Optimism and Intolerance to Uncertainty May Mediate the Negative Effect of Discrimination on Mental Health in Migrant Population.

(1) Background: Migration causes effects on the people who migrate and on the societies that receive them, which can be positive or negative, depending on the characteristics of the interaction. One negative effect is the emergence of mental health disorders associated with the presence of discrimination, a relationship for which there is abundant evidence, although there is less research on factors that may alter this effect. (2) Objective: To evaluate the possible mediating role of optimism and intolerance to uncertainty in the relationship between discrimination and mental health. (3) Method: Nine hundred and nineteen adult Colombian migrants residing in Chile, 49.5% were men and 50.5% women, ages from 18 to 65 years, were evaluated. The Discrimination Experience Scale, BDI-IA Inventory, BAI, LOT-R and the Intolerance to Uncertainty Scale were applied. The effects were estimated using structural equation modeling. (4) Results: A mediating effect of both dispositional optimism and intolerance to uncertainty on the relationship between discrimination and mental symptomatology was observed. (5) Conclusions: The impact on individual suffering and the social cost of mental health problems require investigating variables on the relationship between discrimination and mental health, including mediators of this relationship, which turn out to be central elements in the development of future strategies for the reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms.

The Effects of Social Determinants and Resilience on the Mental Health of Chilean Adolescents.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of social determinants (i.e., gender, educational vulnerability, and socioeconomic status) and resilience on the mental health of Chilean adolescents in pre-, during, and post-COVID-19 pandemic contexts. The study included a group of 684 students, ranging in age from 12 to 18 years, who were attending educational institutions in the city of Arica. The Child and Adolescent Assessment System (SENA) was used to measure mental health problems, the Brief Resilience Scale for Children and Youth (CYRM-12) was used to measure resilience, and the Vulnerability Index of Educational Institutions was used to measure educational vulnerability. The results suggest increases in depressive, anxious, and social anxiety symptomatologies over time (wave by year, 2018, 2020, and 2021). In addition, multiple linear regression models showed predictive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, gender, vulnerability index, socioeconomic status, and resilient behaviors on mental health problems. The worsening of mental health indicators over time requires the greater coordination and integration of mental health experts in the most vulnerable educational centers.

Acculturation strategies and blood cortisol in colombian Migrants in Chile.

BACKGROUND: migration is a worldwide phenomenon that is growing at an accelerated pace. When people who migrate come into contact with a new culture, they are immersed in a process called acculturation. In this process, people oscillate between maintaining their own culture or acquiring the culture and customs of the host country, resulting in the so-called acculturation strategies. According to Berry's proposal, there are four main acculturation strategies: assimilation, integration, marginalization and separation. The few existing studies of Latinos in an Anglo-Saxon country relate the use of the integration strategy (biculturalism) with lower cortisol levels. No studies have been found on the subject in Latino migrants in a Latino country. METHOD: a cross-sectional design was used to analyze the relationship between acculturation strategies and blood cortisol levels, based on the hypothesis that an integration strategy or biculturalism would be linked to lower cortisol levels. The study involved 314 Colombian migrants in Chile, who were evaluated with a scale of acculturation strategies according to the model proposed by Berry, in addition to providing blood samples to analyze cortisol levels. RESULTS: migrants who show a preference for leave behind the culture of the country of origin have higher levels of cortisol ng/ml in blood. According to multiple comparisons the mean cortisol value was significantly different between integrated and assimilated subjects, with the mean cortisol of the integrated being significantly lower than that of the subjects typed as marginalized. CONCLUSION: The patterns of the relationship between biculturalism and cortisol found in Latino migrants in Anglo-Saxon countries are repeated in Latino migrants in a Latino country. It is necessary to explore the influence of other variables in this relationship, since it seems that the best adaptive strategy, and therefore the cortisol response, will vary according to the socio-cultural context of the host country.

Social Support as a Mediator of the Relationship between Identity Fusion and Psychological Well-Being in South-South Migrant Populations.

