Implementation of an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in Naturalistic Psychotherapy Settings: Qualitative Insights from Patients, Therapists, and Supervisors Perspectives.

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) allows measuring intra-individual processes moment by moment, identifying and modeling, in a naturalistic way, individual levels and changes in different psychological processes. However, active EMA requires a high degree of adherence, as it implies a significant burden for patients. Moreover, there is still no consensus on standardized procedures for implementation. There have been few results in detecting desirable characteristics for the design and implementation of an EMA device. Studies that address these issues from the perspectives of participants in psychotherapeutic processes are needed. To analyze the perspectives of patients, therapists and supervisors on the implementation of an EMA device in a psychotherapeutic treatment for depression. The sample will include eight patients, eleven therapists and five supervisors, taken from a research project that implemented an EMA system for monitoring the dynamics of affectivity at the beginning of psychotherapies for depression. Semi-structured interviews specific to each group are being conducted and analyzed from a qualitative approach based on consensual qualitative research (CQR). Participants reported having a positive evaluation of the study's informational resources and implementation. Difficulties were expressed in responding in the morning hours and the importance of having a customized EMA that is tailored to the needs of the patients was expressed. Furthermore, patients and therapists agreed that the impact of the use of the monitoring system on treatment was neutral or positive. In contrast, patients considered the EMA to be positive for their daily life.

Using machine learning algorithms to predict the effects of change processes in psychotherapy: Toward process-level treatment personalization.

This study aimed to develop and test algorithms to determine the individual relevance of two psychotherapeutic change processes (i.e., mastery and clarification) for outcome prediction. We measured process and outcome variables in a naturalistic outpatient sample treated with an integrative treatment for a variety of diagnoses (n = 608) during the first 10 sessions. We estimated individual within-patient effects of each therapist-evaluated process of change on patient-evaluated subsequent outcomes on a session-by-session basis. Using patients' baseline characteristics, we trained machine learning algorithms on a randomly selected subsample (n = 407) to predict the effects of patients' process variables on outcome. We subsequently tested the predictive capacity of the best algorithm for each process on a holdout subsample (n = 201). We found significant within-patient effects of therapist perceived mastery and clarification on subsequent outcome. In the holdout subsample, the best-performing algorithms resulted in significant but small-to-medium correlations between the predicted and observed relevance of therapist perceived mastery (r = .18) and clarification (r = .16). Using the algorithms to create criteria for individual recommendations, in the holdout sample, we identified patients for whom mastery (14%) or clarification (18%) were indicated. In the mastery-indicated group, a greater focus on mastery was moderately associated with better outcome (r = .33, d = .70), while in the clarification-indicated group, the focus was not related to outcome (r = -.05, d = .10). Results support the feasibility of performing individual predictions regarding mastery process relevance that can be useful for therapist feedback and treatment recommendations. However, results will need to be replicated with prospective experimental designs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Adaptación y validación de la Escala de Dificultades en la Regulación Emocional en adultos del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires / Adaptation and Validation of the Emotional Regulation Difficulty Scale in Adults in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires / Adaptação e validação da Escala de Dificuldades na Regulação Emocional em adultos da Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires

La desregulación emocional (de) fue identificada como uno de los principales procesos involucrados en el surgimiento y mantenimiento de los trastornos emocionales. A su vez, los trastornos emocionales son los más prevalentes mundialmente, volviendo a la deun objeto de estudio de gran relevancia. El presente trabajo consiste en la adaptación y validación de la Escala de Dificultades en la Regulación Emocional (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, ders) (Gratz & Roemer, 2004), para ser usada en población general del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Se realizó un estudio transversal con 315 participantes entre 18 y 65 años. La consistencia interna resultó adecuada (α = 0.936; ω = 0.938). Se llevó a cabo un análisis factorial confirmatorio mediante el paquete Lavaan, quedando la escala conformada por 30 ítems que se ajustan a las seis dimensiones originales. También se presenta evidencia de validez convergente y discriminante, la capacidad de discriminación de los ítems, diferencias por sexo y edad, y valores normativos para adultos del Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. La adaptación al español de la ders representa una herramienta válida y confiable para medir distintos aspectos del proceso de regulación emocional

Emotional dysregulation (ed) was identified as one of the main processes involved in the emergence and maintenance of emotional disorders. In turn, emotional disorders are the most prevalent worldwide, making ed an object of study of great relevance.The present study consists of the adaptation and validation of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (ders) (Gratz & Roemer, 2004) for its use in the general population of the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 315 participants between 18 and 65 years old. Internal consistency was adequate (α = 0.936; ω = 0.938). A confirmatory factor analysis was performed using the Lavaan package, leaving the scale with 30 items which fit the six original dimensions. There is also evidence of convergent and discriminant validity, the items' discrimination ability, differences by sex and age, and normative values for adults in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires. The Spanish adaptation of the ders represents a valid and reliable tool to measure different aspects of the emotional regulation process.

