Contextual and Individual Variables as Predictors of Energy-Dense Meals in Food Choices.

Diets based on meals that provide a large amount of energy and consumed frequently often increase the rate of growth of the body mass index (overweight or obesity) and, in turn, the risk of suffering from non-communicable diseases. In order to make a food choice, it is necessary to search for foods in the environment, taking into account physical and social variables (contextual variables) which, together with individual variables, delimit the situation of food selection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of social facilitation, portion size, salience of food, and food preference or rejection on the selection of energy-dense foods by young college students. To do so, we performed a factorial experiment in which unaccompanied and accompanied participants (levels of social facilitation) as they went through the process of choosing from different options of main dishes, beverages, and desserts then noted the reasons for their selection (preference or rejection of the food). Results showed significant differences between the group of accompanied participants and salience of food in the selection of the energy-dense main dishes and desserts (pizza, spaghetti, and chocolate cake). A significant relationship was also identified between accompanied participants, hedonistic/sensory reasons (food preference or rejection category), and salience of food in the selection of the energy-dense main dishes. In conclusion, key findings of the variables that constitute the situation that predicts the selection of energy-dense foods have emerged from this study, when participants and the given level of social facilitation (in this case, being accompanied) were faced with the conditions of the food salience of the meals of their preference regarding its taste and appearance.

Impact of Contact With Nature on the Wellbeing and Nature Connectedness Indicators After a Desertic Outdoor Experience on Isla Del Tiburon.

Nature connectedness is determined by the representation individuals have about themselves within nature. This concept is often studied in relation to the direct contact individuals have with natural environment, which according to some studies have demonstrated to generate positive effects by fostering a feeling of connecting and bonding with nature, as well as improving their wellbeing. The main focus of this study was to calculate and assess the relation between Nature Connectedness and wellbeing of participants. The methodological approach of this research reaches quantitative data comparing results obtained from both samples, as well as correlations between the variables. The sample for this study was composed by two groups of university students (M = 25 years old). Both contrast group (n = 32) and experience group (n = 29) filled the questionnaire in two separate moments and in different environments. First data collection moment for both groups was held inside a university classroom. A second moment of data collection was carried out after a month from the first application, having the contrast group answer the questionnaire on a classroom again whilst the experience group responded it during an excursion to Isla Del Tiburon in Northwestern Mexico after performing some recreational activities being totally immersed in a local desertic environment. Questionnaire was composed by a 6 point Likert type scale measuring Nature Connectedness through concepts such as Nature relatedness and Love and care for the natural, as well as Subjective and Psychological Wellbeing of participants. Results show that both wellbeing and Nature Connectedness are positively influenced by performing activities out in the natural environment. This work was also conducted in response to the need to understand the full extent of Contact and Connectedness to nature, carrying out an exploratory study in desertic settings when much of the early work centers around the study of these variables in green nature environments.

Conceptual Integration and Empirical Validation of a Unified Taxonomy: Quantitative Data Analysis for Virtual Learning Environments.

Specific classes of cyberspaces emphasize different types of digital transactions given the user's context, thus making it essential to take into account what these environments can afford. In this way, we can portray the niches of technological use as ecologies of particular possibilities and compare how they differ between distinct spheres of human life. The present research is focused on describing the conceptual integration of a taxonomic crossover between Virtual Learning Environments and Educational Affordances of Technology, while also performing empirical testing and determining the psychometric properties in a scale regarding the aforementioned taxonomy. The study sample consisted of 320 students in the departments of foreign languages from three different universities in Sonora (northwestern region of Mexico). Students were given a questionnaire of 21 items organized into four subscales with a Likert-type response option to measure the notions concerning their usage of Virtual Learning Environments. Internal consistency procedures and confirmatory factor analysis by means of Cronbach's alpha and Structural modeling support the derived factorial structure, which contains Cyber-Communications, Virtual Behavior Settings, Virtual Communities, and Availability and Access to Connectivity. This structure traces the environmental properties perceived by learners in a virtual environment. Results sustain the initial conceptual construction regarding the proposed taxonomy, conclude that the 'Virtual Learning Environments Questionnaire' demonstrates adequate psychometric properties, and validate it as a fitting measure to assess the perceived psychological experience of students in a digital educational setting.