The present study provides evidence of how perceived social support is a mechanism by which identity fusion with the country of origin is associated with psychological well-being in a migrant population. The study design was cross-sectional. We use intentional sampling based on the accessibility of the participants and using the snowball strategy through an online survey. This study included 323 Venezuelan migrants, of whom 176 (54.5%) were women, all residents of the city of Santiago, Chile. The variables assessed were perceived social support, identity fusion, and psychological well-being. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the proposed mediation model. The estimation method used was robust weighted least squares estimation. The estimated models indicated that perceived social support has a mediating effect on the positive relationship between identity fusion and psychological well-being of Venezuelan migrants residing in Chile. According to these results, feeling a sense of fusion with the country of origin and the perception of having sources of care and protection are factors that may help to improve the psychological well-being of Venezuelan migrants living in Chile. Implications and limitations of these results are discussed.

Effect of Ethnic Identity on the Relationship Between Acculturation Stress and Abnormal Food Behaviors in Colombian Migrants in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Acculturation stress may influence the development of abnormal eating behaviors. However, some mental health indicators, such as ethnic identity, may have a protective effect on this relationship. This study's main objective is to analyze the mediating effect of ethnic identity on the relationship between acculturation stress and abnormal eating behaviors in Colombian migrants living in Chile. METHODS: We obtained data on 976 Colombian migrants who were recruited with the help of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Colombian Consulate in Chile, and self-managed groups of migrants residing in Chile. The mediation model was analyzed using Mplus 8.2 software, using the robust weighted least squares (WLSMV) estimation method. RESULTS: The most common abnormal eating behaviors were eating until you feel full and eating large amounts of food. The mediation model was adapted to the data. The effects indicate that ethnic identity only had an indirect effect on the problems of social relations with other migrants (indirect effect = .17, p = .01) and on the distance from the origin (indirect effect = -. 06, p = .01) on the abnormal eating behaviors. On the other hand, the ethnic identity presented a direct and indirect effect on the relationship between citizenship and legality problems, and abnormal behaviors (indirect effect = -.06, p = .04; direct effect = -.35, p = .01). DISCUSSION: Ethnic identity could be fundamental in the relationship between acculturation stress and abnormal eating behaviors, considering that post-migration eating practices are associated with unhealthy eating habits.

Indicators of Identity and Psychological Well-Being in Immigrant Population.

Multiple research has indicated that group identity processes are critical to understanding the dynamics of psychological well-being linked to migration. However, few studies have analyzed the relationship between identity from different theoretical perspectives, and the mental health of migrants in the Latin-American context. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between several identity indicators such as ethnic identity, collective self-esteem, identity fusion (with the country of origin and the host country) simultaneously, and different dimensions of psychological well-being of Colombian migrants living in Chile. The sample consisted of 887 Colombian migrants, of whom 435 (49%) were men and 452 (51%) were women. Participants were residents of the cities of Arica (n=204; 23%), Antofagasta (n=469; 52.9%), and Santiago (n=214; 24.1%) in Chile. The results revealed by structural equation modeling indicate that collective self-esteem and ethnic identity show positive relationships with almost all dimensions of psychological well-being, while identity fusion with Colombia only showed a positive relationship with the dimension positive relationships and identity fusion with Chile only showed a positive relationship with the dimension autonomy. Implications and limitations of these results are discussed at the end.

Child Victimization and Polyvictimization Among Young Adults in Northern Chile.

This study examined the prevalence of victimization and polyvictimization and gender differences in young adults from Arica in northern Chile. In all, 718 college students participated (46.9% men, 53.1% women), aged between 17 and 28 years old (M = 21.6; SD = 4.11). The Spanish version of Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire ( JVQ) was used to access five categories of child victimization (conventional crime, child maltreatment, peer and siblings victimization, sexual victimization, and indirect victimization). In total, 98.7% of young adults reported at least one type of victimization throughout their life. In general, males are more exposed to victimization for conventional crimes and indirect victimization and women to sexual victimization and bullying. A total of 89.1% of the sample was considered polyvictims (i.e., experienced five or more forms of victimization). This research provides information about the epidemiology of victimization and polyvictimization in young adults in the international context, and is the first study from this point of view in a South American country. The results show that young adults in northern Chile experience a high level of victimization, even mostly higher than others studies realized in the international context. Gender is a variable that has a significant influence and must be taken into account in the analyses of this complex subject of study.

