Loneliness, Family Communication, and School Adjustment in a Sample of Cybervictimized Adolescents.

The objective of this study was to compare individual, family, and social variables, such as the perception of loneliness, family communication, and school adjustment in a sample of 2399 Andalusian (Spanish) adolescents aged 12 to 18 (M = 14.63, SD = 1.91) suffering from cybervictimization (low, moderate, and high). The results show that adolescents suffering from high cybervictimization report more loneliness, more problematic communication with both parents, and worse school adjustment than the rest of the groups. Regarding gender, differences are observed in open communication with the mother and in the dimensions of school adjustment, being more favorable for girls. However, there were no significant differences between girls and boys in the loneliness variable. The interaction effects indicate, on the one hand, that female severe cybervictims present more avoidant communication with the mother than the other groups, and, on the other hand, that male cybervictims of all three groups and female severe cybervictims have lower academic competence than the group of female low cybervictims, followed by female moderate cybervictims. These data support the idea that, depending on its intensity and duration, cybervictimization affects girls and boys differently in terms of individual, family, and social variables.

Child-to-Parent Violence: Attitude towards Authority, Social Reputation and School Climate.

Research into child-to-parent violence (CPV) has focused mainly on the description of individual and family variables of adolescents. It is observed that the school context has received little attention despite being a context of development of great importance. In order to deepen the understanding in this field, the objective of this study was to analyze the relationships between child-to-parent violence (CPV) and the attitude towards authority, social reputation and school climate. A total of 2101 Spanish adolescents (50.1% males and 49.9% females) from 13 to 18 years participated. A multivariate factorial design (MANOVA, 3 × 3) was carried out using as independent variables CPV level and age. It was found that adolescents with high CPV presented lower values of positive attitude towards institutional authority (PATIA) and school climate (involvement, friendships and teacher's help), and higher values of positive attitude towards the transgression of social norms (PATTSN) and of perceived and ideal non-conformist social reputation (PNCSR and INCSR, respectively). Younger participants obtained the highest PATIA scores and lowest of PNCSR and the 15-16 years age group obtained the highest scores in PATTSN and INCSR. Adolescents aged 17-18 years show the highest scores in involvement and teacher's help. Also, three interaction effects were found and indicated that there is an improvement in attitudinal and school adjustment indicators according to the age, except in ideal non-conformist social reputation, which has important practical implications.

A psychosocial analysis of relational aggression in Mexican adolescents based on sex and age.

BACKGROUND: This paper aims to identify predictive variables of relational aggression related to the individual, family and school environment in Mexican adolescents according to sex and age. METHOD: A total of 8,115 Mexican adolescents (51.5% boys), aged 11 to 16 years old (M = 13.34 years, SD = 1.040), selected by proportional stratified sampling. RESULTS: From a stepwise regression analysis it was observed that the main predictors of relational aggression were non-conformist self-perception of social reputation, psychological distress, attitude toward institutional authority and offensive communication with the mother. CONCLUSIONS: Relational aggression underlies important explanatory dimensions for the prevention of school aggression, such as social reputation and psychological distress, which have been little explored in this field of study.

Are Adolescents Engaged in the Problematic Use of Social Networking Sites More Involved in Peer Aggression and Victimization?

The problematic use of social networking sites is becoming a major public health concern. Previous research has found that adolescents who engage in a problematic use of social networking sites are likely to show maladjustment problems. However, little is known about its links with peer aggression and victimization. The main goal of this study was to analyze the relationship between problematic use of online social networking sites, peer aggression -overt vs. relational and reactive vs. instrumental-, and peer victimization -overt physical and verbal, and relational-, taking into account gender and age (in early and mid-adolescence). Participants were selected using randomized cluster sampling considering school and class as clusters. A battery of instruments was applied to 1,952 adolescents' secondary students from Spain (Andalusia) (50.4% boys), aged 11 to 16 (M = 14.07, SD = 1.39). Results showed that girls and 14-16 adolescents were more involved in a problematic use of online social networking sites. Furthermore, adolescents with high problematic use of online social networking sites were more involved in overt-reactive and instrumental-and relational-reactive and instrumental-aggressive behaviors, and self-reported higher levels of overt-physical and verbal-and relational victimization. Even though boys indicated higher levels of all types of victimization, girls with high problematic use of online social networking sites scored the highest on relational victimization. Relating to age, early adolescents (aged 11-14) with higher problematic use of online social networking sites reported the highest levels of overt verbal and relational victimization. Overall, results suggested the co-occurrence of problematic use of online social networking sites, peer aggression and victimization. In addition, results showed the influence that gender and age had on peer victimization. This study highlights the continuity between offline and online domains with regard to maladjustment problems in adolescence.

