Caracterización actitudinal e intencional de la violencia juvenil exogrupal en la Comunidad de Madrid / Attitudinal and intentional characterisation of juvenile group violence in the Madrid Area

Introducción. El presente artículo expone el proceso de construcción de un instrumento para medir e identificar las creencias relevantes que jóvenes integrados en grupos violentos poseen sobre la propia conducta violenta que realizan; una vez identificadas, se utilizan para explicar el desarrollo de la intención de llevar a cabo este tipo de conductas. Metodología. Se realizaron tres estudios independientes y complementarios. El primero (N=216) identifica las creencias salientes sobre violencia. El segundo (N=250) muestra el proceso de construcción del Cuestionario Piloto sobre Violencia Juvenil Exogrupal y se procede a la selección estadística de las creencias relevantes. El tercer estudio (N=243) muestra el diseño definitivo del Cuestionario de Investigación de la Conducta Violenta Exogrupal y presenta el modelo de regresión realizado para explicar la intención de realizar conductas violentas. Resultados. El modelo final obtenido explica el 61.5% de la varianza de la variable dependiente "Intención" e identifica las creencias más relevantes para explicar, tanto el desarrollo como la inhibición de la intención de realizar conductas violentas por parte de jóvenes pertenecientes a grupos. Discusión. Los resultados pueden contribuir en la fundamentación del diseño, aplicación y evaluación de intervenciones que tengan como objetivo principal la prevención o el tratamiento del problema

Purpose. This article presents the process followed for the construction of an instrument to measure and identify the relevant beliefs owned by the youth belonging to violent groups about their own violent behaviour. Once identified, they are used as an explanation of the process of the intention to carry out this behaviour. Methodology. For that purpose, we conducted three independent but complementary. The first of them (N=216) identifies the salient beliefs about violence. The second(N=250) shows the process of construction of the Cuestionario Piloto sobreViolencia Juvenil Exogrupal and proceeds to the statistical selection ofthe relevant beliefs about violence. The third study (N=243) shows the definitive design of the Cuestionario de Investigación de la Conducta Violenta Exogrual(CINCOVE) and presents the regression model conducted to explain the intention of carrying out violent behaviour. Results. The final model obtained explains 61.5% of the variance of the dependent variable "Intention" and identifies the main beliefs related to the intention to carry out violent behaviour on the side of youth belonging to groups. Discussion. The results may contribute to the foundation of the design, implementation and evaluation of interventions that have as main objective the prevention or treatment of the problem

Can we predict individual investors' behavior in stock markets? A psychological approach / ¿Es posible predecir el comportamiento de los inversionistas en los mercados bursátiles? Una aproximación psicológica

Understanding financial markets and investors' behavior is one of the biggest objectives in finance. However, most of the research obtained conclusions about individual investors, but they are not studying real individual investors' behavior: they analyzed stock price evolution or used aggregate investor data that essentially belongs to founds and big investors. Psychology has improved financial knowledge and solved many of those financial limitations. Because of that, we decided to apply one of the most valid psychological models to study human behavior, in order to better understand real individual investors' behavior: the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB; Ajzen, 1991). The model was applied to 127 real investors obtained by the "snowball" technique. According to results, TPB seems to be a good model to understand individual investor's behavior, while explaining 63% of the investments' intentions and 48% of the investments' behavior.

Entender los mercados financieros y el comportamiento de los inversionistas es uno de los objetivos principales en materia de finanzas. Sin embargo, se encuentra que la mayor parte de las conclusiones de estas investigaciones sobre los inversionistas no estudian el comportamiento de los mismos: normalmente se encuentra un análisis de la evolución de los precios de las acciones o datos utilizados de inversionistas que pertenecen esencialmente a los grandes mercados. La psicología ha mejorado el conocimiento financiero y ha resuelto muchas de las limitaciones en finanzas. Debido a esto, se ha decidido aplicar uno de los modelos psicológicos más válidos para estudiar el comportamiento humano, con el fin de comprender mejor el comportamiento de los inversionistas. Este modelo es la Teoría del Comportamiento Planeado ([TPB]; Ajzen, 1991). El modelo se aplicó a 127 inversionistas reclutados por la técnica de "bola de nieve". Según los resultados, el TPB parece ser un buen modelo para comprender el comportamiento de los individuos, al tiempo que explicó el 63 % de la intención de inversión y el 48 % de la conducta de inversión.

Factors related to attitudes toward organ donation after death in the immigrant population in Spain.