Validation of the brief scale for the evaluation of acculturation stress in migrant population (EBEA).

BACKGROUND: Acculturation stress is associated with poorer physical and mental health and a lower level of psychological well-being. The causes of acculturation stress are diverse, but most are similar in the migrant population. Despite the importance of evaluating this variable, few studies have reported culturally adapted and validated instruments for specific populations. Based on this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a short scale for the evaluation of acculturation stress (EBEA). METHODS: Two studies were conducted, involving 1725 first-generation Colombian and Peruvian migrants living in Chile, between the ages of 18 and 60 years. In addition to the EBEA and as evidence of validity, the Beck Anxiety Scale and the WHOQOL-BREF psychological health domain were applied. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out, and the reliability and nomological validity were evaluated. RESULTS: The results in both studies indicated that the scale presents a factorial structure of three dimensions: (a) the stress derived from the preparation and departure from the country of origin, (b) the stress produced by socioeconomic concerns in the host country, and (c) the tensions typical of adaptation to sociocultural changes or Chilean society. The reliability coefficients and the analysis of their nomological validity were very good. CONCLUSIONS: The EBEA is a measure that offers quick, useful screening for researchers who need a short measure for research among migrants. This tool contributes to the work of education, prevention, and intervention in the field of general health and migrants' mental health.

Discrimination and Health: The Mediating Effect of Acculturative Stress.

There is not much evidence on the effects of south-south migration and its consequences on physical and mental health. Our objective was to examine the mediating role of Acculturative Stress in the association between ethnic discrimination and racial discrimination with physical and mental health. This research is a non-experimental, analytical, cross-sectional study. A total of 976 adult Colombian migrants living in Chile were interviewed. We used the Everyday Discrimination Scale, the acculturative stress scale, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-12) for health status; we found that racial and ethnic discrimination had a negative effect on physical and mental health. In the simultaneous presence of both types of discrimination, racial discrimination was completely absorbed by ethnic discrimination, the latter becoming a total mediator of the effect of racial discrimination on mental and physical health. Our findings are consistent with the literature, which suggests that there are various types of discrimination which, individually or in their intersectionality, can have negative effects on health.

Ethnic Identity and Collective Self-Esteem Mediate the Effect of Anxiety and Depression on Quality of Life in a Migrant Population.

Migration processes can often trigger negative interactions with the context, generating problems in both the physical and mental health of migrants, which have an impact on both their well-being and their quality of life. In this framework, the research aimed to assess the mediating effect of ethnic identity and collective self-esteem on the inverse relationship between mental health problems and quality of life. Data were collected from 908 first-generation Colombian migrants living in Chile, of whom 50.2% were women and with an average age of 35 years. They were assessed with The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL)-Bref, Smith's ethnic identity questionnaire, Basabe's collective self-esteem, and Beck's Anxiety and Depression questionnaires. The results provide evidence that both collective self-esteem and ethnic identity exert a partial mediation effect on the relationship between anxiety and depression on quality of life. The study provides evidence of the protective role that the maintenance and reinforcement of ethnic identity and collective self-esteem can have, with a view to strengthening the planning of interventions both in the field of prevention of mental health problems and in the improvement of quality of life based on evidence.

Ethnic Identity as a Mediator of the Relationship between Discrimination and Psychological Well-Being in South-South Migrant Populations.

There is abundant evidence about the negative impact of discrimination on well-being, but less research on factors that can reduce this negative effect, mainly focused on North American samples and with incipient development on South-South migration. The objective of this research was to analyze the effect of ethnic identity on the relationship between the experience of racial and ethnic discrimination and psychological well-being in Colombian immigrants living in Chile. A total of 962 immigrants over the age of 18 from three cities in Chile participated. Of these, 50.7% were women. The average age was 35 years (SD = 10.23). Participants were evaluated using Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scales, Phinney's adapted version of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Scale, and Krieger's Discrimination Experience Scale. After the analysis of the measurement models, a mediation model was analyzed using structural equations. The results provide evidence that ethnic and racial discrimination have negative effects on psychological well-being, with the effect of racial discrimination being greater. Likewise, ethnic identity has positive effects on psychological well-being and partially and completely mediates the effects of ethnic and racial discrimination on psychological well-being. The full effect of discrimination on psychological well-being, mediated by ethnic identity, is exercised only by racial discrimination and not by ethnic discrimination.

