Jealousy protest to a social rival compared to a nonsocial rival in Chilean infants 10-20 months' old.

Jealousy protests have been linked to the intrusion of social rivals challenging infants' exclusive access to maternal care and resources that typically accompany attachment. Previous studies revealed that the experimental presentation of social rivals evokes protest in as early as 6 months old infants. This study replicated research on jealousy protests in a novel language and sociocultural context with 10-20 months old infants. We compared protests of 45 children when their mothers attended to each of the rivals and controlled for attachment dimensions. As hypothesized, infants had a stronger jealousy protest to the social rival, and their response was associated with attachment avoidance. We concluded that our results contribute to evidence on jealousy protest as an evolutionary rooted phenomenon that favors the mother's attention in a social rivalry scenario over nonsocial stimuli. Attachment avoidance may be a precluding factor of jealousy when faced with a social rival scenario that deserves further research.

Diferencias en la conducta de emparejamiento entre mujeres jóvenes universitarias de Santiago de Chile en relación con el consumo de píldoras anticonceptivas orales / Differences in mating behavior among university young women of Santiago de Chile in relation to the consumption of oral contraceptive pills

Durante los últimos años en Chile se ha detectado una masificación en el uso de anticonceptivos orales. Sin embargo, en Chile y al igual que en casi todos los países latinoamericanos prácticamente no se han investigado sus implicancias sobre la conducta humana. Específicamente, este estudio evaluó el impacto del uso de estos anticonceptivos sobre la conducta de emparejamiento en un grupo de 164 mujeres jóvenes universitarias, con una media de edad igual a 19 años y provenientes de cuatro universidades chilenas. Para ello se utilizó la adaptación chilena del Cuestionario de Componentes del Valor de Pareja que está compuesto por 22 ítems que se responden en una escala Likert de siete valores. Los resultados señalan diferencias entre las mujeres que consumen píldoras anticonceptivas (PA) y las que no lo hacen. Las consumidoras presentan los mayores valores del índice general del cuestionario sobre los componentes del valor de pareja y las subescalas de historia de relaciones de pareja, apreciación desde el sexo opuesto y apariencia. Estos resultados indican que las mujeres consumidoras de la PA se autoperciben y creen que el sexo contrario las evalúa como atractivas y muestran una vida sexual más diversificada, no mostrando diferencias en los otros aspectos relevantes para el valor de pareja no vinculados centralmente al atractivo físico. En definitiva, los resultados parecen indicar que el consumo de anticonceptivos hormonales no modifica la conducta social y parental de las mujeres, aunque su uso parece estar asociado con una mayor autopercepción de atractivo y mayor diversidad sexual.

Oral contraceptives, also known as birth control pills (PAs from now on), have been available on the world market for five decades. At present, the use of PA is massifier worldwide, being consumed by more than 100 million women on the planet. In recent years, in Latin America has been detected a dramatic increase in the use of oral contraceptives, and Chile is not the exception. In this sense, it is probable that the increase in the consumption of PAs in Chile is linked to the increase of women who decide to pursue higher studies and to develop professional careers. Concurrently, a wide field of research has been focused on the physiological and psychological effect of the consumption of oral contraceptives on human behavior, being mating behavior one of the main topics of research. However, in Chile as in most Latin American countries there is a lack of studies on the implications of the consumption of oral contraceptives on human behavior. In the present study, we investigated in a group of 164 university young women (Mean ± Standard Deviation: 19.27± 2.88 years) of Chile the impact of the use of oral contraceptives on mating behavior. Accordingly, we have applied a validated psychometric test to assessed mate value, one of the more relevant components of mating behavior i.e., the Mate Value Questionnaire. Mate value can be defined as a construct that incorporates a number of physical, psychological, and social dimensions that are related to an individual's ability to find, attract, and successfully retain a partner. This questionnaire is composed by 22 items and 7 subscales that are answered in a Likert Scale of 7 values. The Mate Value Questionnaire showed a high reliability (α = .85). According with previous studies that showed a decrease in sexual satisfaction and desire on women that consume oral contraceptives, we predicted a decrease of mating behavior and, then, a decrease on Mate Value for those women that use oral contraceptives. This effect was expected for all subscales of this questionnaire with the exception of relationship history subscale since women that consume oral contraceptives reported to have more diverse sexual partners on previous studies. The results show differences between women who use oral contraceptives (n = 87 women: 19.60 ± 2.89 years) in comparison to those who do not (n = women: 18.90 ± 2.84 years). However, the differences were, in general, opposed to our expectations being the consumers of oral contraceptives who presented the highest values of the general index of the Mate Value Questionnaire, and, concretely, for the subscales of relationship history, views of the opposite sex, and looks. In addition, we have failed into found any differences between groups in subscales that were not associated to physical appearance, such as wealth, sociality and fear of failure. The results suggest that the use of hormonal contraceptives does not modify the social and parental behavior of the women, although their use seems to be associated with a greater self-perception of attractiveness and greater diversity in sexual life. This study provides new information that will increase the understanding and discussion about the hypothetical effect that would or would not, the consumption of the PA on the pairing behavior. It is important to point out that the field of research on changes in the sexual preferences of women, derived from hormonal states, is in an important discussion process. Therefore, we believe that it is critical to carry out research in the future in order to elucidate the real robustness of this phenomenon, improving our understanding about the behavioral effects of consuming oral contraceptives.

