Cognitive function of Brazilian elderly persons: longitudinal study with non-clinical community sample.

Several biopsychosocial changes in individuals' life might happen, resulting in a decline of long-term cognitive abilities. In this way, the aim of this study was to compare cognition in non-clinical older adults in Brazil during a four-year period, as well as to examine which variables may explain cognitive function variations identified during this time. For this purpose, a longitudinal study was developed including 108 older Brazilians in phase I and 64 in phase II, from 2013 to 2017. Socio-demographic variables were assessed and the following instruments were administered: the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) - 3rd Edition - Digital Symbol-Coding subtests, the Verbal Fluency Test (animal category), the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Geriatric Depression Scale 15-item version (GDS-15). In order to compare cognitive variables, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for repeated measures was used. Temporal comparisons of nominal variables were carried out using McNemar's chi-square tests for matched pairs. Finally, multiple linear regression and correlation analyses were applied, using the participants' cognitive performance variation scores (Δ) as dependent variables. Global cognitive function delayed verbal episodic memory, and processing speed experienced a significant decline in four years. Symptoms of anxiety were the main predictor of cognitive performance variations in this sample.

Mental health in familial caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients: are the effects of chronic stress on cognition inevitable?

Familial caregivers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients experience an emotional and physical burden which characterizes a chronic stress condition. The resulting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction favors an imbalance of neurotoxic/neuroprotective factors and causes cognitive impairments, increasing the caregivers' risk for cognitive decline and compromising their ability to provide adequate care of the patient. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the reversibility of the cognitive impairments of familial caregivers of AD patients during their caregiving-related chronic stress condition. Thirty-three caregivers (61.42 + 2.68 years; 27 women) and thirty-four controls (57.91 ± 2.16 years, 20 women) were evaluated for their cognitive functioning (attention, executive function, processing speed and memory) with a neuropsychological battery (Digit-span, Trail Making, Stroop and the Logical Memory tests). Subjects' cortisol/dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) ratios were determined by radioimmunoassay, and their brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were analyzed by ELISA. An incidental contextual memory task, with or without an associative encoding instruction, was used to investigate if caregivers have a cognitive reserve prone to rehabilitation. The contextual memory impairment of caregivers was associated with prefrontal and hippocampal cognitive dysfunctions, alterations of the cortisol/DHEA ratio and lower BDNF levels. Even so, the contextual memory impairment could be improved by the associative encoding condition. This study suggests that the cognitive impairments of caregivers are not necessarily irreversible, as indicated by the results obtained for contextual memory, which could be improved despite the ongoing chronic stress and associated hormonal and neurotrophin dysfunctions. Lay summary The support of a relative with Alzheimer's Disease submits the familial caregivers to a chronic stress condition that increases their own risk of cognitive decline. This study suggests that, irrespective to their alterations on cortisol/DHEA ratio and BDNF levels, caregivers have a cognitive reserve that could probably be engaged to limit the negative effects of chronic stress on cognition.

The effects of age and emotional valence on recognition memory: an ex-Gaussian components analysis.

The aim of this work was to study the effects of valence and age on visual image recognition memory. The International Affective Picture System (IAPS) battery was used, and response time data were analyzed using analysis of variance, as well as an ex-Gaussian fit method. Older participants were slower and more variable in their reaction times. Response times were longer for negative valence pictures, however this was statistically significant only for young participants. This suggests that negative emotional valence has a strong effect on recognition memory in young but not in old participants. The τ parameter, often related to attention in the literature, was smaller for young than old participants in an ex-Gaussian fit. Differences on the τ parameter might suggest poorer attentional performance in old participants.

Components of an indirect cognitive reserve: a longitudinal assessment of community-dwelling older adults.

Cognitive reserve enables individuals to preserve their cognition, despite a possible underlying brain pathology. The objective was to verify which components contribute to an indirect measurement of cognitive reserve in older adults, assessed longitudinally within a four-year interval. The sample was comprised of 64 older adults from the community. The following instruments were used: sociodemographic form; Mini-Mental State Examination; subtests from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Third Edition; Trail Making Test; Verbal Fluency Test (animal category); Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test; Beck Anxiety Inventory; and the Geriatric Depression Scale 15-item version. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed for the data analysis. The sample was predominantly composed of women (81.3%) and the mean age of the sample was 73.19 years (SD = 6.12). With respect to the variables related to cognitive reserve, it was found that anxiety was the predictor variable of more cognitive components: It was found that poorer cognitive performance is associated with anxiety, and this variable is negatively related to cognitive reserve, as well as to the age variable. Engaging in cognitively stimulating activities, education level and living with someone were deemed to be factors that help build cognitive reserve in older adults. Keywords: cognitive reserve; older adults; longitudinal.

Neuroendocrine and immunological correlates of chronic stress in 'strictly healthy' populations.

