, should be considered for disentangling management efforts.

Body Satisfaction, Weight Stigma, Positivity, and Happiness among Spanish Adults with Overweight and Obesity.

Although previous evidence suggests that happiness is lower among individuals with obesity, research on the correlates of subjective well-being (SWB) is warranted to increase our knowledge. We aim to explore excess weight (i.e., measured and self-reported body mass index (BMI)), body image and satisfaction, self-stigma, positivity, and happiness among Spanish adults with overweight or obesity. We further aim to investigate the predictors of SWB in this sample. A convenience sample of 100 individuals with excess weight completed self-reports on the study variables and were weighed and their height measured. On average, the participants reported body perceptions revealing minor excessive weight, moderate body satisfaction, low-to-moderate weight-related stigma, and elevated positivity and happiness. BMI and gender/sex independently affected these variables, but there were no significant interaction effects. Furthermore, individuals with overweight or obesity with higher body satisfaction and elevated positivity were more likely to report being happy, independent of their age, gender/sex, weight, and weight-related stigma. Mediation effects were found for body satisfaction and positivity in the relationship between weight and happiness. Moreover, positive orientation suppressed the pervasive influence of stigma on SWB. Our findings confirm the key role of body image dimensions and weight-related stigma for happiness and add support to the relevance of positivity for overall well-being of individuals with excess weight. These results may inform obesity management actions focused on inclusive aesthetic models, combating social stigmatization and enhancing positivity for a flourishing and fulfilling life.

Influence of Music on Closed Motor Skills: A Controlled Study with Novice Female Dart-Throwers.

The influence of music heard at different tempos is analyzed during the execution of a dart-throwing task. The sample consisted of 56 female university students (Mean age = 23.38, SD = 6.773). The participants were randomly assigned to GC (group control without music; n = 18), GS (group with slow-paced music at a tempo of 60 BPM; n = 19) and GF (group with fast-paced music at a tempo of 105 BPM; n = 19). All participants performed a dart-throwing task in two phases. Analysis of the scores obtained during Phase 1 and Phase 2 of dart throwing (examining both between-group differences and within-group differences, i.e., changes in scores from Phase 1 to Phase 2 using a mixed factorial ANOVA) revealed no differences in dart-throwing scores. There were, however, differences in execution time, where the participants in GS needed more time to complete the task than those in GF (F(2,55) = 4.426, p = 0.017) with a large effect size (ŋ2p = 0.143), although neither of these groups differed from GC. The results are discussed in terms of the role of music in precision tasks and the synchronization of the task with the pace of the music.

Influence of Sleeping Patterns in Health and Academic Performance Among University Students.

Sleep problems in university students are important and have implications for health, quality of life, and academic performance. Using an ex post facto design, a total sample of 855 students (55.7% women) participated in the study. Sleep assessment was conducted using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Nightmare Frequency Scale, the Nightmare Proneness Scale, and the Composite Morningness Scale. Women show a higher risk [OR = 2.61] of presenting poor sleep quality (> 5 points on the PSQI) compared with men (p < 0.001). Similarly, women reported a greater frequency of nightmares (p < 0.001, d = 0.60), greater propensity for nightmares (p < 0.001, d = 0.70) and a higher score on Item-5h of the PSQI regarding nightmares (p < 0.001, d = 0.59). Women, compared with men, show higher risk [OR = 2.84] for a sleep disorder related to nightmares (p = 0.012). Women need more time to reach a state of alertness after getting up (p = 0.022), and there was an interaction between sex and the alertness factor when evaluating the subjective quality of sleep (p = 0.030). Women show worse sleep quality and a higher frequency and propensity for suffering nightmares. When considering the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance, it is observed that students with poor sleep quality obtain lower academic scores (M = 7.21, SD = 0.805) than those with good sleep quality (M = 7.32, SD = 0.685), an effect that reaches significance (t = 2.116, p = 0.035). Regarding the relationship between the categorized chronotype and academic performance, students with a morning chronotype achieve better academic results (M = 7.41, SD = 0.89) than their evening counterparts (M = 7.15, SD = 0.76), although these differences have a small effect size (d = 0.31).