Short-Term Effects of the Empathic Talk: The Role of Perceived Empathy, Interpersonal Dispositions, and Vagal Tone on Experiencing Depth.

The present study examines the immediate impact of empathic attitudes on the receiver, by comparing an empathic conversation (EC) with a neutral one (NC) on experiencing depth (EXP), perceived empathy and vagal tone. We also evaluate if empathy effects depend on personality dispositions relevant to interpersonal functioning. An experimental, counterbalanced, within-subject design was implemented wherein participants (n = 27, age M = 22.6, SD = 4.0, 52% females) talked about a personal, meaningful topic for 20 minutes under both the EC and NC conditions. At the group level, main results indicated that the EC was more effective than the NC in promoting increases in EXP over time (F(1, 25) = 21.04, p < .001, η p 2 = .457) and perceived empathy in women (F(1, 25) = 9.42, p = .005, η p 2 = .264). At the individual level, the NC particularly precluded EXP gains in people expressing a better interpersonal functioning (ßs < -.46, ps < .05 for attachment security and empathy and ß = .38, p < .05 for aggression), and who also inhibited their vagal tone throughout this very condition (ß = .40, p = .024). We conclude that the empathic context has an immediate positive impact on healthy psychological variables, whereas a more impersonal setting would drive people away from this positive effect. Those results are discussed in the light of the role of interpersonal proximity (being empathic to another's experience and the lack of this attitude) in psychotherapy and healthy functioning.

Short-term effects of the empathic talk: the role of perceived empathy, interpersonal dispositions, and vagal tone on experiencing depth

The present study examines the immediate impact of empathic attitudes on the receiver, by comparing an empathic conversation (EC) with a neutral one (NC) on experiencing depth (EXP), perceived empathy and vagal tone. We also evaluate if empathy effects depend on personality dispositions relevant to interpersonal functioning. An experimental, counterbalanced, within-subject design was implemented wherein participants (n = 27, age M = 22.6, SD = 4.0, 52% females) talked about a personal, meaningful topic for 20 minutes under both the EC and NC conditions. At the group level, main results indicated that the EC was more effective than the NC in promoting increases in EXP over time (F(1, 25) = 21.04, p < .001, ηp 2 = .457) and perceived empathy in women (F(1, 25) = 9.42, p = .005, ηp 2 = .264). At the individual level, the NC particularly precluded EXP gains in people expressing a better interpersonal functioning (βs < -.46, ps < .05 for attachment security and empathy and β = .38, p < .05 for aggression), and who also inhibited their vagal tone throughout this very condition (β = .40, p = .024). We conclude that the empathic context has an immediate positive impact on healthy psychological variables, whereas a more impersonal setting would drive people away from this positive effect. Those results are discussed in the light of the role of interpersonal proximity (being empathic to another's experience and the lack of this attitude) in psychotherapy and healthy functioning (AU)

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Adaptation of Collins' revised adult attachment dimensional scale to the Chilean context / Adaptação da escala dimensional revisada de apego adulto de Collins para o contexto chileno

The Adult Attachment Revised Scale is a measure of relationship attachment that contains three dimensions: closeness, dependence and anxiety. In Study 1, the scale was translated and applied to a sample of 420 university students in order to assess reliability. In addition, the scale criterion validity was estimated through measures of self-perception and affectivity. The results of Study 1 supported the internal consistency of two dimensions of attachment, but dependence was lower than expected (α = .62). A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted and failed to reach a convergent fit, thus demonstrating that two of the items in dependence were considered problematic. In Study 2, difficult items in Study 1 were reworded and the new version of the scale was applied to 81 participants. The results of two subsequent CFAs showed adequate fit of the scale and increased internal consistency with this new wording (α > .73), which replaced the expression "depend on others" by "getting help from others", which is a better construct representation of the meaning of dependence in the context of attachment closeness. Therefore, not only did we adapt the three dimensions of the attachment scale, but also provided evidence of its validity related to locally adapted instruments.