Affects as Mediators of the Negative Effects of Discrimination on Psychological Well-Being in the Migrant Population.

There is abundant empirical evidence on the negative effects of discrimination on psychological well-being. However, little research has focused on exploring the factors that can mitigate this effect. Within this framework, the present study examined the mediating role of positive and negative affects in the relationship between ethnic and racial discrimination and psychological well-being in the migrant population. About 919 Colombians, first-generation migrants, residing in Chile (Arica, Antofagasta, and Santiago) were evaluated, of which 50.5% were women, and the participants' average age was 35 years (range: 18-65 years). Krieger's discrimination questionnaires, Watson's Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scale were applied. The measurement models of each variable were estimated, and then the structural equation models were used. The results of the hypothesized multiple mediation model showed that the main mediator in the relationship between ethnic-racial discrimination and psychological well-being was positive affects over negative ones.

Evidence for a Bifactor Structure of the Caregiving Questionnaire with Individuals Involved in Different and Same-Sex Couple Relationships.

Despite the Caregiving Questionnaire (CQ) being a widely used measure for the study of caregiving behavior in the context of romantic relationships, to date, few studies have focused on empirically evaluating its underlying theoretical structure. The aim of this study was to examine the factorial structure and equivalence across sex and sexual orientation of this instrument. A sample of 912 Chilean individuals currently involved in a couple relationship completed the Caregiving Questionnaire and the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale. After comparing various traditional Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA)models, the results provide support for a multidimensional and hierarchical nature of a brief 16-items version of the CQ. More specifically, the analyses supported a bifactor-CFA solution composed of two global factors and four specific factors, suggesting that they add information to the caregiving construct in the context of couple relationships. Additionally, the scale showed measurement invariance across sex and sexual orientation. Finally, significant associations were found between CQ scores with measures of romantic attachment in the expected directions. Theoretical implications about the nature of the caregiving system are discussed.

Development and validity evidence of the multidimensional scale of sexual self-concept in a Spanish-speaking context.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: STIs and HIV/AIDS are an important public health problem, transmitted by risky sex behaviours. In this context, it is necessary to identify protective factors, of those behaviours, as sexual self-concept. Sexual self-concept is a multidimensional trait (i.e. sexual self-esteem; sexual self-efficacy; and sexual assertiveness), but, in an extensive review, we did not find any measure to assess this multidimensional construct in a Spanish-speaking context. The objective of this research is development a scale to assess sexual self-concept in young people and adults. METHOD: Time-space sampling with a total size of 792 participants, coming from the two Chilean cities (i.e. Arica and Iquique) with the highest HIV rates, aged between 17 and 53 years old (ME = 23.42; SD = 6.33), with 66.2% women (N = 500), 33.6% men (N = 258). RESULTS: Final scale has 16 items and 4 dimensions: sexual self-esteem, sexual self-efficacy, assertive sexual communication, and assertive sexual behaviour. The identified structure provides satisfactory levels of reliability (ω > .8) and presents robust evidence of validity, based on the internal structure of the test, using ESEM (RMSEA = .060; CFI = .99; TLI = .98), evidence of validity based on relationship to other variables (i.e. risky sexual behaviour) and measurement invariance between men and women. CONCLUSIONS: The multidimensional scale of sexual self-concept has adequate psychometric properties to assess sexual self-concept in equivalent samples.