New Directions for Preventing Dating Violence in Adolescence: The Study of Gender Models.

Dating violence is a huge transcultural and alarming phenomenon, directly linked with endless discrimination against women. The latest research on dating violence in adolescence shows how dating violence is persistent and common in the adolescent period as well and pinpoints the origin of gender violence from first adolescent relationships. This element takes us to considerate how recent gender violence studies and policies, increased also thanks to international efforts on this issue, are not bringing expected results, especially among young people. This mini-review aims to analyze the main characteristics of current gender studies and policies on dating violence, focusing on percentages with a woman-centered approach, which stresses the consequences of gender violence. Other gender studies, that consider gender as a relational product, stress the importance of integrating the analysis of gender models as a key instrument to understand the main causes of dating violence, providing new elements to develop effective policies against dating violence. Indeed, gender models of femininity and masculinity are based on a binary system, which is also a reciprocal recognition and identity system: gender models define female and male characteristics, roles, stereotypes, and expectation, being complementary and foreclosing at the same time. Recent studies on gender relationships, especially among the youth, allows us to propose a new dialog between dating violence studies and gender model studies, underling the need of a complete and complex understanding of gender structure, and of its tensions and contradictions, to put an end to gender and dating violence, through effective programs.

Factores predictores de la violencia relacional en la adolescencia / Predictive factors of relational violence in adolescence

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue examinar la violencia relacional entre iguales desde una perspectiva psicosocial, analizando variables familiares (funcionamiento y comunicación familiar), sociales (reputación social - percibida e ideal - y actitud hacia la autoridad institucional) e individuales (malestar psicológico e ideación suicida) en adolescentes escolarizados. La muestra fue de 8115 adolescentes, con edades comprendidas entre los 11 y los 16 años, del estado de Nuevo León, México. Se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple, paso a paso, cuyos resultados mostraron que la dimensión más importante en la predicción de la conducta violenta relacional es la autopercepción no conformista, seguido del malestar psicológico. Finalmente, se discuten estos resultados y sus implicaciones.

The aim of this research was to study relational violence between peers from a psychosocial perspective, by analyzing family variables (family functioning and communication), social variables (social reputation ­both perceived and ideal­ and attitude towards institutional authority), and individual variables (psychological distress and suicide ideation) in adolescent students. The sample consisted of 8,115 adolescents aged 11 to 16 years from the State of Nuevo León, Mexico. We performed a forward stepwise multiple regression analysis, the results of which showed that the most important factor in the prediction of violent relational behavior at school is the nonconformist self-perception, followed by psychological distress. Finally, these results and their implications are discussed.

Miedo al Delito, Victimización y Satisfacción con la Vida en México / Fear of Crime, Victimization, and Satisfaction with Live in Mexico

El objetivo del presente estudio es examinar las relaciones existentes entre miedo al delito, victimización y satisfacción con la vida, en función del género. La muestra estuvo conformada por 7535 sujetos de ambos sexos (49.8 % mujeres y 50.2 % hombres) de entre 12 y 70 años, seleccionados a partir de un muestro estratificado proporcional. El instrumento de medida fue una adaptación de la Encuesta Nacional de Victimización y Seguridad Pública de México. A partir de un MANOVA factorial multivariante se observó que el miedo al delito, la victimización y las medidas de protección frente a la delincuencia se relacionaban con una pobre satisfacción con la vida. También se observó, respecto del sexo, que los hombres tenían mayor miedo al delito y realizaban más restricciones en su vida cotidiana. Finalmente, se discuten los resultados y sus implicaciones prácticas.