A Escala Revisada de Apego Adulto é uma medida de apego relacional com três dimensões: proximidade, dependência e ansiedade. No Estudo 1, traduzimos a escala e a aplicamos em uma amostra de 420 universitários, visando avaliar sua confiabilidade. Estimamos ainda o critério de validade da escala mediante comparação com medidas de auto-percepção e afetividade. Os resultados do Estudo 1 apoiam a consistência interna inicial de duas das dimensões do apego, porém a da dependência foi mais baixa do que o esperado (α = 0,62). Realizamos uma análise fatorial confirmatória que não atingiu um ajuste convergente, indicando dois itens da dimensão de dependência como problemáticos. No Estudo 2, reformulamos os itens problemáticos do Estudo 1, e aplicamos a nova versão da escala em 81 participantes. Os resultados das duas AFC subsequentes mostraram um ajuste adequado da escala e um incremento da consistência interna com a nova redação (α > 0,73), a qual substituiu a expressão "depender dos demais" por "conseguir ajuda dos demais". Dessa forma, conseguimos não só efetuar uma adaptação dos três construtos da escala, como também encontramos evidências da sua validação por meio da comparação com as outras escalas.

[Youth sexuality: behaviors, attitudes and differences by sex and personality variables in Chilean university students]. / Sexualidad juvenil: prácticas, actitudes y diferencias según sexo y variables de personalidad en universitarios chilenos.

BACKGROUND: Sexual behavior usually begins in adolescence, and is mediated by biological, personality and socio-cultural variables which can affect the expression of preventive and risky sexual performance, as well as sex and age differences. AIM: To determine sex differences in the age of sexual initiation, the use of protective methods and mate selectivity in young men and women, as well as preventive practices according to age, and the prevalence of partner aggression. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Participants were 484 university students from public and private institutions, aged 22 ± 3 years (59% women) assessed using a diversity of self-report measures of personality traits, romantic relationship quality, sexual role, attachment type, socio-sexual openness, and self-esteem; they also answered questions regarding sexual behavior, and violence. RESULTS: Differences in age of sexual initiation, risky sexual behavior, and socio-sexual openness were observed between men and women. Aggression prevalence in romantic relationships also varied according to sex and age. Similarities and differences in patterns of behavior and personality variables were observed in relationship quality, sexual role, kindness, and responsibility in males and females. CONCLUSIONS: The findings present consistencies with the international evidence and differences that may be due to context specificities, providing also an empirical referent to consider in health planning.

Sexualidad juvenil: prácticas, actitudes y diferencias según sexo y variables de personalidad en universitarios chilenos / Youth sexuality: behaviors, attitudes and differences by sex and personality variables in Chilean university students

Background: Sexual behavior usually begins in adolescence, and is mediated by biological, personality and socio-cultural variables which can affect the expression of preventive and risky sexual performance, as well as sex and age differences. Aim: To determine sex differences in the age of sexual initiation, the use ofprotective methods and mate selectivity in young men and women, as well as preventive practices according to age, and the prevalence of partner aggression. Subjects and Methods: Participants were 484 university students from public and private institutions, aged 22 ± 3 years (59% women) assessed using a diversity of self-report measures of personality traits, romantic relationship quality, sexual role, attachment type, socio-sexual openness, and self-esteem; they also answered questions regarding sexual behavior, and violence. Results: Differences in age of sexual initiation, risky sexual behavior, and socio-sexual openness were observed between men and women. Aggression prevalence in romantic relationships also varied according to sex and age. Similarities and differences in patterns of behavior and personality variables were observed in relationship quality, sexual role, kindness, and responsibility in males and females. Conclusions: The findings present consistencies with the international evidence and differences that may be due to context specificities, providing also an empirical referent to consider in health planning.

Assessment of the behavioral inhibition system and the behavioral approach system: adaptation and validation of the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ) in a Chilean sample.

The goal of the present study is to estimate the psychometric properties of the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ; Torrubia, Avila, Moltó, & Caseras, 2001) in a sample of Chilean college students. The main hypothesis is that the instrument would show appropriate levels of reliability and validity, in light of previous validation studies. A pilot study was conducted in order to generate the adapted version of the questionnaire, which was then applied to a student sample from different undergraduate careers (n = 434). The results show the expected levels of reliability (test-retest and internal consistency). The factorial validity does not comply with the expected model, suggesting a further consideration of the structure of the questionnaire. External validity is appropriate, as the questionnaire shows the expected correlations with other personality measures. It is concluded that the SPSRQ is adequate for the context of validation, and this study contributes to the generalization of the questionnaire, since the results are consistent with the expected psychometric properties that have been reported in the literature.