Actitudes desde la clase social baja hacia la clase social alta: el papel del contacto y la ansiedad intergrupal

Introducción: el contacto intergrupal es un buen predictor de las actitudes positivas hacia otros grupos, relación que podría ser explicada por una menor ansiedad intergrupal. Estas asociaciones han sido analizadas entre distintos grupos, como la nacionalidad o la religión. Sin embargo, el contacto y las actitudes entre clases sociales han sido escasamente explorados. Por este motivo, analizamos el efecto mediador de la ansiedad intergrupal sobre la relación entre el contacto intergrupal y las actitudes positivas desde las personas de la clase social subjetiva baja hacia las de clase social subjetiva alta. Esperamos una relación positiva entre contacto (cantidad y calidad) y actitudes positivas, con la mediación de una menor ansiedad intergrupal. Método: en una muestra chilena no representativa (N = 118), realizamos análisis de regresiones para evaluar nuestra hipótesis. Resultados: los resultados respaldaron nuestra principal hipótesis, la cantidad y calidad del contacto fueron asociados a actitudes más positivas hacia la clase social subjetiva alta, mediada por una menor ansiedad intergrupal. Conclusiones: discutimos las implicancias para las relaciones entre clases sociales y las limitaciones asociadas a la muestra y la evaluación de la clase social.

Introduction: Intergroup contact is a good predictor of positive attitudes towards other groups, relationships that could be mediated by lower intergroup anxiety. These associations have been analyzed among different groups, such as nationality or religion. However, contact and attitudes among social classes have been scarcely explored. For this reason, we analyzed the mediator effect of intergroup anxiety on the relationship between intergroup contact and positive attitudes from people of lower subjective social class to those of higher subjective social class. We expected a positive relationship between contact (quantity and quality) and positive attitudes, with the mediation of lower intergroup anxiety. Method: In a non-representative Chilean sample (N = 118), we conducted regressions analyses to evaluate our hypothesis. Results: the results supported our main hypothesis, contact quantity and quality were associated with more positive attitudes toward individuals of higher subjective social class, mediated by lower intergroup anxiety. Conclusions: we discussed the implications for relationships among social classes and the limitations associated with the sample and assessment of the social class.

The effect of discrimination on Mental Health in the Chilean Population

Introduction: Discrimination affects the health and well-being of those who experience it. The relationship between discrimination and mental health in migrant communities and in the Chilean child and youth population has been previously studied, however, there is little evidence regarding the effects of discrimination on the general population. Objective: To analyze the relationship between discrimination and the presence of anxious and depressive symptoms in the Chilean population. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study evaluating 927 subjects in the cities of Arica, Antofagasta, and Santiago. To evaluate discrimination the Krieger Discrimination Experience Scale is used. To asses depressive and anxious symptomatology, the Beck scales for BDI Depression and BAI Anxiety were implemented. Results: The mean age of the sample is 33.9 years (Range 18-70 years; SD=13.13). 59.5% of the participants are female. 36% of the participants reported having experienced discrimination in some aspect of their lives. The highest perception of discrimination is associated with employment (42%) and the main reported causes are level of education or income, age, and gender. Experiences of discrimination exert statistically significant positive effects of moderate magnitude (b>.30) on depressive (b=.460, p<.001) and anxious (b=.480, p<.001) symptomatology, the latter being interrelated (b=.636, p<.001). Conclusions: More than a third of the population studied reported having been discriminated in some aspect of their lives. This perception is further accentuated in relation to employment. The perception of discrimination is associated with an increase in anxious and depressive symptoms in the Chilean population.

Introducción: La discriminación afecta la salud y el bienestar de las personas que la experimentan. Se ha estudiado ampliamente la relación entre discriminación y salud mental en comunidades migrantes y en población infanto-juvenil chilena, sin embargo, existe escasa evidencia respecto a los efectos de esta en la población general. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre discriminación y la presencia de sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva en población chilena. Material y Método: Estudio transversal prospectivo evaluando 927 sujetos en las ciudades de Arica, Antofagasta y Santiago. Para evaluar discriminación se utiliza la escala de experiencias de discriminación de Krieger. Para evaluar sintomatología depresiva y ansiosa se utilizan las escalas de Beck para Depresión BDI y Ansiedad BAI. Resultados: La edad promedio de la muestra es de 33,9 años (Intervalo de 18 a 70 años; DE=13,13). El 59,5% de los participantes son mujeres. Un 36% de los participantes declara haber experimentado discriminación en algún aspecto de su vida. La mayor percepción de discriminación se asocia al empleo (42%) siendo las principales causas reportadas el nivel educacional o de ingresos, la edad y el sexo. Las experiencias de discriminación ejercen efectos positivos estadísticamente significativos de magnitud moderada (b>.30) sobre sintomatología depresiva (b=.460, p<.001) y ansiosa (b=.480, p<.001) estando las últimas interrelacionadas entre sí (b=.636, p<.001). Conclusión: Más de un tercio de la población estudiada reporta haber sido discriminada en algún aspecto de su vida. Esta percepción se agudiza en torno a la obtención de empleo. La percepción de discriminación se asocia a incremento en sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva en la población chilena.