BACKGROUND: Chronic stress has been associated with detrimental or maladaptive neuroendocrine and immunological changes. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the neuroendocrine and immunological correlates of a realistic chronic stress experienced by strictly healthy caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients and age-matched controls. METHODS: We screened 330 caregivers and 206 non-caregivers according to the 'strictly healthy' conditions established by the SENIEUR protocol. Forty-one strictly healthy caregivers (60.56 +/- 16.56 years) and 33 non-stressed controls (60.27 +/- 14.11 years) were selected for this study. Salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were assessed at multiple points by radioimmunoassay. Peripheral T cell proliferation and cellular sensitivity to glucocorticoids (corticosterone and dexamethasone, DEX) were evaluated by colorimetric assays. We also examined the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to the administration of a low-dose DEX in vivo. RESULTS: The caregivers were significantly more stressed, anxious and depressed than non-caregivers (all p < 0.0001), in contrast to similar cortisol levels. Caregivers had reduced DHEAS levels (-32%, p < 0.0001), an increased cortisol/DHEAS ratio (39.7%, p < 0.0001) and impaired HPA axis response to DEX intake. Caregivers had a higher T cell proliferation (p < 0.0001) and increased sensitivity to glucocorticoids in vitro (p < 0.01) as compared to non-stressed controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the maintenance of health in chronically stressed populations may be associated with both protective and detrimental neuroendocrine and immunological changes.

Social Distancing: Prevalence of Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms Among Brazilian Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic can impact mental health, triggering symptoms such as anxiety, stress and depression. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the levels of anxiety, depression and stress during the period of social distancing due to COVID-19 in students from a campus of the Federal Institute in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre/RS. A correlational and exploratory study was performed. The sample of the present research was composed by 208 students, who responded to a self-administered online questionnaire with sociodemographic variables and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale Short Form - DASS-21. The detected prevalence of symptoms classified as moderate-severe was 49% for stress, 39% for depression and 33% for anxiety. An association was found between higher levels of anxiety symptoms (OR = 5.652; 95% CI = 2.872-11.123; p < 0.001), depression (OR = 3.289; 95% CI = 1.810-5.978; p < 0.001) and stress (OR = 5.684; 95% CI = 3.120-10.355; p < 0.001) with occurrence of sleep problems during the period of social distancing. There was a protective factor provided by regular physical exercise in relation to depressive symptoms (OR = 0.490; 95% CI = 0.250-0.960; p =0.033). These data are extremely important for understanding the adverse effect on the mental health of students and for developing psychological support strategies, thus promoting well-being during and after the pandemic.

Effects of childhood multiple maltreatment experiences on depression of socioeconomic disadvantaged elderly in Brazil.

Childhood maltreatment is a risk factor for depression in nonelderly individuals. We investigated the effect of childhood abuse and neglect on the development of geriatric depression and its severity in socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. A cross-sectional study investigated 449 individuals aged 60-103 years sorted by data using the enrollment list health coverage from the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil. The fifteen-item Geriatric Depression Scale was used to assess depression. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire was used to identify emotional and physical neglect, in addition to emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Geriatric depression was associated with emotional and physical abuse and neglect. Emotional abuse and neglect, as well as physical abuse, increased the odds of an individual developing severe depression. Correlations were observed for combined forms of maltreatment, with two to five maltreatment types producing mild to moderate symptoms. Similar trends were observed for severe symptoms in a limited number of cases. The cross-sectional design limit causal inference. Retrospective measurement of childhood maltreatment may increase recall and response bias. Late-life depression and its severity significantly correlated with the extent of childhood emotional and physical abuse and neglect. Thus, research should focus on supporting trauma survivors late in life, particularly when they come from low or middle income countries because these patients have higher rates of depression in elderly populations.

Cognitive Reserve in Older Adults: A Cluster Analysis / Reserva Cognitiva em Adultos Idosos: Uma Análise de Cluster

Abstract Cognitive reserve (CR) is a construct generally associated with neurodegenerative diseases in aging. The aim of this paper was to examine the CR profiles of older adults at different stages of their lifespan and evaluate the importance of: (a) gender and CR; and (b) CR, cognition, and symptoms of depression. A sample of 195 older adults volunteered to participate in the study, and a cluster analysis was carried out on their responses in terms of the Cognitive Reserve Scale. The cluster analysis depicted two different profiles. Furthermore, women had a better CR than men. The results provide an important contribution to understanding the variables related to the CR construct.

Resumo A reserva cognitiva (RC) é um construto geralmente associado a doenças neurodegenerativas no envelhecimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar os perfis de RC em adultos idosos em diferentes estágios da vida, e avaliar o efeito de: (a) gênero e RC; e (b) RC, cognição e sintomas depressivos. A amostra contou com 195 adultos, e uma análise de cluster foi realizada a partir dos escores obtidos na Escala de Reserva Cognitiva. A análise de cluster descreveu dois perfis diferentes. Além disso, as mulheres apresentaram maior RC em comparação aos homens. Os resultados fornecem contribuições importantes para as variáveis relacionadas ao construto da RC.

