The Association Between Mindfulness Facets and Substance Use via Emotional Psychopathology and Coping Motives in Argentinian College Students.

Background: Prior studies suggest that lower levels of mindfulness contribute to the motivation of using alcohol to cope with distress. Research examining this possibility is scarce or limited to alcohol, but not marijuana, related outcomes. Objectives: We examined separate models (for alcohol and for marijuana) to determine the associations between trait mindfulness (describing, acting with awareness, non-judging, non-reactivity) and alcohol and marijuana outcomes (use indicators and negative consequences) via emotional psychopathology (i.e., a latent variable assessing symptoms of depression and anxiety) and alcohol/marijuana coping motives. Results: The final analytic sample consisted of 456 participants (Mean age = 22.96 ± 3.12 years; 66.2% women) for the alcohol model; and 232 participants (Mean age = 22.96 ± 3.01 years; 66.2% women) for the marijuana model. Two path models were conducted, such that indirect paths were examined for each trait mindfulness facet on alcohol/marijuana outcomes (e.g., describing → emotional psychopathology → alcohol coping motives → binge drinking frequency). Within the comprehensive alcohol model, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging and non-reactivity were associated with less binge drinking frequency and lower number of alcohol-related negative consequences via lower severity of emotional psychopathology symptoms and lower endorsement of drinking to cope motives. For the marijuana model, describing, acting with awareness, and non-judging of inner experience were associated with less marijuana quantity (grams) consumed and lower number of marijuana-related negative consequences via lower severity of emotional psychopathology symptoms and lower endorsement of marijuana coping motives. Conclusions: Prevention and intervention programs of alcohol and marijuana in Argentina may benefit from improving mindfulness skills and targeting emotional psychopathology and motives to use drugs, to prevent or reduce negative drug-related consequences.

Acculturation and Depression Help-Seeking Intentions in a Majority Mexican American College Student Sample.

Work has not examined if acculturation or enculturation may predict endorsed benefits, barriers, and intentions to seek mental health services for depression, specifically among Latino students enrolled in a rural and majority Latino immigrant institution of higher education. An improved understanding of factors informing mental health help-seeking is needed to identify possible intervention points to address gaps in accessing depression treatment. Participants (N = 406) read a vignette depicting a person with depressive symptoms. Participants were asked if they would seek help for depression if in the situation described in the vignette. Participants provided text responses about their preferences for managing depression symptoms and their mental health help-seeking history. Additionally, participants completed a self-report depression symptom screener, demographic surveys, acculturation assessment, and questionnaires on perceived benefits and barriers to seeking mental health services. Path analysis was used to test the link between acculturation status and intent to seek services for depression, with benefits and barriers as mediators. The results revealed that higher perceived benefits and lower barriers were directly associated with greater intentions to seek help. Furthermore, an indirect effect of acculturation on help-seeking intentions via higher perceived benefits of seeking care was observed. These findings persisted after controlling for age, gender, depression, and history of seeking care for depression. Future work should test the replicability of this finding with diverse college students living in predominantly immigrant communities. Universities might consider tailoring outreach initiatives to provide information on the range and accessibility of mental health services, the location of mental health service centers, and the procedures for accessing such services.

Assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and initial efficacy of a multiple behavior change intervention addressing alcohol use, sexual risk taking, and bystander intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Prevention programs that address the intersecting health problems of risky alcohol use, unsafe sexual behaviors, and sexual violence are needed. This pilot project assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a two-session group-based intervention, Sex Positive Lifestyles: Addressing Alcohol & Sexual Health (SPLASH), targeting these highly interconnected risks for college students across genders. METHOD: A total of 217 participants (51.6% male, ages 18-24) took part in the SPLASH intervention or a nutrition/exercise control condition. SPLASH included three approaches aimed at reducing the incidence of alcohol problems, unsafe sex, and sexual victimization: normative feedback to modify misperceptions around peers' drinking, sexual behaviors, and support of bystander intervention; drinking and sexual-related protective behavioral strategy training to enhance safer drinking and sex-risk behaviors; and bystander intervention skills training to promote bystander efficacy and engagement. Participants completed baseline and follow-up (1-month and 6-month) online assessments. RESULTS: SPLASH demonstrated high acceptability and feasibility, as well as preliminary efficacy. SPLASH participants reported strong acceptability of the intervention, particularly its integrated content and interactive, in-person group format. Successful enrollment (70% randomized) and retainment point to the feasibility of recruiting students to this two-session in-person intervention. Results showed sustained trends toward more accurate perceived sex-related norms and indications of increasing bystander norms among intervention but not control participants. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate the potential for SPLASH to effectively address the interrelated health risks of risky alcohol use, unsafe sex, and sexual violence on college campuses and point to the need for larger-scale studies.

