Emotional intelligence and adult attachment: Effects on problematic smartphone usage

El uso del smartphone puede tornarse problemático cuando se presentan dificultades de regulación emocional. En la investigación se plan-tearon tres objetivos: analizar el efecto de las dimensiones de inteligencia emocional y el apego sobre el uso del smartphone; evaluar las diferencias en el uso problemático del móvil atendiendo a tipos y estilos de apego; ex-plorar el efecto del sexo y la edad. Se utilizaron la Escala de Dependencia y Adicción al Smartphone, la Escala de Inteligencia Emocional de Wong & Law y el Cuestionario de Apego adulto. El estudio incluyó a 552 jóvenes (M= 21.79, SD= 2.66; 74.1% mujeres)seleccionados por muestreo inten-cionaly clasificados en Generación Z y Millennials. Una baja conciencia de las propias emociones (inteligencia emocional), una pobre autoestima y ne-cesidad de aprobación, la resolución hostil de conflictos, rencor y posesivi-dad (apego) predecían el uso problemático. Además, el tipo inseguro de apego y los estilos negativos como el temeroso se relacionan más con este uso problemático. El sexo aportaba cierta capacidad explicativa, siendo las mujeres las que mostraron más problemas. Los hallazgos apoyan la rele-vancia de construir un apego seguro y positivoydeser capaces de evaluar las propias emociones para prevenir los usos problemáticos del smartpho-ne.(AU)

Smartphone usage can become problematic when individuals have difficulties in emotional regulation. To clarify riskfactors for prob-lematic smartphone usage, the study had three objectives: To analyze the effect of emotional intelligence and attachment dimensions on smartphone usage; to evaluate differences by types and styles of attachment in prob-lematic smartphone usage; to explore the roles of sex and age. For this purpose, the Smartphone Dependency and Addiction Scale, the Wong & Law Emotional Intelligence Scale, and the Adult Attachment Question-naire were used.The study included 552 young adults(M = 21.79, SD = 2.66; 74.1% women)selected by purposive sampling, and classified in Generation Z and Millennials. The results showed that low awareness of one's emotions (emotional intelligence), poor self-esteem and need for ap-proval, hostile conflict resolution, rancor, and possessiveness (attachment) predicted problematic smartphone usage. Furthermore, insecure type of at-tachment and negative styles such as fearfulnesswere closely related to smartphone addiction. Sex had some explanatory power with respect to device use, with women showing higher levels of problematic smartphone usage. In conclusion, the findings support the importance of the secure and positive attachment system, and being able to evaluate and regulate one’s own emotions for preventing problematic smartphone use.(AU)

Cyber-dating abuse in young adult couples: Relations with sexist attitudes and violence justification, smartphone usage and impulsivity.

Technologies have become important for interaction in couples. However, in some cases, controlling and aggressive behaviors can occur in the context of virtual interactions in couples; this is known as cyber-dating abuse (CDA). Identifying factors linked to CDA, as perpetrator and victim, are relevant for its prevention; therefore, more research is needed in this novel field of study. To contribute to the literature, our first goal was to analyze the associations among certain risk factors for CDA perpetration and victimization of, i.e., sexist attitudes and violence justification, problematic smartphone usage and impulsivity; sex and age were also considered. The second goal was to study whether there were differences in direct aggression and control, from the perpetrator and victim perspectives, with consideration of the above-mentioned risk factors. Third, differences in the diverse range of control behaviors and direct aggression between women and men were explored. To this end, 697 young adults (aged between 18 and 35 years; 548 women) completed self-report questionnaires that allowed assessment of the above-mentioned variables. The results showed that, among the wide range of CDA behaviors, indirect ones such as control behaviors were the most common. The highest level of control was strongly associated with the inability to manage behaviors under certain emotional states, especially negative ones, along with problematic smartphone usage. Sex differences were also observed: men displayed more sexist attitudes and violence justification, and perceived that they were more controlled by their partners. Regarding CDA behaviors, men and women showed differences in control (e.g. men considered themselves to be more controlled in terms of location and status updates), and direct aggression (e.g. men used more insults and humiliations than women). The results were discussed in terms of the importance of better understanding these risk factors to attenuate the increasing prevalence of CDA in relationships.

EDAS-18: validación de la versión corta de la escala de dependencia y adicción al smartphone / EDAS-18: validation of the dependency and addiction to smartphone scale short-form

Resumen: La Escala de Dependencia y Adicción al Smartphone-EDAS, publicada en 2017, es uno de los instrumentos más recientes validados en población adulta para el estudio de las conductas adictivas derivadas del uso del smartphone. El objetivo del estudio fue la validación de la versión corta del instrumento, implicando la revisión de las propiedades psicométricas de los ítems y su dimensionalidad. Se contó con una muestra de 606 participantes jóvenes y adultos (de 18 a 48 años). Tras el ajuste psicométrico de los ítems y el análisis factorial exploratorio y confirmatorio, los 40 reactivos iniciales se redujeron a 18, quedando agrupados en un solo factor. El instrumento fue renombrado como EDAS-18, alcanzando una consistencia interna de α = .88 y diversas evidencias de validez. Los resultados replican los hallazgos previos sobre las diferencias en el uso del smartphone en función del sexo y la edad.