Dependence on Nicotine and Subjective Quality of Sleep in Conservatory Dance Students.

There is a high incidence of tobacco use and sleep-related problems among dancers; however, data that explore this interaction in dance students are scarce. The purpose of this study was to analyze nicotine dependence based on the subjective quality of sleep reported by dance students. A total of 116 conservatory students participated in the study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence were used to collect data in November 2017. Of the sample, 59.5% reported poor sleep quality (PSQI scores > 5) with no difference according to gender (p = 0.092), while 20.7% said they smoked, again with no gender difference (p = 0.305). In comparison with non-smokers, smokers scored higher on the PSQI (p = 0.001), slept fewer hours (p = 0.05), took longer to fall asleep (p = 0.001), had worse sleep efficiency (p < 0.001), and more diurnal dysfunctions due to sleep deprivation (p = 0.023). In comparison with non-smokers there was a risk [OR = 4.39] of smokers presenting with poor sleep quality. It is concluded that the data support the need to consider tobacco use and sleep problems in conservatory training programs in order to improve the health and performance of dance students.

Comparación del índice de masa corporal en escolares de Catamarca establecido por técnicas antropométricas, de autoinforme y test de figuras / Comparison of body mass index among schoolgirls in Catamarca as per anthropometric, self-report and figure rating scale techniques

Objetivo. Comparar valores medios de peso, talla e índice de masa corporal (IMC) según diferentes técnicas de medición y analizar las influencias del nivel socioeconómico y tipo de escuela. Métodos. Estudio transversal y descriptivo, con una muestra de 856 escolares mujeres de 15 a 18 años pertenecientes a escuelas secundarias de la ciudad de Catamarca. Se evaluó el peso y la estatura, y se solicitó el autoinforme de peso y estatura, junto con el test de siluetas de Stunkard. El nivel social se evaluó mediante la Family Affluence Scale. Se efectuaron pruebas t de Student para muestras pareadas e independientes para analizar las técnicas de medición del IMC y categorización por tipo de escuela, y análisis de la varianza unifactorial para el nivel económico. Se establecieron correlaciones de Pearson y regresiones lineales. Resultados. Se encontró una sobrestimación de la estatura (p < 0,001) con la técnica de autoinforme respecto a la antropométrica. Con respecto al IMC real, tanto las técnicas de autoinforme como de percepción por figuras presentaron diferencias significativas (p < 0,001). No se establecieron diferencias en las variables peso e IMC con el nivel económico de las estudiantes. Las estudiantes de escuelas privadas presentaron una mayor estatura (p = 0,004); estas diferencias también se observaron en la estatura autoinformada (p < 0,001). El 29,2 % de las estudiantes presentaron exceso de peso. Conclusión. Existen diferencias para la estimación del IMC entre las técnicas utilizadas, y hay una subestimación del IMC real.

Objective. To compare mean weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) values as per different measurement techniques and analyze the influence of socioeconomic level and school type. Methods. Cross-sectional, descriptive study in a sample of 856 schoolgirls aged 15-18 years attending secondary school in the city of Catamarca. Assessment included weight and height measurement, self-reported weight and height, and Stunkard's Figure Rating Scale. Socioeconomic level was assessed based on the Family Affluence Scale. Student's t tests were used for both independent and paired samples to analyze BMI measurement techniques and school type classification, and a one-way analysis of variance was used for the socioeconomic level. Pearson's correlation and linear regressions were established. Results. Height was overestimated (p < 0.001) when self-reported compared to the anthropometric measurement. In relation to actual BMI, the self-report and body figure perception techniques showed significant differences (p < 0.001). No differences were established in terms of weight and BMI by schoolgirls' socioeconomic level. Girls who attended private schools were taller (p = 0.004); such difference was also observed in self-reported height (p < 0.001). Excess weight was observed in 29.2% of schoolgirls. Conclusion. BMI estimations varied depending on the technique, and actual BMI was underestimated.

