Prenatal anxiety during the pandemic context is related to neurodevelopment of 6-month-old babies.

Prenatal anxiety and depression in pandemic context could introduce changes in the fetal developmental trajectories that, ultimately, could alter the adaptive behaviors of the offspring, potentially affecting, for example, general neurodevelopment. The sample consisted of 105 mother-child dyads, recruited between March and May 2020. The dyads were evaluated longitudinally, prenatally and postnatally (6 months). The Pandemic Impact Questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Beck-II Depression Inventory were used to assess indicators of maternal anxiety and depression, respectively. Regarding the babies, their mothers responded to Age and Stages: 3, which assesses different dimensions of early neurodevelopment, in addition to a closed questionnaire to identify sociodemographic and maternal and child health variables. A series of mediation models were tested to examine the association between prenatal psychopathology/negative experiences of the pandemic and neurodevelopment. The results indicated that the negative experiences of the pandemic were indirectly associated with the socio-individual and fine motor neurodevelopment of the offspring, through maternal anxiety symptoms, during the third trimester, which functioned as a mediator.  Conclusions: This study provides evidence on the mediating effects of maternal anxiety on infant neurodevelopment in contexts of early adversity. It is important to point out the need to implement public health policies that allow a timely evaluation of neurodevelopmental variables during early childhood, which can implement early interventions to reduce the risks associated with these deficits. What is Known: • Effects of maternal mental health have been reported, effects on child neurodevelopment, in motor, cognitive, linguistic and socio-emotional dimensions. • Contexts of early adversity have been associated with maternal mental health and offspring development. What is New: • The context of pandemic adversity caused by COVID-19 is associated with motor and socio-individual neurodevelopment, mediated by maternal prenatal anxiety.

Maternal anxiety, exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and socioemotional development of offspring.

The COVID-19 pandemic context may predispose mothers to increased maternal psychopathology, which may be associated with offspring socioemotional development. The aim of this study is to analyze the relationships between prenatal anxiety and depression and exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic with offspring socioemotional development, controlling for postnatal anxiety and depression. A total of 105 mother-child dyads were assessed in pre- and postnatal periods. Questionnaires were used to assess the impact of the pandemic, indicators of psychopathology, and the socioemotional development of the offspring. Results suggest that negative pandemic experiences are indirectly associated with offspring socioemotional development via prenatal maternal anxiety symptomatology and after controlling for postnatal anxiety and depression. These indicators predispose to emotional deficits and increase the risks of psychopathological and neurodevelopmental disorders. It is important to adopt health policies that provide timely assessment of development in early childhood to reduce the risks associated with these deficits.

The Pandemial babies: effects of maternal stress on temperament of babies gestated and born during the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic may configure an adverse prenatal context for early development. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of pandemic-related negative experiences, prenatal anxiety and depression on the temperament of six-month-old babies. The sample consisted of 105 mother-child dyads. A longitudinal evaluation was carried out using pre- and postnatal online surveys. Mothers completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory - II, the Pandemic Impact Questionnaire and the Infant Behavior Questionnaire Revised. Serial mediation models were tested, in which the pandemic-related negative experiences constituted the independent variable, the prenatal anxiety and depression were the mediators, and the children's temperament dimensions were the dependent variables. Pandemic-related negative experiences were indirectly associated with the offspring's negative affect and surgency through anxious symptomatology, which acted as a mediating variable. This was the first study to identify the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on temperament. Such an adverse context implies risks for child development. Public health policies aiming to evaluate socioemotional variables during early childhood become necessary to allow on-time interventions for lessening these risks.

More than a year of pandemic: Longitudinal assessment of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the argentine general population during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed daily life and the way we interact with others. It has also brought negative psychological consequences: several studies have reported increased levels of distress symptomatology at the onset of the pandemic. However, few longitudinal studies have been carried out, and even fewer in low- and middle-income countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyse longitudinally the anxiety and depressive symptomatology of the Argentine general population during the first 13 months of the pandemic. The total sample included 988 adults (ages 18-77) from different regions of Argentina. Open-access surveys were distributed via social media at five time points (March, April, May, August 2020 and April 2021). Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed through the Beck Depression Inventory-II and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Mixed repeated-measures ANOVA were applied, with time as a within-subjects factor, and socioeconomic status, gender, and age group as between-subjects factors. Results showed a progressive increases in anxiety (F (27.78, 3417.60) = 62.88, p < 0.01, ηp2  = 0.060) and depression (F (3.42, 3373.75) = 84.78, p < 0.01, ηp2  = 0.079) symptoms in the general population throughout the pandemic (except for a slight decrease in anxiety in Wave 2). All of the between-subjects factors showed significant effects on both types of symptoms: female gender, younger age and lower income were associated with greater depression and anxiety in all waves. A time-age interaction effect was found (F (10.26, 3364.05)  = 2.99, p < 0.01, ηp2  = 0.009): after the third wave, depressive symptoms tended to decrease or stabilise in the young adult group, whereas there was a positive linear increase in the older groups. This study provided evidence that anxiety and depression symptoms tend to increase during crisis contexts, and that this effect is even more pronounced for certain vulnerable population groups. Mental health monitoring and support interventions should be included in government strategies to deal with the long-term impact of the pandemic.

