Analysis of the psychometric properties of the Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire in Colombian adolescents / Análisis de las propiedades psicométricas del Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire en adolescentes colombianos

Abstract Background/objective: Decision-making is a set of skills useful for daily functioning which allow people to perform their tasks and control objectives and goals, generating responses to the environment's demands from their resources. Research and intervention with adolescents require reliable instruments to assess decision-making. The Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire (MDMQ) is an instrument that assesses decision-making styles and has been successfully validated in different cultural contexts. This study analysed the psychometric properties, construct validity (factorial, convergent, and discriminant), and predictive validity of the MDMQ in Colombian adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 822 adolescents aged 14 to 18 years (M = 16.09, SD = 1.31, 33.7% girls), 410 from the regular school system (M = 15.50, SD = 1.29, 48.54% girls) and 412 adolescents from the Criminal Responsibility System (M = 16.6, SD = 1.04, 18.93% girls) participated. Decision-making styles, emotional intelligence, cognitive distortions, prosocial behaviour and antisocial behaviour were assessed. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), reliability, correlational and predictive analyses were performed. Results: The CFA showed satisfactory fit indices for the original model of four factors and 22 items. Sufficient reliability conditions were observed. The results indicated that rational decision-making (vigilance) is positively associated with emotional intelligence and influences prosocial behaviour. Negative decision-making styles are associated with cognitive distortions and influence antisocial behaviour. Conclusions: After analysing the psychometric properties, it is concluded that the MDMQ is a valid instrument to assess the decision-making styles of Colombian adolescents.

Resumen Antecedentes/objetivo: La toma de decisiones es un conjunto de habilidades útiles para el funcionamiento diario que permite a las personas realizar sus tareas y controlar objetivos y metas, generando respuestas a las demandas del entorno a partir de sus recursos. La investigación y la intervención con adolescentes requieren instrumentos fiables para evaluar la toma de decisiones. El Melbourne Decision Making Questionnaire (MDMQ) es un instrumento que evalúa los estilos de toma de decisiones y ha sido validado con éxito en diferentes contextos culturales. Este artículo analizó las propiedades psicométricas, la validez de constructo (factorial, convergente y discriminante) y la validez predictiva del MDMQ en adolescentes colombianos. Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal en el que participaron 822 adolescentes de 14 a 18 años (M = 16.09, DT = 1.31, 33,7% chicas), 410 del sistema escolar (M = 15.50, DT = 1.29, 48.54% chicas) y 412 adolescentes del Sistema de Responsabilidad Penal (M = 16.6, DT = 1.04, 18.93% chicas). Se evaluaron los estilos de toma de decisiones, la inteligencia emocional, las distorsiones cognitivas, la conducta prosocial y la conducta antisocial. Se realizaron análisis factoriales confirmatorios (AFC), análisis de fiabilidad, correlacionales y predictivos. Resultados: El AFC mostró índices de ajuste satisfactorios para el modelo original de cuatro factores y 22 ítems. Se observaron condiciones de fiabilidad suficientes. Los resultados indicaron que la toma de decisiones racional (vigilancia) se asocia positivamente con la inteligencia emocional e influye en el comportamiento prosocial. Los estilos negativos de toma de decisiones se asocian con las distorsiones cognitivas e influyen en el comportamiento antisocial. Conclusiones: Después de analizar las propiedades psicométricas, se concluye que el MDMQ es un instrumento válido para evaluar los estilos de toma de decisiones de los adolescentes colombianos.

Effects of emotional skills training to prevent burnout syndrome in schoolteachers / Efectos de un entrenamiento en habilidades emocionales para prevenir el síndrome de burnout en profesores

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Work-related stress and emotional distress among schoolteachers are considered a serious concern in the educational context. Research has shown the beneficial effects of emotional abilities on burnout and psychological problems. Based on the Ability Model of Emotional Intelligence, we designed an emotional-skills training for school teachers intended to promote mental health and well-being. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants were 340 teachers (74% women), assigned randomly to an experimental and control group. Data on burnout syndrome, emotional symptoms (depression, anxiety, stress), self-esteem and life-satisfaction were collected in three waves: before the training (T1), after the training (T2), and at six-month follow-up (T3). The training program consisted of five two-hour sessions, carried out during three months in groups of 15-20 teachers. Multivariate covariance analyses were carried out, followed by multiple hierarchical regression models. RESULTS: Results indicated that teachers who participated in the training program reduced burnout syndrome and emotional symptoms, while incrementing their self-esteem and life-satisfaction in comparison with the control group. These results at T2 were partially maintained at T3. CONCLUSIONS: In light of these findings, burnout prevention programs based on emotional intelligence should be included in teachers' professional development plans in order to promote their health and well-being

INTRODUCCIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: El estrés laboral y el malestar emocional en los profesores están considerados una preocupación seria en el contexto educativo. La investigación muestra los beneficios de las habilidades emocionales sobre el burnout y los problemas psicológicos. Basado en el modelo de inteligencia emocional diseñamos un programa de entrenamiento en habilidades emocionales para profesores con el objetivo de promover su salud mental y bienestar. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Los participantes fueron 340 profesores (74% mujeres), asignados aleatoriamente al grupo experimental y control. Los datos sobre el síndrome de burnout, síntomas emocionales (depresión, ansiedad, estrés), autoestima y satisfacción con la vida se recopilaron en 3 fases: antes del programa (T1), después del programa (T2) y a los 6 meses de seguimiento (T3). Consistió en 5 sesiones de 2 horas, que se llevaron a cabo durante 3 meses en grupos de 15-20 profesores. Se realizaron análisis de covarianza multivariados y modelos de regresión jerárquica múltiple. RESULTADOS: Los resultados indicaron que los profesores que participaron en la intervención disminuyeron su nivel de estrés laboral y de síntomas emocionales, aumentando su autoestima y satisfacción con la vida en comparación con el grupo control. Estos resultados en T2 se mantuvieron parcialmente en T3. CONCLUSIONES: A la luz de estos resultados los programas de prevención del burnout basados en la inteligencia emocional deben incluirse en los planes de formación profesional para promover la salud y el bienestar de los profesores

Family-Based Intervention Program for Parents of Substance-Abusing Youth and Adolescents.

The use of drugs among adolescents/youth often results in a high degree of distress for the family members who live with them. This in turn can lead to a deterioration of mental (psychological) health, hindering any attempt to successfully cope with the situation. The goal of our research was to study the effect of the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) program on parents of adolescents/young adult drug users. Study volunteers (n = 50) were parents from Valencia (Spain) that were divided into two groups. The experimental group (n = 25) was made up of parents whose sons and daughters exhibited problems with drug use and the constructed noncausal baseline group (n = 25) was made up of parents whose sons and daughters did not show any substance abuse problems. For both groups, self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), depression (BDI-II), anxiety (STAI), and anger (STAXI-II) were evaluated before and after the application of the CRAFT program. Results show a significant improvement in the experimental group's self-esteem, depression, and anger state and a decrease in negative moods. These changes in parents produce a positive effect on their substance-using sons and daughters: of the 25 participants, 15 contacted specialized addiction treatment resources for the first time.

Emotion awareness, mood and personality as predictors of somatic complaints in children and adults.

BACKGROUND: The relationships among somatic complaints, emotion awareness and mood have been observed in late childhood and adolescence, but very few studies have been carried out in adult populations like this work. This study also incorporates personality dimensions that can exacerbate or reduce the emergence of somatic complaints. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyse the combined contribution of emotion awareness, mood, and personality to healthy children and adults’ somatic complaints. METHOD: Self-reported questionnaires about emotion awareness, mood, personality, and somatic complaints were administered to 1,476 children (7-14 years old) and 479 adults (27-56 years old). RESULTS: Emotion awareness and mood were the strongest predictors of somatic complaints (ΔR 2 = .32 for children; ΔR 2 = .36 for adults), and the contribution of personality dimensions was not so relevant (ΔR 2 = .07 for children; ΔR 2 = .12 for adults). CONCLUSIONS: Emotional and personality factors must be addressed in health-promotion programmes, tailored differently according to whether they are to be used with children or with adults.

Psychometric properties of the Somatic Complaints Scale in Spanish children and adults.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse the psychometric properties of the Somatic Complaints List (SCL) in Spanish child and adult populations. This instrument assesses the frequency with which people experience and feel pain such as stomach ache and headache, among others. It has been validated in different countries and languages (Dutch, English, and Persian), showing adequate psychometric properties. Nevertheless, it has never been validated in a Spanish context. METHOD: For the adaptation and validation, we used two different samples: 1423 children, age ranging from 8 to 12 years old, selected from 12 primary and secondary schools at 7 locations in the Valencian Community, Spain (age = 9.11 years, SD = 1.27; 52.4% female); and 940 adults, age ranging from 18 to 56 years old (age = 32.3 years, SD = 11.62; 64% female). RESULTS: The Spanish adaptation of the SLC showed adequate levels of reliability and validity. CONCLUSIONS: The empirical evidence seems sufficient to justify using this diagnostic tool with Spanish children and adults.