Expression of anger in university students according to perceived quality of sleep.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the expression of anger according to the perceived quality of sleep in university students. METHODS: A total sample of 1252 students participated in the study, with an average age of 23.58 years. Using an ex-post facto design and an incidental sampling procedure, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 were applied. RESULTS: Students with poor sleep quality (PSQI scores> 5) scored higher on the subscales of STAXI-2, showing higher risk of obtaining superior values in Trait Anxiety [OR=1.90] and in the Index of Expression of Anger [OR=1.56], but not in Internal Control of Anger. CONCLUSIONS: There appears to be a marked relationship between quality of sleep and anger, and it is suggested that sleep hygiene programs can help to reduce the negative consequences of poor sleep quality in terms of health and academic performance in students.

Comparison of body mass index among schoolgirls in Catamarca as per anthropometric, self-report and figure rating scale techniques. / Comparación del índice de masa corporal en escolares de Catamarca establecido por técnicas antropométricas, de autoinforme y test de figuras.

Objective: To compare mean weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) values as per different measurement techniques and analyze the influence of socioeconomic level and school type. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study in a sample of 856 schoolgirls aged 15-18 years attending secondary school in the city of Catamarca. Assessment included weight and height measurement, self-reported weight and height, and Stunkard's Figure Rating Scale. Socioeconomic level was assessed based on the Family Affluence Scale. Student's t tests were used for both independent and paired samples to analyze BMI measurement techniques and school type classification, and a one-way analysis of variance was used for the socioeconomic level. Pearson's correlation and linear regressions were established. Results: Height was overestimated (p < 0.001) when self-reported compared to the anthropometric measurement. In relation to actual BMI, the self-report and body figure perception techniques showed significant differences (p < 0.001). No differences were established in terms of weight and BMI by schoolgirls' socioeconomic level. Girls who attended private schools were taller (p = 0.004); such difference was also observed in self-reported height (p < 0.001). Excess weight was observed in 29.2% of schoolgirls. Conclusion: BMI estimations varied depending on the technique, and actual BMI was underestimated.

Objetivo. Comparar valores medios de peso, talla e índice de masa corporal (IMC) según diferentes técnicas de medición y analizar las influencias del nivel socioeconómico y tipo de escuela. Métodos. Estudio transversal y descriptivo, con una muestra de 856 escolares mujeres de 15 a 18 años pertenecientes a escuelas secundarias de la ciudad de Catamarca. Se evaluó el peso y la estatura, y se solicitó el autoinforme de peso y estatura, junto con el test de siluetas de Stunkard. El nivel social se evaluó mediante la Family Affluence Scale. Se efectuaron pruebas t de Student para muestras pareadas e independientes para analizar las técnicas de medición del IMC y categorización por tipo de escuela, y análisis de la varianza unifactorial para el nivel económico. Se establecieron correlaciones de Pearson y regresiones lineales. Resultados. Se encontró una sobrestimación de la estatura (p < 0,001) con la técnica de autoinforme respecto a la antropométrica. Con respecto al IMC real, tanto las técnicas de autoinforme como de percepción por figuras presentaron diferencias significativas (p < 0,001). No se establecieron diferencias en las variables peso e IMC con el nivel económico de las estudiantes. Las estudiantes de escuelas privadas presentaron una mayor estatura (p = 0,004); estas diferencias también se observaron en la estatura autoinformada (p < 0,001). El 29,2 % de las estudiantes presentaron exceso de peso. Conclusión. Existen diferencias para la estimación del IMC entre las técnicas utilizadas, y hay una subestimación del IMC real.

Level of physical activity and sleep characteristics in university students.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to identify the subjective quality of sleep, the chronotype, the frequency of nightmares and the propensity for nightmares in university students depending on whether they are sufficiently physically active (SPA) or insufficiently physically active (IPA). METHODS: The study involved 855 students (55.67% women) of which 38.01% are IPA. Evaluations were conducted using the Brief Physical Activity Assessment Tool, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Nightmare Frequency Scale, the Nightmare Proneness Scale and The Composite Scale of Morningness. RESULTS: IPA students showed a greater probability of presenting [OR=2.02] poor sleep quality (> 5 PSQI points) compared with SPA students (p<.001). The IPA participants showing a greater probability [OR=3.70] of having an evening chrontoype (p<.001), report a higher frequency of nightmares (p<.001) and a greater propensity for nightmares (p<.001) compared with the SPA participants. In terms of propensity for nightmares an interaction was found between gender and level of PA (F (3,843)=11.360, p=.001). CONCLUSION: The possibility of implementing strategies to increase the level of PA among university students should be explored, as well as offering sleep hygiene programs that are effective when used in brief sessions.