Adverse Childhood Experiences in Brazilian College Students: Examining Associations with Suicidal Ideation and Risky Behaviors.

Background: The association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and poor health outcomes is well-established in high-income countries. However, the evidence is limited for the association of ACEs, mental health, and risky behaviors for low- and middle-income countries. Moreover, studies often overlook prescription drug misuse and risky driving when examining the association of ACEs with risky behaviors. In our study, we examined the associations between ACEs, suicidal ideation, and risky behaviors (binge drinking, prescription drug misuse, and risky driving) among Brazilian college students. Methods: Participants consisted of a convenience sample of students recruited from undergraduate courses primarily in two states in Southern Brazil (93%). Data were collected via an online survey between December 2020 and August 2021. The analytical sample comprised 503 participants, most were female (71%), and the mean age was 24 years. Survey instrument included questions on ten different ACE types, mental health, and risky behaviors. Statistical analyses included univariate descriptive analysis, binary and multivariable regression models. Results: Across the ten ACE types assessed, only 14% of participants reported no ACEs, and 29% of participants experienced polyvictimization (i.e., four or more ACES). Multivariable models showed that, compared to those with no ACEs, participants who experienced polyvictimization had significantly increased odds of reporting suicide ideation (AOR = 6.21, p < .001), prescription drug misuse (AOR = 8.78, p < .01), and riding with an impaired driver (AOR = 3.58, p < .01). Conclusions: Our findings support the need for psychological support and services available for college students with multiple ACEs.

Big five personality traits, gaming motives, and regular and disordered gaming: A cross-national examination among college student gamers in seven countries.

INTRODUCTION: Previous research has shown that personality traits and gaming motives are important predictors for explaining regular and disordered gaming. However, the mediating role of gaming motives in the relation between personality traits and video game outcomes (e.g., time spent gaming or disordered gaming) has been scarcely studied and limited cross-national studies have addressed this issue. The present study aimed to examine the direct and indirect effects of the Big Five personality traits on weekly gaming and disordered gaming via gaming motives across seven countries. METHOD: 3540 college student gamers (59.5% women) from the U.S., Canada, Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, South Africa and England completed the online survey. Structural equation modeling was conducted to test models. Multigroup models were employed to test model invariance across countries. RESULTS: Significant, albeit weak, relations were found between personality traits and gaming outcomes, and were mediated mostly by coping motives in predicting disordered gaming, and by social interaction and recreation (to a lesser extent) motives in predicting weekly gaming. Some minor, yet significant, differences across countries appeared and are discussed in detail. DISCUSSION: The present findings indicate that the differential interrelations between personality traits, gaming motives, and video gaming outcomes may be generalized in college students across countries.

Machine learning models predict the emergence of depression in Argentinean college students during periods of COVID-19 quarantine.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges, particularly depression among college students. Detecting at-risk students early is crucial but remains challenging, particularly in developing countries. Utilizing data-driven predictive models presents a viable solution to address this pressing need. Aims: 1) To develop and compare machine learning (ML) models for predicting depression in Argentinean students during the pandemic. 2) To assess the performance of classification and regression models using appropriate metrics. 3) To identify key features driving depression prediction. Methods: A longitudinal dataset (N = 1492 college students) captured T1 and T2 measurements during the Argentinean COVID-19 quarantine. ML models, including linear logistic regression classifiers/ridge regression (LogReg/RR), random forest classifiers/regressors, and support vector machines/regressors (SVM/SVR), are employed. Assessed features encompass depression and anxiety scores (at T1), mental disorder/suicidal behavior history, quarantine sub-period information, sex, and age. For classification, models' performance on test data is evaluated using Area Under the Precision-Recall Curve (AUPRC), Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, Balanced Accuracy, F1 score, and Brier loss. For regression, R-squared (R2), Mean Absolute Error, and Mean Squared Error are assessed. Univariate analyses are conducted to assess the predictive strength of each individual feature with respect to the target variable. The performance of multi- vs univariate models is compared using the mean AUPRC score for classifiers and the R2 score for regressors. Results: The highest performance is achieved by SVM and LogReg (e.g., AUPRC: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.69, 0.81) and SVR and RR models (e.g., R2 for SVR and RR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.64 and 0.45, 0.63, respectively). Univariate models, particularly LogReg and SVM using depression (AUPRC: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.79) or anxiety scores (AUPRC: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.64, 0.78) and RR using depression scores (R2: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.57) exhibit performance levels close to those of the multivariate models, which include all features. Discussion: These findings highlight the relevance of pre-existing depression and anxiety conditions in predicting depression during quarantine, underscoring their comorbidity. ML models, particularly SVM/SVR and LogReg/RR, demonstrate potential in the timely detection of at-risk students. However, further studies are needed before clinical implementation.