Considering the relevance of the migratory processes in Western societies, the attitudes toward organ donation after death are analyzed by means of a survey applied to a representative random sample of the resident immigrant population in Spain, comprising 1202 subjects (estimated margin of error of ± 2.88%, p = q, p < 0.05). Considered variables were disposition toward own organ donation, disposition toward deceased relatives' donation in different situations, arguments against donation, socio-demographic indicators, religious beliefs, social integration, and information about organ donation and transplantation. Predisposition to donate varies strongly across geographical origin and religious beliefs and also shows relationships with additional socio-demographic, social integration, and informative variables. In turn, the relationship between religious beliefs and attitude toward donation varies as a function of the degree of social integration. In Spain, the immigrant population is a heterogeneous collective that requires differential strategies to promote donation. Such strategies should be aimed at reinforcing the existing positive attitudes of citizens from West Europe and Latin America, and at familiarizing and informing about donation in citizens from the East, and at making specific efforts to break down the cultural and religious barriers toward donation in African citizens, with special emphasis on people of the Muslim faith.

Analysis of the attitudes and motivations of the Spanish population towards organ donation after death.

Starting with the relevance of the Spanish experience, this study analyses the population's disposition towards organ donation after death by means of a representative survey of the adult Spanish population (N = 1206, estimated error ±2.87%, P < 0.05). Of the participants, 8.1% were declared donors, 59.3% were likely to donate, 14.5% were against donating and 18.1% did not know or did not respond; 87.3% would donate relative's organs if the deceased favoured donation, 50.2% if the deceased's wishes were unknown and 13.1% even if the deceased opposed donation. Among people who were favourable towards donation, the main motives expressed were the will to save other people's lives, solidarity and knowing they might someday need a donation. The most important motives for not donating among participants who were against it were the fear of premature organ extraction, of premature pronouncement of death and of mutilation. Reticence to donate is associated with low socio-economic and cultural level, advanced age and high religious commitment; it is also associated with a low perception of transplant efficacy, not directly knowing any transplanted people and the lack of qualified information. The results support diverse potentially effective strategies for promoting donation in the general population.

[Development and validation of a questionnaire about the main variables affecting the individual investor's behavior in the Stock Exchange]. / Elaboración y validación de una escala sobre las principales variables que afectan a la conducta de los inversores individuales en los mercados bursátiles.

Development and validation of a questionnaire about the main variables affecting the individual investor's behavior in the Stock Exchange. There is a considerable lack of information about the methodology usually used in most of the studies about individual investor's behavior. The studies reviewed do not show the method used in the selection of the items or the psychometric properties of the questionnaires. Because of the importance of investment in the Stock Exchange nowadays, it seems relevant to obtain a reliable instrument to understand individual investor's behavior in the Stock Exchange. Therefore, the goal of the present work is to validate a questionnaire about the main variables involved in individual investors' behavior in the Stock Exchange. Based on previous studies, we elaborated a questionnaire using the Delphi methodology with a group of experts. The internal consistency (Cronbach alpha=.934) and validity evidence of the questionnaire show that it may be an effective instrument and can be applied with some assurance.

Una aproximación a las prácticas cualitativas en psicología desde una perspectiva integradora / No disponible

Este trabajo pretende ofrecer una visión de conjunto de las prácticas cualitativas más frecuentes en Psicología, subrayando su compatibilidad con las prácticas de tipo cuantitativo y sus garantías metodológicas. Mostraremos, además, la lógica general de una estrategia de investigación cualitativa y revisaremos sucintamente las técnicas más habituales de recogida de información cualitativa. Por último, repasaremos algunas de las estrategias de análisis tradicionalmente vinculadas a la investigación cualitativa y cerraremos con un brevísimo comentario sobre algunas de las herramientas informáticas de asistencia al análisis cualitativo que creemos más útiles para el psicólogo (AU)

The aim of this work is to offer an overall view of the most frequently used qualitative practices in psychology, emphasizing their compatibility with quantitative practices and their methodological guarantees. Furthermore, we will show the general logic of a qualitative research practice and a brief examination of the most common techniques for gathering data and analyzing qualitative information. Finally, we will review some of the analytical strategies traditionally linked to qualitative research and we will end with a very brief remark about some assistance software tools for qualitative analysis that we find useful for psychologists (AU)

Elaboración y validación de una escala sobre las principales variables que afectan a la conducta de los inversores individuales en los mercados bursátiles / Development and validation of a questionnaire about the main variables affecting the individual investor’s behavior in the Stock Exchange

