Improving access to evidence-based interventions for trauma-exposed adults in low- and middle-income countries.

In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the mental health consequences of trauma exposure pose a substantial personal, societal, and economic burden. Yet, the significant need for evidence-based mental health treatment remains largely unmet. To unlock the potential for mental health care for trauma survivors in lower-resource contexts, it is critical to map treatment barriers and identify strategies to improve access to evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and scalable interventions. This review, based on an International Society for Traumatic Stress (ISTSS) briefing paper, describes the treatment gap facing adults with traumatic stress in LMICs and identifies the barriers that contribute to this gap. We then highlight strategies for enhancing access to effective treatments for these populations, including task-sharing, the use of culturally adapted and multiproblem interventions, and digital tools to scale access to appropriate care. Finally, we offer recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and service providers to guide an agenda for action to close the treatment gap for trauma survivors in LMICs.

Quando homens vão à psicoterapia: uma revisão de contextos e demandas / When men go to psychotherapy: a review of contexts and demands

INTRODUÇÃO: Homens, como grupo, buscam menos ajuda em uma gama de contextos (e.g., acadêmico, médico, profissional), incluindo em saúde mental. A população masculina menos acessa os serviços de saúde mental disponíveis, apresentando também menor busca e engajamento em psicoterapia. O menor engajamento da população masculina também foi observado em diferentes faixas etárias, nacionalidades e contextos socieconômicos. OBJETIVO: Revisar quais são os contextos e demandas apontados na literatura científica internacional que influenciam a busca masculina por ajuda em saúde mental, e acrescentar à literatura científica nacional que é limitada nessa temática. MÉTODO: O presente artigo faz uso do método de revisão narrativa da literatura, realizando uma busca ampla na literatura sobre a temática do engajamento masculino em saúde mental. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: A população masculina, estatisticamente, apresenta um perfil diferente de prevalência de transtornos mentais, com menor prevalência de transtornos de humor porém prevalência significativamente maior em transtornos de abuso por substâncias. Homens também desproporcionalmente compõe as estatísticas de vítimas de suicídio. O menor engajamento masculino em saúde mental comparado a outras populações é influenciado por fatores culturais (e.g.: papéis de gênero, estigma associado aos transtornos mentais) e contextuais (e.g.: pessoas próximas, etapa de vida, modalidade de terapia). Considerações finais: há a necessidade de ampliar o engajamento masculino em serviços de saúde mental. Mudanças culturais de médio e longo prazo, melhor treinamento dos profissionais de saúde mental e realização campanhas públicas podem ser ferramentas para melhor engajar essa população.(AU)