Differences in mental health problems in LGBT+ first year college students in Chile during the pandemic.

PURPOSE: To examine the differences in mental health problems by sexual orientation and gender identity in first-year university students in Chile during the pandemic. METHODS: 7,213 first-year students aged 18 years and older from five universities participated as part of the World Mental Health - International College Student initiative in Chile. Students completed an online self-report survey between 2020 and 2021 that included measures of lifetime and 12-month major depressive episode, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, drug abuse/dependence, alcohol dependence, non-suicidal self-injuries, and suicidal risk. Prevalence of mental health problems were estimated and the differences by sexual orientation and gender identity were examined using logistic and multinomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: Between 84.1% and 98% of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and other sexual and gender minority (LGBT+) students screened positive for at least one lifetime mental health problem and between 67.6% and 90.6% for two or more problems. For most outcomes, non-heterosexual (Odds Ratio [OR] between 1.25 and 7.00) and trans and gender nonconforming students (OR between 1.72 and 5.81) had significantly higher odds of positive screening for lifetime mental health problems than heterosexual and cisgender students, respectively. Similar results were observed for 12-month mental health problems. CONCLUSION: The results show differences in the prevalence of mental health problems in LGBT+ university students in Chile, which are consistent with those found in other countries. These results may be useful for planning interventions to improve the mental health of LGBT+ students.

The influence of grit on life satisfaction of Brazilian undergraduate students: academic adaptation as a mediator.

Introduction: In recent years, research in educational contexts has pointed to the role of grit as a variable related to various positive outcomes, including life satisfaction. Academic adaptation seems vital for the success of academic life in college students. Considering university as an important life context for people pursuing higher education, what is the mediating effect of academic adaptation? This study proposed a mediation model to examine the mediating effect of academic adaptation in the relationship grit and life satisfaction. Methods: A sample of 413 undergraduate Brazilian students, age ranging from 18 to 71 years (M = 27.30; SD = 10.20). A correlation analysis was performed between the variables and the following mediation model was tested: Grit (independent variable), academic adaptation (mediating variables) and life satisfaction (dependent variables). Results: Mediation analysis indicated that academic adaptation mediated around 46.80% for the factor of consistency of interests and 40.90% of the relationship with perseverance of effort. Thus, the greater the grit of the university student, the greater the grit, which leads to better satisfaction with life. Discussion: In recent years, research in educational contexts has pointed to the role of grit as a variable related to various positive outcomes. The findings elucidated that grit in academic context could benefit students' adaptation process, and the university's responsibility to improve its students' softskills, not only for the future stage after university, but also during the student's schooling.

Percepção e satisfação corporal de estudantes universitários vegetarianos / Perception and body satisfaction of vegetarian students / Percepción y satisfacción corporal de los estudiantes vegetarianos

INTRODUÇÃO: A percepção e satisfação corporal têm sido amplamente estudadas em diversos públicos, principalmente em estudantes universitários; porém, existem poucas investigações com vegetarianos, sendo assim, torna-se necessário avaliar se o padrão alimentar vegetariano está relacionado com os fenômenos inerentes à imagem corporal. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a percepção e a satisfação corporal entre estudantes universitários vegetarianos. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com 123 participantes, no qual foram aplicados o Questionário de Imagem Corporal - BSQ (Body Shape Questionnaire) e a Escala de Silhuetas de Stunkard. RESULTADOS: Os dados mostraram que 86,2% dos participantes eram eutróficos (IMC=22,4±3,3), sendo o score obtido no BSQ foi de 84,6 pontos (±36,0) correspondente à leve insatisfação com a imagem corporal. Cerca de 82,1% dos estudantes se mostravam insatisfeitos com a silhueta, dentre estes, 61,4% desejavam diminuí-la. CONCLUSÃO: O padrão alimentar (ovolactovegetariano, lactovegetariano, vegetariano estrito e vegano) não se relacionou com a insatisfação corporal, mas sim o desejo de ter silhuetas magras que são valorizadas pelo padrão de beleza vigente.