Dentro de los estudios en los que se ha analizado la información relevante para el análisis del comportamiento de los inversores individuales en los mercados bursátiles, hemos encontrado, en términos generales, una enorme falta de información sobre las herramientas utilizadas para la recogida de datos. Debido a la relevancia que está adquiriendo la inversión en los mercados bursátiles hoy en día, el objetivo de este estudio es elaborar y validar una escala sobre las principales variables que afectan a la conducta de los inversores individuales en los mercados bursátiles. Basándonos en la información disponible en estudios anteriores, se seleccionaron un conjunto de ítems a partir de los cuales un grupo de expertos mediante una aproximación a la metodología Delphi elaboró la lista definitiva de ítems que componen el cuestionario. Tanto la consistencia interna (alpha de Cronbach= 0,934) como las evidencias de validez nos permiten concluir que la escala parece ser una herramienta eficaz y puede ser utilizada con ciertas garantías (AU)

There is a considerable lack of information about the methodology usually used in most of the studies about individual investor’s behavior. The studies reviewed do not show the method used in the selection of the items or the psychometric properties of the questionnaires. Because of the importance of investment in the Stock Exchange nowadays, it seems relevant to obtain a reliable instrument to understand individual investor’s behavior in the Stock Exchange. Therefore, the goal of the present work is to validate a questionnaire about the main variables involved in individual investors’ behavior in the Stock Exchange. Based on previous studies, we elaborated a questionnaire using the Delphi methodology with a group of experts. The internal consistency (Cronbach alpha= .934) and validity evidence of the questionnaire show that it may be an effective instrument and can be applied with some asssurance (AU)

Family perception of the process of organ donation. Qualitative psychosocial analysis of the subjective interpretation of donor and nondonor families.

Family perception of organ donation has been explored by numerous authors using statements by the people who decided whether or not to donate the organs of a relative in a situation of brain death. Within this tradition, in this work, we analyze the discourse of six families who granted permission for organ donation and three who refused. We describe the process-based interpretation of this experience and identify psychosocial variables and processes that further our understanding of the decision finally adopted. We have identified two heuristics that guide family decision when organ donation is requested: the explicit or inferred will of the deceased and family attitudes to organ donation and transplant. It is postulated that the interaction of these two factors explains a large amount of the decisions made. We also hypothesize that a marked discrepancy between these two factors increases the importance of other aspects, especially the role of the transplant coordinator and of other healthcare personnel. These results support, at a social level, the implementation of transplant promotion programs; and at a healthcare level, the combined use of techniques of crisis intervention and attitude change.

Family Perception of the Process of Organ Donation. Qualitative Psychosocial Analysis of the Subjective Interpretation of Donor and Nondonor Families

Family perception of organ donation has been explored by numerous authors using statements by the people who decided whether or not to donate the organs of a relative in a situation of brain death. Within this tradition, in this work, we analyze the discourse of six families who granted permission for organ donation and three who refused. We describe the process-based interpretation of this experience and identify psychosocial variables and processes that further our understanding of the decision finally adopted. We have identified two heuristics that guide family decision when organ donation is requested: the explicit or inferred will of the deceased and family attitudes to organ donation and transplant. It is postulated that the interaction of these two factors explains a large amount of the decisions made. We also hypothesize that a marked discrepancy between these two factors increases the importance of other aspects, especially the role of the transplant coordinator and of other healthcare personnel. These results support, at a social level, the implementation of transplant promotion programs; and at a healthcare level, the combined use of techniques of crisis intervention and attitude change (AU)

El estudio de la percepción familiar sobre donación de órganos ha sido abordado por numerosos autores partiendo de declaraciones de personas que habían decidido si donaban los órganos de un familiar en situación de muerte cerebral. Inserto en esta tradición, este trabajo analiza cualitativamente el discurso de seis familias que concedieron la donación de órganos y de tres que la denegaron. Describe la interpretación procesal de esta experiencia e identifica variables y procesos psicosociales que permitan comprender la decisión adoptada. Se identifican dos heurísticos que orientan la decisión familiar ante la petición de donación de órganos: la voluntad manifestada o inferida del fallecido y las actitudes familiares hacia la donación y el trasplante de órganos de los decisores; se postula que la interacción de ambos explica una parte significativa de las decisiones adoptadas. También se hipotetiza que una fuerte discrepancia entre estos dos procesos favorece que otros factores (especialmente la actuación del coordinador de trasplantes y del personal sanitario) adquieran mayor importancia en la decisión familiar. Los resultados apoyan, a nivel social, la aplicación de programas de promoción del trasplante y, a nivel hospitalario, la aplicación de intervenciones que integren técnicas de intervención en crisis y de persuasión y cambio de actitudes (AU)

