Taking Oral Evidence in Chile from Child Victims in Priority Groups: Challenges for the Practice and Training of Justice Professionals.

In Chile, Law 21.057 established in 2019 that, for criminal cases in which there is a child or adolescent victim of a sexual or other serious crime, professionals who take the evidence from the victim during the investigative interview and court testimony are required to be specially trained as interviewers and intermediaries, respectively. Although Chile has been progressively moving into a child-friendly justice system, the expertise and training on how to address victims who have particular communicative, emotional, cultural, or social needs have been rather limited. This study explores the challenges experienced by investigative interviewers and intermediaries with child victims from priority groups, through the lens of their instructors. The term "priority groups" encompasses people who require special protection because of a condition that puts them at a disadvantage. Using purposive sampling, 12 of the most experienced instructors were recruited, and five semi-structured group interviews were conducted remotely. Through thematic data analysis, eight categories of challenges were found. First, the study identified particular difficulties experienced by professionals with six groups of children and adolescents who are here called priority victims or members of priority groups: (1.1) preschool children, (1.2) victims with neurodevelopmental disorders, (1.3) victims with psychiatric disorders, (1.4) reluctant victims, (1.5) Indigenous and migrant victims, and (1.6) victims in complex contexts/crimes. Secondly, the analysis identified cross-cutting challenges for the professionals related to (2.1) difficulties remaining after their initial training, and (2.2) the unavailability of background information about the victims before the proceedings. The article emphasizes the need to strengthen advanced competences and training content regarding priority groups, to reinforce initial skills, and to refine guidelines to assess and address these victims adequately, in order to facilitate their access to justice.

Mindfulness en el control del atracón, la perspectiva de un grupo de adultos chilenos / Mindfulness in the control of binge eating, the perspective of a Chilean adult group

Resumen Intervenciones basadas en mindfulness (atención plena [AP]) están siendo cada vez más utilizadas para tratar temas alimentarios, buscando mejorar la regulación emocional y la conciencia acerca de los estados internos (e.g., hambre, saciedad). El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir la percepción de la práctica de AP en el control de la conducta de atracón. Participaron siete adultos que presentaban conducta de atracón (20-52 años de edad), seis mujeres y un hombre. Como parte de este estudio, los participantes recibieron una intervención (taller) sobre AP y alimentación. Con base a un enfoque metodológico cualitativo, de alcance exploratorio y descriptivo, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas pre-post intervención, las cuales fueron analizadas mediante codificación abierta. Antes de la intervención, los participantes sostenían una relación no consciente con la comida, presentando un modo de funcionar automático. Tras la intervención se reportaron cambios favorables, como el aumento de la conciencia y el reconocimiento cognitivo y emocional, lo cual supuso modificaciones en la conducta alimentaria. Los participantes realizaron una evaluación positiva del taller y del formato grupal, destacando que la AP fue interiorizada como una nueva herramienta para la vida diaria.

Abstract Interventions based on mindfulness are increasingly used for feeding issues, looking for an improvement in the emotional regulation and awareness of internal states (i.e., satiety, hunger). The objective of this paper was to describe the perception of mindfulness when controlling binge eating behavior. A total of seven adults with binge eating behavior (20-52 years old), six women and one men participated in the study. All participants receive a training (workshop) about mindfulness and feeding. Based on a qualitative methodological approach with exploratory and descriptive scope, semi-structured interviews were performed pre-post intervention and were analyzed by open coding. Before intervention participants had no awareness in their relationship with food showing an automatic response. After intervention participants reported favorable changes such as increased of awareness as well as cognitive and emotional recognition, which led to changes in eating behavior. The participants made a positive evaluation of the workshop and the group format, highlighting that mindfulness was internalized as a new tool for daily life.

Cirugía bariátrica en pacientes jóvenes: ¿Cómo evalúan el proceso? / Bariatric surgery in young patients: How do they appraise the process?