El futuro trascendental como determinante de las conductas sustentables y la percepción de felicidad / Transcendental future as a determinant of sustainable behavior and the perception of happiness

Resumen La perspectiva temporal es una variable psicológica que se ha asociado con múltiples comportamientos, entre ellos la conducta sustentable (CS). Son escasos los estudios sobre la relación entre la orientación temporal denominada futuro trascendental y la CS. Objetivo: estimar las relaciones entre dos perspectivas temporales (orientación al futuro y orientación al futuro trascendental) y la conducta sustentable; y su asociación, con el autocuidado y la felicidad. Metodología: estudio correlacional, con un diseño no experimental, transeccional. Participaron 209 personas de una ciudad al noroeste de México, con una edad promedio de 30.33 años, quienes respondieron a un instrumento que constó de ocho escalas Likert que evaluaron perspectiva de futuro, perspectiva temporal de futuro trascendental, conducta proecológica, altruismo, frugalidad, equidad, comportamientos de autocuidado y felicidad subjetiva. Las interrelaciones entre las variables se estimaron mediante un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Resultados: las orientaciones temporales al futuro y al futuro trascendental influyen en las conductas sustentables (conducta proecológica, altruismo, frugalidad, equidad), que, a su vez, impactan en la felicidad y el autocuidado de las personas. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos aportan información valiosa que ayuda a elucidar las características que posee un individuo que orienta su conducta a los ideales de la sostenibilidad.

Abstract Time perspective is a psychological variable that has been associated it with multiple behaviors, including sustainable behaviors. Research on transcendental future perspective is scarce, among the studies on temporal perspective and sustainable behavior, none were found on the relationship between transcendental future and SC. Objective: this research was aimed at assessing the relationship between two-time perspectives (future orientation, transcendent future orientation) and sustainable behavior, and its association with self-care and happiness. Method: a correlational study was developed, with a non-experimental, transactional design. Two hundred nine people from a northwestern city in Mexico participated, with an average age of 30.33 years, who responded to an instrument that consisted of eight Likert scales that evaluated future perspective, transcendental future temporal perspective, pro-ecological behavior, altruism, frugality, equity, self-care behaviors, and subjective happiness. Results: the results were processed within a structural equation model, where it is emphasized that temporal orientations to the future and to the transcendental future influence sustainable behaviors (pro-ecological behavior, altruism, frugality, equity), which, in turn, impact on the happiness and self-care of people. Conclusion: these findings provide valuable information that helps elucidate the characteristics of an individual who guides his behavior to sustainability ideals.

Pictographic Representations of the Word "Nature" in Preschool Education Children.

The relevance of preschool children's understanding of nature, its elements, how it affects the behavior of human beings, and how human beings influence it, is a two-purpose task. First, it helps to identify the necessary elements for the design of programs that have a significant impact in the development of environmental identity. Second, it also assists in the implementation of environmental education in the school curriculum in Mexico, in order to develop attitudes to preserve the environment from an early age. Based on this logic, the objective of this study was to identify the components of the concept of nature and its relationship with environmental identity, from drawings made by preschool children in a desert environment through a visual discursive analysis. The sample consisted of 118 preschool students whose ages ranged between 5 and 6 years. Participants were selected from four different schools in Hermosillo, Mexico: three located in the urban area and one on the coastal area of the State of Sonora. Participants were asked to draw the first thing that came to their minds when they heard the word nature. As a result, all the drawings presented categories such as plants, animals, waterbodies, celestial bodies, abiotic factors, natural locations, locations made by man, and others. Finally, the analysis showed that a general idea of what nature represents to children includes elements of known flora and fauna; however, they did not capture elements of the desert region in which they live. In addition, most participants' self-definition contained environmental identity.

School Environments and Elementary School Children's Well-Being in Northwestern Mexico.

School environment refers to the set of relationships that occur among members of a school community that are determined by structural, personal, and functional factors of the educational institution, which provide distinctiveness to schools. The school environment is an important factor when evaluating student well-being. Previous findings have shown that variables such as physical, academic, and social dimensions influence school environments. This research seeks to explain the relationship between school environment and the well-being of primary education students. To carry out this research, a total of 405 students from four public elementary schools in northwestern Mexico were selected to participate. The instrument used to measure the variables and the relationship of school environment and well-being is based on the three dimensions of school environment proposed by Kutsyuruba et al. (2015): Physical, social, and academic. Statistical analyses were carried out to determine the reliability and validity of the measurement scales using SPSS V20 and EQS software. Confirmatory factor analysis models were tested to determine the construct validity of each scale; then, an analysis via structural equation modeling was made to form an explanatory model obtaining acceptable practical and statistical indicators. Among the relationships in this study, our research identified the variable of school environments as an outcome determined by physical, academic, and social factors. School environment and student well-being variables were also found to be correlated.