A desregulação emocional (de) foi identificada como um dos principais processos envolvidos no surgimento e manutenção dos transtornos emocionais. Por sua vez, os transtornos emocionais são os mais prevalentes no mundo, tornando a de um objeto de estudo de grande relevância. O presente estudo consiste na adaptação e validação da Escala de Dificuldades na Regulação Emocional (ders) (Gratz & Roemer, 2004) para sua utilização na população geral da região metropolitana de Buenos Aires. Foi realizado um estudo transver-sal com 315 participantes com idade entre 18 e 65 anos. A consistência interna foi adequada (α = 0.936; ω = 0.938). Realizou-se uma análise fatorial confirmatória utilizando o pacote Lavaan, deixando a escala com há também evidências de validade convergente e discriminante, capacidade de discriminação dos itens, diferenças por sexo e idade, e valores norma-tivos para adultos na Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires. A adaptação espanhola do ders representa uma ferramenta válida e confiável para mensurar diferentes aspectos do processo de regulação emocional.

Persistent symptoms after COVID-19 in children and adolescents from Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: Although long COVID-19 is widely recognized in adults, less information is available about this condition in children, especially in developing countries. Here, we studied the long-term symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection beyond 3 months and the associated risk factors in a pediatric population. METHODS: This observational study included 639 Argentinian children and adolescents with previously confirmed COVID-19 from June 2020-June 2021 and 577 children without previous COVID-19. Parents completed a survey about symptoms that their child had for >3 months after the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: At least one persistent symptom was observed more frequently in children with previous COVID-19 than in the non-COVID-19 group (34% vs 13%, P <0.0001). SARS-CoV-2 infection increased the risk of headache, dizziness, loss of taste, dyspnea, cough, fatigue, muscle pain, and loss of weight by three- to seven-fold. The loss of smell was only reported in infected children. After controlling for the other variables, older age, symptomatic COVID-19, and comorbidities were independent predictors of long-term symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of children experienced persistent symptoms after COVID-19. Older age, symptomatic infection, and comorbidities were shown to be risk factors for long COVID-19. Pediatric long COVID-19 is a new condition that requires further investigation.

Contemporaneous Emotion Regulation Theoretical Models: A Systematic Review / Modelos Teóricos Contemporáneos de Regulación Emocional: Una Revisión Sistemática