Rasgos de personalidad en judokas senior y diferencias con población general / Personality traits in senior judokas and differences with the general population / Traços de personalidade nos judocas sênior e diferenças com a população geral

El análisis de los aspectos psicológicos de la práctica deportiva resulta de interés para el desarrollo de intervenciones orientadas a alcanzar el máximo potencial de los deportistas. Este estudio tuvo por objetivo analizar los rasgos de personalidad de judokas senior en función de (a) sexo, (b) edad, (c) graduación alcanzada, (d) máximo nivel de competición alcanzado, (e) años de experiencia, (f) categoría de peso, y (g) explorar las diferencias con los rasgos de personalidad de población general. Participaron 116 judokas argentinos (86 hombres y 30 mujeres). Se aplicó el Listado de Adjetivos para Evaluar la Personalidad. Los resultados muestran diferencias entre pequeñas y moderadas entre los deportistas en función del sexo, la edad, la graduación de judo, el nivel de competición y los años de experiencia deportiva. No se hallaron diferencias entre las categorías de peso. También se observaron diferencias con la personalidad de la población normotípica: mujeres judokas reportaron mayor Apertura y hombres judokas, mayor Amabilidad, Responsabilidad y Estabilidad emocional. Los resultados representan un aporte al conocimiento del perfil psicológico de los judokas y los rasgos presentes en deportistas de alta competición.

The analysis of the psychological aspects of different sports is relevant for the development of interventions aimed at reaching the maximum potential of athletes. The aim of this study was to analyze the personality traits of senior judokas according to (a) sex, (b) age, (c) graduation, (d) competition level attained, (e) years of experience, (f) weight category, and (g) to explore the differences with the personality traits of the general population. A total of 116 Argentinean judokas (86 men and 30 women) participated in the study. Personality traits were assessed through the Adjectives Check List. The results show small to moderate differences between the judokas according to sex, age, graduation, competition level, and years of sport experience. No differences were found according to weight category. Differences in personality were also detected between the judokas and the general population: female judokas reported higher levels of Openness to experience, and male judokas reported higher levels of Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Emotional stability. The results represent a contribution about the psychological profile of judokas and the personality traits of high competition athletes. (AU)

A análise dos aspectos psicológicos da prática desportiva é de interesse para o desenvolvimento de intervenções destinadas a alcançar o máximo potencial dos atletas. O objectivo deste estudo foi analisar os traços de personalidade dos judocas sênior de acordo com (a) sexo, (b) idade, (c) graduação, (d) nível de competição atingido, (e) anos de experiência, (f) categoria de peso, e (g) explorar as diferenças com os traços de personalidade da população em geral. Participaram no estudo 116 judocas argentinos (86 homens, 30 mulheres) e foram avaliados através da Lista de Adjetivos para Avaliar a Personalidade. Os resultados mostram diferenças pequenas a moderadas entre os judocas de acordo com o sexo, idade, graduação, nível de competição e anos de experiência desportiva. Não foram encontradas diferenças de acordo com a categoria de peso. Foram também encontradas diferenças de personalidade entre os judocas e a população em geral: as judocas femininas reportaram mais Abertura, e os judocas masculinos reportaram mais, Conscienciosidade e Estabilidade Emocional. Os resultados representam uma contribuição para o conhecimento do perfil psicológico dos judocas e dos traços presentes nos atletas de alta competição.(AU)

