Development of a Culture-Common Formal Characteristics of Behavior - Temperament Markers Inventory (FCB-TMI-CC).

The goal was to create a brief temperament inventory grounded in the Regulative Theory of Temperament (FCB-TMI-CC), with a user-friendly, online applicability for studies in different cultures. As the regulative role of temperament is strongly revealed under meaningful stress, the study was planned within the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure high diversity in terms of culture, economic and environmental conditions, data from nine countries (Poland, United States of America, Italy, Japan, Argentina, South Korea, Ireland, United Kingdom and Kazakhstan) were utilized (min. N = 200 per country). Validation data were gathered on the level of COVID-19 stressors, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and stress symptoms, and Big Five personality traits. Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis served as the basis for the inventory's construction. The final culture-common version includes 37 items (5-6 in each of the 7 scales) and covers the core aspects of temperament dimensions. Temperament structure was confirmed to be equivalent across measured cultures. The measurement is invariant at the level of factor loadings and the reliability (internal consistency) and theoretical validity of the scales were at least acceptable. Therefore, the FCB-TMI-CC may serve as a valuable tool for studying temperament across diverse cultures and facilitate cross-cultural comparisons.

A Brief Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for Maladaptive Perfectionism in Students: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Researchers focused on developing therapeutic strategies for perfectionism given its well-established link to the onset and maintenance of several mental disorders. Meta-analytical findings provided support for the efficacy of cognitive behavioural (CB) approaches. However, most studies have focused on the efficacy of interventions, without analysing their efficiency. AIMS: To explore the feasibility of a brief (five weekly sessions) CB group intervention focused on reducing perfectionistic concerns in Argentine students. We also aimed to identify participants who benefited from the intervention and to explore their differences with non-respondents. A third aim was to explore the potential merits of the intervention in a different cultural context as this is the first attempt to adapt an English-spoken protocol to the Spanish language. METHOD: A quasi-experimental design with two time points was used. Twenty-four out of 84 participants (mean age = 27.75 years, SD = 8.3) were classified as maladaptive perfectionists. RESULTS: Paired t-tests and reliable change index comparisons revealed that most students (75%) statistically and clinically reduced their levels of perfectionistic concerns as well as their perfectionistic strivings. General distress, operationalized as anxious and depressive symptoms, was also decreased. Students who completed and responded to the intervention were more dysfunctional in academic and psychological measures at baseline than non-completers and non-improvers. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the feasibility, preliminary efficacy and efficiency of this five weekly session intervention when applied to a sample of Argentine university students.

Afrontamiento y Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático en mujeres maltratadas por su pareja / Coping and posttraumatic stress disorder in women who suffer intimate partner violence

La violencia ejercida hacia la mujer por parte de un compañero íntimo representa un grave problema a nivel mundial según lo muestran diversas investigaciones e informes globales recientes. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación entre la presencia de sintomatología de trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT) y el afrontamiento de las mujeres maltratadas. Participaron 87 mujeres de entre 19 y 69 años (M = 42.79; DE = 10.65) asistidas por esta problemática, quienes completaron varios instrumentos autoadministrables. Se encontraron diversas asociaciones estadísticamente significativas entre las variables relativas al TEPT y la presencia de estrategias de afrontamiento disfuncionales, entre ellas la evitación cognitiva (r = .38; p < .001). Se discuten los resultados destacándose la relevancia de analizar las diversas estrategias empleadas por estas mujeres para afrontar la situación de maltrato, así como de identificar y abordar prioritariamente el TEPT en esta población para reducir su impacto y favorecer un afrontamiento más saludable

Intimate partner violence represents a serious worldwide issue according to research data and recent global reports. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology and coping in women who suffer this situation. Eighty seven women between ages 19 and 69 (M = 42.79; SD = 10.65), assisted because of this issue, completed diverse self-administered scales. Several statistically significant associations between PTSD variables and presence of maladaptive coping strategies were found, among them cognitive avoidance (r = .38; p < .001). Results are discussed highlighting the relevance of analyzing the different coping strategies displayed by these women and identifying and approaching PTSD as a priority in order to reduce its impact and promote a healthier coping in this population