INTRODUCTION: Men, as a group, seek less help in a variety of contexts (e.g.: academic, medical, professional), including in mental health. The male population makes less use of available mental health services, also seeking and engaging less in psychotherapy. The lesser male engagement also has been observed in different age groups, nationalities and socioeconomic contexts. OBJECTIVE: Review which are the contexts and demands shown in the international scientific literature that influence male mental health help-seeking, and adding to national scientific literature which is limited in this field. METHOD: The current paper makes use of the narrative literature review method, making a wide search in the literature about male engagement in mental health. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Statistically, the male population has a different profile of mental disorder prevalence, with less prevalence of mood disorders but significantly higher prevalence of substance abuse disorders. Males also disproportionally constitute suicide victim statistics. The lesser male engagement in mental health compared to other groups is influenced by both cultural (e.g.: gender roles, mental disorder stigmas) and contextual (e.g.: close acquaintances, life stage, therapy modality) factors. Final considerations: there is a need to increase male engagement in mental health services. Medium- and long-term cultural changes, better training for mental health professionals and public awareness campaigns may be tools to help engage this population.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los hombres, como grupo, buscan menos ayuda en una variedad de contextos (p. ej., académico, médico, profesional), incluso la salud mental. La población masculina accede menos servicios de salud mental disponibles, también presenta menor búsqueda y participación en psicoterapia. La menor participación de la población masculina también se observó en diferentes grupos de edad, nacionalidades y contextos socioeconómicos. OBJETIVO: Revisar cuáles son los contextos y demandas señalados en la literatura científica internacional que influyen en la búsqueda de ayuda en salud mental por parte de los hombres, y sumar a la literatura científica nacional que es limitada sobre este tema. MÉTODO: este artículo utiliza el método de revisión narrativa de la literatura, realizando una búsqueda amplia en la literatura sobre el tema de la participación masculina en la salud mental. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIÓN: La población masculina, estadísticamente, tiene un perfil diferente de prevalencia de trastornos mentales, con una menor prevalencia de trastornos del estado de ánimo pero una prevalencia significativamente mayor de trastornos por abuso de sustancias. Los hombres también constituyen desproporcionadamente las estadísticas de víctimas de suicidio. La menor participación masculina en salud mental en comparación con otras poblaciones está influenciada por factores culturales (p. ej., roles de género, estigma asociado con los trastornos mentales) y factores contextuales (p. ej., personas cercanas, etapa de la vida, modalidad de terapia). Consideraciones finales: existe la necesidad de ampliar la participación masculina en los servicios de salud mental. Los cambios culturales a mediano y largo plazo, una mejor capacitación de los profesionales de la salud mental y las campañas públicas pueden ser herramientas para involucrar mejor a esta población.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of epigenetic clocks in schizophrenia.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence suggests that schizophrenia (SZ) is associated with accelerated biological aging. DNA methylation can be used as an indicator of biological aging by means of epigenetic clock estimates. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the association between SZ and different epigenetic clocks. METHODS: Search terms were applied in different databases: Embase, MEDLINE (EBSCO), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, PsychINFO and Web of Science. To assess for risk of bias we utilized an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were conducted using the random effects model and meta-regressions were used to assess factors associated with heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eight studies were included (Controls, n = 3394; SZ subjects, n = 3096), which analyzed five different epigenetic clocks. Overall meta-analysis revealed no significant differences between SZ and controls on epigenetic aging (Standardized Mean Difference - SMD = -0.21; p = 0.13). However, epigenetic clock method was a significant moderator of heterogeneity (p = 0.004). Using Horvath's clock as reference, higher SMD's were found for PhenoAge and Intrinsic epigenetic age acceleration (IEAA) clocks. In a stratified meta-analysis restricted to the two clocks mentioned above, a significant accelerating effect was found in patients with SZ when compared to controls (SMD = 0.29; p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the method of epigenetic clocks is a critical factor associated with estimates of aging acceleration in SZ. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings and in order to evaluate a possible minor effect in overall analysis.

Habituating to pandemic anxiety: Temporal trends of COVID-19 anxiety over sixteen months of COVID-19.

The impact of COVID-19 anxiety on mental health and its association with preventive measures is well-established. We aimed to study how COVID-19 anxiety and its dimensions vary over time (16 months) in a sample of individuals (N = 2717) suffering from mental distress in the pandemic context that participated in a randomized clinical trial testing psychosocial interventions in Brazil. Results showed that pandemic anxiety reduced over time. COVID-19 influences fear of others being infected and concerns about mental health being affected by COVID-19 were more significant than the fear of being infected or the physical health influenced by COVID-19. A similar temporal effect was not found for burnout, and this effect was not correlated with the number of COVID-related deaths. Habituation to pandemic anxiety or higher intolerance of uncertainty at the beginning of the pandemic is putative mechanisms for the patterns observed in the data. They might have implications for mental health interventions in the pandemic scenario and motivational strategies for prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Plataforma Basil (CAAE: 30608420.5.0000.5327), ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04632082; November 17, 2020).