INTRODUCTION: For Body perception and satisfaction have been widely studied among different publics, especially among college students; however, there are few investigations with vegetarians. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate whether the vegetarian eating pattern is related to the phenomena inherent to body image. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate body perception and body satisfaction among vegetarian college students. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional study with 123 participants, in which the Body Image Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Stunkard Silhouette Scale were applied. RESULTS: The data showed that 86.2% of the participants were eutrophic (BMI=22.4±3.3), and the score obtained in the BSQ was 84.6 points (±36.0) corresponding to a mild dissatisfaction with body image. About 82.1% of the students were dissatisfied with their silhouette, and 61.4% of them wanted to reduce it. CONCLUSION: Dietary patterns (ovolactovegetarian, lactovegetarian, strict vegetarian, and vegan) were not related to body dissatisfaction, but rather the desire to have thin silhouettes that are valued by the prevailing beauty standard.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La percepción y satisfacción corporal han sido ampliamente estudiadas entre diferentes públicos, especialmente entre estudiantes universitarios; sin embargo, existen pocos estudios sobre vegetarianos, por lo que es necesario evaluar si el patrón alimentario vegetariano está relacionado con los fenómenos inherentes a la imagen corporal. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la percepción corporal y la satisfacción corporal entre estudiantes universitarios vegetarianos. MÉTODO: Se trata de un estudio transversal con 123 participantes, en el que se aplicaron el Cuestionario de Imagen Corporal - BSQ (Body Shape Questionnaire) y la Escala de Siluetas de Stunkard. RESULTADOS: Los datos mostraron que el 86,2% de los participantes eran eutróficos (IMC=22,4±3,3), y la puntuación obtenida en el BSQ fue de 84,6 puntos (±36,0) correspondiente a una insatisfacción leve con la imagen corporal. Alrededor del 82,1% de los estudiantes estaban insatisfechos con su silueta, entre ellos, el 61,4% deseaba reducirla. CONCLUSIÓN: El patrón alimentario (ovolactovegetariano, lactovegetariano, vegetariano estricto y vegano) no estaba relacionado con la insatisfacción corporal, sino con el deseo de tener siluetas delgadas que son valoradas por el estándar de belleza vigente.

Academic stress in college students: descriptive analyses and scoring of the SISCO-II inventory.

In a competitive and demanding world, academic stress is of increasing concern to students. This systemic, adaptive, and psychological process is composed of stressful stimuli, imbalance symptoms, and coping strategies. The SISCO-II Academic Stress Inventory (SISCO-II-AS) is a psychometric instrument validated in Chile. It evaluates stressors, symptoms, and coping, both individually and globally. For its practical interpretation, a scale is required. Therefore, this study aims to descriptively analyze the SISCO-II-AS and to obtain its corresponding scales. Employing a non-experimental quantitative approach, we administered the SISCO-II-AS to 1,049 second and third-year students from three Chilean universities, with a disproportionate gender representation of 75.21% female to 24.79% male participants. Through descriptive and bivariate analysis, we established norms based on percentiles. For the complete instrument and its subscales, significant differences by sex were identified, with magnitudes varying from small to moderate. For the full instrument and its subscales, bar scale norms by percentile and sex are presented. Each subscale (stressors, physical and psychological reactions, social behavioural reactions, total reaction, and coping) has score ranges defined for low, medium, and high levels. These ranges vary according to the sex of the respondent, with notable differences in stressors and physical, psychological, and social behavioural reactions. This study stands out for its broad and heterogeneous sample, which enriches the representativeness of the data. It offers a comprehensive view of academic stress in college students, identifying distinctive factors and highlighting the importance of gender-sensitive approaches. Its findings contribute to understanding and guide future interventions. By offering a descriptive analysis of the SISCO-II-AS inventory and establishing bar norms, this research aids health professionals and educators in better assessing and addressing academic stress in the student population.

Efeitos de uma intervenção com universitários sobre como lidar com a ansiedade / Effects of an intervention with college students on how to deal with anxiety / Efectos de una intervención con universitarios sobre como lidiar con la ansiedad

Diante dos desafios que concernem a adaptação acadêmica, a ansiedade que se dá em meio às múltiplas dificuldades inerentes a este contexto é um aspecto considerável. Considerando diferentes potenciais fontes de ansiedade na experiência universitária, foram elaboradas duas oficinas em formato online, cada uma composta por cinco sessões, com o intuito de auxiliar estudantes universitários a lidar com a ansiedade em meio acadêmico. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a efetividade dessas oficinas. Participaram17 estudantes, dos quais, de acordo com o método de análise estatística utilizado, pautado no índice de mudança confiável, 14 apresentaram melhoras em seus quadros de ansiedade e, destes, dois apresentaram mudanças particularmente notáveis em termos estatísticos. Com os resultados apresentados, pode-se perceber que o desenvolvimento de intervenções com estudantes universitários em diferentes formatos pode ser de grande valia para essa população no que tange suas dificuldades de adaptação à universidade(AU).