Ambiente familiar positivo y bienestar personal: comparación entre población urbana y rural / Positive Family Environment and Personal Well-being: Comparison Between Urban and Rural Populations

Resumen El ambiente familiar se considera uno de los contextos más importantes en la vida de las personas. El presente estudio centró su interés en el bienestar personal que este ambiente sociofísico genera en sus habitantes. El objetivo general fue identificar la relación que existe entre el ambiente familiar positivo (AFP) y el bienestar personal en individuos que viven en zona urbana y rural. La muestra estuvo conformada por 202 personas, de las cuales 68% eran de sexo femenino y 32% del masculino. Las edades oscilaron entre 18 y 76 años con una media de 34.7 (DE = 14.3). Se utilizó un instrumento para medir factores del ambiente sociofísico de las familias y el bienestar personal. Se llevó a cabo el análisis de confiabilidad, estadísticos descriptivos y comparativos, así como un modelo de ecuacio- nes estructurales. Los resultados comprueban que existen diferencias en algunas dimensiones socio- físicas del ambiente familiar entre las personas que habitan en zona urbana y aquellos que residen en área rural. Además, se probó que el factor de orden superior denominado ambiente familiar positivo se encuentra significativamente relacionado con el bienestar de los individuos.

Abstract: Family environment is considered one of the essential contexts in life; one of the reasons is because people spend most of their quality time in the home. This study focused its interest in the positivity that this socio-physical con- text generates in the individual. The study aimed at identifying the relationship between the construct called a posi- tive family environment and the personal well-being of people living in urban and rural contexts. A sample of 202 people gave their answers, 68% woman, and 32% man, the age was between 18 y 76 years old with a mean of 34.7 (SD = 14.3). The instrument combined scales to measure socio-physical components in the family environment and personal well-being. Reliability, descriptive, and comparative analyses, as well as a structural equation model were performed. Results showed the existence of differences between people living in urban and rural zones on most of the socio-physical dimensions of the family environment. A higher-order factor was formed with physical and social aspects, this variable is called a positive family environment, and it is significantly related to personal well-being.

Exploración del concepto naturaleza a partir de redes semánticas naturales en estudiantes de educación básica

Resumen El objetivo de la presente investigación fue describir la concepción de la palabra naturaleza desde la perspectiva de niños que estudian educación básica, así como analizar las similitudes y diferencias según el grado escolar. Participaron 272 alumnos de educación básica (172 mujeres y 94 hombres). Como resultado general, se obtuvo tamaño de red (TR) de 203 palabras definidoras de Naturaleza y se incluyeron en el núcleo de red 21 palabras. Aquellas con mayor peso semántico fueron: árboles, plantas, cuidar, sol, agua, flores, tierra, entre otras. Por otra parte, se analizaron redes por grado escolar, donde destacan las palabras que se presentan en todos los núcleos (conjunto SAM) de las redes semánticas: árboles, animales, agua y sol. Asimismo, se observó un aumento en el tamaño de las redes semánticas en función del grado escolar, excluyendo la red de primero grado de primaria que incluía palabras no pertinentes al estímulo.

Abstract The goal of this study was to describe the conception of "nature" in 272 primary school children, and to analyze similarities and differences according to grade. (172 women and 94 men). As a general result, 203 was the network size of words defining "nature", and 21 words were included in the network core; those with greater semantic weight were: trees, plants, caring, sun, water, flowers, land, among others. On the other hand, networks were analyzed by grade, and words common to all nuclei (SAM set) of the semantic networks were trees, animals, water and sun. Also, an increase in the size of semantic networks was observed according to grade, excluding the network of the first grade of Elementary School that included words not pertinent to the stimulus.