RESUMEN La tasa de cirugía bariátrica en personas cada vez más jóvenes ha ido aumentando, sin embargo, son escasos los datos sobre la evolución del funcionamiento psicosocial de población joven sometida a esta intervención. Surge la necesidad de conocer diferencias y similitudes con población adulta. Objetivo: Explorar las experiencias y necesidades pre y postoperatorias de jóvenes sometidos a cirugía bariátrica en centros de salud de Chile. Método: Estudio cualitativo de alcance exploratorio/descriptivo y de corte transversal. Se aplicaron entrevistas semi-estructuradas a 27 jóvenes de entre 18 y 27 años sometidos a cirugía bariátrica. Los datos fueron analizados mediante la técnica de codificación abierta de la teoría fundamentada. Resultados: Se identifican cuatro categorías respecto a la evolución del proceso operatorio, incluyendo: historial de obesidad, motivos de consulta, vivencias postoperatorias, y factores ambientales y personales facilitadores del proceso. Discusión: Los participantes exhiben, en general, experiencias similares a las reportadas por adultos. No obstante, se evidencian elementos específicos al contexto y etapa evolutiva de la juventud, que son necesarios de considerar en el acompañamiento profesional y familiar pre y postoperatorio a corto y largo plazo.

ABSTRACT The rate of bariatric surgery has increased in younger populations, nonetheless data about the psychosocial evolution of young adults who undergo this intervention is scarce. Thus, there is a need to understand the differences and similarities of experiences compared with older adults. Aim: To explore pre- and post-operative experiences and needs of young adults who underwent bariatric surgery in health care centers in Chile. Method: Cross-sectional qualitative study with an exploratory/descriptive scope. We interviewed 27 young adults between 18 and 27 years old, who underwent bariatric surgery. Data were analyzed using open coding technique from grounded theory. Results: Four categories regarding the evolution of the operative process were identified. These included: obesity history, surgery motives, postoperative experiences, as well as environmental and personal facilitators of the process. Discussion: Participants, in general, showed similar experiences compared to the ones reported by adults. Nonetheless, we found specific elements of the developmental period and age-specific context, which are necessary to consider for the short- and long-term pre- and post-operative professional and family support.

Diferencias socioculturales en la terapia de pareja: la perspectiva de terapeutas y parejas consultantes / Sociocultural differences within couple's therapy: the perspective of therapists and consultant couples / Diferenças socioculturais em terapia de casal: a perspectiva de terapeutas e casais

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir cómo participan, en el proceso terapéutico de parejas, las diferencias socioculturales entre terapeutas y parejas consultantes de niveles socioeconómicos (NSE) distintos. Se empleó una metodología cualitativa con un diseño analítico-relacional. La muestra consistió en nueve terapeutas de NSE alto y medio-alto y cinco parejas de NSE bajo y medio-bajo de Santiago de Chile. Se realizaron entrevistas semi-estructuradas y los datos fueron analizados mediante las tres etapas de la técnica Teoría Fundamentada. Los resultados apuntan a que, a pesar de que las diferencias socioeconómicas y socioculturales no se perciben como perjudiciales para el tratamiento cuando se mantiene un vínculo cercano, éstas sí pueden influir las vivencias y tipo de intervenciones de los terapeutas, la alianza terapéutica y simetría de la relación, la evaluación que las parejas hacen sobre el profesional y la terapia, así como la posibilidad de abandono. Aquello depende, en su mayoría, del manejo y características del terapeuta. Los hallazgos adquieren relevancia para la formación y la práctica de terapeutas de pareja, así como de otras modalidades.

The aim of the present study was to describe how sociocultural differences between therapists and consultant couples of different socioeconomic levels (SEL) participate in the couple's therapeutic process. A qualitative methodology with a relational-analytic design was used. The sample consisted of nine therapists of high and middle-high SEL and five couples of low and middle-low SEL of Santiago de Chile. Semi-structured interviews were carried out and data were analyzed by the three stages of the Grounded Theory technique. Results indicate that despite the socioeconomic and sociocultural differences are not perceived as damaging for the treatment when a close bond is held, they can influence the therapists' experiences and interventions, the therapeutic alliance and symmetry of the relationship, the couples' evaluation of the therapist and the possibility of attrition. This mostly depends on the guidance and characteristics of the therapist. The findings become relevant for the training and practice of couple's therapists, as well as other modalities.

Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever como afetam o processo de terapia de casal, as diferenças socioculturais entre terapeutas e casais de nível socioeconômico (NSE) diferente. Foi utilizada uma metodologia qualitativa com um desenho analítico-relacional. A amostra foi composta por nove terapeutas de NSE alto e médio-alto e cinco casais de NSE baixo e médio-baixo de Santiago de Chile. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas e os dados foram analisados utilizando os três estágios da Grounded Theory. Os resultados sugerem que, apesar de as diferenças socioeconômicas e socioculturais não serem percebidas como prejudiciais para o tratamento quando uma ligação estreita seja mantida, elas podem influenciar o tipo de experiências e intervenções de terapeutas, a aliança terapêutica e a simetria da relação, a avaliação que os casais fazem do profissional e da terapia, bem como favorecer o abandono. Isso depende principalmente das características e da gestão do terapeuta. Os resultados tornam-se relevantes para a formação e prática de terapeutas de casais e outras modalidades.

Validation of a Spanish translation of the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6) with a Chilean sample of adults and high schoolers.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have associated positive emotions with several variables such as learning, coping strategies or assertive behaviour. The concept of gratitude has been specifically defined as a tendency to recognise and respond to people or situations with grateful emotion. Unfortunately in Latin America, no validated measures of gratitude on different populations are available. The aim of this study was to analyse the psychometric properties of the Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6) in two Chilean samples. METHODS: Two studies were conducted: the first with 668 high school adolescents (390 women and 278 men, with ages ranging between 12 and 20, and a mean age 15.54 ± 1.22) and the second with 331 adults (231 women and 100 men, with an average age of 37.59 ± 12.6). An analysis of the psychometric properties of the GQ-6 scale to determine the validity and reliability of the instrument in Chilean adolescents and adults was performed. Bivariate correlations, multiple regression analyses, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Monte Carlo simulations were carried out. Finally, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed. RESULTS: A single-factor solution was found in both studies, a 5 item version for the adolescents and 6 items for adults. This factorial solution was invariant across genders. Reliability of the GQ was adequate in both samples (using Cronbach's alpha coefficient). In addition convergent and discriminate validity were assessed. Additionally, a negative correlation between the GQ-5 and depression in adolescents and a positive correlation between the GQ-6 and happiness in adults was found. CONCLUSIONS: The GQ is a suitable measure for evaluating a person's disposition toward gratitude in Chilean adolescents and adults. This instrument may contribute to the advancement of the study of positive emotions in Latin America.

Substance Use, Bullying, and Body Image Disturbances in Adolescents and Young Adults Under the Prism of a 3D Simulation Program: Validation of MySchool4web.

BACKGROUND: The use of virtual reality or three-dimensional (3D) simulation programs has been explored in different mental health problems and contexts. One of the applications that showed evidence of a suitable assessment for behavioral and emotional problems in adolescents is the 3D questionnaire called MySchool4web. The aim of this work was to analyze the psychometric properties of a tailored version of MySchool4web. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A correlational, nonexperimental, cross-sectional study was carried out. The participants were 668 secondary students from schools in Santiago, Chile with a mean age of 15.74 years. Adolescents completed MySchool4web in the informatics classroom of each school. RESULTS: Results indicated that two of the items had to be removed, and a three-factor solution was found representing the dimensions substance use, bullying, and body image. This final model of 10 items showed acceptable internal consistency per factor, and its scores were significantly associated with other related measures in nine items. CONCLUSIONS: These outcomes suggest that this version of MySchool4web is a reliable and valid measure of a 3D instrument for the screening of risky behaviors and emotional problems in adolescents and young adults in a school context.