Faced with the challenges related to academic adaptation, the anxiety that occurs amid the multiple difficulties inherent in this context is a considerable aspect. Considering different sources of anxiety in the university experience, two online workshops were developed, each consisting of five sessions, in order to help university students deal with anxiety in academia. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention. Participated in the workshops 17 students, of which, according to the statistical analysis method used, based on the index of reliable change, 14 showed improvements in their anxiety of these, two showed particularly remarkable changes in statistical terms. With the results presented, it is possible to see that the developmentof interventions with university students in different formats can be of great value to this population regarding their difficulties of adaptation to the university (AU).

Frente a los desafíos que afectan a la adaptación académica, la ansiedad que se da en medio de las múltiples dificultades inherentes a este contexto es un aspecto considerable. Considerando diferentes fuentes de ansiedad en la universidad, se elaboraron dos talleres en formato online, compuestos por cinco sesiones, con el fin de ayudar a estudiantes a lidiar con la ansiedad en medio académico. El estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la efectividad de la intervención. Participaron 17 estudiantes, de los cuales, de acuerdo con el método de análisis estadístico utilizado, pautado en el índice de cambio confiable, 14 presentaron mejoras en sus cuadros de ansiedad y, de ellos, dos presentaron cambios particularmente notables en términos estadísticos. Con los resultados presentados, se puede percibir que el desarrollo de intervenciones con estudiantes universitarios en diferentes formatos puede ser de gran valor para esa población en lo que respecta a sus dificultades de adaptación universitaria (AU).

An exploratory study of the factors associated with use of contraceptive methods in young Chilean women aged 17-29 years.

OBJECTIVE: To explore factors related to the use of contraceptive methods in young Chilean women with higher education. METHODS: Using the 9th Chilean National Youth Survey, multinomial models were conducted to predict contraceptive methods used during the last intercourse among sexually initiated female college students aged 17-29 years who had already completed high school (n = 1828). RESULTS: The results indicate that using contraceptive methods at onset sexual activity was positively associated with the use of all contraceptive methods (relative risk ratio [RRR]immediate = 3.97, RRRdaily = 2.95, RRRlong-term = 1.82, P < 0.05). Having a previous unintended pregnancy increased the odds of using long-term contraceptive methods (RRR = 2.13, P < 0.05). Increased age of sexual initiation was associated with increased odds of using immediate contraception methods (RRRadolescence = 2.57, RRRyoung adulthood = 3.75, P < 0.05). Substance use was not associated with contraception methods used. Medium socioeconomic status, compared with high, decreased the odds of using immediate and daily contraceptive methods (RRR = 0.26, P < 0.05 for both). Low socioeconomic status was associated with decreased odds of using daily contraception (RRR = 0.39, P < 0.05). Finally, incomplete (RRR = 2.21, P < 0.05) or complete (RRR = 2.38, P < 0.05) professional education increased the odds of immediate contraceptive methods. CONCLUSIONS: To generate family planning policies aimed at university students, individual factors related to sexual behavior should be addressed in accordance with the local reality and with a gender focus.

Facebook addiction and sleep problems in peruvian university students after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have reported an increase in sleep problems and problematic use of social media platforms such as Facebook among university students. This study assessed Facebook addiction and sleep problems among Peruvian university students following the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the factors associated with these issues. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 352 participants from different regions of Peru. The Jenkins Sleep Scale (JSS-4) and the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) were used to assess sleep problems and Facebook addiction, respectively. Prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated using a simple Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: The study found that 16.2 % of the participants were addicted to Facebook and 12.5 % reported sleep problems. The results also showed that older age (PR: 0.99; 95 % CI: 0.98-0.99) and physical activity (PR: 0.81; 95 % CI: 0.70-0.94) were associated with a lower likelihood of having sleep problems, while being physically active (PR: 0.55; 95 % CI: 0.33 to 0.90) was associated with a lower probability of having Facebook addiction problems. Conclusions: The Peruvian university students who participated in this study reported sleep problems in one-eighth of the sample, and one in six university students reported Facebook addiction problems. The frequency of presenting Facebook addiction and sleep problems was lower in those with older age and engaging in physical activity.

Associations Between Subjective Social Status and Health Behaviors Among College Students.

