Evaluación de experiencias traumáticas tempranas en adultos / Assessment of early traumatic experiences in adults

La presencia de experiencias traumáticas tempranas se ha asociado con una gran variedad de alteraciones psicopatológicas en la edad adulta. Esto hace que en la práctica clínica sea importante la evaluación y el abordaje de eventos traumáticos previos en los pacientes con diferentes trastornos mentales. El objetivo fundamental de este trabajo fue realizar una breve descripción y aproximación a los principales instrumentos de medida para la evaluación de las experiencias traumáticas tempranas, preferentemente en adultos; y presentar un nuevo instrumento de medida para la evaluación de las experiencias traumáticas tempranas en pacientes con trastorno mental grave. Los resultados mostraron que la mayoría de los instrumentos existentes proporcionan escaso o ningún apoyo psicométrico y se centran en evaluar un solo tipo de experiencia traumática, lo que reduce su aplicabilidad en la práctica clínica. Del mismo modo, son escasos los instrumentos que han sido adaptados y validados en población española. Futuros estudios deberían seguir examinando las propiedades psicométricas de este conjunto de autoinformes, con la finalidad de mejorar la evaluación de las experiencias traumáticas en la edad adulta

The presence of early traumatic experiences has been associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders in adulthood. This means that in clinical practice the assessment of and approach to previous traumatic events is important in patients with different mental disorders. The main purpose of this paper is, firstly, to provide a brief description and approximation of the main measurement instruments for the assessment of early traumatic experiences; and secondly to present the new self-report for the assessment of early traumatic experiences in patients with severe mental illness. The results show that most of the existing tools for assessing early traumatic experiences have little or no psychometric support and a number of instruments are designed to measure only one type of trauma, which reduces their clinical applicability. Similarly, there are few instruments that have been adapted to and validated in the Spanish population. Future studies should continue to examine the psychometric properties of this group of self-reports with the aim of improving the evaluation of early traumatic experiences in adulthood

Experiencias esquizotípicas en la adolescencia: propiedades psicométricas del Schizotypal Personality Questionnarie-Child / Schizotypal experiences in adolescence: Psychometric properties of Schizotypal Personality Questionnarie-Child

Las experiencias esquizotípicas son consideradas como la expresión conductual de vulnerabilidad latente a los trastornos del espectro esquizofrénico. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la calidad psicométrica del Schizotypal Personality Questionnarie-Child (SPQ-C) en adolescentes no clínicos. La muestra final la formaron un total de 508 participantes, 208 varones, con una media de edad de 13.9 años (DT = 1.7). Los resultados mostraron que las experiencias esquizotípicas son comunes entre la población adolescente. Los modelos dimensionales hipotetizados sometidos a prueba, mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio, indicaron que el modelo tridimensional fue el que mejores índices de ajuste presentó en comparación con los modelos competentes. El coeficiente alfa de Cronbach para la puntuación total del SPQ-C fue .90. Las dimensiones del SPQ-C mostraron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas con otros autoinformes que valoraban sintomatología emocional y comportamental y estrés percibido. Ningún elemento del SPQ-C mostró funcionamiento diferencial del ítem para el factor sexo. El SPQ-C presentó un adecuado comportamiento psicométrico en esta muestra. Asimismo, la esquizotipia es un constructo de naturaleza multidimensional que puede ser evaluado de forma precisa en población adolescente con la finalidad de mejorar las estrategias de detección temprana en el campo de los trastornos mentales graves

Schizotypal experiences are considered as the behavioral expression of latent vulnerability to the schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. The main goal was to analyze the psychometric quality of Schizotypal Personality Questionnarie-Child (SPQ-C) in non-clinical adolescents. The final sample was comprised of a total of 508 participants, 208 were male, with a mean age of 13.9 years (SD = 1.7). The results showed that schizotypal traits are common among adolescents. Hypothesized dimensional models tested by confirmatory factor analysis, indicated the three-dimensional model was the best fit indices presented in comparison with competing models. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total score was .90. The dimensions of the SPQ-C showed significant correlations with self-reports that assessed emotional and behavioral problems and perceived stress. No items on SPQ-C showed differential item functioning by gender. The SPQC scores showed adequate psychometric properties. Also, schizotypy is a multidimensional construct that can be accurately assessed in adolescents in order to improve early detection strategies in the field of severe mental disorders

Measuring stages of recovery from psychosis.