Physically active undergraduates: Motivational and emotional profiles.

Objectives: The aim was to determine the motivational profiles - including variables from the theory of self-determination and emotional intelligence - of active undergraduates, and to examine their relationship with physical activity. Participants: Six hundred and fifteen undergraduates participated in the study. Methods: Trait Meta-Mood Scale, Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise Scale, Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire and Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire were administered. Cluster analysis was used to identify the motivational profiles. Results: Two motivational profiles were found. One of the motivational profiles included the participants with high levels of satisfaction of the basic psychological needs and self-determined motivation; moderately high levels of emotional clarity and repair; and low levels of non-self-determined motivation. Further, this group showed the highest rates of physical practice than its counterpart. Conclusions: The combination of self-determination theory and emotional intelligence should be considered when examining adherence to physical activity.

The psychological effects of physical exercise: A controlled study of the placebo effect.

The research on well-being and physical exercise point to the possibility of a placebo effect. This study analyzes the effect of expectancy manipulation on psychological (well-being and self-esteem) and physical (agility and cardiorespiratory fitness) outcomes after a seven-week program of aerobic training. 114 undergraduate students (age M = 19.81, SD = 1.75; 86.1% women) were randomized into G1 - No Exercise (n = 13), G2 - Exercise only (n = 15), G3 - Exercise + Manipulation of expectations: No psychological effect (n = 17) and G4 - Exercise + Manipulation of expectations: Psychological effect (n = 21). Outcome measures were the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Well-Being subscale of the Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale, the Agility T-test and the 20-meter Shuttle Run Test. Paired t-tests showed significant improvements from baseline in self-esteem, agility, and cardiovascular fitness for the exercise groups. G4 also showed a significant improvement in well-being. ANCOVA with adjustments for the baseline measures was used to test between-group differences at the end of the program. The only significant differences at posttest were between G1 and the exercise groups. The data do not support a differential effect of elevated expectations of psychological benefits on the participants' self-esteem or psychological well-being after an aerobic training program. Future research should analyze whether reinforcing expectations more frequently throughout the program might show a more robust influence.

Sexual satisfaction in patients with cancer / Satisfacción sexual en enfermos de cáncer / Satisfação sexual em pacientes com câncer