ABSTRACT Background: Emotions and their regulation are a phenomenon present in everyday life. Despite its relevance and growing interest, a consensual and univocal definition has not yet been reached. Objective: This paper aims to review contemporary theoretical models of emotion regulation, looking for agreements and divergences between authors. It seeks to identify the main processes considered when working with emotional dysregulation. Method: Our team conducted a systematic review in the form of a narrative synthesis following the guidelines of the PRISMA statement. The database used were SCOPUS, PUBMED, and Dialnet. We included articles published between 2018 and 2020, which have been peer-reviewed in indexed scientific journals, whose central theme was the theoretical presentation of the construct of emotional regulation. We excluded articles that conceptualized only one dimension of the construct focused on specific populations and empirical studies without a theoretical conceptualization of the construct. The information was systematized in a table identifying authors' information, country of institutional affiliation, main characteristics of the given definition of emotion regulation, regulation skills mentioned, and underlying theoretical frameworks. Results: We identified ten different theoretical frameworks that propose models of emotion regulation. The main components found in the definition were the complexity of the construct, goal orientation, intra- or interpersonal regulation, the proposal of moderators, and its voluntary character. Discussion: There is a consensus on the use of emotion regulation strategies to adapt to environmental demands, achieve goals and increase well-being. We identify that people's learning history is an important factor in the development of emotional regulation skills. In addition, context and personality traits are proposed as moderators of the therapeutic efficacy of interventions focused on emotional regulation. Further studies along these lines would favor the implementation of preventive interventions and the personalization of treatments.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: Las emociones y su regulación son un fenómeno presente en la vida cotidiana. A pesar de su relevancia y creciente interés, aún no se ha alcanzado una definición consensuada y unívoca. Objetivo: El presente trabajo pretende revisar los modelos teóricos de regulación emocional contemporáneos buscando acuerdos y divergencias entre autores. Se busca identificar los principales procesos tomados en cuenta para el trabajo con la desregulación emocional. Método: Nuestro equipo realizó una revisión sistemática en forma de síntesis narrativa siguiendo las directrices de PRISMA. Las bases de datos utilizadas fueron SCOPUS, PUBMED y Dialnet. Se incluyeron artículos publicados entre 2018 y 2020, que han sido revisados por pares en revistas científicas indexadas, cuyo tema central fuera la presentación teórica del constructo de regulación emocional. Se excluyeron artículos que conceptualizaban una sola dimensión del constructo, se enfocaban en poblaciones específicas y estudios empíricos sin una conceptualización teórica del constructo. La información fue sistematizada en una tabla identificando información de los autores, país de afiliación institucional, características principales de la definición dada de regulación emocional, habilidades de regulación mencionadas y marco teórico de base. Resultados: Se identificaron diez marcos teóricos diferentes que proponen modelos de regulación de las emociones. Los principales componentes encontrados en las definiciones fueron la complejidad del constructo, la orientación a metas, la regulación intra o interpersonal, la propuesta de moderadores y su carácter voluntario. Discusión: Existe un consenso sobre el uso de estrategias de regulación de las emociones para adaptarse a las demandas del entorno, alcanzar metas y aumentar el bienestar. Identificamos que la historia de aprendizaje de las personas es un factor importante en el desarrollo de las habilidades de regulación emocional. Además, el contexto y los rasgos de personalidad son propuestos como moderadores de la eficacia terapéutica de las intervenciones centradas en la regulación emocional. Más estudios en esta línea favorecerían la implementación de intervenciones preventivas y la personalización de los tratamientos.

Implementation of a routine outcome monitoring and feedback system for psychotherapy in Argentina: A pilot study.

Introduction: Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) has emerged as a strong candidate to improve psychotherapy processes and outcome. However, its use and implementation are greatly understudied in Latin-America. Therefore, the aim of the present pilot study conducted in Argentina was to implement a ROM and feedback system grounded on a psychometrically sound instrument to measure session by session outcome in psychotherapy. Methods: The sample consisted of 40 patients and 13 therapists. At baseline, the patients completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and they also completed the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-11 before each of the first five sessions. To estimate patient change during the first sessions, we conducted a quantitative analysis using Hierarchical Linear Models. Furthermore, we conducted a qualitative analysis using Consensual Qualitative Research to analyze therapist perception regarding the ROM and feedback system. Results: Results showed a significant reduction in patients' symptomatic severity during the first five sessions. Additionally, baseline depression significantly predicted the estimated severity at the end of the fifth session. Feedback was given to the therapists after the first four sessions based on these analyses. With regard to the perception of the feedback system, clinicians underlined its usefulness and user-friendly nature. They also mentioned that there was a match between the information provided and their clinical judgment. Furthermore, they provided suggestions to enhance the system that was incorporated in a new and improved version. Discussion: Limitations and clinical implications are discussed.

Development and validation of a multicultural Spanish-language version of the Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET) in Argentina.

The utility of traditional eating disorder measures in the assessment of muscularity-oriented disordered eating has been questioned. To address this limitation, the Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET) was recently developed and validated in a sample of U.S. college men. We aimed to develop a multicultural Spanish-language version of the MOET for use in Latin American samples and validate its use in a sample of Argentinian college men. Combined translation procedures were used to develop a version suitable for different Spanish-speaking populations. A total of 235 students (Mage = 23.47, SD = 5.61) participated in this study by completing a survey including the MOET. A sub-sample (n = 121) completed the MOET again after 1 week. A confirmatory factor analysis of a re-specified model of the original single-factor MOET, allowing for residual correlation between items associated to dietary rules (items 4-12), resulted in an adequate fit (χ2/df = 2.10, CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA 0.05 [90% CI = 0.04, 0.06] SRMR = 0.08). Further, the multicultural Spanish-language version of the MOET yielded evidence of internal consistency (omega = 0.83, 95% CI [0.79, 0.88], Cronbach's α = 0.83), a 1-week Intraclass Correlation Coefficient was considered for test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.82), item analysis, convergent validity with measures of eating disorder psychopathology, body dissatisfaction and weight-related behaviors, as well as for divergent validity with an unrelated construct. The availability of a multicultural Spanish-language version of the MOET may have utility in both clinical and research efforts related to muscularity-oriented disordered eating among Latino men.