Evidências de validade e fidedignidade da escala de Gratidão (G-20) / Evidence of validity and reliability of the Gratitude scale (G-20) / Evidencias de validez y confiabilidad de la escala de Gratitud (G-20)

Este estudo teve como objetivo proporcionar evidências de validade e fidedignidade da Escala de Gratidão (G-20) para a população de adultos brasileiros. Especificamente, verificar a estrutura do questionário através da análise fatorial confirmatória, explorar a consistência interna da escala e as validades de critério concorrente e convergente. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, correlacional com delineamento transversal. A amostra por conveniência está composta por 348 adultos entre 18 e 59 anos das cinco regiões brasileiras. Os instrumentos utilizados foram questionário de dados sociodemográficos, G-20, GQ-6, DASS-21, PANAS e P-DURELL. A escala total demonstrou confiabilidade satisfatória (α = 0,92 e Ω = 0,71) e em todas as dimensões do instrumento. Além disso, a análise do ajustamento dos dados para a estrutura de quatro fatores apontou valor aceitável para uma boa adequação do modelo (RMSEA = 0,068, CFI= 0,956 e TLI= 0,949) e a predominância das correlações entre os instrumentos utilizados no estudo mostrou-se significativas. (AU)

This study aimed to provide evidence of validity and reliability of the Gratitude Scale (G-20) for the Brazilian adult population. Specifically, the study sought to verify the questionnaire's structure using confirmatory factor analysis, explore the scale's internal consistency, and establish concurrent and convergent criteria validities. This was a quantitative, correlational study with a cross-sectional design. The convenience sample comprised 348 adults between 18 and 59 years old from all five Brazilian regions. The instruments used were a sociodemographic data questionnaire, G-20, GQ-6, DASS-21, PANAS, and P-DURELL. The total scale demonstrated satisfactory reliability (α = 0.92 and Ω = 0.71) across all dimensions of the instrument. Furthermore, analysis of the data adjustment for the four-factor structure showed an acceptable fit for the model (RMSEA = 0.068, CFI = 0.956, and TLI = 0.949) and significant correlations between the instruments were predominantly observed. (AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo proporcionar evidencias de validez y confiabilidad de la Escala de Gratitud (G-20) para la población adulta brasileña. Específicamente, verificar la estructura del cuestionario mediante el análisis factorial confirmatorio, explorar la consistencia interna del instrumento y la validez de criterios concurrente y convergente. Es un estudio cuantitativo, correlacional con diseño transversal. La muestra por conveniencia está compuesta por 348 adultos entre 18 y 59 años de las cinco regiones brasileñas. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos, G-20, GQ-6, DASS-21, PANAS y P-DURELL. La escala total demostró una fiabilidad satisfactoria (α = 0,92 y Ω = 0,71) y en todas dimensiones del instrumento. El análisis del ajuste de datos para la estructura de cuatro factores demostró un valor aceptable para adecuación del modelo (RMSEA = 0.068, CFI = 0.956 y TLI = 0.949) y el predominio de correlaciones entre los instrumentos se demostró significativo. (AU)

Personality factors and cognitive functioning in elderly with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurological disease, resulting from cell degeneration in the substantia nigra, responsible for the production of dopamine. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the cognitive functioning, personality factors and prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Furthermore, this study sought to analyze whether personality factors were predictors of cognitive functioning. METHODS: The sample consisted of 30 elderly with PD. Participants completed a sociodemographic data sheet, the NEO-FFI-R (Five Factor Inventory NEO Revised), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Beta-III, the phonemic verbal fluency test and semantics (Animals), the digits span subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults and the Boston Naming Test and the word list of the CERAD battery, the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: The elderly with PD presented impairment in verbal episodic memory and executive functions. Most of the participants demonstrated low levels of neuroticism. The extraversion factor was positively correlated with executive functions and the openness to experience factor was positively correlated with verbal episodic memory. It was concluded that the elderly with PD presented memory and executive function impairments. The factor that most contributed to performance of the elderly with PD on memory and executive function tasks was the extraversion factor.

A doença de Parkinson (PD) é uma doença neurológica crônica e progressiva, resultante da degeneração celular na substância negra, responsável pela produção de dopamina. OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar o funcionamento cognitivo, fatores de personalidade e prevalência de sintomas de depressão e ansiedade em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson (DP). Além disso, este estudo procurou analisar se os fatores de personalidade eram preditores de funcionamento cognitivo. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi constituída por 30 idosos com DP. Os participantes responderam a uma ficha de dados sociodemográficos, o NEO-FFI-R (Inventário de Cinco Fatores NEO Revisado), o Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), o Beta III, o Teste de Fluência Verbal Semântica (Categoria Animais), o Subteste Dígitos da Escala de Inteligência Wechsler para adultos, o teste de nomeação de Boston da bateria CERAD, a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica e o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck. RESULTADOS: Os idosos com DP apresentaram comprometimento nas funções de memória episódica verbal e funções executivas. A maioria dos participantes demonstrou baixos níveis de neuroticismo. O fator de extroversão foi positivamente correlacionado com as funções executivas e o fator de abertura à experiência foi positivamente correlacionado com a memória episódica verbal. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que idosos com DP apresentam comprometimento na memória e nas funções executivas. O fator que mais contribuiu para o desempenho dos idosos com DP em tarefas de memória e funções executivas foi o fator extroversão.