OBJECTIVE: Examine the associations between subjective social status (SSS), diet, and health outcomes in college students. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 841 students enrolled at a large Midwestern university. Subjective social status within the US, as well as within the university, was measured using the MacArthur Scale of SSS. Outcomes included dietary intake (assessed using the Dietary Screening Questionnaire), body mass index, sleep, physical activity, alcohol use, and vaping behavior. Generalized linear models adjusting for students' sociodemographic characteristics were used to assess associations between SSS and outcomes of interest. RESULTS: Higher SSS-US was associated with 4%, 3%, and 1% higher intake of fruits, whole grains, and fiber, respectively (P < 0.05). Higher SSS-US and SSS-university rankings were both significantly associated with lower body mass index and better sleep duration (P < 0.05). Higher SSS-university rankings were also associated with more days of physical activity and alcohol consumption (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In this exploratory study, higher SSS, apart from alcohol intake, was associated with more favorable health outcomes. More research is needed to consider additional psychological and biological mediators and dynamic aspects of SSS, examine potential interactions between SSS and racial and ethnic identities, and explore potential mechanisms underlying the observed associations.

COVID-19-Related Experiences and Perspectives of Peruvian College Students: A Descriptive Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically affected higher education and higher education students around the world, but few studies of college students' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic have been conducted in Latin America. This study describes the COVID-19-related experiences and perspectives of Peruvian college students. We surveyed 3,427 full-time college students (average age: 23 years) attending a multi-campus Peruvian university in fall 2020. Participants were recruited through the digital platform of the learning management system at their university, email, and social media. We asked participants how they were managing risks related to COVID-19; the continuity of social, educational, and work activities; and the psychological and economic impacts of the pandemic on their lives. Since March 2020, 73.0% of participants reported COVID-19-related symptoms, but only 33.9% were tested for COVID-19. During the national quarantine imposed by the Peruvian government (March 15-June 30, 2020), 64.3% of participants remained in their house. Furthermore, while 44.0% of participants were working in February 2020 (95% CI: [41.7%, 46.4%]), only 23.6% (95% CI: [21.7%, 25.7%]) were working immediately after the pandemic began (i.e., at the end of April 2020). Participants were more stressed about the health and educational implications of COVID-19 for Peruvian society and their families than about themselves. The public health, economic, and educational implications of COVID-19 on college students are continuing to unfold. This study informed Peruvian higher education institutions' continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the progressive return to postpandemic activities, as well as other future pandemics and other crises.

Adaptation and Psychometric Evidence of the Work Volition Scale - Student Version to Brazil / Adaptação e Evidências Psicométricas da Work Volition Scale - Student no Brasil / Adaptación y Evidencia Psicométrica de la Work Volition Scale - Student en Brasil

Abstract The Psychology of Working Theory has achieved notable prominence in career studies for its focus on how various - both individual and contextual - influence careers and job outcomes. "Volition" stands out as one of the key elements of this theory, representing the individuals' ability to make career choices despite obstacles. This study aimed to adapt and validate both internal and external structures of the Work Volition Scale - Student Version (WVS-SV) to Brazil. A total of 590 university students from public and private institutions of varied courses and semesters, mostly women (59%), took part in the study. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses indicated that the scale effectively measured two dimensions: volition and constraints. External evidence, including satisfaction with life and career, supported the theoretical aspects of this construct. The results indicated good psychometric properties of the scale to the Brazilian setting, contributing to a better understanding of career choices among university students.

Resumo O modelo da Psicologia do Trabalhar tem se destacado nos estudos de carreira, abordando como variáveis contextuais e individuais influenciam a trajetória profissional. Um conceito-chave é a volição, que representa a capacidade de fazer escolhas de carreira diante de obstáculos. O objetivo desse estudo é adaptar e apresentar evidências de validade de estrutura interna e externa para o Brasil da Work Volition Scale - Student Version. Participaram 590 estudantes universitários de diferentes cursos e semestres, de instituições públicas e privadas, com uma predominância de mulheres (59%). As análises fatoriais exploratórias e confirmatórias mostraram uma estrutura adequada, composta por duas dimensões: restrições e volição. Além disso, identificaram-se evidências externas ao relacionar com a satisfação com a vida e a carreira. Os resultados indicam boas qualidades psicométricas da Work Volition Scale - Student Version no contexto brasileiro, contribuindo para melhorar a compreensão das escolhas de carreira entre os estudantes universitários.