Confirmatory factor analysis and measurement invariance of the eating disorders examination-questionnaire across four male samples in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE: The eating disorder examination-questionnaire (EDE-Q) is among the most widely used instruments in eating disorder research and clinical practice. However, the underlying structure remains a source of confusion, and contradictory results have emerged in studies among male populations. In the current study, we examined previously proposed models of EDE-Q structure in four community samples of Argentinian men. METHOD: A series of confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were performed for five previous factor structure models of the EDE-Q among 232 Argentinian male university students, 277 weightlifters, 275 cross-fit users, and 202 athletes. A multigroup CFA was conducted in the model we retained, to assess measurement invariance across groups. RESULTS: A respecified model of the brief eight-item one-factor proposal provided acceptable fit to the data over the original four-factor structure and three other proposed models. Results from the multigroup CFA showed that the retained model was invariant across samples. CONCLUSION: Our results provide support for retaining a one-factor EDE-Q structure over a multifactor solution for research purposes among male community samples in Argentina. These data underscore the importance of undertaking psychometric assessment of eating disorder symptom measures before their utilization in specific populations.

A time-series analysis of therapeutic alliance, interventions, and client's clinical status in an evidence-based single-case study: Evidence for establishing change mechanisms in psychotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to analyze the time-series of alliance, interventions, and client's post-sessions clinical status, to establish if alliance and adherence to cognitive-behavioral interventions preceded improvement in psychotherapy Method: A single-case study of a complete Cognitive-Behavioral treatment of a 27-year-old male diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder treatment was conducted. Alliance, adherence to cognitive-behavioral interventions, and client's therapeutic condition were assessed every two sessions during the entire treatment. RESULTS: After controlling for the effect of autocorrelations, the transfer functions showed that alliance predicted client's clinical condition with a lag of two sessions throughout the entire treatment. However, the inverse relationship was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: Results support the hypothesis of a time-lagged association between alliance and subsequent client's changes in their clinical condition in single case of a cognitive-behavioral treatment.

[Impact of thoracic and abdominopelvic surgery on the functional status in the elderly]. / Repercusión de la cirugía torácica y abdómino-pélvica en el estado funcional del anciano.

The quality of life of older people is determined by their functional capacity, rather than by the number or type of disease suffered. We analyzed 43 patients over 65 years undergoing major surgery. Longitudinally continued evolution of functional status by analyzing six variables, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), the get up and walk test, functional reach test of arm, strength of handgrip and walking speed, measured before surgery (baseline measurement) and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months after discharge. The objectives were to estimate the impact that surgery has on functional status in the elderly, determine how long each of the measurements returned to preoperative values at 4 months follow-up. Recovery curves compared the baseline AIVD, grip strength and hand speed on the fly, between two groups defined by baseline walking speed in slow (< 0.8 m/s) and fast (> 0.8 m/s). The impact of surgery on physical fitness showed a statistically significant decrease in ADL, IADL, and the get up and walk test and walking speed, with variable time recovery beyond convalescence. All return to baseline at 4 months except test walking speed that exceeded the baseline. Functional status can be evaluated quickly and should be included in the preoperative evaluation, since it allows planning strategies to meet the needs and limitations of patients and their families, in the immediate postoperative period.