Multimodal physical activity increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and improves cognition in institutionalized older women.

Physical activity has been proposed as a promising intervention to improve cognition and decrease the risk of dementia in older adults. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) appears to mediate, at least partially, these effects of exercise. However, intervention studies of the effects of multimodal exercises on cognition and BDNF levels are scarce and composed by small samples. Thus, the generalization of the conclusions of these studies depends on the reproducibility of the results. In order to contribute to the knowledge on the field, the present study evaluated the effects of a physical activity intervention composed by muscle strengthening and aerobic conditioning on BDNF levels and cognition in older women. Independent and non-demented subjects (≥75 years) were assigned to a 3-month physical activity intervention (n = 22, 60 min exercise sessions three times a week) or to a control condition (n = 10, no exercise). Clinical (anxiety and depression symptoms), neuropsychological (Digit Span, Stroop, Trail Making, and Contextual Memory tests), physical (upper and lower limb strength, aerobic conditioning), and physiological (serum BDNF) parameters were evaluated immediately before, 1 month, and 3 months after starting intervention. Results indicated that controls had stable levels for all measured variables, whereas the intervention group improved on physical fitness, depressive symptoms, cognitive performance, and BDNF levels. Moreover, a linear regression identified an association between aerobic conditioning and BDNF levels. In conclusion, combined muscle strengthening and aerobic conditioning was able to improve cognitive performance and increase BDNF levels. Aerobic conditioning seems to be an important mediator of these outcomes.

Fatores de personalidade e aspectos de saúde em idosos: um estudo longitudinal / Personality factors and health aspects in older adults: a longitudinal study / Factores de personalidad y aspectos de salud en adultos mayores: un estudio longitudinal

O Modelo dos Cinco Grandes Fatores de Personalidade é uma teoria contemporânea que efetivamente auxilia no entendimento das características da personalidade de um indivíduo. Portanto, o presente estudo procurou comparar os cinco grandes fatores de personalidade (neuroticismo, consciência, abertura à experiência, concordância e extroversão) dos idosos antes e depois de um intervalo de quatro anos e identificar o efeito preditivo desses fatores nas variáveis de saúde. Este é um estudo quantitativo e longitudinal. A amostra foi constituída por 60 idosos com idade média de 73,17 anos (DP = 5,99). Os seguintes instrumentos foram aplicados: 1) Questionário de Dados Sociodemográficos e Clínicos e 2) Bateria Fatorial de Personalidade (BFP). As principais descobertas revelaram mudanças significativas nos escores de três fatores de personalidade ao longo de quatro anos: extroversão, consciência e aceitação. Nesse contexto, a variável tempo influenciou significativamente os fatores de personalidade.

The Big Five Personality Factors Model is a contemporary theory that effectively assists in understanding an individual's personality features. Therefore, the present study sought to compare the older adults' big five personality factors (neuroticism, conscientiousness, openness to experience, agreeableness, and extraversion) before and after a four-year interval and to identify the predictive effect of these factors on health variables. This is a quantitative and longitudinal study. The sample consisted of 60 older adults with a mean age of 73.17 years (SD = 5.99). The following instruments were applied: 1) Sociodemographic and Clinical Data Questionnaire; and 2) Personality Factorial Battery (PFB). The main findings revealed significant changes in the scores of three personality factors over four years: extraversion, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. In this context, the time variable had a significant influence on personality factors.

El Gran Modelo de los Cinco Factores de la Personalidad es la teoría contemporánea que efectivamente ayuda a comprender las características de la personalidad de un individuo. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio buscó comparar los cinco grandes factores de personalidad (neuroticismo, conciencia, apertura a la experiencia, amabilidad y extraversión) de los adultos mayores antes y después de un intervalo de cuatro años e identificar el efecto predictivo de estos factores en las variables de salud. Este es un estudio cuantitativo y longitudinal. La muestra consistió en 60 adultos mayores con una edad media de 73.17 años (DE = 5.99). Se aplicaron los siguientes instrumentos: 1) Cuestionario de Datos Sociodemográficos y Clínicos; y 2) Batería Factorial de Personalidad (BFP). Los principales hallazgos revelaron cambios significativos en las puntuaciones de tres factores de personalidad durante cuatro años: extraversión, conciencia y amabilidad. En este contexto, la variable tiempo tuvo una influencia significativa en los factores de personalidad