Validation of the brief scale for the evaluation of acculturation stress in migrant population (EBEA)

Abstract Background: Acculturation stress is associated with poorer physical and mental health and a lower level of psychological well-being. The causes of acculturation stress are diverse, but most are similar in the migrant population. Despite the importance of evaluating this variable, few studies have reported culturally adapted and validated instruments for specific populations. Based on this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a short scale for the evaluation of acculturation stress (EBEA). Methods: Two studies were conducted, involving 1725 first-generation Colombian and Peruvian migrants living in Chile, between the ages of 18 and 60 years. In addition to the EBEA and as evidence of validity, the Beck Anxiety Scale and the WHOQOL-BREF psychological health domain were applied. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out, and the reliability and nomological validity were evaluated. Results: The results in both studies indicated that the scale presents a factorial structure of three dimensions: (a) the stress derived from the preparation and departure from the country of origin, (b) the stress produced by socioeconomic concerns in the host country, and (c) the tensions typical of adaptation to sociocultural changes or Chilean society. The reliability coefficients and the analysis of their nomological validity were very good. Conclusions: The EBEA is a measure that offers quick, useful screening for researchers who need a short measure for research among migrants. This tool contributes to the work of education, prevention, and intervention in the field of general health and migrants' mental health.

Análisis Psicométrico de la Escala Orientación hacia la Dominancia Social (SDO) Mediante un Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales Exploratorias (ESEM) / Psychometric Analysis of the Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) Scale Through a Model of Exploratory Structural Equations (ESEM)

Resumen El objetivo de la presente investigación es analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala Orientación hacia la Dominancia Social (SDO), en una muestra no universitaria de la ciudad de Arica, Chile, implementando técnicas psicométricas de acuerdo con el estado del arte disciplinar. El muestreo fue no probabilístico, por conveniencia y disponibilidad de 812 participantes, entre edades de 18 a 89 años. Se realizaron estimaciones de fiabilidad, análisis factoriales confirmatorios y modelos de ecuaciones estructurales exploratorios, contrastando diferentes modelos. Los resultados proporcionaron evidencia de validez basada en la estructura interna de la prueba, presentando buen ajuste de la estructura de la SDO (RMSEA=.076; CFI=.963; TLI=.956), y adecuados niveles estimados de fiabilidad (Oposición a la Igualdad: α=.85, ω=.84; Dominancia Grupal: α =.67, ω =.66). Finalmente, se concluye que las puntuaciones de la escala SDO poseen evidencia suficiente para sustentar su uso e interpretación, en población no universitaria equivalente a la del presente estudio.

Abstract The objective of this research is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) Scale in a non-university sample of the city of Arica, Chile, implementing psychometric techniques according to the state of disciplinary art. The sampling was non-probabilistic due to the convenience and availability of 812 participants in a range of ages from 18 to 89 years. To contrast different models were performed reliability estimates, confirmatory factorial analyses, and exploratory structural equation models. The results provided evidence of validity based on the internal structure of the test, presenting good adjustment of the SDO structure (RMSEA=.076; CFI=.963; TLI=.956), and estimated adequate levels of reliability (Opposition to the Equality: α=.85, ω=.84, Group dominance: α =.67, ω =.66). Finally, the research concluded that the scores of the SDO scale have sufficient evidence to support its use and interpretation, in a non-university population equivalent to that of the present study.