Perfeccionismo y desempeño académico en estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad autónoma de Buenos Aires / Perfectionism and academic performance of university students in the autonomous city of Buenos Aires / Perfeccionismo e desempenho acadêmico em estudantes universitários da cidade autônoma de Buenos Aires

El presente artículo tiene por objetivo analizar la relación entre los perfiles de perfeccionismo y el desempeño académico en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. El desempeño ha sido operacionalizado a través de las variables promedio académico general percibido, calificación del último examen, cantidad de exámenes adeudados y años de carrera cursados. Participaron en la investigación 465 estudiantes pertenecientes a las carreras de Psicología (52,2%) Ingeniería (26,2%) y Medicina (21,6%). La distribución de la población de estudiantes en los distintos perfiles de perfeccionismo (adaptativo- PA, desadaptativo- PD y no perfeccionistas-NP) se presentó según las predicciones derivadas de la teoría y los estudios previos realizados por nuestro equipo de investigación. Respecto a la relación entre los diferentes perfiles y el desempeño académico, se encontró que los estudiantes con un perfil de PA presentaron un promedio percibido significativamente superior, y una cantidad de exámenes adeudados significativamente menor que los estudiantes de los restantes perfiles. No se evidenciaron diferencias significativas para estas variables entre los sujetos con un perfil de PD y los estudiantes NP. Para las restantes variables no se hallaron diferencias significativas entre los distintos perfiles de perfeccionismo. Se discuten las implicancias de estos hallazgos para futuras investigaciones en el área.

The aim of this article is to analyze the relationship between perfectionism and academic performance of university graduate students in the City of Buenos Aires. 465 university undergraduates participated in this study: Psychology students (52.2%), Engineering students (26.2%) and Medicine students (21.6%). The resulting scores used to set the different perfectionism profiles (adaptative perfectionists- AP, maladaptive perfectionists- MP, and non perfectionists- NP), are similar to those expected according to current theory and to our previous studies. Regarding the relationship between the different student profiles and their academic performance, it was found that students with an AP profile have a significantly higher average grades than those in the other two groups, and less pending exams. No significant differences were found in average grades between MP and NP. For the remaining variables, no significant differences were found between the different profiles of perfectionism. Implications of these findings for future research in the area are discussed.

O presente artigo tem como objetivo analisar a relação entre os perfis de perfeccionismo e o desempenho acadêmico em uma mostra de estudantes universitários da cidade de Buenos Aires. O desempenho foi operacionalizado através das variáveis média acadêmica geral percebida, nota da última prova, quantidade de provas pendentes e anos cursados. Participaram na pesquisa 465 estudantes pertencentes aos cursos de Psicologia (52,2%) Engenharia (26,2%) e Medicina (21,6%). A distribuição da população de estudantes nos diferentes perfis de perfeccionismo (adaptativo- PA, desadaptativo- PD e não perfeccionistas- NP) apresentou-se de acordo com as previsões derivadas da teoria e dos estudos prévios feitos pela nossa equipe de pesquisa. Com respeito à relação entre os diferentes perfis e o desempenho acadêmico, encontrou-se que os estudantes com um perfil de PA apresentaram uma médica percebida significativamente superior, e uma quantidade de provas pendentes significativamente menor que os estudantes dos outros perfis. Não se evidenciaram diferenças significativas para estas variáveis entre os sujeitos com um perfil de PD e os estudantes NP. Para as restantes variáveis não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os diferentes perfis de perfeccionismo. Discutem-se as implicações destes descobrimentos para pesquisas futuras na área.