Orientação à dominância social (SDO) e autoritarismo em adolescentes: Uma revisão sistemática / Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) and Authoritarianism in Adolescents: A Systematic Review

RESUMO O estudo do autoritarismo e da orientação à dominância social (SDO) tem virado foco de pesquisas recentemente, devido à sua importância na vida das pessoas. O artigo objetivou investigar a presença dos construtos autoritarismo e SDO em adolescentes e as variáveis comumente associadas, por meio de uma revisão sistemática utilizando o modelo PRISMA . Dois juízes consultaram as bases Pubmed, BVS, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO e EBSCO. Dos 278 artigos encontrados 12 artigos foram selecionados. Identificou-se três categorias: transgeracionalidade, caraterísticas cognitivo-comportamentais, e valores sociopolíticos. Os principais resultados sugerem que a transmissão do autoritarismo e da SDO está associada à relação estabelecida pelos pais, a fatores como a inteligência e a personalidade e a participação em atividades cívicas e sociais. Verificou-se a ausência de estudos experimentais e o predomínio de pesquisas com delineamento quantitativo transversal. É importante a identificação de posicionamentos políticos e visões sobre o mundo durante a adolescência.

ABSTRACT The study of authoritarianism and Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) has recently become the focus of research, due to its importance in people's lives. This article aimed to investigate the presence of the concept authoritarianism and SDO and the variables commonly associated in adolescents, through a systematic review using the PRISMA protocol. Two judges consulted the databases Pubmed, BVS, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycINFO and EBSCO. Of the 278 articles found, 12 articles were selected. Three categories were identified: transgenerationality, cognitive-behavioral characteristics, and socio-political values. The main results suggest that the transmission of authoritarianism and SDO is associated with the relationship established by the parents, with factors such as intelligence and personality and participation in civic and social activities. There was an absence of experimental studies and a predominance of research with a quantitative cross-sectional design. It is important to identify political positions and world views during adolescence.

Perfiles de estrategias de aprendizaje y autoeficacia académica en estudiantes de primaria / Perfil de estratégias de aprendizagem e autoeficácia acadêmica em estudantes do ensino fundamental / Profile of learning strategies and academic self-efficacy in elementary school students

El estudio investigó la asociación entre estrategias de aprendizaje y autoeficacia académica en estudiantes de primaria, identificar perfiles de acuerdo con estas variables y compararlos en comparación a los síntomas psicopatológicos. La muestra contó con un total de 252 participantes (126 estudiantes de primaria y 126 padres/tutores). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el cuestionario sociodemográfico, la Guía para Evaluación del Sentido de Autoeficacia (RASA), Escala de Evaluación de Estrategias de Aprendizaje para la Escuela Primaria (EEVAP-EF) y Child Behavior Checklist. Las correlaciones mostraron que las subescalas de RASA se relacionan con las subescalas de EEVAP-EF. El análisis de conglomerados identificó dos perfiles: 1) altas puntuaciones en RASA y EEVAP-EF y 2) bajas puntuaciones en los mismos instrumentos, lo que demuestra una mayor ocurrencia de síntomas psicopatológicos. Comprender cómo se relacionan estas variables en los estudiantes de primaria contribuirá a la promoción de intervenciones tempranas centradas en el rendimiento escolar y la motivación en el aprendizaje. (AU)

O estudo investigou a associação entre estratégias de aprendizagem e autoeficácia acadêmica em alunos do ensino fundamental, identificar perfis de acordo com essas variáveis e compará-los quanto à ocorrência de sintomas psicopatológicos. A amostra incluiu 252 participantes (126 alunos do ensino fundamental e 126 pais/responsáveis). Utilizaram-se os instrumentos questionário sociodemográfico, Roteiro de Avaliação do Senso de Autoeficácia (RASA), Escala de Avaliação das Estratégias de Aprendizagem para o Ensino Fundamental (EAVAP-EF) e Child Behavior Checklist. A análise de correlação demonstrou que as subescalas do RASA relacionaram-se com as subescalas da EAVAP-EF. A análise de cluster identificou dois perfis: 1) pontuações altas no RASA e na EAVAP-EF e 2) pontuações baixas nos mesmos instrumentos, o qual demonstrou maior ocorrência de sintomas psicopatológicos. Compreender como essas variáveis se relacionam em estudantes do ensino fundamental contribui para a promoção de intervenções mais precoces e centradas no rendimento acadêmico e na motivação para a aprendizagem. (AU)

The study investigated the association between learning strategies and academic self-efficacy in elementary school students, identified profiles according to these variables and compared them in relation to psychopathological symptoms. The sample included 252 participants (126 elementary school students and 126 parents/guardians). The instruments used were a sociodemographic questionnaire, Script for the Assessment of the Sense of Self-efficacy (SASS), Learning Strategies Assessment Scale for Elementary Education (LSAS-EE) and Child Behavior Checklist. There was an association between the SASS subscales and the LSAS-EE subscales. The cluster analysis identified two profiles: 1) high scores in the SASS and LSAS-EE and 2) low scores in these instruments, which demonstrated a higher occurrence of psychopathological symptoms. Understanding how these variables relate to elementary school students contributes to the promotion of earlier interventions focused on academic performance and motivation for learning. (AU)