Repercusión de la cirugía torácica y abdómino-pélvica en el estado funcional del anciano / Impact of thoracic and abdominopelvic surgery on the functional status in the elderly

La calidad de vida de los ancianos está determinada por su capacidad funcional, más que por el número o tipo de enfermedades que padecen. Se analizaron 43 pacientes mayores de 65 años sometidos a cirugías mayores. Se siguió longitudinalmente la evolución del estado funcional mediante el análisis de 6 variables, las actividades de la vida diaria (AVD), actividades instrumentales de la vida diaria (AIVD), la prueba de levántate y anda, prueba del alcance funcional del brazo, fuerza de prensión de la mano y velocidad de la marcha, medidas previas a la cirugía (medición basal) y a los 1, 2, 3 y 4 meses posteriores al alta. Los objetivos fueron: estimar la repercusión que la cirugía tiene en el estado funcional de ancianos, determinar el tiempo que cada una de las mediciones regresa a los valores del preoperatorio en el seguimiento a 4 meses, comparar las curvas de recuperación de los valores basales de AIVD, fuerza de prensión de la mano y velocidad en la marcha, entre 2 grupos definidos por la velocidad de la marcha basal, en lentos ( 0.8 m/s). La repercusión de la cirugía en la aptitud física presentó una disminución estadísticamente significativa en AVD, AIVD, la prueba de levántate y anda y velocidad en la marcha con recuperación en tiempo variable, más allá de la convalecencia. La evaluación del estado funcional permite planear estrategias tendientes a cubrir limitaciones y necesidades del paciente y su familia en el post operatorio mediato.

The quality of life of older people is determined by their functional capacity, rather than by the number or type of disease suffered. We analyzed 43 patients over 65 years undergoing major surgery. Longitudinally continued evolution of functional status by analyzing six variables, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), the get up and walk test, functional reach test of arm, strength of handgrip and walking speed, measured before surgery (baseline measurement) and at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months after discharge. The objectives were to estimate the impact that surgery has on functional status in the elderly, determine how long each of the measurements returned to preoperative values at 4 months follow-up. Recovery curves compared the baseline AIVD, grip strength and hand speed on the fly, between two groups defined by baseline walking speed in slow ( 0.8 m/s). The impact of surgery on physical fitness showed a statistically significant decrease in ADL, IADL, and the get up and walk test and walking speed, with variable time recovery beyond convalescence. All return to baseline at 4 months except test walking speed that exceeded the baseline. Functional status can be evaluated quickly and should be included in the preoperative evaluation, since it allows planning strategies to meet the needs and limitations of patients and their families, in the immediate postoperative period.

Evaluación de la percepción de riesgo en diferentes grupos sociales: propuesta de un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales / Risk perception assessment in different social groups: structural equation model proposal

El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar la percepción de riesgo entendida como una interpretación del contexto basada en experiencias y/o creencias subjetivas (Rohrmann, 2005) aplicando la técnica estadística del Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales, SEM. El aporte original consiste en proponer la utilización de los modelos SEM para conirmar las relaciones teóricas hipotetizadas en la evaluación subjetiva de los peligros. A in de replicar el diseño de la investigación transcultural llevada adelante por el Prof. Rohrmann (Universidad de Melbourne, Australia), se seleccionaron participantes de los mismos grupos que este autor propone en su estudio internacional. En nuestro país, la muestra intencional estuvo conformada por estudiantes de Psicología, Geografía, Ciencias Ambientales, Ingeniería y participantes de organizaciones feministas. Se utilizó la Adaptación Argentina del Cuestionario de Percepción de Riesgo (Rohrmann, 2005; Mikulic et al., 2009) que permitió evaluar la percepción de riesgo en distintos grupos sociales, así como diversas dimensiones asociadas a la percepción de riesgo. Entre estas últimas se destacan los aspectos subjetivos intervinientes en dicha percepción, como la opinión, la aceptación del riesgo, los beneficios del riesgo, etc. Los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación muestran correspondencia con los reportados por Rohrmann (1994), al poner a prueba el mismo modelo conceptual en Australia y en otros países como Alemania, Nueva Zelanda y China.

The aim of the study is to analyse the perception of risk, considered as the interpretation of the context based in experiences and subjetive beliefs (Rohrmann, 2005) applying the statistical technique called Structural Equation Models, SEM. The original contribution when using SEM models is to conirm theoretical relations in the subjective evaluation of risks. Participants were selected following the same groups proposed by Prof. Rohrmann (University of Melbourne, Australia) in the international study, in order to replicate the crosscultural research design carried out by this author. In our country, the intentional sample was composed by students of Psychology, Geography, Environmental Sciences, Engineer and participants of feministic organizations. Risk Perception Questionnaire (Rohrmann, 2005; Argentinian Adaptation: I. M. Mikulic, 2009) was administered and showed the association between differences according to social groups and constructs linked to risk perception. Among these psychological aspects included in that perception, opinion, risk acceptance, risk beneits, etc. are considered. Results in this study show correspondence with those reported by Rohrmann (1994), when testing the same theoretical model in Australia and other countries such as Germany, New Zealand and China.