Migration experience and mental health: A qualitative study in France and Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between migration and mental health is complex and involves factors at different levels, as the individual history of the migrant, the collective history of their home country, the host society's and their mutual past history. Even though the migratory scenario of France and Brazil has changed over the years, both countries currently host an important number of immigrants. AIM: The main objective of the present study was to describe and analyze the impacts of the migratory experience on mental health of migrants with different migration experiences and living in two countries: France and Brazil. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 participants, six in France and seven in Brazil. A thematic qualitative analysis of the data was performed using the ATLAS.TI software. Three themes were created based on the different times of the migration experience: before migration, during migration and after migration. All codes of these three bigger themes were organized in sub-themes for the samples in France and Brazil. RESULTS: Participants in France described an important exposure to traumatic events before and during migration. In Brazil, the migration experiences were multiple, in some cases presenting a traumatic history, but in most cases migration was seen as an opportunity to have access to better life conditions. In both countries, participants reported a great level of psychological distress associated to post-migratory difficulties (e.g. unemployment, learning a new language, or facing a new cultural environment). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that multidisciplinary interventions, with focus on skills development, such as language and work-related skills, and on access to basic needs may be essential for both voluntary and involuntary migrants. In addition to these interventions, some individuals may need specialized mental health intervention, focusing in past traumatic exposure and in the current acculturation process.

"I Have No Words": A Qualitative Study About the Traumatic Experience of Violent Death.

Individuals bereaved by violent death have a higher risk of developing psychopathology. Consistent data concerning the subjective experience during the traumatic event of the death are still scarce. This study aimed to explore the traumatic experience of the violent death of a loved one. Nine reports of patients bereaved by violence were selected and transcribed. Reports were analyzed using Bardin's Content Analysis. Two final categories were generated. It was observed that most participants remembered details about the traumatic event or the time they were told about the violent death. There were two factors described as important when coping with the loss, social support during the traumatic event, and receiving detailed information from the authorities and others present in that moment. This study provides relevant data for future interventions during violent situations by health and security professionals.

Protocolos de terapia cognitivo-comportamental culturalmente adaptados para tratamento de tept: uma revisão sistemática da literatura / Cognitive-behavioral therapy protocols culturally adapted for PTSD treatment: a systematic review of the literature

Imigrantes e refugiados são uma população de risco para transtornos mentais, como o Transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático (Tept), e a psicoterapia com indivíduos provenientes de diferentes contextos culturais pode ser desafiadora, porém, a Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental (TCC) vem se mostrando uma abordagem eficaz com essa população. O presente estudo de revisão sistemática tem como objetivo descrever os protocolos culturalmente adaptados de TCC para imigrantes e refugiados com diagnóstico ou sintomas de Tept, seguindo as recomendações do método PRISMA. Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados PubMed/Medline e PsycInfo, nos últimos 15 anos, sendo incluídos 11 artigos. As principais adaptações realizadas pelos estudos foram: o uso da língua mãe dos participantes, uso de imagens relativas ao país de origem ou à religião e modificações na exposição usual. As informações descritas neste estudo podem auxiliar no desenvolvimento de futuros estudos ou na prática clínica com essa população.

Immigrants and refugees are a population at risk for mental disorders, such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and psychotherapy with individuals from different cultural contexts can be challenging, however, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown to be an effective approach with this population. This systematic review study aims to describe the culturally adapted protocols of CBT for immigrants and refugees with diagnosis or symptoms of PTSD, following the recommendations of the PRISMA method. Searches were conducted in the PubMed/Medline and PsycInfo databases, in the last 15 years, and 11 articles were included. The main adjustments made by the studies were: the use of the participant's mother tongue, use of images related to the country of origin or religion and modifications in the usual exposure. The information described in this study may help in the development of future studies or in clinical practice with this population.

A behavioral economic risk aversion experiment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We investigated what degree of risk of infection with COVID-19 is necessary so that people intend to stay home, even when doing so means losing their salary. We conducted an online survey across Brazil during the initial outbreak, in which 8,345 participants answered a questionnaire designed to identify the maximum tolerated risk (k') necessary for them to disregard social distancing recommendations and guarantee their salaries. Generalized linear mixed models, path analysis structural equation, and conditional interference classification tree were performed to further understand how sociodemographic factors impact k' and to establish a predictive model for the risk behavior of leaving home during the pandemic. We found that, on average, people tolerate 38% risk of infection to leave home and earn a full salary, but this number decreased to 13% when the individual risk perception of becoming ill from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is considered. Furthermore, participants who have a medium-to-high household income and who are older than 35 years are more likely to be part of the risk-taking group who leave home regardless of the potential COVID-19 infection level; while participants over 45 years old and with good financial health are more likely to be part of the risk-averse group, who stay home at the expense of any salary offered. Our findings add to the political and public debate concerning lockdown strategies by showing that, contrary to supposition, people with low socioeconomic status are not more likely to ignore social distancing recommendations due to personal economic matters.