Narratives of bullying and emersion of self-compassion expressions in adolescents / Narrativas de bullying e emersão de expressões autocompassivas em adolescentes / Narraciones de bullying y aparición de expresiones autocompasivas enadolescentes

This study aimed to investigate the narratives of bullying and the expression of self-compassion in statements written by adolescents as a possible coping strategy. Participated 162 adolescents from a state in northern Brazil. The data collected in written testimonials were categorized based on Bardin's Content Analysis. The instructions provided for preparing the testimonies supported the structuring of four categories: 1) bullying experience; 2) reasons for bullying; 3) consequences of bullying; 4) coping strategies and self-compassion expressions. The results suggest 63.7% of adolescents witnessed bullying behaviors. Physical characteristics were the main motivation reported toward bullying. Negative feelings and psychosomatic symptoms were the main consequences reported. The adolescents reported forms of self-compassion as a coping resource before receiving psychoeducation about the concept. The implications of these findings and the use of psychoeducational interventions on bullying and self-compassion are discussed. (AU)

Esse estudo objetivou investigar as narrativas de bullying e a expressão da autocompaixão, em depoimentos escritos por adolescentes, como possível estratégia de enfrentamento. Participaram 162 adolescentes de uma escola estadual do norte do Brasil. Os dados coletados por escrito foram categorizados com base na Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. As instruções fornecidas para elaboração dos depoimentos fundamentaram a estruturação de quatro categorias: 1) vivências de bullying; 2) motivos para o bullying; 3) consequências do bullying; 4) estratégias de enfrentamento e expressões autocompassivas. Os resultados sugerem que 63,7% dos adolescentes presenciaram comportamentos de bullying. Características físicas foram percebidas como motivo para realização de bullying. Sentimentos negativos e sintomas psicossomáticos foram as principais consequências relatadas. Os adolescentes reportaram formas de autocompaixão como recurso de enfrentamento antes de receberem psicoeducação sobre o conceito. As implicações desses achados e a utilização de intervenções psicoeducativas sobre bullying e autocompaixão são discutidas. (AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los relatos de bullying, y la expresión de la autocompasión en testimonios escritos por adolescentes como posible estrategia de afrontamiento. Participaron 162 adolescentes de una escuela pública del norte de Brasil. Los datos recopilados por escrito fueron categorizados según el Análisis de Contenido de Bardin. Las instrucciones proporcionadas para la elaboración de los testimonios fundamentaron la estructuración de cuatro categorías: 1) experiencias de bullying; 2) razones para el bullying; 3) consecuencias del bullying; 4) estrategias de afrontamiento y expresiones de autocompasión. Los resultados sugieren que 63,7% de los adolescentes presenciaron conductas de bullying. Las características físicas fueron percibidas como la razón del bullying. Los sentimientos negativos y los síntomas psicosomáticos fueron las consecuencias. Los adolescentes reportaron formas de autocompasión como recurso de afrontamiento antes de recibir psicoeducación sobre el concepto. Se discuten las implicaciones de estos hallazgos y el uso de intervenciones psicoeducativas sobre bullying y autocompasión. (AU)

Age Effects on Cognitive and Physiological Parameters in Familial Caregivers of Alzheimer's Disease Patients.

OBJECTIVES: Older familial caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients are subjected to stress-related cognitive and psychophysiological dysfunctions that may affect their quality of life and ability to provide care. Younger caregivers have never been properly evaluated. We hypothesized that they would show qualitatively similar cognitive and psychophysiological alterations to those of older caregivers. METHOD: The cognitive measures of 17 young (31-58 years) and 18 old (63-84 years) caregivers and of 17 young (37-57 years) and 18 old (62-84 years) non-caregiver controls were evaluated together with their salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels, as measured by radioimmunoassays and ELISA assays of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in serum. RESULTS: Although younger caregivers had milder impairments in memory and executive functions than older caregivers, their performances fell to the same or lower levels as those of the healthy older controls. Decreases in DHEA and BDNF levels were correlated with the cognitive dysfunctions observed in the older and younger caregivers, respectively. Cortisol at 10PM increased in both caregiver groups. DISCUSSION: Younger caregivers were prone to cognitive impairments similar to older caregivers, although the degree and the neuropsychological correlates of the cognitive dysfunctions were somewhat different between the two groups. This work has implications for caregiver and care-recipient health and for research on the neurobiology of stress-related cognitive dysfunctions.