Crecimiento personal, necesidad de trascendencia, redes sociales y ambiente: análisis de la calidad de vida percibida en diferentes sucesos estresantes desde un enfoque integrativo y ecológico / Personal growth, transcendence needs, social networks and environment: a study of perceived quality of ife related with different life stressful life events from an integrative and ecological approach

La evaluación de la Calidad de Vida Percibida por los sujetos que afrontan sucesos estresantes tales como encarcelamiento, discapacidad, divorcio, pérdidas de familiares o migración forzada, no ha concitado la especial atención de los investigadores. Si bien no existe consenso en cuanto a la definición de Calidad de Vida y su operacionalización, está aceptado el carácter multidimensional de este constructo. En anteriores investigaciones (Mikulic, Muiños, 2005) se ha presentado la construcción y validación de un Inventario de Calidad de Vida Percibida con el que se ha podido verificar la estructura factorial de dicho constructo aplicando el Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales. Los factores hallados ambiente, redes sociales, crecimiento personal y necesidad de trascendencia han podido ser explicados adecuadamente por un solo concepto: Calidad de Vida Percibida. El objetivo de este trabajo es mostrar la existencia y magnitud de dichos factores latentes encontrados en quienes atraviesan dichos sucesos estresantes analizados con dicho instrumento.

Transiciones ecológicas: Estudio del afrontamiento de las crisis vitales migración, encarcelamiento y divorcio desde el enfoque de la Psicología Positiva / Ecological transition: a study of coping with migration, imprisonment and divorce life crisis from Positive Psychology Approach

Este estudio aborda el afrontamiento de distintas transiciones ecológicas como migración, encarcelamiento y divorcio; integrando conceptos de la Psicología Positiva y la Evaluación Psicológica. Transiciones ecológicas, siguiendo el modelo de Bronfenbrenner, son aquellos cambios en la posición de una persona dentro del ambiente ecológico en el que está inmersa, como consecuencia de un cambio de rol, de entorno, o de ambos a la vez (Bronfenbrenner, 1987). Se realizó un estudio exploratorio-descriptivo que permitió analizar el impacto de tres sucesos estresantes migración, divorcio y privación de libertad, a partir de la selección intencional de tres grupos de 30 participantes cada uno y la comparación con un grupo control que no experimentó ninguna de las situaciones mencionadas. Los resultados obtenidos permiten afirmar que existen diferencias significativas en las respuestas de afrontamiento seleccionadas ya que los grupos que atravesaron un suceso vital estresante evidencian mayores puntajes en respuestas centradas en la emoción. Ello confirma que las características específicas de una transición vital, contextualizan e influyen en la selección de respuestas de afrontamiento con las que se afrontan las emociones provenientes de una crisis y se mantiene un equilibrio afectivo (Moos, 1986).

La construcción y uso de instrumentos de evaluación en la investigación e intervención psicológica: el Inventario de Calidad de Vida percibida (ICV) / Psychological assessment instruments for research and psychological interventions: perceived quality of life inventory (ICV)

Existe una creciente preocupación a nivel internacional por mejorar la calidad y el uso de los instrumentos de evaluación psicológica que se aplican tanto a nivel investigativo como interventivo. Prueba de ello es la creación de la Internacional Test Commission y la existencia de numerosas organizaciones que han establecido standards específicos o lineamientos a tener en cuenta, dando orientación a los profesionales en aspectos centrales de la práctica interventiva e investigativa con instrumentos, abarcando tanto su construcción como su adaptación y aplicación. En este trabajo se exponen algunas consideraciones surgidas en la práctica investigativa en diversos contextos, proponiendo una metodología de trabajo para la construcción, adaptación y validación de instrumentos de evaluación psicológica, cualquiera sea su aplicación. Con dicho objetivo se aborda el desarrollo del Inventario de Calidad de Vida percibida (ICV) y el análisis de sus características psicométricas y utilidad en investigación e intervención.