Perfeccionismo positivo / negativo y calidad de vida percibida en estudiantes de Psicología, Medicina e Ingeniería de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires / Positive / negative perfectionism and perceived quality of life in Psychology, Medicine and Engineering students of the city of Buenos Aires

El objetivo del presente estudio es dar cuenta de la relación entre el perfeccionismo en sus tres dimensiones (Altos Estándares -AE-, Orden -O- y Discrepancia-D-) y la calidad de vida percibida (CV) en tres muestras de estudiantes universitarios de las carreras de Psicología, Medicina e Ingeniería de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. La muestra estuvo conformada por 476 estudiantes que completaron los siguientes instrumentos: cuestionario sociodemográfico, la almost Perfect Scale-revised (APS-R, Slaney, Rice, Mobley, Trippi, & Ashby, 2001; adaptación: Arana, Keegan, & Rutsztein, 2009) y el Inventario de Calidad de Vida Percibida (ICV, Mikulic, 2006). Los resultados sugieren una asociación signiicativa para un aspecto del perfeccionismo positivo (O) y una alta CV percibida, y para el perfeccionismo negativo (D) en relación a una baja CV percibida. Diferencias halladas en las diversas carreras para estas dimensiones indican la necesidad de atender a las variables contextuales especíicas para el análisis de este constructo.

The aim of this study is to account for the relationship between perfectionism in its three dimensions (High Standards -HS-, Order -O-, and Discrepancy -D-) and the perceived quality of life (QL) in three samples of university students of Psychology, Medicine and Engineering of the City of Buenos Aires. The sample consisted of 476 students who completed the following in struments: Socio-demographic questionnaire, the Almost Perfect Scale-revised (APS-R, Slaney, Rice, Mobley, Trippi, & Ashby, 2001; adaptation: Arana, Keegan, & Rutsztein, 2009) and the Inventario de Calidad de Vida Percibida (ICV, Mikulic, 2006). Results suggest a signiicant association for one aspect of positive perfectionism (O) and a perceived high QL, and for negative perfectionism (D) and a perceived low QL. Differences found for these dimensions in the students of each career indicate the need to pay attention to specific contextual variables for the analysis of this construct.

Detección de trastornos alimentarios en niños: adaptación lingüística y conceptual del Children's Eating Attitudes Test (CHEAT) / Detection of eating disorders in children: linguistic and conceptual adaptation of the Children´S Eating Attitudes Test (CHEAT)

Este estudio tiene como objetivo presentar la adaptación lingüística y conceptual del Children`s Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT, Maloney, McGuire, & Daniels, 1988), uno de los instrumentos de screening más utilizados internacionalmente para detectar trastornos alimentarios (TA) en niños. Con este fin, se procedió a realizar una traducción del instrumento del idioma original -inglés- al idioma local-castellano-. Este primer borrador fue administrado a una primera prueba piloto con niños de entre 9 y 12 años, tras la cual se realizaron modificaciones en la mayoría de los reactivos a fin de adecuarlos al nivel de comprensión y a las expresiones lingüísticas propias de los niños de nuestro medio. A continuación, cinco expertos en TA analizaron el segundo borrador obtenido y evaluaron la adecuación de los ítems para detectar TA en niños. Por último se procedió a evaluar la versión final en una segunda prueba piloto con niños de entre 12 y 13 años. Se mantuvo dicha versión, dado que no se detectaron dificultades. Finalmente, puede concluirse que se cuenta con una adaptación lingüística y conceptualmente adecuada a niños y niñas de nuestro contexto cultural.

The purpose of this work is to present the linguistic and conceptual adaptation of the Children´s Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT, Maloney, McGuire & Daniels, 1988), one of the best known screening instruments to detect eating disorders (ED) in children. With this end, a translation from the original language -english- to the local one -spanish- was performed. The first draft was tested with children between the ages of 9 to 12 years old, and after that some of the items had to be modified in order to obtain a reliable test of the understanding and linguistic expressions used by the local children. Next, five experts in ED analyzed a second draft and evaluated and assessed the adequacy of the items to evaluate ED in children. Last, a final test was conducted with children between the ages of 12 and 13 years old. This last version was approved due to the fact that there weren´t difficulties found. Finally, the conclusion was that now there is a conceptually adequate linguistic adaptation for children in our environment.