Longitudinal study on prenatal depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Several studies have reported the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic context on mental health. Given that pregnant women constitute a vulnerable group, they may be at greater risk for developing psychopathological symptoms due to the confinement. The current study aimed to longitudinally analyze the presence and evolution of indicators of depression and anxiety in pregnant and non-pregnant women, and to identify the differential effects of social isolation or distancing measures on these groups. Participants were 105 pregnant and 105 non-pregnant Argentine adult women. They completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and closed-ended questions on sociodemographic factors, at four different times. Results showed a progressive increase in anxiety and depressive symptoms in the first 50 days of confinement in both groups, and a slight decrease after approximately 150 days. Pregnant women presented a more pronounced initial increase in symptoms, and a weaker decrease at the last wave, compared to the non-pregnant. Results suggest that the pandemic context produces a moderate negative early response and that the initial flexibilizations of sanitary measures (50 days) did not slow down the progression of symptoms (even less in pregnant women). In conclusion, being pregnant could be an extra risk factor for the development of psychopathological symptoms during this pandemic. The particular vulnerability of pregnant women and the associated potential negative effects both on them and on their offspring underline the importance of perinatal health policies aimed at prevention and treatment of possible future consequences.

Estructura interna y evidencias de validez de la Escala Baptista de Depresión para Adultos en población adulta de Argentina / Internal structure and evidence of validity of the Baptist Adult Depression Scale in the adult population of Argentina

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la estructura factorial de la adaptación al español rioplatense de la Escala Baptista de Depresión para Adultos (EBADEP-A) en población argentina, y aportar evidencias de validez sobre la misma. Para evaluar la estructura interna de la escala se realizaron cálculos por medio de análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios, así como de la teoría de respuesta al ítem; mientras que, para brindar evidencias de validez convergente y concurrente, se aplicaron correlaciones, regresiones y análisis de modelos de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM) con medidas relacionadas. Los resultados sugieren que la versión final del instrumento podría reducirse de 45 a 23 ítems con adecuados índices de ajuste, con un modelo unidimensional, y con cargas factoriales satisfactorias tanto en el análisis exploratorio como en el confirmatorio. Los ítems no revelaron discrepancias en las habilidades estimadas de los participantes, y presentaron ajustes estructurales adecuados y opciones de respuestas claras. Respecto a la validez, la escala presentó asociaciones con variables externas -personalidad y bienestar psicológico-; y el análisis SEM demostró una fuerte relación entre el EBADEP-A y el Beck Depression Inventory-II, así como una predicción fuerte del primero sobre el segundo (r1 = .65). Se concluye que el factor general del EBADEP-A representa adecuadamente los fenómenos psicológicos subyacentes a la depresión, y que la versión final de la escala presenta propiedades psicométricas adecuadas para la población argentina.

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the factorial structure of the adaptation to Rio de la Plata's Spanish of the Baptist Scale of Depression for Adults (EBADEP-A) in the Argentine population, and to provide evidence of its validity. In order to evaluate the internal structure of the scale, calculations were made by means of exploratory and confirmatory factorial analysis, as well as the Item Response Theory. Also, in order to provide evidence of convergent and concurrent validity, correlations, regressions and analysis of structural equation models (SEM) with related measures were applied. The results suggest that the final version of the instrument could be reduced from 45 to 23 items with adequate adjustment indexes, with a one-dimensional model, and with satisfactory factor loads in both the exploratory and confirmatory analyses. The items revealed no discrepancies in the estimated skills of the participants, and presented adequate structural adjustments and clear response options. Regarding the validity, the scale presented associations with external variables - personality and psychological well-being-; and the SEM analysis demonstrated a strong relationship between the EBADEP-A and the Beck Depression Inventory-II, as well as a strong prediction of the first over the second (r2 = .65). It is concluded that the general factor of EBADEP-A adequately represents the psychological phenomena underlying depression, and that the final version of the scale presents adequate psychometric properties for the Argentine population.

Desarrollo y validación del Cuestionario de Funciones Ejecutivas en niños de 9 a 12 años (CUFE) / Development and Validation of the Executive Function Questionnaire (CUFE) for Children aged 9-12 Years / Desenvolvimento e validação do Questionário de Funções Executivas em crianças de 9 a 12 anos (CUFE)