The aim of this study is to examine how fear of crime, victimization, and satisfaction with life are related and also differ according to gender. 7535 participants of both sexes (49.8% women and 50.2% men) aged from 12 to 70 years old were selected from a proportional stratified sample. The instrument applied was an adaptation of the National Survey of Victimization and Public Security of Mexico. A multivariate factorial MANOVA was carried out. Fear of crime, victimization, and measures of protection against delinquency appear as related to poor satisfaction with life. Regarding to gender, higher scores of men on fear of crime and on restrictions in their daily lives were observed. Finally, the results and their practical implications are discussed.

Victimization, perception of insecurity, and changes in daily routines in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationships between victimization, perception of insecurity, and changes in routines. METHODS: The 8,170 subjects of both sexes (49.9% women and 50.1% men) aged between 12 and 60 years, selected from a proportional stratified sampling, participated in this study. The measuring instrument was an adaptation of the National Survey on Victimization and Perception of Public Security. Chi-square tests were performed. RESULTS: The results show significant differences on victimization and sex regarding perception of insecurity, restrictions on everyday activities, and protection measures. 13.1% of those interviewed claimed to have been victims of a crime in the past 12 months. 52.7% of women considered their municipality as unsafe or very unsafe. In the case of men, this percentage was 58.2%. Female victims reported significant restrictions in everyday activities when compared to non-victims. In relation to men, the percentage of victims with a high restriction of activities was higher in male victims than non-victims. In the group of victimized women, the segment of women who opted for increased measures of protection against crime was larger than expected, while those of non-victims who took less protective measures was lower than expected. These same results were observed in the group of men. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of victimization implies a greater perception of insecurity. However, the climate of insecurity is widespread in a large number of citizens. Gender differences in a high-crime environment show the importance of investigating in depth the roles of both genders in the perception of insecurity and changes in routines. OBJETIVO: Analizar las relaciones existentes entre victimización, percepción de inseguridad y cambios en las rutinas. MÉTODOS: Participaron en este estudio 8,170 sujetos de ambos sexos (49.9% mujeres y 50.1% hombres) de entre 12 y 60 años, seleccionados a partir de un muestro estratificado proporcional. El instrumento de medida fue una adaptación de la Encuesta Nacional de Victimización y Seguridad Pública. Se realizaron pruebas Chi-cuadrado. RESULTADOS: Los resultados evidencian diferencias significativas en cuanto a victimización y sexo con respecto a percepción de inseguridad, restricciones de actividades cotidianas y medidas de protección. Un 13.1% de las personas entrevistadas afirmaron haber sido víctimas de un delito en los últimos doce meses. El 52.7% de las mujeres consideraron su municipio como inseguro o muy inseguro. En el caso de los hombres, este porcentaje fue de 58.2%. Las mujeres víctimas señalaron restricciones en la vida cotidiana significativas en comparación con las no víctimas. Con relación a los hombres, el porcentaje de víctimas con un alta restricción de actividades fue mayor en los hombres víctimas que en los hombres no víctimas. En el grupo de mujeres victimizadas, el segmento de mujeres que optaron por mayores medidas de protección frente a la delincuencia fue mayor de lo esperado, mientras que las mujeres no víctimas que asumieron menores medidas de protección fue menor de lo esperado. Estos mismos resultados se observaron en el grupo de los hombres. CONCLUSIONES: La experiencia de victimización lleva implícita una mayor percepción de inseguridad. Sin embargo, el clima de inseguridad se encuentra diseminado en gran cantidad de la ciudadanos. Las diferencias de género en un clima de alta criminalidad muestran la importancia de investigar a profundidad los roles de ambos sexos en la percepción de inseguridad y los cambios en las rutinas.