Las virtudes de la humanidad, justicia y moderación y su relación con la conducta sustentable / Virtues of humanity, justice and temperance and their relationship with sustainable behavior

Resumen Basado en la idea de que la conducta sustentable es un tipo de comportamiento virtuoso, el presente estudio explora la relación entre tres virtudes universales - Humanidad, Justicia, Moderación - y cuatro instancias de conducta sustentable - acciones altruistas, pro-ecológicas, frugales y equitativas - las cuales se consideran necesarias para alcanzar los ideales de un desarrollo sostenible. Se investigaron las respuestas que dieron cuatrocientas personas de la población general, en una ciudad del noroeste mexicano, a reactivos del Inventario de Virtudes y Fortalezas Psicológicas (VIA Survey, Peterson & Seligman, 2004) y a un instrumento que investigaba conductas sustentables. Los resultados se procesaron dentro de un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales, el cual produjo factores de primer orden para las tres virtudes y los cuatro tipos de comportamiento sustentables. A su vez, el grupo de virtudes generó un factor de segundo orden (virtudes) y eso mismo ocurrió para el de conductas sustentables (CS). La covariación entre el factor superior de virtudes y el de CS fue alta y significativa lo que parece indicar que las conductas prosociales y proambientales son de naturaleza virtuosa, por lo menos en lo concerniente a las tres virtudes aquí analizadas.

Abstract Based upon the idea that sustainable (prosocial, proenvironmental) actions are a kind of virtuous behavior, this study explores the relationship between three universal virtues -Humanity, Justice, Temperance - and four instances of sustainable behavior (SB) -altruistic, proecological, frugal and equitable actions - which are considered necessary for achieving the ideals of sustainable development. The responses of four hundred individuals, living in a northwestern Mexican city to the Inventory of Strengths and Virtues (VIA Survey, Peterson & Seligman, 2004), as well as an instrument assessing sustainable behavior, were processed within a structural equation model. This model produced first-order factors for the three analyzed virtues and the four types of sustainable behaviors. In turn, the group of virtues generated a second-order factor (Virtue) and the group of sustainable behaviors produced a secondorder factor (SB) as well. The covariation between the Virtue and SB factors was salient and significant, which seems to indicate that prosocial and proenvironmental behaviors have a virtuous nature, at least in regard to Humanity, Justice, and Temperance.

Sustainable Behaviors and Perceived Psychological Restoration / Conductas sustentables y restauración psicológica percibida

This study was aimed at exploring one potential psychological benefit of sustainable behaviors: the perceived psychological restoration (PR) associated to engaging in pro-environmental activities at both the physical and social levels. PR involves the recovery of lost psychological resources (attention, positive mood states, psychological wellbeing) mostly caused by attentional fatigue and stress, while sustainable behavior constitutes a set of actions aimed at the protection of natural and social resources. One-hundred- and thirty-seven individuals living in a Northern Mexican city participated in a study assessing four instances of sustainable behavior: altruistic, proecological, frugal, and equitable actions. In addition, four dimensions of a construct related to the perceived psychological restorative effects of sustainable behaviors were measured: being away, fascination, extent and compatibility, assumedly resulting from pro-environmental and pro-social actions. Using structural equation modeling, the first four constructs were aggregated into a higher-order factor (sustainable behavior), while the rest of the constructs constituted a second higher-order factor (perceived restoration). These two higher-order factors resulted highly and significantly associated, indicating that practicing actions of environmental and social conservation might likely result in the restoration of lost psychological functions. These results reinforce the idea that sustainable behavior produces positive psychological consequences.

El propósito del presente estudio se centró en explorar un potencial beneficio psicológico de las conductas sustentables: la restauración psicológica percibida que las personas asocian a su involucramiento en actividades pro-ambientales, tanto en lo que se refiere al cuidado del ambiente físico, como del social. La restauración psicológica involucra la recuperación de funciones (atención, estados de ánimo positivos, sensaciones de bienestar) perdidas por la fatiga atencional y el estrés, mientras que la conducta sustentable constituye un conjunto de acciones encaminadas al cuidado de recursos naturales y sociales. Dado que la investigación previa sugiere que las personas anticipan efectos restaurativos de la exposición a ambientes sustentables, surge la interrogante acerca de un posible efecto restaurador de las conductas sustentables. Se desarrolló un estudio en el que participaron ciento treinta y siete habitantes de de una ciudad del norte de México; la investigación midió cuatro instancias de la conducta sustentable: acciones altruistas, pro-ecológicas, frugales y equitativas. Adicionalmente, se evaluaron cuatro dimensiones de un constructo relacionado con los efectos restaurativos psicológicos de las conductas sustentables. Estas dimensiones comprendieron la evasión, la fascinación, la extensión y la compatibilidad, las cuales, se asumían como estados resultantes de las acciones pro-ambientales y pro-sociales. A través del uso de ecuaciones estructurales se agregaron los primeros cuatro constructos dentro de un factor de orden superior, al que denominamos "conducta sustentable", en tanto que el resto de los constructos medidos constituyó un segundo factor de orden superior, etiquetado como "restauración psicológica percibida". Los resultados señalan que los dos factores de orden superior se asocian de manera sobresaliente y significativa, lo que indicaría que la práctica de acciones de conservación ambienta y social pueden ayudar a la restauración de funciones psicológicas perdidas. Estos resultados se aúnan a una serie de evidencias que muestran beneficios psicológicos de la actuación a favor del ambiente.