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo desarrollar y validar el Cuestionario de Funciones Ejecutivas (CUFE), un cuestionario accesible para evaluar las tres principales funciones ejecutivas (memoria de trabajo, inhibición y flexibilidad cognitiva) en niños de 9 a 12 años y, así, proporcionar valores descriptivos de referencia y evidencias acerca de su confiabilidad y validez. Para ello se analizó su funcionamiento en una muestra de 269 niños argentinos de 9 a 12 años de edad, alumnos del segundo ciclo de la escuela primaria. El análisis factorial exploratorio reveló una estructura de tres factores que explicaban 49.08 % de la varianza, con cargas factoriales unidimensionales y satisfactorias. Los factores retenidos presentaron buenos índices de confiabilidad y fueron llamados: memoria de trabajo, inhibición y flexibilidad y con-trol emocional. La memoria de trabajo se asoció con la comprensión lectora, el cálculo matemático y las calificaciones escolares de Prácticas del lenguaje y Matemática. Las restantes dos subescalas se asociaron con las calificaciones escolares de ambas asignaturas. Las dimensiones del cuestionario coinciden con los actuales modelos teóricos de funcionamiento ejecutivo. En función de las evidencias de validez y confiabilidad, el CUFE se presenta como un instrumento ecológico y valioso para la medición de las funciones ejecutivas en el contexto de la evaluación infantil

The present study aimed to develop and validate an accessible questionnaire to assess the three core execu-tive functions (working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibility) in children aged 9-12 years: the Executive Function Questionnaire (CUFE), and to provide descrip-tive baseline values and evidence about its reliability and validity. The questionnaire was tested on a sample of 269 Argentinean children from 9 to 12 years old. Children attended elementary schools in Mar del Plata's city. The exploratory factorial analysis revealed a three-factor structure that explained 49.08% of the variance. The items were unidimensional and showed satisfactory factor loadings. The retained factors presented good reliability and were called working memory, inhibition and flexibility, and emotional control. Working memory was associated with reading comprehension, mathemat-ical skills, and school grades (language practices and mathematics). Inhibition and flexibility, and emotional control were associated with school grades. The factors were consistent with current theoretical models on executive functioning. Based on the evidence obtained, the cufe represents an ecological and valuable instru-ment for measuring executive functions on children

O presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e validar um questionário acessível para avaliar as três principais funções executivas (memória de trabalho, inibição, flexibilidade cognitiva) em crianças de 9 a 12 anos: o Questionário de Funções Executivas (cufe); e fornecer valores de referência descritivos e evidên-cias sobre sua confiabilidade e validade. Para tanto, foi analisado seu funcionamento em uma amostra de 269 crianças argentinas entre 9 e 12 anos, estudantes do se-gundo ciclo do ensino fundamental. A análise fatorial exploratória revelou uma estrutura de três fatores que explicou 49.08% da variância, com cargas fatoriais unidi-mensionais satisfatórias. Os fatores retidos apresentaram bons índices de confiabilidade e foram denominados Memória de trabalho, Inibição e Flexibilidade e con-trole emocional. A memória de trabalho foi associada à compreensão de leitura, ao cálculo matemático e às notas escolares de Prática de Linguagem e Matemática. As duas subescalas restantes foram associadas às notas escolares de ambas as disciplinas. As dimensões do ques-tionário coincidem com os modelos teóricos atuais de funcionamento executivo. Com base nas evidências de validade e confiabilidade, o cufe apresenta-se como um instrumento ecológico e valioso para a mensuração das funções executivas no contexto da avaliação infantil

Mental health of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study.

Several studies have reported the susceptibility of pregnant women to emotional instability and stress. Thus, pregnancy may be a risk factor that could deepen the already negative effects of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze longitudinally the psychopathological consequences of the pandemic in pregnant women, and to explore differences with non-pregnant women. The participants in this study were 102 pregnant women, and a control group of 102 non-pregnant women (most of them reported having university studies and little financial impact from the pandemic). They completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, in three different times (2, 14, and 47 days after the start of the lockdown). In a time range of 50 days of quarantine, all women showed a gradual increase in psychopathological indicators and a decrease in positive affect. Pregnant women showed a more pronounced increase in depression, anxiety and negative affect than the non-pregnant women did. In addition, pregnant women showed a more pronounced decrease in positive affect. It is important for institutions dedicated to perinatal health care to count on empirical information to optimize the provision of their services.