[Adult pattern of alcohol use as perceived by adolescents]. / El patrón de consumo de alcohol en adultos desde la perspectiva de los adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the views of a sample of adolescents on the pattern of alcohol consumption shown by adults in their social environment. METHOD: A qualitative study was conducted using the method proposed by grounded theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). Data were collected through five discussion groups. Participants were selected by theoretical sampling in the initial and emerging phases of the study by applying criteria based on previous research. Heterogeneity-homogeneity criteria were used in the composition of the groups. The final sample consisted on 40 adolescents of both sexes between 15 and 20 years from four educational centres in Seville (Spain). RESULTS: According to the adolescents interviewed, alcohol use was normal among adults, geared towards fun, and was linked to social gatherings and to abusive and intensive consumption including drinking spirits. Data from recent studies partly contradict adolescents' perceptions, showing a pattern of consumption in adults associated mostly with the gastronomic and social component of drink and with moderate intake of beer and wine. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that adolescents may have a distorted view of the reality of adult patterns of alcohol use. As an explanation, we hypothesize that, faced with conflicting information, adolescents prioritize the information that best fits their view of what is socially acceptable and what meets their own hedonistic and social needs.

Victimization, perception of insecurity, and changes in daily routines in Mexico / Victimización, percepción de inseguridad y cambios en las rutinas cotidianas en México

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze the relationships between victimization, perception of insecurity, and changes in routines. METHODS The 8,170 subjects of both sexes (49.9% women and 50.1% men) aged between 12 and 60 years, selected from a proportional stratified sampling, participated in this study. The measuring instrument was an adaptation of the National Survey on Victimization and Perception of Public Security. Chi-square tests were performed. RESULTS The results show significant differences on victimization and sex regarding perception of insecurity, restrictions on everyday activities, and protection measures. 13.1% of those interviewed claimed to have been victims of a crime in the past 12 months. 52.7% of women considered their municipality as unsafe or very unsafe. In the case of men, this percentage was 58.2%. Female victims reported significant restrictions in everyday activities when compared to non-victims. In relation to men, the percentage of victims with a high restriction of activities was higher in male victims than non-victims. In the group of victimized women, the segment of women who opted for increased measures of protection against crime was larger than expected, while those of non-victims who took less protective measures was lower than expected. These same results were observed in the group of men. CONCLUSIONS The experience of victimization implies a greater perception of insecurity. However, the climate of insecurity is widespread in a large number of citizens. Gender differences in a high-crime environment show the importance of investigating in depth the roles of both genders in the perception of insecurity and changes in routines.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analizar las relaciones existentes entre victimización, percepción de inseguridad y cambios en las rutinas. MÉTODOS Participaron en este estudio 8,170 sujetos de ambos sexos (49.9% mujeres y 50.1% hombres) de entre 12 y 60 años, seleccionados a partir de un muestro estratificado proporcional. El instrumento de medida fue una adaptación de la Encuesta Nacional de Victimización y Seguridad Pública. Se realizaron pruebas Chi-cuadrado. RESULTADOS Los resultados evidencian diferencias significativas en cuanto a victimización y sexo con respecto a percepción de inseguridad, restricciones de actividades cotidianas y medidas de protección. Un 13.1% de las personas entrevistadas afirmaron haber sido víctimas de un delito en los últimos doce meses. El 52.7% de las mujeres consideraron su municipio como inseguro o muy inseguro. En el caso de los hombres, este porcentaje fue de 58.2%. Las mujeres víctimas señalaron restricciones en la vida cotidiana significativas en comparación con las no víctimas. Con relación a los hombres, el porcentaje de víctimas con un alta restricción de actividades fue mayor en los hombres víctimas que en los hombres no víctimas. En el grupo de mujeres victimizadas, el segmento de mujeres que optaron por mayores medidas de protección frente a la delincuencia fue mayor de lo esperado, mientras que las mujeres no víctimas que asumieron menores medidas de protección fue menor de lo esperado. Estos mismos resultados se observaron en el grupo de los hombres. CONCLUSIONES La experiencia de victimización lleva implícita una mayor percepción de inseguridad. Sin embargo, el clima de inseguridad se encuentra diseminado en gran cantidad de la ciudadanos. Las diferencias de género en un clima de alta criminalidad muestran la importancia de investigar a profundidad los roles de ambos sexos en la percepción de inseguridad y los cambios en las rutinas.

Victimization, loneliness, overt and relational violence at the school from a gender perspective.