Resumen El modelo de Psicología del Trabajo se ha destacado en estudios de carrera, explorando cómo las variables contextuales e individuales influyen en la trayectoria profesional. Un concepto clave es la volición, que representa la capacidad de la toma de decisiones de carrera frente a obstáculos. Este estudio buscó adaptar y presentar evidencias de validez de la estructura interna y externa para Brasil de la Work Volition Scale - Student Version. Participaron 590 estudiantes universitarios de diversos cursos y semestres, tanto de instituciones públicas como privadas, con predominio de mujeres (59%). Los análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios demostraron una estructura adecuada con dos dimensiones: restricciones y volición. Además, se identificaron evidencias externas al relacionarlas con la satisfacción en la vida y la carrera. Los resultados indican buenas cualidades psicométricas de la Work Volition Scale - Student Version en el contexto brasileño, contribuyendo a una mejor comprensión de las elecciones de carrera entre los estudiantes universitarios.

Mental health of Brazilian students during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of gratitude, optimism, and hope in reducing anxiety

Abstract Objective To investigate the role of optimism, hope, and gratitude as psychosocial factors for healthy development, especially with regard to anxiety in college students in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods This is a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brazilian Gratitude Scale (Escala Brasileira de Gratidão [B-GRAT]), and the Brazilian versions of an anxiety subscale, the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R), Hope Index Scale, and BIG-FIVE were administered. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlations, and hierarchical linear regression. Results A total of 297 students were assessed. The relationship between gratitude and anxiety became positive in the hierarchical linear analysis, contradicting the initial negative association between these variables according to the Spearman coefficients. This contradiction may be a result of the suppression effect. When gratitude was added to the model, these three variables together accounted for 38% of the variance in anxiety. This indicates that optimism, hope, and gratitude together are significant predictors, although optimism alone accounts for the greater part of the variance in decreased anxiety. Conclusion The data confirm that family and religiosity are protective factors against mental illness, specifically non-adaptive anxiety. Furthermore, developing optimism as a protective factor makes it possible to experience less anxiety while hope has the potential to provide the individual with multiple pathways to healthy development. This study highlights that gratitude plays a dual role in these relationships as it has the potential to be associated with anxious feelings with likely negative outcomes while at the same time it can drive positive psychosocial factors of optimism and hope, decreasing anxiety.

O impacto da pandemia da Covid-19 na saúde mental de estudantes universitários / The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of university students / El impacto de la pandemia de Covid-19 en la salud mental de los estudiantes universitarios

A pandemia pelo SARS-CoV-2 é um dos maiores desafios sanitários em escala global. Devido estado de emergência, uma série de medidas de controle e prevenção foram adotadas, como distanciamento social e redução das reuniões públicas. Nesse cenário, buscou-se avaliar a saúde mental de estudantes de uma instituição privada de Ensino Superior diante da pandemia. Esta pesquisa trata-se de um estudo transversal descritivo desenvolvido na Faculdade do Vale do Jaguaribe, localizada em Aracati-CE. A coleta de dados ocorreu de dezembro de 2020 a fevereiro de 2021, utilizando formulário eletrônico contendo variáveis sociodemográficas, epidemiológicas e relativas aos diferentes aspectos da saúde mental do estudante frente a pandemia da COVID-19. A análise foi baseada no cálculo de frequências absolutas e relativas das variáveis além de medidas de tendência central e dispersão. Dos 333 discentes que participaram do estudo, a média de idade foi 25, com variação entre 18 e 56 anos, sendo maioria do sexo feminino (72,7%), autodenominação de cor/etnia parda (72,7%) e não estarem trabalhando (53,8%). A taxa de positividade entre os graduandos para COVID-19 foi de 9% (30). Ao serem questionados sobre como a pandemia alterou seus níveis de estresse ou saúde mental, 75,5% responderam que houve piora. Dentre os sintomas mais relatados no período da quarentena, estavam medo e ansiedade (ambos com 74,2%), seguidos por insegurança (69,7%). Baseados nos achados deste estudo, recomenda-se a incorporação de ações multiprofissionais na atenção aos estudantes dentro da academia. Sugere-se a implantação de um serviço qualificado buscando desenvolver um olhar holístico para os discentes.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has presented itself as one of the greatest health challenges on a global scale. Given the state of public health emergency, a series of control and prevention measures have been adopted, such as social distancing and reduction of public meetings, as in universities. Faced with this scenario, we sought to evaluate the mental health of students from a private institution of Higher Education in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this research was a descriptive cross-sectional study developed at the Faculdade do Vale do Jaguaribe, located in the City of Aracati- CE. Data collection occurred from December 2020 to February 2021, using an electronic form containing sociodemographic and epidemiological variables, as well as variables related to the repercussions in different aspects of the student's mental health when facing the pandemic of COVID-19. The analysis was based on the calculation of absolute and relative frequencies of the variables, as well as measures of central tendency and dispersion. Of the 333 students who participated in the study, the mean age was 25 years, with ages ranging from 18 to 56 years, the majority being female (72.7%), self- denominated as Brown (72.7%), not working when answering the form (53.8%). The positivity rate among undergraduates for COVID-19 was 9% (30/333). When asked how the pandemic altered their stress levels or mental health, 75.5% responded that it had worsened. Among the symptoms most reported by students during the quarantine period were fear and anxiety (both 74.2%), followed by insecurity (69.7%). It is suggested the implementation of a qualified approach service seeking to develop a holistic look for the students.

La pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 es uno de los mayores desafíos sanitarios a escala global. Debido al estado de emergencia, se han adoptado una serie de medidas de control y prevención, como el distanciamiento social y la reducción de reuniones públicas. En este escenario, se buscó evaluar la salud mental de los estudiantes de una institución privada de educación superior frente a la pandemia. Esta investigación es un estudio descriptivo transversal desarrollado en la Facultad de Valle de Jaguaribe, ubicada en Aracati-CE. La recopilación de datos se llevó a cabo de diciembre de 2020 a febrero de 2021, utilizando un formulario electrónico que contiene variables sociodemográficas, epidemiológicas y relacionadas con los diferentes aspectos de la salud mental del estudiante frente a la pandemia de COVID-19. El análisis se basó en el cálculo de frecuencias absolutas y relativas de las variables, además de medidas de tendencia central y dispersión. De los 333 estudiantes que participaron en el estudio, la media de edad fue de 25 años, con variación entre 18 y 56 años, siendo la mayoría del sexo femenino (72,7%), autodenominación de la raza / etnia morena (72,7%) y no trabajando (53,8%). La tasa de positividad entre los estudiantes de pregrado para COVID-19 fue del 9% (30). Cuando se les preguntó cómo la pandemia había alterado su nivel de estrés o salud mental, el 75,5% respondió que había empeorado. Entre los síntomas más comunes durante el período de cuarentena, se encontraban el miedo y la ansiedad (ambos con un 74,2%), seguidos de la inseguridad (69,7%). Basados en los resultados de este estudio, se recomienda la incorporación de acciones multiprofesionales en la atención a los estudiantes dentro de la academia. Se sugiere la implementación de un servicio calificado que busque desarrollar una mirada holística hacia los estudiantes.

Protective strategies and motivations to control drinking among Brazilian college students: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: To develop prevention programs or early interventions to reduce alcohol consumption and related problems among college students, it is essential to understand their motivations for drinking and the spontaneous (effective and non-effective) strategies they employ to control, considering the social and cultural contexts influence. This study aimed to explore these factors and the student's application of selfcare in different situations and environments, as well as to identify their reasons for not drinking. METHODS: The students were invited to participate using a snowball sampling, up to the theoretical saturation point. Qualitative individual semi-structured interviews were carried out and the interviews contents were analyzed using the NVivo software. The participants were 23 college students between 18 and 24 years old, with diverse patterns of alcohol use (low-risk to suggestive of dependence). RESULTS: Data analysis highlighted three main themes: (a) Contexts (such as bars, "open bar" parties and others) and consumption patterns; (b) Protective Strategies (such as stop-drinking intervals, eating before or during drinking, returning home in the company of a friend); (c) Motivations to control drinking (such as sense of responsibility, bad previous experiences, family and religious issues). Protective strategies and motivation to control drinking were perceived to be less prominent in specific contexts that favor high alcohol consumption, as open bar parties. CONCLUSIONS: Motivations and protective strategies varied according to the drinkers' profile, social situations and settings in which they consumed alcohol. The results highlight the need for preventive interventions planned for specific drinking patterns and contexts.

Thriving Despite the Odds: Digital Capital and Reimagined Life Projects Among Mexican College Students During COVID-19.

During the pandemic, Mexico experienced one of the longest periods of school closures in Latin America. After the first year of COVID-19, thousands of college students dropped out of school, which has been partially attributed to difficulties in adapting to online learning. This study examines how some college students in Mexico coped with and overcame these challenges. Our research draws on journals of and in-depth interviews with Mexican college students who participated in the Pandemic Journaling Project-a combined online journaling platform and research study. Participant accounts describe challenges students experienced navigating the rapid roll-out of online education. However, over time, many of the students in our study cultivated a renewed sense of purpose in their educational activities. They attributed this shift in perspective to their ability to carve out new approaches to social support, the development of professional capacities, and insight into the potential for technology to promote a more inclusive society. Our work shows how students' ability to integrate digital competencies into their broader life projects and aspirations for the future played an important role in college perseverance and reducing mental health distress. Findings have important implications for the potential role of increased access to technological resources in mitigating social inequity and improving mental health outcomes among young adults.