Psychometric properties of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX): a study with Brazilian older adults / Propriedades psicométricas do Questionário Disexecutivo (DEX): um estudo com adultos idosos brasileiros / Propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario Disejecutivo (DEX): un estudio con adultos mayores brasileños

This study aimed to verify the psychometric properties of the Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX) through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), evidence of reliability, and convergent validity, in a sample of neurologically preserved older adults. Participants were 345 older adults who answered, in addition to DEX, a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and two verbal fluency tasks. The EFA was conducted through Parallel Analysis based on the generation of a polychoric correlation matrix, as well as Pearson's correlation between the DEX scores, age, education, MMSE, and verbal fluency tasks. According to the EFA, the extraction of two factors ("Inhibition" and "Social Regulation and Planning") was suggested and DEX was negatively associated with age and MMSE. In conclusion, DEX presented a satisfactory factorial structure for older adults, which can be considered a reliable self-report measure for complaints of executive functions (AU).

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar as propriedades psicométricas do Questionário Disexecutivo (DEX) por meio de análise fatorial exploratória (AFE), evidências de confiabilidade e de validade convergente, em uma amostra de adultos idosos neurologicamente preservados. Participaram 345 adultos idosos que responderam, além do DEX, um questionário sociodemográfico e clínico, o Miniexame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e duas tarefas de fluência verbal. A AFE foi conduzida por meio de análise paralela com base na geração de matriz de correlação policórica, bem como correlação de Pearson entre os escores do DEX, idade, escolaridade, MEEM e tarefas de fluência verbal. A AFE sugeriu a extração de dois fatores ("Inibição" e "Regulação Social e Planejamento") e o DEX associou-se negativamente com a idade e com o MEEM. Conclui-se que o DEX apresentou estrutura fatorial satisfatória para adultos idosos, podendo ser considerado uma medida confiável de autorrelato para queixas de funções executivas (AU).

El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario Disejecutivo (DEX) a través del análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE), evidencias de confiabilidad y validez convergente, en una muestra de adultos mayores preservados neurológicamente. Participaron 345 adultos mayores que respondieron, además del DEX, un cuestionario sociodemográfico y clínico, el Mini Examen del Estado Mental (MEEM) y dos tareas de fluidez verbal. La AFE se realizó mediante Análisis Paralelo basado en la generación de una matriz de correlación policórica, así como la correlación de Pearson entre las puntuaciones del DEX, edad, nivel de escolarización, MEEM y tareas de fluidez verbal. La AFE sugirió la extracción de dos factores ("Inhibición" y "Regulación y Planificación Social") y el DEX se asoció negativamente con la edad y con el MEEM. Se concluyó que el DEX presentó una estructura factorial satisfactoria para adultos mayores, lo que puede considerarse una medida de autoinforme fiable para las quejas de funciones ejecutivas (AU).

Could BDNF be involved in compensatory mechanisms to maintain cognitive performance despite acute sleep deprivation? An exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Neuroimaging studies suggest that acute sleep deprivation can lead to adaptations, such as compensatory recruitment of cerebral structures, to maintain cognitive performance despite sleep loss. However, the understanding of the neurochemical alterations related to these adaptations remains incomplete. OBJECTIVE: Investigate BDNF levels, cognitive performance and their relations in healthy subjects after acute sleep deprivation. METHODS: Nineteen sleep deprived (22.11±3.21years) and twenty control (25.10±4.42years) subjects completed depression, anxiety and sleep quality questionnaires. Sleep deprived group spent a full night awake performing different playful activities to keep themselves from sleeping. Attention, response inhibition capacity and working memory (prefrontal cortex-dependent) were assessed with Stroop and Digit Span tests. Declarative memory (hippocampus-dependent) was assessed with Logical Memory test. Serum BDNF was measured by sandwich ELISA. Data were analyzed with independent samples T-test, ANOVA, ANCOVA and curve estimation regressions. p<0.05 was deemed statistically significant. RESULTS: The sleep deprived group showed higher BDNF levels and normal performance on attention, response inhibition capacity and working memory. However, declarative memory was impaired. A sigmoidal relation between BDNF and Stroop Test scores was found. CONCLUSIONS: Increased BDNF could be related, at least in part, to the maintenance of normal prefrontal cognitive functions after sleep deprivation. This potential relation should be further investigated.

Fatores de personalidade, depressão, ansiedade e estresse em proprietários de animais / Personality factors, depression, anxiety, and stress in pet owners / Personalidad, depresión, ansiedad y factores de estrés en propietarios de animales

O presente estudo compara fatores de personalidade, sintomas de depressão, ansiedade e estresse entre proprietários e indivíduos que não possuem animais de estimação. Participaram 145 adultos, entre 18 e 78 anos (M = 30,96, DP = 12,10). Os participantes foram divididos de acordo com a espécie do animal de estimação: (a) cães, (b) gatos, (c) cães e gatos. Os resultados sugerem que pessoas sem animais de estimação apresentaram mais sintomas de ansiedade do que aquelas que possuem. Proprietários de cães e gatos apontaram maiores escores no fator de personalidade conscienciosidade do que os participantes que não possuíam nenhum animal de estimação. Desta forma, há diferenças em possuir um animal. Contudo, novos estudos na área, utilizando análises de variáveis mediadoras, bem como pesquisas longitudinais que possam explorar a possível relação causal entre diferentes características de pessoas que possuem animais de estimação e bem-estar, fazem-se necessárias.