Hair cortisol levels and mental health problems in children and adolescents exposed to victimization.

Youths who experience multiple forms of victimization are at a heightened risk for psychopathology across the lifespan. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a key target for the investigation of neurobiological changes induced by chronic stress and violence exposure. The measurement of hair cortisol concentration allows the investigation of long-term HPA activity and its association with victimization. The present study investigated the impact of exposure to polyvictimization in Latin-American children and adolescents on hair cortisol levels. We investigated association among cortisol, mental health problems and victimization. The study included 83 youths (mean age 10.84 years-old) from southern Brazil. We assessed self-reported victimization scores (Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire - JVQ-R2), mental health problems (Child Behavior Checklist - CBCL/6-18), and hair cortisol concentrations for the previous 30 days. The results showed an association between exposure to multiple forms of victimization and higher concentrations of hair cortisol; the results also showed that cortisol levels and mental health problems were associated with the severity of polyvictimization. These findings suggest that preadolescent victimization is associated with hyperactivation of HPA axis and with increased risk of mental health issues.

Executive functions and clinical symptoms in children exposed to maltreatment.

There is evidence of an association between childhood maltreatment and lifelong cognitive impairment. Few studies investigate cognitive functioning in maltreated children. The objective of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in executive processing between maltreated and nonmaltreated children. Additionally, clinical symptoms were compared between groups and possible associations between clinical symptoms, and deficits in executive functions were investigated. The sample consisted of 55 children (8-12 years), 30 with a history of maltreatment and 25 with no history of maltreatment. An interview was conducted with the child's legal guardian and instruments were administered: Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and Spence Children's Anxiety Scale (SCAS). The following clinical instruments were administered to the children: JVQ, Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC), and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). Children underwent neuropsychological assessment. Data were analyzed by comparing the groups for clinical and cognitive variables. Differences were found between the groups in all executive functions. Most clinical symptomatology scales showed differences between the groups. Few associations were found between clinical and executive impairment profiles. Cognitive stimulation interventions, focused on inhibitory control, should be proposed in combination with psychotherapy.

Validation of the Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI) in Brazilian Portuguese / Validação do Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI) em português do Brasil

Abstract Introduction Experiencing trauma may entail psychopathological consequences, but also changes considered to be positive (i.e., posttraumatic growth). For positive change to occur, an impact on the beliefs of individuals is required, which may be measured through the Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI). The objective of this study was to validate the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CBI. Methods A total of 248 university students (65.7% female) answered the following assessment instruments: sociodemographic data sheet, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Posttraumatic Symptoms Checklist - Clinician Version (PCL-5) and the CBI. Psychometric properties of the CBI were assessed by conducting an exploratory factor analysis through a principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and convergent validity (Pearson correlation between instruments) were also investigated. Results The total scale showed adequate internal consistency (α = 0.83). A single factor solution explained 42.63% of the variance of the CBI. Significant correlations were found between CBI and PTGI, and between CBI and PCL-5. Conclusion The psychometric properties indicated adequate internal consistency and construct validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CBI.