Estrategias de afrontamiento en mujeres maltratadas: la percepción del proceso por parte de las mujeres / Coping strategies in battered women: women´s perception of the process

El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar aquellas estrategias de afrontamiento presentes en las mujeres que sufren violencia doméstica. Se diferencian las estrategias que resultarían disfuncionales de aquellas funcionales o adaptativas por su impacto en la salud y en la calidad de vida de las mujeres. Se presentan los resultados de una primera exploración cualitativa acerca de estas estrategias en nuestra población. La metodología se basó en entrevistas en profundidad a 8 mujeres que se encuentran en proceso de afrontamiento o que ya han superado la situación de violencia en su pareja. Asimismo, se utilizó la observación de dinámicas de grupos de autoayuda específicamente orientados a esta conflictiva. La muestra total estuvo conformada por 12 mujeres de entre 35 y 69 años, asistentes a centros especializados en la problemática. Los resultados destacan la relevancia del apoyo psicosocial para el afrontamiento adaptativo de esta problemática.

The present paper analyzes the coping strategies of women who suffer intimate partner violence. Maladaptive and adaptive strategies are differentiated on the basis of their impact on health and quality of life. The results of a first qualitative exploration of these strategies in our population are presented. The methodology was based on in-depth interviews to 8 women who were coping with or had already overcome violence in their couple. The dynamics of self-help groups specifically oriented to this issue have been observed as well. The total sample was formed by 12 women, whose age ranged from 35 to 69, attending to centers specialized in domestic violence. Results highlight the relevance of psychosocial support for an adaptive coping.

Un estudio sobre perfeccionismo en estudiantes universitarios argentinos: resultados preliminares en estudiantes de Psicología / A study on perfectionism in argentine university students: preliminary outcomes on Psychology students

El perfeccionismo ha sido asociado a problemas clínicos y a malestar psicológico, siendo el concepto de discrepancia representativo del aspecto disfuncional del mismo. Este estudio se propone determinar los perfiles de perfeccionismo en estudiantes argentinos de Psicología y analizar la relación entre discrepancia, malestar y bienestar psicológico. 85 estudiantes de Psicología completaron una serie de instrumentos psicométricos evaluándose: perfeccionismo (Almost Perfect Scale-Revised), bienestar psicológico (Inventario de Calidad de Vida Percibida, Escala de Bienestar Psicológico) y malestar psicológico (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Formas Y-I, Y-II, Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition). Resultados: Completaron la evaluación 82 estudiantes; 44 (54%) obtienen un perfil de perfeccionismo, que se desagrega en adaptativo (N=18; 21,9%) y desadaptativo (N=26; 31,7%). La variable discrepancia se asocia significativamente a las variables estudiadas en la dirección esperada: altas correlaciones positivas (p valor ,01) con variables ligadas al malestar psicológico y negativas con variables relativas al bienestar psicológico (p valor ,01).

Perfectionism has been associated to clinical problems and psychological distress, being the concept of discrepancy representative of its maladaptive aspect. The aim of this study is to determine the perfectionism profiles of Argentine Psychology students and to analyze the relationship between discrepancy, psychological distress and psychological well-being. 85 university students of Psychology have completed several psychometric instruments evaluating: perfectionism (Almost Perfect Scale Revised), psychological well-being (Inventario de Percepción de Calidad de Vida -ICV; Escala de Bienestar Psicológico and psychological distress (State- Trait Anxiety Inventory. Forms Y-I,Y-II, Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition). Results: 82 students completed the evaluation; 44 (54%) obtain a perfectionism profile, disaggregated into adaptive (N=18 21,9%) and maladaptive (N=26; 31,7%). The variable discrepancy is significantly associated to the studied variables in the expected direction: high positive correlations (p value ,01) with variables related to psychological distress, and negative correlations with variables related to psychological well-being (p value ,01).