Psychometric properties of the somatic complaints scale in Spanish children and adults / Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Quejas Somáticas en niños y adultos españoles

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse the psychometric properties of the Somatic Complaints List (SCL) in Spanish child and adult populations. This instrument assesses the frequency with which people experience and feel pain such as stomach ache and headache, among others. It has been validated in different countries and languages (Dutch, English, and Persian), showing adequate psychometric properties. Nevertheless, it has never been validated in a Spanish context. METHOD: For the adaptation and validation, we used two different samples: 1423 children, age ranging from 8 to 12 years old, selected from 12 primary and secondary schools at 7 locations in the Valencian Community, Spain (age = 9.11 years, SD = 1.27; 52.4% female); and 940 adults, age ranging from 18 to 56 years old (age = 32.3 years, SD = 11.62; 64% female). RESULTS: The Spanish adaptation of the SLC showed adequate levels of reliability and validity. CONCLUSIONS: The empirical evidence seems sufficient to justify using this diagnostic tool with Spanish children and adults

ANTECEDENTES: el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala de quejas somáticas (SCL) en una población infantil y adulta española. Este instrumento evalúa la frecuencia con que las personas experimentan y sienten dolor, como dolor de estómago y dolores de cabeza, entre otros. Se ha validado en diferentes países con diferentes idiomas (holandés, inglés y persa), que muestran propiedades psicométricas adecuadas. Sin embargo, nunca ha sido validado en contexto español. MÉTODO: en la adaptación y validación utilizamos dos muestras diferentes: una muestra de 1.423 niños, entre 8 y 12 años, seleccionados de 12 escuelas primarias y secundarias en 7 localidades de la Comunidad Valenciana, España (edad = 9,11 años, SD = 1,27; 52,4% mujeres). Además, una muestra de 940 participantes de 18 a 56 años de edad (edad = 32,3 años, SD = 11,62; 64% mujeres). RESULTADOS: los resultados obtenidos muestran niveles adecuados de fiabilidad y validez de la adaptación de la SCL en el contexto español. CONCLUSIONES: la evidencia empírica obtenida parece suficiente para justificar el uso de esta herramienta de diagnóstico con los niños y los adultos españoles

The MOOD Questionnaire: adaptation and validation of the Spanish version / El Cuestionario de Estados de Ánimo: adaptación y validación de la versión española

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the MOOD Questionnaire in child population. This instrument was developed to cover the existing gap in the evaluation of mood in children. Method: The MOOD was administered to 1489 children (mean age= 9.11 years old). Results: The psychometric properties of the Mood questionnaire are adequate. Moreover, the questionnaire was associated with somatic complaints and emotional awareness. Conclusions: According to the results of the study, the use of this diagnostic tool with Spanish children seems justified (AU)

Antecedentes: en este estudio se analizan las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Estados de Ánimo (MOOD) en población infantil española. Este instrumento fue desarrollado para cubrir el vacío existente en la evaluación de los estados de ánimo en niños. Método: el MOOD fue administrado a una muestra de 1.489 niños (edad media= 9,11 años). Resultados: las propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario resultaron adecuadas, observándose la relación de los estados de ánimo con la competencia emocional y las quejas somáticas. Conclusiones: en base a los resultados obtenidos, el uso de esta herramienta diagnóstica con niños españoles parece justificado (AU)

The MOOD Questionnaire: adaptation and validation of the Spanish version.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the MOOD Questionnaire in child population. This instrument was developed to cover the existing gap in the evaluation of mood in children. METHOD: The MOOD was administered to 1489 children (mean age = 9.11 years old). RESULTS: The psychometric properties of the Mood questionnaire are adequate. Moreover, the questionnaire was associated with somatic complaints and emotional awareness. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the study, the use of this diagnostic tool with Spanish children seems justified.