BACKGROUND: Mental health consumers invite us to abandon the pathology model, which is tied to pessimism, and instead to embrace a model of personal recovery that goes beyond being free from symptoms, and involves self-management of the illness. The Stages of Recovery Instrument (STORI) is a measure developed from the perspective of consumers according to a conceptual five-stage model of recovery. AIMS: The main aim of this work was to study the psychometric properties of the STORI, but we also set out to compare the stages of recovery in our sample with the five-stage model in the sample with which the scale was developed. METHODS: Our sample consisted of 95 people diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum psychoses, with a mean age of 34.74 (SD=9.25). RESULTS: The STORI scores showed adequate psychometric properties in this sample. Cluster analysis indicated that the three-cluster model fitted the data better than the five-cluster model. Internal consistency of the STORI scores ranged between .83 and .87. STORI stages were associated with Recovery Styles Questionnaire scores. DISCUSSION: The results provide empirical validation of the STORI in other countries. Empirical evidence revealed that the stages of recovery found in our own and other clinical samples differ from those found in the samples with which the scale was developed.

Social skills training for people with schizophrenia: what do we train? / Entrenamiento en habilidades sociales para personas con esquizofrenia: ¿Qué entrenamos?

This paper gives a broad definition of the characteristics and incidence for schizophrenia, and introduces the various deficits in social skills and social function faced by patients with this disorder. The role of Social Skills Training (SST), which can be used to improve some of these deficiencies in social skills, social function, cognition and competence, including the history and efficacy of such training, is addressed. An outline is given of the Brief Cognitive-Behavioural SST for schizophrenia patients, designed by our clinical research group (University of Barcelona and General Hospital of Igualada, Spain), along with the parameters of the study, risk factors for certain patients and results. We then indicate future directions focusing on the sue of virtual reality as a modern technology to enhance treatment and highlighting potential areas for further study

Este artículo proporciona una definición amplia sobre las características y la incidencia de la esquizofrenia y presenta los distintos déficit en habilidades sociales y en funcionamiento social que sufren los pacientes con este trastorno. Se aborda el papel del entrenamiento en habilidades sociales (EHS), que puede utilizarse para mejorar algunas de estas deficiencias en habilidades sociales, en el funcionamiento social, en las cogniciones y en la competencia, incluyendo la historia y la eficacia de dicho entrenamiento. Se expone un esquema del "EHS cognitivo conductual breve" para pacientes con esquizofrenia desarrollado por nuestro grupo clínico de investigación (Universidad de Barcelona y Hospital General de Igualada, España), junto con los parámetros del estudio, los factores de riesgo para ciertos pacientes y los resultados. Finalmente, presentamos las perspectivas futuras, centrándonos en el uso de la realidad virtual como una tecnología moderna para mejorar el tratamiento y resaltar áreas potenciales para estudios futuros

Cross-cultural invariance of the factor structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire across Spanish and American college students.

The main goal of this study was to examine the cross-cultural invariance of the factor structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) (Raine, 1991) in two large samples of Spanish and American young adults. The final sample was made up of 2313 college students (508 men, 22%). Their mean age was 20.5 years (S.D.=3.2). The results indicated that the Stefanis et al. (2004) four-factor model yielded the best goodness-of-fit indices compared to alternative models. Moreover, the results support configural, metric, and partial measurement invariance of the covariances of the SPQ across the two samples. The finding of measurement equivalence across cultures provides essential evidence of construct validity for the schizotypy dimensions and of the cross-cultural validity of SPQ scores. The finding of comparable dimensional structures in cross-cultural samples lends further support to the continuum model of schizotypy and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Future studies should continue to examine the validity of scores on the SPQ and other schizotypy measures and their variation or consistency across cultures.

Schizotypal personality questionnaire: new sources of validity evidence in college students.