This ex post facto study analyzes both the direct relationships between victimization and overt and relational violent behavior of students adolescents as the indirect relationships between these variables through the classroom environment, the loneliness, the nonconformist ideal reputation and transgression of social norms. The sample consisted of 1,795 adolescents (48% females) aged 11 to 18 years (M = 14.2, SD = 1.68). We used a structural equation model to analyze the effect of classroom environment and victimization in violent manifest and relational behavior. The results found that a direct positive relationship between victimization and relational violent behavior and a direct negative relationship between classroom environment and overt violent behavior. In addition, classroom environment and victimization were indirectly related to overt and relational violence through its relationship with loneliness, nonconformist ideal reputation and transgression of social norms. Multigroup analysis results indicated that the relationship between loneliness and relational violent behavior was significant for boys but not for girls. Finally, we discuss the results and their practical implications in the school context.

Este estudio ex post facto analiza tanto las relaciones directas existentes entre la victimización y la conducta violenta manifiesta y relacional de adolescentes escolarizados como las relaciones indirectas entre esas variables a través del clima escolar, la soledad, la reputación ideal no conformista y la transgresión de normas sociales. La muestra está compuesta por 1.795 adolescentes (48% mujeres) de edades comprendidas entre 11 y 18 años (M = 14,2; DT = 1,68). Se utiliza un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales para analizar el efecto del clima escolar y la victimización en la conducta violenta manifiesta y relacional. Los resultados indican una relación directa y positiva entre la victimización y la conducta violenta relacional y una relación directa y negativa entre el clima escolar y la conducta violenta manifiesta. Además, el clima escolar y la victimización se relacionan indirectamente con la violencia manifiesta y relacional a través de sus relaciones con la soledad, la reputación ideal no conformista y la transgresión de normas sociales. Los resultados del análisis multigrupo indican que la relación entre la soledad y la conducta violenta relacional es significativa para los chicos pero no para las chicas. Finalmente, se discuten los resultados obtenidos y sus implicaciones prácticas en el contexto escolar.

[Effectiveness of institutional policies to prevent adolescent alcohol use: The view of experts and adolescents]. / Eficacia de las políticas institucionales de prevención del consumo de alcohol en adolescentes: la opinión de expertos y adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to obtain the views of a sample of adolescents and experts on adolescence, family, school, local policies and media, regarding the effectiveness of institutional policies to prevent adolescent alcohol use. SETTING: Four educational centers in the province of Seville. Head office of the Alcohol and Society Foundation in Madrid. DESIGN: Qualitative study using the method proposed by Grounded theory (Glaser and Strauss, 1967). METHODOLOGY: Data were collected from 10 discussion groups guided by semistructured interviews. The data were analyzed using Atlas ti 5 software. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 32 national experts and 40 adolescents of both sexes aged 15 to 20 years living in the province of Seville, selected by theoretical intentional sampling. RESULTS: The experts believed that most of the evaluated preventive actions were effective, while adolescents disputed the preventive impact of most of them. Adolescents proposed actions focused on the reduction of supply of alcohol. Experts proposed a mixed model as the most effective strategy to prevent alcohol consumption in adolescents, combining supply and demand reduction policies, depending on specific short and long term objectives. CONCLUSIONS: We have obtained, not only an overview of what is working (or not) from the view of adolescents and experts, but also the key points that should be taken into account for designing effective prevention policies.

Parental communication and life satisfaction in adolescence.

This study aims to analyze the influence of communication with the mother and father on adolescents' life satisfaction, as well as possible indirect effects through self-esteem, feelings of loneliness, and perceived classroom environment. These relationships, and possible gender differences, were analyzed in a sample of 1,795 adolescents (52% male, 48% female) aged 11 to 18 years-old (M = 14.2, SD = 1.68), using structural equation modeling. Results indicate a direct effect of communication-mother (girls: ß = .19, p < .001; boys: ß = .16, p < .05) and communication-father (girls: ß = .22, p < .001; boys: ß = .17, p < .05) on adolescent life satisfaction; and also indirect effects through self-esteem (communication-mother: girls, ß = .18, p < .01; boys: ß = .19, p < .05; communication-father: girls: ß = .28, p < .001; boys: ß = .27, p < .01) and feelings of loneliness (communication-mother: girls: ß = -.19, p < .01; boys: ß = -.21, p < .05; communication-father: girls: ß = -.31, p < .001; boys: ß = -.20, p < .01). The results and implications of this study are discussed.