Resumo Introdução Experimentar um trauma pode levar a consequências psicopatológicas, mas também a alterações consideradas positivas (ou seja, crescimento pós-traumático). Para que mudanças positivas ocorram é necessário um impacto nas crenças dos indivíduos, o que pode ser medido através do Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI). O objetivo deste estudo foi validar a versão em português do Brasil do CBI. Métodos Um total de 248 universitários (65,7% mulheres) responderam aos seguintes instrumentos de avaliação: ficha sociodemográfica, Inventário de Crescimento Pós-Traumático (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory - PTGI), Lista de Verificação de Sintomas Pós-Traumáticos - Versão Clínica (Posttraumatic Symptoms Checklist - Clinician Version - PCL-5) e CBI. As propriedades psicométricas do CBI foram avaliadas a partir de análise fatorial exploratória através de análise de componentes principais com rotação varimax. A consistência interna (α de Cronbach) e a validade convergente (correlação de Pearson entre os instrumentos) também foram investigadas. Resultados A escala total apresentou consistência interna adequada (α = 0,83). Uma solução de fator único explicou 42,63% da variação do CBI. Correlações significativas foram encontradas entre CBI e PTGI e entre CBI e PCL-5. Conclusão As propriedades psicométricas indicaram consistência interna adequada e validade de construto da versão em português do Brasil do CBI.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the International Trauma Questionnaire for use in Brazilian Portuguese.

BACKGROUND: The most recent editions of diagnostic manuals have proposed important modifications in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria. The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is the gold-standard measurement for assessing PTSD and complex PTSD in accordance with the model of the 11th International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to adapt the ITQ for the Brazilian context. DESIGN AND SETTING: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the ITQ for use in Brazilian Portuguese was performed in trauma research facilities in Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: The adaptation followed five steps: (1) translation; (2) committee synthesis; (3) experts' evaluation through the content validity index (CVI) and assessment of interrater agreement though kappa statistics; (4) comprehension test with clinical and community samples (n = 35); and (5) final back-translation and authors' evaluation. RESULTS: Two independent translations were conducted. While working on a synthesis of these translations, the committee proposed changes in six items to adapt idiomatic expressions or to achieve a more accurate technical fit. Both the expert judges' evaluation (CVI > 0.7; k > 0.55) and the pretest in the target population (mean comprehension > 3) indicated that the adapted items were adequate and comprehensible. The final back-translation was approved by the authors of the original instrument. CONCLUSION: ITQ in its Brazilian Portuguese version achieved satisfactory content validity, thus providing a tool for Brazilian research based on PTSD models of the ICD-11.

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the International Trauma Questionnaire for use in Brazilian Portuguese

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The most recent editions of diagnostic manuals have proposed important modifications in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criteria. The International Trauma Questionnaire (ITQ) is the gold-standard measurement for assessing PTSD and complex PTSD in accordance with the model of the 11th International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to adapt the ITQ for the Brazilian context. DESIGN AND SETTING: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the ITQ for use in Brazilian Portuguese was performed in trauma research facilities in Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: The adaptation followed five steps: (1) translation; (2) committee synthesis; (3) experts' evaluation through the content validity index (CVI) and assessment of interrater agreement though kappa statistics; (4) comprehension test with clinical and community samples (n = 35); and (5) final back-translation and authors' evaluation. RESULTS: Two independent translations were conducted. While working on a synthesis of these translations, the committee proposed changes in six items to adapt idiomatic expressions or to achieve a more accurate technical fit. Both the expert judges' evaluation (CVI > 0.7; k > 0.55) and the pretest in the target population (mean comprehension > 3) indicated that the adapted items were adequate and comprehensible. The final back-translation was approved by the authors of the original instrument. CONCLUSION: ITQ in its Brazilian Portuguese version achieved satisfactory content validity, thus providing a tool for Brazilian research based on PTSD models of the ICD-11.

Validation of the Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI) in Brazilian Portuguese.

INTRODUCTION: Experiencing trauma may entail psychopathological consequences, but also changes considered to be positive (i.e., posttraumatic growth). For positive change to occur, an impact on the beliefs of individuals is required, which may be measured through the Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI). The objective of this study was to validate the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CBI. METHODS: A total of 248 university students (65.7% female) answered the following assessment instruments: sociodemographic data sheet, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Posttraumatic Symptoms Checklist - Clinician Version (PCL-5) and the CBI. Psychometric properties of the CBI were assessed by conducting an exploratory factor analysis through a principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Internal consistency (Cronbach's α) and convergent validity (Pearson correlation between instruments) were also investigated. RESULTS: The total scale showed adequate internal consistency (α = 0.83). A single factor solution explained 42.63% of the variance of the CBI. Significant correlations were found between CBI and PTGI, and between CBI and PCL-5. CONCLUSION: The psychometric properties indicated adequate internal consistency and construct validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the CBI.