La Teoría de la Identidad Social: una síntesis crítica de sus fundamentos, evidencias y controversias / Social Identity Theory: A critical synthesis of its bases, evidence and controversies

La Teoría de la Identidad Social (TIS) y la Teoría de la Auto-Categorización del Yo han tenido gran influencia en la Psicología Social contemporánea, proporcionando reseñables contribuciones a la comprensión de la dimensión social de la conducta. En este trabajo se sintetizan los fundamentos de dichas teorías y se revisan críticamente los elementos más controvertidos de la TIS, examinando sus límites y potencialidades. Se muestra que la literatura ofrece un panorama heterogéneo que reúne, junto a notables esfuerzos de síntesis e integración, numerosos trabajos fragmentarios e interpretaciones descontextualizadas que han generado visiones distorsionadas del comportamiento grupal. Tomando en consideración el carácter multidimensional, contextualmente mediado, dinámico y funcional de los procesos identitarios, patente ya en los trabajos más cualificados, se hace necesario revisar las herramientas epistemológicas y metodológicas al uso dentro del área y evolucionar hacia prácticas que permitan estudiar los fenómenos grupales en modo más acorde a su complejidad (AU)

The social identity theory (SIT) and the self-categorization theory have had considerable influence on contemporary Social Psychology, making notable contributions to our understanding of the social dimension of behaviour. In the present work, we summarise the bases of these theories and critically review the most controversial elements of SIT, exploring its limits and potential. As shown here, the literature offers a heterogeneous body of research that includes outstanding efforts of synthesis and integration, but also numerous fragmentary studies and decontextualized interpretations that have generated distorted views of group behaviour. Taking into account the multidimensional, contextually mediated, dynamic and functional nature of identitary processes, which clearly emerge in the most serious works in the field, there is obviously a need to review the epistemological and methodological tools currently employed, with a view to developing practices that allow the study of group phenomena in a manner more suited to their complexity (AU)

[Social Identity Theory: a critical synthesis of its bases, evidence and controversies]. / La Teoría de la Identidad Social: una síntesis crítica de sus fundamentos, evidencias y controversias.

The social identity theory (SIT) and the self-categorization theory have had considerable influence on contemporary Social Psychology, making notable contributions to our understanding of the social dimension of behaviour. In the present work, we summarise the bases of these theories and critically review the most controversial elements of SIT, exploring its limits and potential. As shown here, the literature offers a heterogeneous body of research that includes outstanding efforts of synthesis and integration, but also numerous fragmentary studies and decontextualized interpretations that have generated distorted views of group behaviour. Taking into account the multidimensional, contextually mediated, dynamic and functional nature of identitary processes, which clearly emerge in the most serious works in the field, there is obviously a need to review the epistemological and methodological tools currently employed, with a view to developing practices that allow the study of group phenomena in a manner more suited to their complexity.

Violencia grupal juvenil: una revisión crítica / No disponible

Este trabajo presenta una revisión crítica del conocimiento existente acerca de los factores psico-sociales que se relacionan con la violencia grupal juvenil. Partiendo de un breve análisis de la evidencia empírica sobre la dimensión y evolución que el fenómeno de la violencia juvenil mantiene en el ámbito occidental, se revisan los resultados referidos a los factores individuales y a lo ámbitos de socialización primaria y secundaria. Al hallarse dicha conducta propiciada y mantenida en el contexto grupal, se pone de manifiesto la necesidad de interpretar la capacidad predisponente de los factores individuales en función de la influencia de los ámbitos de socialización, cobrando especial importancia la capacidad del grupo de iguales para responder adaptativamente a los desafíos evolutivos, cincunstancias o estructurales. El trabajo plantea diferentes reflexiones que facilitan la interpretación de los resultados contradictorios o polémicos generados en relación con algunos factores y ofrece, a su vez, diversas sugerencias para el desarrollo de futuras investigaciones (AU)

Group violence in young people: A critical review. This article presents a critical review of existing knowledge about psycho-social factors related to group violence in young people. Considering empirical evidence on the extent and development of this phenomenon in Western society, results related to individual factors and to primary and secondary socialization sources are reviewed. Given that this type of violence is stimulated and maintained within the peer-group context, it is necessary to understand the predispositional role of individual factors in relation to the influence of primary socialization sources. In this regard, the capacity of the peer group to respond adaptively to developmental, circumstantial and structural challenges is of particular relevance. The article also discusses possible interpretations of some contradictory and controversial results, and offers suggestions for future lines of research (AU)