Dificultades de regulación emocional y bienestar psicológico en estudiantes universitarios / Difficulties of emotional regulation and psychological well-being in university students

El bienestar psicológico de la población universitaria supone una preocupación creciente, debido a la gran exigencia académica que propicia el desarrollo de malestar y psicopatologías. Por eso, el objetivo del presente estudio fue indagar acerca del efecto de las dificultades de regulación emocional sobre los niveles de bienestar psicológico, en estudiantes universitarios. Se trabajó con 127 estudiantes de la Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (83.5% mujeres y 16.5% hombres; edad: M = 24.21; DE = 3.86), quienes completaron la Escala de Dificultades de Regulación Emocional y la Escala de Bienestar Psicológico. Los resultados mostraron correlaciones entre las variables, sugiriendo que mientras menos dificultades de regulación emocional reportan los estudiantes, mayores son sus niveles de bienestar. En particular, las variables de regulación emocional que fueron predictoras del bienestar psicológico fueron las dificultades en la conducta dirigida a metas cuando se experimentan emociones negativas, y las dificultades en la aceptación, claridad y conciencia emocional(AU)

The psychological well-being of the university population is a growing area of concern, due to the high academic pressure that contributes to the development of distress and psychopathology. For this reason, this study aimed to determine the effect of difficulties in emotion regulation on psychological well-being in university students. We worked with 127 students from the National University of Mar del Plata (83.5% women and 16.5% men; age: M = 24.21; DE = 3.86), who completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and the Ryff's Psychological Well-being Scale. The results showed correlations among the variables, suggesting that the fewer the difficulties in emotion regulation, the higher the levels of well-being. In particular, the emotion regulation variables that predicted psychological well-being were difficulties in goal-directed behavior when experiencing negative emotions, and difficulties in emotional acceptance, emotional clarity, and emotional awareness(AU)

Rasgos de personalidad en judokas senior y diferencias con población general

El análisis de los aspectos psicológicos de la práctica deportiva resulta de interés para el desarrollo de intervenciones orientadas a alcanzar el máximo potencial de los deportistas. Este estudio tuvo por objetivo analizar los rasgos de personalidad de judokas senior en función de (a) sexo, (b) edad, (c) graduación alcanzada, (d) máximo nivel de competición alcanzado, (e) años de experiencia, (f) categoría de peso, y (g) explorar las diferencias con los rasgos de personalidad de población general. Participaron 116 judokas argentinos (86 hombres y 30 mujeres). Se aplicó el Listado de Adjetivos para Evaluar la Personalidad. Los resultados muestran diferencias entre pequeñas y moderadas entre los deportistas en función del sexo, la edad, la graduación de judo, el nivel de competición y los años de experiencia deportiva. No se hallaron diferencias entre las categorías de peso. También se observaron diferencias con la personalidad de la población normotípica: mujeres judokas reportaron mayor Apertura y hombres judokas, mayor Amabilidad, Responsabilidad y Estabilidad emocional. Los resultados representan un aporte al conocimiento del perfil psicológico de los judokas y los rasgos presentes en deportistas de alta competición.

The analysis of the psychological aspects of different sports is relevant for the development of interventions aimed at reaching the maximum potential of athletes. The aim of this study was to analyze the personality traits of senior judokas according to (a) sex, (b) age, (c) graduation, (d) competition level attained, (e) years of experience, (f) weight category, and (g) to explore the differences with the personality traits of the general population. A total of 116 Argentinean judokas (86 men and 30 women) participated in the study. Personality traits were assessed through the Adjectives Check List. The results show small to moderate differences between the judokas according to sex, age, graduation, competition level, and years of sport experience. No differences were found according to weight category. Differences in personality were also detected between the judokas and the general population: female judokas reported higher levels of Openness to experience, and male judokas reported higher levels of Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and Emotional stability. The results represent a contribution about the psychological profile of judokas and the personality traits of high competition athletes.

A análise dos aspectos psicológicos da prática desportiva é de interesse para o desenvolvimento de intervenções destinadas a alcançar o máximo potencial dos atletas. O objectivo deste estudo foi analisar os traços de personalidade dos judocas sênior de acordo com (a) sexo, (b) idade, (c) graduação, (d) nível de competição atingido, (e) anos de experiência, (f) categoria de peso, e (g) explorar as diferenças com os traços de personalidade da população em geral. Participaram no estudo 116 judocas argentinos (86 homens, 30 mulheres) e foram avaliados através da Lista de Adjetivos para Avaliar a Personalidade. Os resultados mostram diferenças pequenas a moderadas entre os judocas de acordo com o sexo, idade, graduação, nível de competição e anos de experiência desportiva. Não foram encontradas diferenças de acordo com a categoria de peso. Foram também encontradas diferenças de personalidade entre os judocas e a população em geral: as judocas femininas reportaram mais Abertura, e os judocas masculinos reportaram mais, Conscienciosidade e Estabilidade Emocional. Os resultados representam uma contribuição para o conhecimento do perfil psicológico dos judocas e dos traços presentes nos atletas de alta competição.