An analysis of the relationship between victimization and violent behavior at school.

Previous studies have identified two subgroups of school violence victims: submissive and aggressive. Submissive victims are characterized by their withdrawal in violent situations, while aggressive victims combine hostile behavior with victimization. This study focuses on the second subgroup and aims to analyze possible factors influencing the transition from passive victimization to involvement in aggressive behaviors within the school context. To test these relationships, 1319 adolescents between 12 and 16 years of age were recruited from seven secondary schools in various Spanish provinces. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to analyze the data. Results supported Emler's theory, which posits that the victim's helplessness in situations of intimidation, along with disappointment resulting from a lack of expected protection from adult authority figures, may result in adolescents searching and developing an antisocial and non-conformist reputation that helps them defend themselves against future attacks. Practical implications of these results are further discussed.

[Validation of the Adolescent Victimization through Mobile Phone and Internet Scale]. / Validación de la Escala de Victimización entre Adolescentes a Través del Teléfono Móvil y de Internet.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the adolescent victimization through mobile phone and internet scale (CYBVIC) through analysis of its psychometric properties. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which two independent samples of adolescents aged 11-19, both male and female, participated. The first sample was comprised of 1 934 Spanish adolescents, and the second sample, 1 483 Mexican adolescents. An exploratory factor analysis of the scale was done with the first sample and a confirmatory factor analysis with the second. Multigroup and reliability analyses, as well as an analysis of the correlation of the scale's dimensions with various external variables related to psychological adjustment (depressive symptomatology, perceived stress, loneliness, satisfaction with life, and traditional victimization), were also conducted. Results. Two factors, called cybmóvil [cyber mobile] and cybinternet [cyber internet], were found, which together explained 52% of the variance. These factors were consistent with the original hypothesis. The confirmatory factor analysis showed the model's adequate fit to two correlated factors. The data indicated the factorial invariance of the questionnaire between the Spanish and Mexican samples. The reliability analysis confirmed that the scale has sufficient internal consistency. Significant correlations were found between the cybmóvil/cybinternet factors and the external variables with which they were related. CONCLUSIONS: The CYBVIC scale has adequate psychometric properties and can be used as a valid and reliable measure in new research, which could expand knowledge about the growing international problem of cyberbullying among adolescents.

Validación de la escala de victimización entre adolescentes a través del teléfono móvil y de internet / Validation of the adolescent victimization through mobile phone and internet scale

OBJETIVO: Validar la Escala de Victimización entre Adolescentes a través del Teléfono Móvil y de Internet (CYBVIC), analizando sus propiedades psicométricas. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo en el que participaron dos muestras independientes de adolescentes de ambos sexos, de entre 11 y 19 años. La primera muestra estuvo constituida por 1 934 adolescentes españoles, y la segunda por 1 483 adolescentes mexicanos. Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio de la escala con la primera muestra, y un análisis factorial confirmatorio con la segunda. También se llevaron a cabo análisis multigrupo, análisis de fiabilidad y análisis de las correlaciones de las dimensiones de la escala con diversas variables externas de ajuste psicológico (sintomatología depresiva, estrés percibido, soledad, satisfacción con la vida y victimización tradicional). RESULTADOS: Se encontraron dos factores, denominados cybmóvil y cybinternet, que en conjunto explicaron 52% de la varianza. Estos factores fueron congruentes con la propuesta teórica original. El análisis factorial confirmatorio mostró un ajuste adecuado del modelo de dos factores correlacionados. Los datos indicaron la invarianza factorial del cuestionario entre las muestras de España y México. El análisis de fiabilidad confirmó que la escala posee una consistencia interna adecuada. Se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre las dimensiones cybmóvil y cybinternet con las variables externas con las que se relacionaron. Conclusiones. La escala CYBVIC tiene propiedades psicométricas adecuadas y puede ser utilizada como una medida válida y fiable en nuevas investigaciones, que contribuyan a ampliar el conocimiento sobre este problema mundial creciente de cyberbullying entre adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the adolescent victimization through mobile phone and internet scale (CYBVIC) through analysis of its psychometric properties. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which two independent samples of adolescents aged 11-19, both male and female, participated. The first sample was comprised of 1 934 Spanish adolescents, and the second sample, 1 483 Mexican adolescents. An exploratory factor analysis of the scale was done with the first sample and a confirmatory factor analysis with the second. Multigroup and reliability analyses, as well as an analysis of the correlation of the scale's dimensions with various external variables related to psychological adjustment (depressive symptomatology, perceived stress, loneliness, satisfaction with life, and traditional victimization), were also conducted. Results. Two factors, called cybmóvil [cyber mobile] and cybinternet [cyber internet], were found, which together explained 52% of the variance. These factors were consistent with the original hypothesis. The confirmatory factor analysis showed the model's adequate fit to two correlated factors. The data indicated the factorial invariance of the questionnaire between the Spanish and Mexican samples. The reliability analysis confirmed that the scale has sufficient internal consistency. Significant correlations were found between the cybmóvil/cybinternet factors and the external variables with which they were related. CONCLUSIONS: The CYBVIC scale has adequate psychometric properties and can be used as a valid and reliable measure in new research, which could expand knowledge about the growing international problem of cyberbullying among adolescents.