Schizotypal traits represent the behavioral expression of vulnerability to psychosis in general population. Among the most widely used measurement instruments, we could find the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) (Raine, 1991). However, some aspects of its psychometric quality have yet to be analyzed. The main goal of the present study was to gather new sources of validity evidence of the SPQ scores in non-clinical young adults. The final sample was made up of 1123 college students (M=20.3 years; S.D.=2.6). The study of the internal structure using exploratory factor analysis revealed that SPQ items were grouped in a theoretical structure of seven second-order factors. Confirmatory factor analyses showed that the four-factor model (Paranoid) displayed better goodness-of-fit indices than the other hypothetical dimensional models tested. More complex measurement models, such as those tested using second-order confirmatory factor analyses and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling, also showed adequate goodness-of-fit indices. The reliability of the SPQ scores ranged from 0.80 to 0.91. A total of 11 items showed differential functioning by gender. Advances in psychosis phenotype measurement open up new horizons to understand the structure and content of schizotypy.

An updated review on burden on caregivers of schizophrenia patients / Una revisión actualizada sobre la sobrecarga en cuidadores de pacientes con esquizofrenia

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental illness that has a significant impact not only in the patient but also in the entire family as well. Caregivers assume almost the totality of the patient care. This responsibility exposes caregivers to an intense burden with negative consequences for them and the rest of the family system. This is an updated review of existing literature about burden on families with schizophrenia patients. METHOD: An electronic search of articles from MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases was conducted for articles published between 2008 and 2013. RESULTS: A systematization of information and frequency analysis revealed the existence of eight factors related to burden that were present in almost all the reviewed literature: Programs of family treatment, Ethnic group, Expressed Emotion, Stress and Burden, Preoccupations of the caregiver, Kind of caregiver, Social networks, Social support, Finances and Coping Strategies. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the statements of different theories reflecting the complexity of schizophrenia caregivers' burden and these, in turn, may be related to the above factors

ANTECEDENTES: la esquizofrenia es una enfermedad mental grave que no solo tiene un impacto significativo en el paciente, sino también en la familia. Los cuidadores asumen casi la totalidad de los cuidados de los pacientes. Esta responsabilidad expone a los cuidadores a una intensa sobrecarga con consecuencias negativas para ellos y el resto del sistema familiar. Este estudio se trata de una revisión actualizada de la bibliografía existente acerca de la sobrecarga en familias con pacientes con esquizofrenia. MÉTODO: se realizó una búsqueda electrónica de artículos de bases de datos MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA, EBSCO y Cochrane para artículos publicados entre 2008 y 2013. RESULTADOS: una sistematización de la información y un análisis de frecuencia reveló la existencia de ocho factores relacionados con la sobrecarga que se presentaron en casi toda la literatura revisada: programas de tratamiento familiar, grupo étnico, Emoción Expresada, estrés y sobrecarga, preocupaciones del cuidador, tipo de persona que lo cuida, redes sociales, apoyo social, finanzas y estrategias de afrontamiento. CONCLUSIONES: este estudio evidencia el apoyo a las diversas teorías planteadas sobre el tema, reflejando la complejidad de la relación de los factores mencionados anteriormente en la sobrecarga de los cuidadores de pacientes con esquizofrenia

An updated review on burden on caregivers of schizophrenia patients.

BACKGROUND: Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental illness that has a significant impact not only in the patient but also in the entire family as well. Caregivers assume almost the totality of the patient care. This responsibility exposes caregivers to an intense burden with negative consequences for them and the rest of the family system. This is an updated review of existing literature about burden on families with schizophrenia patients. METHOD: An electronic search of articles from MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA, EBSCO, and Cochrane databases was conducted for articles published between 2008 and 2013. RESULTS: A systematization of information and frequency analysis revealed the existence of eight factors related to burden that were present in almost all the reviewed literature: Programs of family treatment, Ethnic group, Expressed Emotion, Stress and Burden, Preoccupations of the caregiver, Kind of caregiver, Social networks, Social support, Finances and Coping Strategies. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the statements of different theories reflecting the complexity of schizophrenia caregivers' burden and these, in turn, may be related to the above factors.