Abstract This study aimed to compare the dimensions of sexual satisfaction in subjects with and without cancer. Independent variables were: different types of cancer, time elapsed since diagnosis, types of treatment and changes in body image. The dependent variable was level of satisfaction with sexual relations. The sample consisted of 184 participants, of whom 95 belonged to the cancer group (ages between 26 and 84 years) and 89 to the non-cancer group (ages between 19 and 67 years). The instrument used was the Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaire (QSRS, for its Portuguese acronym). The results showed significant differences between the cancer group and the non-cancer group. Individuals with a history of cancer disease had lower values (17.93 ± 9.67) at the level of sexual function compared to individuals with no history of the disease (30.19 ± 4.2). Individuals with cancer who had higher values of self-esteem were those with urological cancer (16.76 ± 2.85), followed by breast cancer (14.83 ± 3.34) and "other cancers" (14.41 ± 5.5), whereas those with digestive cancer presented the lowest values (5.68 ± 13.63). In sexual functioning, the group of "other cancers" showed the highest levels of satisfaction (23.53 ± 10.12), while people with breast cancer (19.54 ± 9.36), digestive cancer (18.50 ± 12.57), and urological cancer (29.12 ± 7.22) presented the lowest levels of satisfaction. Within the group of people with cancer, those who had less than one year and between three to five years of having been diagnosed reflected less satisfactory sexual performance values. On the other hand, radiation treatments, surgery and "other treatments" showed negative effects on sexual functioning, as well as changes in body image. All independent variables had a negative impact on sexual satisfaction and performance, with the exception of weight loss, vomiting, and hair loss.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar las dimensiones de satisfacción sexual en sujetos con y sin cáncer, específicamente al comparar los diferentes tipos de cáncer, el tiempo de diagnóstico y los tipos de tratamiento, con cambios en la imagen corporal y el nivel de satisfacción con las relaciones sexuales. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 184 participantes, de los cuales 95 pertenecieron al grupo con cáncer (edades entre los 26 y 84 años) y 89 al grupo sin cáncer (edades entre los 19 y 67 años). El instrumento utilizado fue el Questionário de Satisfação com o Relacionamento Sexual (QSRS). Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas entre el grupo con cáncer y el grupo sin cáncer, los individuos con antecedentes de enfermedad de cáncer presentaron valores más bajos (17.93 ± 9.67) en el nivel de la función sexual en comparación con los individuos sin antecedentes de dicha enfermedad (30.19 ± 4.2). Los individuos con cáncer que presentaron valores más altos en autoestima fueron los de cáncer urológico (16.76 ± 2.85), seguidos por los de cáncer de mama (14.83 ± 3.34) y "otros tipos de cáncer" (14.41 ± 5.5); siendo los de cáncer digestivo quienes presentaron los valores más bajos (5.68 ± 13.63). En el funcionamiento sexual, el grupo de "otros tipos de cáncer" mostró niveles más altos de satisfacción (23.53 ± 10.12), mientras que las personas con cáncer de mama (19.54 ± 9.36), cáncer digestivo (18.50 ± 12.57) y cáncer urológico (29.12 ± 7.22) presentaron los niveles más bajos de satisfacción. Dentro del grupo de personas con cáncer, los que tienen menos de un año y de tres a cinco años después de haber tenido el diagnóstico reflejaron valores de funcionamiento sexual menos satisfactorios. Por otro lado, los tratamientos de radiación, cirugía y "otros tratamientos" mostraron efectos negativos en el funcionamiento sexual, así como cambios en la imagen corporal. Todas las variables independientes tuvieron un impacto negativo en la satisfacción y el desempeño sexual, con excepción de la pérdida de peso, el vómito y la pérdida de cabello. Palabras clave: Cáncer, sexualidad, funcionamiento sexual, enfermedad maligna.

Resumo O objetivo foi comparar indivíduos em função das seguintes variáveis independentes: cancro e sem cancro, diferentes tipos de cancro, tempo de diagnóstico, diferentes tipos de tratamento e mudanças na imagem corporal tendo por variável dependente o nível da satisfação da relação sexual. A amostra foi constituída por 184 participantes (95 com cancro com idades entre 26 e 84 anos; 89 sem cancro, com idades entre 19 e 67 anos). Foi utilizado o Questionário de Satisfação com o Relacionamento Sexual (QSRS). Verificaram-se efeitos significativos entre os indivíduos com historial de doença oncológica ao nível do funcionamento sexual, comparativamente com os indivíduos sem historial de doença oncológica. Indivíduos com cancro urológico apresentam valores mais elevados ao nível da autoestima (16.76 ± 2.85), seguidos pelo cancro de mama (14.83 ± 3.34) e outros tipos de cancro (14.41 ± 5.05). O cancro digestivo é o que apresenta os valores mais baixos (13.63 ± 5.68). Com relação ao funcionamento sexual, o grupo "outros tipos de cancro" apresenta maiores níveis de satisfação (23.53 ± 10.12). Seguem-se o cancro de mama (19.54 ± 9.36) e os digestivos (18.50 ± 12.57) e, por último, o cancro urológico, que apresenta os níveis mais baixos (12.29 ± 7.22). Dentro do grupo de indivíduos com cancro, o período inferior a um ano e de três a cinco anos apresenta valores menos satisfatórios na dimensão funcionamento sexual, e os tratamentos de radioterapia, cirurgia e "outros tipos de tratamento" produzem efeitos negativos ao nível do funcionamento sexual, assim como as mudanças na imagem corporal. No presente estudo, com a exceção de perda de peso, vómitos e perda de cabelos, todas as variáveis independentes têm um impacto negativo na satisfação/desempenho sexual.