[Factor structure of the Spanish adaptation of Tarrant's Group Identification Scale]. / Estructura factorial de la adaptación española de la Escala de Identificación Grupal de Tarrant.

In this study, the factor structure of the Spanish version of Tarrant's Group Identification Scale is analyzed. This scale is based on the social identity theory and measures cognitive, evaluative, and affective aspects of group identification. Although this scale has been considered unidimensionally with adolescents, it is based on previous group identification scales considered multidimensionally. From confirmatory analysis, some factor models were tested in two independent samples of adolescents: Spanish (N= 1,795) and Mexican (N= 1,494). The three-factor model (self-categorization, group evaluation, and commitment to the group) produced the best fit in both samples. Results are compatible with the multidimensional structure hypothesis of group identification.

A confirmatory factor analysis of the "Autoconcepto Forma 5" questionnaire in young adults from Spain and Chile.

The aim of this work is to examine the pentafactorial validity of the AF5 Self-Concept Questionnaire in Spanish and Chilean young adults. From the responses of a total of 4,383 young adults aged 17 to 22 years (1,918 Spanish, 44%, and 2,465 Chilean, 56%) it was analyzed the reliability of the instrument, the compared validity of the 5 oblique factor model proposed by the authors versus the unifactorial and the orthogonal alternative models, and was studied the invariance of one Chilean sample. The results of confirmatory factor analyses supported the authors' pentafactorial model. The multi-group factorial invariance showed that Chilean sample of the AF5 does not change neither the Spanish factor weights, nor the variances and covariances of the factors, or the error variances of items. Finally, the internal consistency of the five scales was good in the samples of both countries.

[Cyberbullying: adolescent victimization through mobile phone and internet]. / Cyberbullying: victimización entre adolescentes a través del teléfono móvil y de Internet.

The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of victimization through mobile phone and internet. The differences of gender and academic year in the type of electronic aggression were also examined. The sample comprised 2001 adolescents of both genders and ages between 11 and 17 years. Results indicated that 24.6% of the adolescents had been bullied by mobile phone during the last year, and 29% through internet. In most of the electronic aggressions, girls were more bullied than boys. It was also observed that students attending the first two years of secondary education tended to be more victimized.

The relationships of family and classroom environments with peer relational victimization: an analysis of their gender differences.

This study analyzes the relationships of adolescents' perceptions of their family and classroom environments with peer relational victimization, taking into account that these relationships could be mediated by adolescents' self-esteem, feelings of loneliness, and sociometric status. These relationships, and their possible gender differences, were analyzed in a sample of 1319 Spanish adolescents (48% boys and 52% girls), ages 11 to 16 years (M = 13.7, SD = 1.5). A structural equation modeling was calculated for boys and girls separately. The findings suggested that the adolescents' self-esteem, loneliness, and sociometric status had a significant direct effect on peer relational victimization for boys, and adolescents' loneliness and sociometric status for girls. Their perceptions of family and classroom environments had a significant indirect effect on peer relational victimization for boys and girls, but the paths were different. Overall, findings suggested that a negative classroom environment had a more relevant effect in relational victimization for boys.