Sustainable behavior and time perspective: present, past, and future orientations and their relationship with water conservation behavior / Conducta sostenible y perspectiva temporal: 0rientaciones al presente, pasado y futuro y su relación con la conducta de ahorro de agua

Three hundred individuals at a Mexican city responded to Zimbardo’s Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), and self-reported how frequently they engaged in water conservation practices. The ZTPI assesses individual differences in terms of attitudes believed to identify orientations towards a positive or negative past, hedonistic or fatalistic present, and future orientations. Results were processed within two structural equation models, which showed that present orientation negatively affected water conservation. Water conservation did not correlate with past orientation. Yet, that pro-environmental behavior significantly and positively was influenced by Future Orientation. Women reported a higher involvement in water conservation practices, whereas adult individuals (> 18 years old) and those with higher schooling levels presented a higher Future Orientation. Proposals considering these results are discussed aimed at developing sustainable attitudes and behaviors.(AU)

Trecentos mexicanos contestaron a los reactivos del Inventario de Perspectiva Temporal de Zimbardo (IPTZ) y auto-reportaron sus conductas de ahorro de agua. El IZPT mide diferencias individuales en términos de orientaciones hacia un pasado positivo o negativo, un presente fatalista o hedonista y tendencia hacia el futuro. Los resultados se procesaron en dos modelos de ecuaciones estructurales, revelando que la orientación al presente afecta negativamente al ahorro de agua. Este ahorro no se correlacionó con la orientación al pasado, pero sí lo hizo positivamente con la orientación al futuro. Las mujeres reportaron ahorrar más agua, mientras que los adultos (> 18 años) y las personas de mayor escolaridad se plantearon con una mayor orientación hacia el futuro.(AU)

Sustainable behavior and time perspective: present, past, and future orientations and their relationship with water conservation behavior / Conducta sostenible y perspectiva temporal: 0rientaciones al presente, pasado y futuro y su relación con la conducta de ahorro de agua

Three hundred individuals at a Mexican city responded to Zimbardo’s Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), and self-reported how frequently they engaged in water conservation practices. The ZTPI assesses individual differences in terms of attitudes believed to identify orientations towards a positive or negative past, hedonistic or fatalistic present, and future orientations. Results were processed within two structural equation models, which showed that present orientation negatively affected water conservation. Water conservation did not correlate with past orientation. Yet, that pro-environmental behavior significantly and positively was influenced by Future Orientation. Women reported a higher involvement in water conservation practices, whereas adult individuals (> 18 years old) and those with higher schooling levels presented a higher Future Orientation. Proposals considering these results are discussed aimed at developing sustainable attitudes and behaviors.

Trecentos mexicanos contestaron a los reactivos del Inventario de Perspectiva Temporal de Zimbardo (IPTZ) y auto-reportaron sus conductas de ahorro de agua. El IZPT mide diferencias individuales en t‚rminos de orientaciones hacia un pasado positivo o negativo, un presente fatalista o hedonista y tendencia hacia el futuro. Los resultados se procesaron en dos modelos de ecuaciones estructurales, revelando que la orientaci¢n al presente afecta negativamente al ahorro de agua. Este ahorro no se correlacion¢ con la orientaci¢n al pasado, pero s¡ lo hizo positivamente con la orientaci¢n al futuro. Las mujeres reportaron ahorrar m s agua, mientras que los adultos (> 18 a¤os) y las personas de mayor escolaridad se plantearon con una mayor orientaci¢n hacia el futuro.