The study compares personality factors, symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress between owners and non-pet owners. A total of 145 adults participated, between 18 and 78 years (M = 30.96, SD = 12.10). Participants were divided according to the type of pet they had: 1) dogs, 2) cats, 3) dogs and cats. The results suggest that people who do not have pets showed more anxiety symptoms than those who have pets. Dogs and cats owners showed higher scores of conscientiousness personality factor than participants who did not have any pets. The results reveal differences between animals owners and non-owners. There is a need for studies using mediating variables analyzes, as well as longitudinal research that can explore the feasible causal relationship between different characteristics of people who own pets and well-being.

El estudio compara factores de personalidad, síntomas de depresión, ansiedad y estrés entre propietarios y no propietarios de animales. Participaron 145 adultos de 18 a 78 años (M = 30,96, SD = 12,10). Los participantes se dividieron según el tipo de mascota: 1) perros, 2) gatos, 3) perros y gatos. Los resultados sugieren que las personas que no tienen mascotas mostraron más síntomas de ansiedad que las que tienen mascotas. Los dueños de perros y gatos presentaron puntuaciones más altas del factor de conciencia de la conciencia que los participantes que no tenían ninguna mascota. Los resultados revelan diferencias entre propietarios de animales y no propietarios. Hay una necesidad de estudios que utilicen análisis de variables mediadoras, así como encuestas longitudinales que puedan explorar la posible relación causal entre las diferentes características de las personas que tienen mascotas y el bienestar.

Adaptação transcultural da The Stigma Scale para o português brasileiro: estudo piloto / Transcultural adaptation to Brazilian Portuguese of the Stigma Scale: a pilot study / Adaptación transcultural de la Escala de Estigma para el portugués brasileño: estudio piloto

O estigma da doença mental (EDM) é apontado como um agravante dos quadros de transtorno mental, sendo recomendada pelo ministério da saúde a realização de pesquisas que auxiliem na identificação e intervenção a esse fenômeno. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar a adaptação transcultural da The Stigma Scale, para o português brasileiro e verificar seus parâmetros psicométricos preliminares. O método deste estudo foi estruturado em cinco etapas: 1) obtenção da permissão para adaptação; 2) tradução do instrumento; 3) síntese e avaliação por especialistas; 4) retrotradução e avaliação por especialistas; 5) estudo piloto. A versão brasileira da The Stigma Scale foi aplicada em 23 pacientes psiquiátricos. O instrumento apresentou boas evidências de validade de conteúdo (k = 0,81) e consistência interna (α = 0,87). Os participantes do estudo piloto não reportaram dificuldades relacionadas à compreensão dos itens. Os autores originais da The Stigma Scale aprovaram a versão brasileira do instrumento. (AU)

Mental illness stigma (MIS) has been indicated to be an aggravating factor for mental disorders, therefore, the national department of health recommends the performance of research that seeks to assist in the identification of this condition and suggest intervention strategies. This study aimed to perform the transcultural adaption to Brazilian Portuguese of the Stigma Scale and to verify its preliminary psychometric parameters. The methodology used was structured in five steps: 1) obtaining permission to adapt; 2) translation of the instrument; 3) synthesis and evaluation by specialists; 4) back-translation and specialist evaluation; and 5) a pilot study. The Brazilian version of The Stigma Scale presented good content validity (k=0.81) and internal consistency (α=0.87). The pilot study sample did not report difficulties related to the understanding of the items. The original authors of the Stigma Scale approved the Brazilian version of the instrument. (AU)

El estigma de la enfermedad mental es considerado un agravante de los trastornos mentales, de tal manera que el ministerio de la salud recomienda la realización de investigaciones que contribuyan a la identificación y tratamiento de dicho fenómeno. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar una adaptación transcultural de la Escala de Estigma para el portugués brasileño y verificar sus parámetros psicométricos preliminares. El método fue estructurado en cinco etapas: 1) obtención del permiso para adaptación; 2) traducción del instrumento; 3) síntesis y evaluación por especialistas; 4) retrotraducción y evaluación por especialistas; 5) estudio piloto. La versión brasileña de la Escala de Estigma fue aplicada a 23 pacientes psiquiátricos. El instrumento presentó buenas evidencias de validez de contenido (k = 0,81) y consistencia interna (α = 0,87). Los participantes del estudio piloto no reportaron dificultades de comprensión de los ítems. Aparte, los autores originales de la Escala de Estigma aprobaron la versión brasileña del instrumento. (AU)