Psychometric properties of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory in a sample of Brazilian university students.

OBJECTIVE: To examine psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). METHOD: A total of 300 university students were evaluated though instruments that investigated trauma history, depression and posttraumatic symptoms, and personality traits through the Big Five model. Pearson's correlation was used to assess internal consistency, inter-item reliability and construct validity. Principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to investigate the factor structure of the PTGI. RESULTS: Results confirmed the original five-factor structure. The results showed good internal consistency for the total scale (α = 0.91) and its subscales, ranging from α = 0.85 to α = 0.70. Also, evidence of construct and convergent validity was observed through correlations with posttraumatic and depression symptoms and personality measures. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that the Brazilian PTGI is reliable and showed adequate evidence of validity.

Psychometric properties of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory in a sample of Brazilian university students / Propriedades psicométricas do Inventário de Crescimento Pós-Traumático em uma amostra de estudantes universitários brasileiros

Abstract Objective: To examine psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI). Method: A total of 300 university students were evaluated though instruments that investigated trauma history, depression and posttraumatic symptoms, and personality traits through the Big Five model. Pearson's correlation was used to assess internal consistency, inter-item reliability and construct validity. Principal component analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to investigate the factor structure of the PTGI. Results: Results confirmed the original five-factor structure. The results showed good internal consistency for the total scale (α = 0.91) and its subscales, ranging from α = 0.85 to α = 0.70. Also, evidence of construct and convergent validity was observed through correlations with posttraumatic and depression symptoms and personality measures. Conclusions: These preliminary results suggest that the Brazilian PTGI is reliable and showed adequate evidence of validity.

Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é examinar as propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do Inventário de Crescimento Pós-Traumático (Posttraumatic Growth Inventory - PTGI). Método: Foram avaliados 300 estudantes universitários através de instrumentos que investigaram histórico de trauma, sintomas pós-traumáticos e de depressão e traços de personalidade através do modelo Big Five. A correlação de Pearson foi utilizada para investigar consistência interna, confiabilidade entre itens e procedimentos de validade de construto. Análise de componentes principais e análise de fatores confirmatórios foram realizadas para investigar a estrutura fatorial do PTGI. Resultados: Os resultados confirmaram a estrutura original de cinco fatores. Os resultados mostraram boa consistência interna para a escala total (α = 0.91) e suas subescalas, variando de α = 0.85 a α = 0.70. Além disso, evidências de validade de construto e convergente foram observadas através de correlações com sintomas pós-traumáticos e de depressão e medidas de personalidade. Conclusões: Os resultados preliminares sugerem que o PTGI brasileiro é confiável e apresentou evidência de validade adequada.

Indicadores Psicológicos e Comportamentais na Perícia do Abuso Sexual Infantil / Indicadores Psicológicos y Conductuales en la Pericia del Abuso Sexual Infantil / Psychological and Behavioral Indicators in the Forensic Assessment of Child Sexual Abuse

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a capacidade discriminante de indicadores psicológicos e comportamentais frequentemente associados ao abuso sexual infantil. A amostra foi constituída por 79 crianças, de ambos os sexos, sendo 63,3% do sexo feminino (n = 50), com idades entre oito e 12 anos (M = 9,92; DP = 1,45). Os participantes foram distribuídos em três grupos: Abuso sexual (n = 34), Maus-tratos sem histórico de abuso sexual (n = 14) e Sintomas clínicos sem histórico de maus-tratos (n = 31). Foram administrados instrumentos com os responsáveis e com as crianças. Para identificar os fatores que diferenciavam os grupos, foi realizada a Análise de regressão logística multinominal. A variável Preocupações sexuais foi significativa para diferenciar o grupo Abuso sexual dos outros dois grupos. O modelo apresentou capacidade preditiva geral de classificar corretamente 69,6% dos casos. Sugere-se que a investigação dessa variável seja incluída, entre outros indicadores, nos procedimentos periciais de crianças com suspeita de abuso sexual. Com base nos resultados obtidos, fica evidente que é necessário cautela no estabelecimento de associações causais entre manifestações comportamentais ou psicológicas e a hipótese de abuso sexual em crianças.