Identity fusion: a systematic review / Fusión de identidad: Una revisión sistemática

Abstract The objective of the present investigation was to conduct a systematic review of empirical studies that have reported the use of identity fusion theory. The review followed guidelines and recommendations of the PRISMA statement. The following databases were used Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Willey Online Library, EBSCO and JSTORE databases. Empirical studies were selected, in Spanish and English that were published between 2009 and 2018. 52 articles were found that met the selection criteria. Most studies give evidence that identity fusion is a strong predictor of extreme sacrifice behaviors by the group. Likewise, identity fusion has generally been associated with variables such as: identification with the group, group commitment, perceived social support, loyalty even in ostracized conditions, feelings, affects and emotions towards the group, perception of kinship, among other. Its implications and limitations are discussed.

Resumen El objetivo de la presente investigación fue realizar una revisión sistemática de los estudios empíricos que han reportado el uso de la teoría de fusión de identidad. Para esto, la revisión siguió los lineamientos y recomendaciones de la declaración PRISMA. Las bases de datos consultadas fueron Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Willey Online Library, EBSCO y JSTORE. En total, se revisaron 52 estudios empíricos, en español y en inglés, publicados entre los años 2009 y 2018, que cumplían con los criterios de selección. La mayoría de los estudios dan evidencia de que la fusión de identidad es un fuerte predictor de conductas extremas de sacrificio por el grupo, y también, se ha asociado generalmente a variables como la identificación con el grupo, el compromiso grupal, el apoyo social percibido, la lealtad incluso en condiciones de ostracismo, los sentimientos, afectos y emociones hacia el grupo, y la percepción de parentesco, entre otras. Al final se discuten sus implicaciones y limitaciones.

Fusión de identidad en migrantes: análisis psicométrico de la escala verbal / Identity fusion in migrants: psychometric analysis of verbal scale

Resumen El objetivo de la presente investigación es analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala verbal de fusión de identidad propuesta por Gómez et al. (2011), en una muestra de migrantes colombianos residentes en tres ciudades diferentes de Chile. El muestreo fue por conveniencia y se encuestaron a 959 participantes, de los cuales 49.3% fueron hombres y 50.7% mujeres, con una edad promedio de 35, 46 años (DE=10.23). Se realizaron estimaciones de fiabilidad, análisis factoriales confirmatorios y modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Los resultados dan evidencia de un buen ajuste de la bifactorial estructura de la escala (RMSEA=.069; CFI=.979; TLI=.960), con adecuados niveles estimados de fiabilidad (sentimientos de conexión: α =.92; ω =.93; fuerza recíproca: α=.92; ω=.92). Además, probamos que la escala se relaciona de manera positiva con otras dos variables identitarias: la subescala importancia de la identidad colectiva de la escala de autoestima colectiva de Luhtanen y Crocker (1992), y una escala ad-hoc construida a partir de algunos elementos de la escala de identidad étnica validada por Smith (2002) en Costa Rica. Finalmente, se concluye que las puntuaciones de la escala de fusión de identidad poseen evidencia suficiente para sustentar su uso en investigaciones sobre población migrante colombiana en Chile.

Abstract The objective of the present investigation is to analyze the psychometric properties of the verbal identity fusion scale proposed by Gómez et al. (2011), in a sample of Colombian migrants residing in three different cities in Chile. Sampling was for convenience and 959 participants were surveyed. 49.3% were men and 50.7% were women, with an average age of 35.46 years (SD=10.23). Reliability estimates, confirmatory factor analyzes and structural equations model were made. The results give evidence of a good adjustment of the bifactorial scale structure (RMSEA=.069; CFI=.979; TLI=.960), with adequate estimated levels of reliability (connection: α =.92; ω =.93; reciprocal force: α =.92; ω =.92). In addition, we prove that the scale is positively related to two other identity variables: Importance of the Collective Identity subscale of the Luhtanen & Crocker Collective Self-Esteem Scale (1992), and an ad hoc scale constructed from some elements of the scale of Ethnic Identity validated by Smith (2002) in Costa Rica. Finally, it is concluded that the scores of the identity fusion scale have sufficient evidence to support its use in research on the Colombian migrant population in Chile.