Diferencias conductuales según género en convivencia escolar / Behavioral gender differences in school relationships

Los adolescentes asumen diferentes roles sociales mediados por el género que influyen el desarrollo de su identidad y cómo se manifiesta la violencia escolar. El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar las diferencias conductuales en el acoso escolar según el género. La muestra (N= 641) tiene una edad entre12 y 16 años. Se estudiaron variables personales mediante autoinformes, y variables relacionales con medidas sociométricas. Los resultados indican mayor incidencia de acoso, rechazo entre iguales e inadaptación escolar entre los chicos. Ellas refieren más agresiones relacionales, aceptación y habilidades sociales, pero también mayor inadaptación personal. Las víctimas femeninas son las más rechazadas. Las diferencias de género parecen más relevantes en las variables relacionales, sugiriendo la importancia del contexto relacional en el acoso (AU)

Adolescents take on different social roles mediated by gender, which affect the development of their identity and the expression of school violence. The purpose of this work is to study the behavioral differences in bullying depending on gender. The sample (N= 641) is aged between 12 and 16 years old. Personal variables are assessed byself-reports, and relational variables by sociometric measures. Results indicate a large incidence of bullying, peer rejection, and school maladjustment among boys. Girls report more relational aggressions, acceptance and social skills, but also higher personal maladjustment. Female victims are rejected the most. Gender differences seem more relevant in relational variables, suggesting the special importance of the relational context in bullying (AU)

[Behavioral gender differences in school relationships]. / Diferencias conductuales según género en convivencia escolar.

Adolescents take on different social roles mediated by gender, which affect the development of their identity and the expression of school violence. The purpose of this work is to study the behavioral differences in bullying depending on gender. The sample (N=641) is aged between 12 and 16 years old. Personal variables are assessed by self-reports, and relational variables by sociometric measures. Results indicate a large incidence of bullying, peer rejection, and school maladjustment among boys. Girls report more relational aggressions, acceptance and social skills, but also higher personal maladjustment. Female victims are rejected the most. Gender differences seem more relevant in relational variables, suggesting the special importance of the relational context in bullying.

Relación entre estilos y estrategias de afrontamiento y bienestar psicológico en adolescentes / Relationship between coping strategies and psychological well-being in adolescents

Las estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas por los adolescentes pueden incidir en su desarrollo psico-lógico. En el presente trabajo se estudió la relación entre el afrontamiento y el bienestar psicológico, así como la incidencia de la edad y el género sobre estas variables. La muestra está formada por 417 adolescentes entre 15 y 18 años. Las estrategias de afrontamiento se evaluaron con el ACS (Frydenberg y Lewis, 1996a) y el bienestar psicológico con el BIEPS (Casullo y Castro, 2000). Los resultados señalan una escasa relación de la edad con el afrontamiento y el bienestar psicológico. En cuanto al género, las mujeres poseen mayor repertorio de estrategias de afrontamiento y menos habilidad para afrontar los problemas que los varones. El nivel de bienestar psicológico establece diferencias más claras respecto a las estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas que la edad y el género (AU)

Coping strategies used by adolescents may have an effect on their psychological development. This piece of research studied the relationships between coping and psychological well-being and the effect that age and gender had on these variables. The sample was made up of 417 adolescents between 15 and 18 years old. Coping strategies were evaluated by using ACS (Frydenberg & Lewis, 1996a) and well-being by means of the BIEPS (Casullo & Castro, 2000). The results showed that the relationship between age and coping and psychological well-being was not a close one. As to gender, adolescent women used a greater variety of coping strategies and were less skilful in coping with problems than men. Clearer differences with regard to the coping strategies used were established by the level of psychological well-being than by age and gender (AU)

Ansiedad y enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal / Anxiety and inflammatory bowel disease

La Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal (EII) es una enfermedad crónica recidivante que incluye a la Enfermedad de Crohn (EC) y Colitis Ulcerosa (CU). Está caracterizada por una inflamación de las paredes del tracto digestivo. Estudios previos sugieren mayor sintomatología ansiosa asociada a personas que presentan esta enfermedad. El objetivo de la presente investigación se centra en estudiar las manifestaciones de ansiedad fisiológica en enfermos de EII. Los instrumentos de evaluación utilizados, en una muestra de 135 sujetos, 65 con EII y 70 control, fueron el CSAQ y el ISRA. Los resultados muestran mayor sintomatología fisiológica ansiosa en enfermos de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa, tanto medido con el CSAQ como con el ISRA. No se observan diferencias en niveles de ansiedad según género. Sin embargo, la ansiedad parece estar modulada por el tiempo de padecimiento de la enfermedad. Los niveles mayores de ansiedad en la EII parecen estar asociados a situaciones de evaluación, ansiedad fóbica y ansiedad frente a situaciones habituales (AU)