Resumen Este estudio evaluó la capacidad discriminante de indicadores psicológicos y conductuales frecuentemente asociados al abuso sexual infantil. La muestra fue constituida por 79 niños, de ambos sexos, siendo 63,3% do sexo femenino (n = 50), com edades entre ocho y 12 años (M = 9,92; DE = 1,45). Los participantes fueron distribuidos en tres grupos: Abuso sexual (n = 34), Malos tratos sin antecedentes de abuso sexual (n = 14) y Sintomas clínicos sin antecedentes de maltrato (n = 31). Se han administrados instrumentos con los responsables y los niños. Para identificar los factores que diferenciaban a los grupos, se realizó el Análisis de regresión logística multinominal. La variable Preocupaciones sexuales apareció como significativa para diferenciar el grupo Abuso sexual de los otros dos grupos. El modelo presentó la capacidad preditiva general de clasificar correctamente 69,6% de los casos. Se sugerie la inclusión de esta variable, entre otros indicadores, en la evaluación del abuso sexual infantil. En base a los resultados obtenidos, es evidente que es necesario cautela en el establecimiento de asociaciones causales entre manifestaciones comportamentales o psicológicas y la hipótesis de abuso sexual infantil.

Abstract This study evaluated the discriminative ability of behavioral and psychological indicators often associated with child sexual abuse. The sample consisted of 79 children of both genders, 63.3% being female (n = 50), aged between 8 and 12 years (M = 9.92, SD = 1.45). Participants were assigned to three groups: Sexual abuse (n = 34), Maltreatment with no history of sexual abuse (n = 14) and Clinical symptoms with no history of abuse or other traumatic events (n = 31). Assessment measures were administered with the legal guardians and with the children. A multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted aiming to identify factors for differentiation of the groups. The TSCC Sexual concerns variable emerged as significant in differentiating the Sexual abuse group from both the Maltreatment and Clinical symptoms groups. The model showed overall predictive ability to accurately classify 69.6% of the cases. The investigation of this variable should be included, among other indicators, in forensic procedures for children with suspected sexual abuse. Based on the results, it becomes clear that caution is required in establishing causal relationships between behavioral or psychological manifestations and the hypothesis of child sexual abuse.

Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) was developed to measure nine cognitive strategies referring to what someone thinks after the experience of threatening or stressful events. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of the Brazilian version of the CERQ. METHODS: The adaptation process included translation, backtranslation, expert committee evaluation, and test on 30 participants from the target population. A sample of 445 university students completed the Portuguese version of the CERQ, a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Life Events Checklist (LEC-5), and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) on an on-line research platform. Validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis of two models - a nine-factor model and a second-order model. Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach's alpha analysis and correlations with affective variables measured by the PANAS. RESULTS: The analyses showed that the nine-factor model of the CERQ has good factorial validity and high reliability, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging between 0.71 and 0.88. The second-order model did not have a good fit to the data. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study are similar to the ones found previously, indicating that the Brazilian version of the CERQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing cognitive emotion regulation strategies, but that grouping them according to their adaptability is not recommended.

Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire / Propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do Questionário de Regulação Emocional Cognitiva

Abstract Introduction: The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) was developed to measure nine cognitive strategies referring to what someone thinks after the experience of threatening or stressful events. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity of the Brazilian version of the CERQ. Methods: The adaptation process included translation, backtranslation, expert committee evaluation, and test on 30 participants from the target population. A sample of 445 university students completed the Portuguese version of the CERQ, a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Life Events Checklist (LEC-5), and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) on an on-line research platform. Validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis of two models - a nine-factor model and a second-order model. Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach's alpha analysis and correlations with affective variables measured by the PANAS. Results: The analyses showed that the nine-factor model of the CERQ has good factorial validity and high reliability, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging between 0.71 and 0.88. The second-order model did not have a good fit to the data. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study are similar to the ones found previously, indicating that the Brazilian version of the CERQ is a valid and reliable tool for assessing cognitive emotion regulation strategies, but that grouping them according to their adaptability is not recommended.