Abstract: The Dependency and addiction to Smartphone Scale ("Escala de Dependencia y Adicción al Smartphone"-EDAS), published in 2017, is one of the most recent instruments validated in adult population. It allows to study addictive behaviors derived from the use of the Smartphone. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a shorter version of the EDAS, involving the review of the psychometric properties of the items and their dimensionality. A total of 606 young and adult people participated (18 to 48 years old). After the psychometric adjustment of the items and the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the initial 40 items were reduced to 18, being grouped into a single factor. The instrument was renamed EDAS-18, reaching an internal consistency of α = .88 and various evidences of validity. The results replicate the previous research findings on the sex and age differences in the Smartphone use.

Transformaciones sociales en la europa de la crisis. La gestación de la desigualdad social / Social transformation in the europe in crisis. The gestation of social inequality

En las últimas décadas, los países europeos han experimentado, en diferentes grados, procesos de ajuste de sus políticas sociales que al mismo tiempo deben responder a las demandas de los colectivos desfavorecidos en un contexto social cada vez más adverso. De manera inevitable, las ciencias sociales y sanitarias, han evidenciado su inquietud por la forma en que la conformación de estas políticas afecta a individuos dependientes de ayudas externas e incapaces de gestionar sus vidas de forma autónoma. Creemos interesante reflexionar acerca de los efectos y consecuencias de las transformaciones sociales en curso, apoyados en los resultados de una investigación, a través de una metodología cualitativa basada en entrevistas en profundidad con informantes claves de la política social de cuatro países europeos (Alemania, España, Finlandia y Suecia). El objetivo ha sido estudiar los discursos de los entrevistados directamente implicados en estos problemas, agentes sociales y expertos que tienen una visión determinada de los problemas sociales. Los resultados apuntan a describir nuevos retos para los actuales sistemas de bienestar social

In recent decades, European countries have experienced, to varying degrees, adjustment processes of their social policies which, at the same time, should respond to the demands of disadvantaged groups in an increasingly adverse social context. Inevitably, social and health sciences have shown its concern about the way the shaping of these policies affects people who depend on external support and who are unable to manage their lives autonomously. We consider interesting to reflect on the effects and consequences of social transformations underway, supported by the results of a research, through a qualitative methodology based on in-depth interviews with key informants of social policy in four European countries (Germany, Spain, Finland and Sweden). The mail goal was to study the speeches of interviewees directly involved in these problems, social partners and experts who have a particular view of social problems. The results indicate new challenges for existing social welfare systems

"No sin mi Smartphone": elaboración y validación de la Escala de Dependencia y Adicción al Smartphone (EDAS) / "Not without my Smartphone": development and validation of the Dependency and Addiction to Smartphone Scale (EDAS)

En los últimos años asistimos a la extensión de los Smartphones, cuya funcionalidad y versatilidad los convierten en una herramienta que impacta sobremanera en la vida diaria y las relaciones de sus usuarios. Pese a sus incuestionables ventajas, se observan problemas asociados a su uso problemático, que puede provocar adicción y dependencia. Esto justifica nuestro estudio, cuyo objetivo es la elaboración y validación de una escala que evalúe el uso problemático de las aplicaciones asociadas a los Smartphone, adaptada a la realidad actual, creada y validada en lengua hispana y destinada a población adulta. En la investigación participaron 820 personas, en su mayoría estudiantes de la Universidad de Jaén (España). El rango de edad oscilaba de 18 a 40 años (M = 22,38, Dt = 4,53), siendo un 69,3% mujeres y un 30,7% hombres. Los análisis estadísticos dieron lugar a una herramienta final constituída por 40 ítems y tres componentes.

In recent years, we are witnessing the spread of Smartphones, whose functionality and versatility make them a tool with a noticeable impact in users' daily life and social relatinships. Despite its unquestionable advantages, some problems connected to their problematic use (which can lead to addition and dependence) are observed. Due to it, we decided to undertake the present research, whose main aim is the development and validation of a scale to measure the problematic use of Spartphones applications, adapted to the current reality, created and validated in Spanish language and directed to adults. The study included 820 people, mostly students from the University of Jaén (Spain). The ages ranged from 18 to 40 years (M = 22,38, Dt = 4,53). Regarding gender, 69,3% were women, and the remaining 30,7% were men. Statistical analysis resulted in a final tool comprised of 40 items and three components.