Assessment of the behavioral inhibition system and the behavioral approach system: adaptation and validation of the sensitivity to punishment and sensitivity to reward questionnaire (SPSRQ) in a chilean sample

The goal of the present study is to estimate the psychometric properties of the Sensitivity to Punishment and Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire (SPSRQ; Torrubia, Ávila, Moltó, & Caseras, 2001) in a sample of Chilean college students. The main hypothesis is that the instrument would show appropriate levels of reliability and validity, in light of previous validation studies. A pilot study was conducted in order to generate the adapted version of the questionnaire, which was then applied to a student sample from different undergraduate careers (n = 434). The results show the expected levels of reliability (test-retest and internal consistency). The factorial validity does not comply with the expected model, suggesting a further consideration of the structure of the questionnaire. External validity is appropriate, as the questionnaire shows the expected correlations with other personality measures. It is concluded that the SPSRQ is adequate for the context of validation, and this study contributes to the generalization of the questionnaire, since the results are consistent with the expected psychometric properties that have been reported in the literature (AU)

El presente estudio tiene como propósito estimar las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Sensibilidad al Castigo y Sensibilidad a la Recompensa (SCSR; Torrubia, Ávila, Moltó, y Caseras, 2001) en una muestra de estudiantes chilenos, bajo la hipótesis general de que el instrumento presenta niveles apropiados de fiabilidad y validez, acorde a los estudios previos de validación. Para ello, se condujo inicialmente un estudio piloto que permitió generar la versión adaptada del cuestionario, el cual fue posteriormente aplicado a una muestra definitiva de estudiantes pertenecientes a diferentes carreras universitarias (n = 434). Los resultados muestran los niveles esperados de fiabilidad test-retest y consistencia interna. La validez factorial muestra problemas de ajuste de las escalas según el modelo teórico, sugiriendo una revisión de la estructura del cuestionario. La validez externa, sin embargo, es adecuada y el cuestionario muestra las correlaciones esperadas con otras medidas de personalidad. Se concluye la adecuación del cuestionario SCSR en el contexto de validación y la contribución de este estudio a la generabilidad del instrumento, en tanto los resultados son coherentes con la literatura previa en torno a sus propiedades psicométricas (AU)

Exploring the relationship between vagal tone and event-related potentials in response to an affective picture task.

The present study is the first to investigate the relationship between vagal tone level and event-related potentials (ERPs) in adults. Numerous studies have shown a relationship between vagal tone and the individual differences between a variety of psychophysiological, affective, and social outcomes. This suggests that vagal tone can be related to how people process relevant affective social information at the brain level. This study aimed to assess whether the ERP response varies between high and low vagal tone groups, in the face of salient affective information. In the experimental cohort, two groups were separated according to their vagal tone level. ERPs were recorded while individuals performed an affective picture task that included positive, neutral, and negative emotional stimuli. Differences between the high and low vagal tone groups were observed at the early posterior negativity for both positive and negative valences, and at the late positive potential for all the categories. It can be concluded that differences between high and low vagal tone levels are related to differences in the ERPs at early, middle, and late latencies. The results are discussed with respect to the effect of differences between the vagal tone conditions on various stages of information-processing.

Expresión y reconocimiento de emociones: un punto de encuentro entre evolución, psicofisiología y neurociencias / Expression and recognition of emotions: a meeting point for evolution, psychophysiology and neurosciences

El presente artículo presenta una revisión general en relación a la expresión y el reconocimiento de las emociones desde el evolucionismo, la psicofisiología y la neurociencia. Se distingue la función de la expresión y reconocimiento de emociones en un nivel filogenético y la universalidad de dicho fenómeno. Asimismo, se sintetizan los avances más representativos en la caracterización de las emociones desde la tradición psicofisiológica, en particular la actividad del sistema nervioso autónomo y la perspectiva de la autorregulación. Finalmente, se revisan los desarrollos de la neurociencia, que permiten comprender las estructuras involucradas en el reconocimiento y expresión emocional. La discusión se centra en los aportes de cada disciplina y la necesidad de generar una perspectiva que las integre, en vistas a resolver los problemas relacionados con la validez experimental y metodológica del estudio de las emociones.

The current article presents a general revision of research in the expression and recognition of emotions from an evolutionary, psychophysiological, and neuroscientific perspectives. The function of emotional expression and recognition are distinguished according to the phylogeny and universality of this phenomenon. Likewise, the most important approaches characterizing emotions from psychophysiology are synthesized, particularly the autonomous nervous system activity and self-regulation perspectives. Finally, the developments from neuroscience that allow for distinguishing the structures involved in the expression and recognition of emotions are reviewed. The discussion emphasizes the contributions from each discipline, indicating the need for an integrative perspective in order to solve experimental validity issues and methodological challenges in the study of emotions.