Resumo Introdução: O Questionário de Regulação Emocional Cognitiva (Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire [CERQ]) foi desenvolvido para medir nove estratégias cognitivas que se referem à forma como as pessoas pensam sobre a experiência de eventos ameaçadores ou estressantes. O objetivo principal deste estudo foi desenvolver e avaliar a validade da versão brasileira do CERQ. Métodos: O processo de adaptação incluiu tradução, retrotradução, avaliação de comitê de especialistas e teste em 30 participantes da população-alvo. Uma amostra de 445 universitários completou a versão em português do CERQ, um questionário sociodemográfico, a Lista de Verificação de Eventos de Vida (Life Events Checklist [LEC-5]) e a Escala de Afeto Positivo e Negativo (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule [PANAS]) em uma plataforma de pesquisa online. A validade do instrumento foi avaliada através da análise fatorial confirmatória de dois modelos: um modelo de nove fatores e um modelo de segunda ordem. A consistência interna foi avaliada por meio da análise de alfa de Cronbach e correlações com variáveis afetivas medidas pela PANAS. Resultados: As análises mostraram que o modelo de nove fatores do CERQ possui boa validade fatorial e alta confiabilidade, com valores de alfa de Cronbach variando entre 0,71 e 0,88. O modelo de segunda ordem não se ajustou bem aos dados. Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos neste estudo são semelhantes aos encontrados em estudos anteriores, indicando que o CERQ é uma ferramenta válida e confiável para avaliar as estratégias de regulação cognitiva das emoções, mas que agrupá-las de acordo com sua adaptabilidade não é recomendado.

Vantagens e desvantagens da terapia de exposição virtual para o transtorno de estresse pós-traumático / Advantages and disadvantages of virtual exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder

As técnicas de exposição foram as mais desenvolvidas no estudo do tratamento do Transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático nos últimos anos. Porém, exposições ao vivo e através da imaginação apresentam importantes limitações, como a impossibilidade de expor o indivíduo a determinados eventos, dificuldade de acesso emocional às memórias traumáticas e importantes taxas de desistência durante o tratamento. A Terapia de Exposição Virtual tem se mostrado eficaz no tratamento do Transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático, mas apresenta desafios para sua operacionalização. Esta revisão se propôs a avaliar as vantagens e desvantagens do uso da Terapia de Exposição Virtual para o Transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático. Foram encontradas vantagens em relação à motivação para o tratamento, capacidade de engajamento emocional e controle do terapeuta sobre os estímulos associados ao trauma.Os custos e a necessidade de especialistas em programação são desvantagens importantes. São encontradas também contra indicações médicas e psiquiátricas.Os avanços tecnológicos têm diminuído desvantagens facilitando o uso e a criação de novos cenários virtuais, porém,sem eliminá-las por completo. (AU)

Exposure procedures were the most developed techniques in the study of treatments for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in recent years. Nonetheless, imaginary and in vivo exposures present important limitations, such as the impossibility of exposing individuals to certain type of events, the difficulty in accessing emotions related to the traumatic memories and elevated dropoutrates during treatment. The Virtual Exposure Therapy has proven to be effective in the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder treatment, however there are challenges to its implementation. This review aims at evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of the use of Virtual Exposure Therapy in the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Results lead to conclusions that Virtual Exposure Therapy has advantagesregarding motivation fortreatment, emotional engagement, and therapist's control over the stimuli associated to the trauma. The costs and the need for programming experts are major disadvantages. There are also medical and psychiatric contraindications. Technological advances facilitate the use and creation of new virtual scenarios, reducing the disadvantages but without eliminating them. (AU)