Um instrumento para a avaliação de estressores psicossociais no contexto de emprego / An instrument to evaluate psychosocial stressors in the employment context

Os contextos onde se desenvolvem as atividades humanas apresentam características diferentes que têm importantes implicações no momento da elaboração e aplicação de procedimentos de avaliação. O contexto de emprego é muito importante para importantes setores de nossa população. Moos desenvolveu um marco conceitual sócio-ecológico no qual a relação, entre os acontecimentos vitais estressantes e as condutas adaptativas, encontra-se influenciada pelo sistema pessoal e contextual, os recursos da rede social e as respostas de avaliação e confrontamento. O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar um instrumento (IMPAL) que mede o grau de mal-estar (excessivo, médio ou escasso) que provoca fatos relacionados com: meio ambiente físico e organização do tempo de trabalho, fatores próprios da tarefa, mudanças tecnológicas, e aspectos institucionais e pessoais. Apresentam-se os resultados do impacto dos diferentes estressores na amostra estudada. Conclui-se que o instrumento elaborado mostrou sensibilidade na avaliação do impacto de estressores no contexto de trabalho, permitindo hierarquizar as áreas de origem dos acontecimentos estressantes

Perfiles de la población del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires en relación con la donación y el trasplante de órganos / Buenos Aires population profiles and organ transplant and donors

Se realizó un sondeo de opiniones sobre la donación y el trasplante de órganos en una muestra representativa de la población del Area Metropolitana de Buenos Aires, con el objetivo de construir perfiles de personas en relación con la aceptación o el rechazo del tema. Las variables activas que se exploraron en el estudio fueron: a) razones personales para no donar; b) percepción acerca de que las operaciones de trasplante son o no exitosas; c) conocimiento personal de personas donantes o trasplantadas; d)condición de donación; e)autorización para ablación de órganos de un familiar fallecido del que se desconociera su voluntad de donar; f)opinión sobre el INCUCAI. Las variables suplementarias analizadas fueron los aspectos sociodemográficos: sexo, edad, nivel educativo y nivel socioeconómico. Los datos fueron analizados con el Análisis Factorial de Correspondencias Múltiples y el Análisis de Agrupamiento (Cluster Analysis). Se obtuvieron siete perfiles, que fueron agrupados en tres grandes categorías: personas a favor de la donación (26,49 por ciento); personas indecisas (13,86 por ciento) y personas contrarias al tema por diferentes razones (59,65 por ciento). Estas últimas se dividen a su vez en cinco grupos: a) falta de información y temor al tráfico de órganos (27,48 por ciento); b) falta de información general (10,4 por ciento); c) rechazo a la mutilación (8,66 por ciento); d) desinterés (7,43 por ciento); e)motivos religiosos (5,69 por ciento). La caracterización de dichos perfiles mediante las variables activas y suplementarias analizadas en el estudio permitirá en el futuro diseñar estrategias comunicacionales específicas, tendientes a incrementar la actividad de procuración

Pruebas gráficas: su estructura factorial en contextos escolares / Graphic tests: factor structure in school settings

A pesar del amplio uso que se le ha dado a las pruebas gráficas en relación a dibujar una o más personas, un estudio sistemático de las características de la/ las figuras y su expresión gráfica asi como su manera de evaluarlas en el contexto educativo no ha sido suficientemente explorado. La prueba gráfica "Pareja educativa" parece expresar la manera en que tanto alumnos como docentes se autoperciben y perciben al otro en el contexto escolar. Desde esta perspectiva, la expresión gráfica es interpretada como resultado de múltiples factores interactuantes incluyendo características personales ( alumno ) , vinculares ( docente-alumno ) y contextuales ( escuela ).Objetivos: - Contar con categorías clasificatorias onjetivamente definidas y suficientemente probadas que nos permitan la evaluación psicológica de los aspectos expresados en el gráfico.- Obtener su estructura factorial .Muestra : 260 alumnos del último año de escuelas públicas y privadas de la ciudad de Buenos Aires.Análisis de los resultados: Se presenta la descripción e interpretación de los factores encontrados.Conclusiones: - Se destaca la eficacia del método Principals utilizado en este trabajo.- Se acentúa la importancia de contar con técnicas psicológicas confiables que evalúen aspectos personales como forma de aumentar la validez predictiva de los instrumentos.