A systematic review of the complex organization of human cognitive domains and their heritability / Una revisión sistemática de la organización compleja de los dominios cognitivos humanos y su heredabilidad

BACKGROUND: Models of cognition propose a hierarchical structure for human cognitive processes, in which the sequences of human action are organized into parts or subunits of analysis that can be grouped into progressively more complex, inclusive higher-order functions. This organizational structure from partial to whole may be reflected in the neural representations that underlie human behaviour, and in its genetic underpinnings. The objective of the present study was to explore a putative hierarchical organization of the genetic influences underlying cognitive domains. METHOD: Thirty four studies of the heritability of cognition on population-based samples were reviewed, which included measures of intelligence, verbal and performance abilities, memory, working memory and processing speed. RESULTS: Specific cognitive domains showed diverse proportions of genetic underpinnings such that higher order cognitive functions present high heritability estimates, whereas lower-order functions respond to small/moderate heritability estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current understanding of the developmental processes of the neurobiological substrates of human cognition, the genetic contributions to cognitive abilities seem to be organized in line with the ontogenic maturation of the brain. We discuss the large genetic control of the combinatory capacity of basic cognitive functions, and its interaction with environmental influences

ANTECEDENTES: se ha propuesto que la estructura de la cognición humana respondería a un sistema jerárquico, donde las secuencias propias a una acción se organizarían desde sub-unidades de análisis hasta funciones de nivel superior relativamente complejas. Esta estructura organizacional estaría reflejada en las representaciones neurales que subyacen al comportamiento humano, así como también en sus sustratos genéticos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue explorar la posible organización jerárquica de las influencias genéticas subyacentes a los dominios cognitivos humanos. MÉTODO: se revisaron treinta y cuatro estudios de la heredabilidad de la cognición en muestras de la población general, que incluyeron medidas de inteligencia, habilidades verbales y manipulativas, memoria, memoria de trabajo y velocidad de procesamiento. RESULTADOS: diversos dominios cognitivos mostraron distintas proporciones de influencias genéticas, con las mayores estimaciones de heredabilidad halladas para las funciones cognitivas de nivel superior y las menores estimaciones para las funciones de orden medio o inferior. CONCLUSIONES: tomando como referencia los conocimientos actuales acerca del neurodesarrollo humano, las contribuciones genéticas de las habilidades cognitivas parecen organizarse paralelamente al crecimiento ontogénico del cerebro. Se discuten estos resultados en relación a la interacción entre el control genético de las funciones cognitivas y sus influencias ambientales

Psychometric properties of the AQ Aggression Scale in Chilean students / Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Agresividad AQ en estudiantes chilen

BACKGROUND: The Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) evaluates aggressive behaviours and is used to assess manifestations of aggression. METHODS: At different points in time, 346 Chilean university students participated in the validation of the instrument, whose convergent validity was shown in relation to the scales of Psychological Aggression and Physical Aggression of the Conflict Tactics Scale 2 (CTS- 2), and the Salvo Impulsivity Scale. Discriminant validity was found when comparing the scores obtained from a group of students categorized as 'Violent' with those of a control group, after a screening test. RESULTS: The AQ scale has appropriate psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity. Four principal factors were obtained in the confirmatory factor analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The AQ can be used in Chile to assess aggressive behaviours. Challenges for future research are discussed

ANTECEDENTES: el Cuestionario de Agresión de Buss y Perry (AQ) evalúa conductas agresivas y se utiliza para medir manifestaciones de agresión. MÉTODO: trescientos cuarenta y seis estudiantes universitarios chilenos participaron en diferentes momentos de la validación del instrumento, las evidencias de validez convergente se analizaron en relación a las subescalas de Agresión Psicológica y Agresión Física de la Escala de Tácticas de Conflicto 2 y la escala de Impulsividad de Salvo. Las evidencias de validez discriminante se comprobaron en la comparación de las puntuaciones obtenidas en un grupo de estudiantes universitarios identificados como violentos en un screening y el grupo control. RESULTADOS: el AQ presenta propiedades psicométricas adecuadas en términos de consistencia interna, estabilidad test-retest y evidencias de validez convergente y discriminante. Se identificaron cuatro factores principales en el análisis factorial confirmatorio. CONCLUSIONES: el AQ parece ser un instrumento adecuado para evaluar el nivel de conductas agresivas en muestras chilenas. Se plantean desafíos para estudios posteriores

A systematic review of the complex organization of human cognitive domains and their heritability.

BACKGROUND: Models of cognition propose a hierarchical structure for human cognitive processes, in which the sequences of human action are organized into parts or subunits of analysis that can be grouped into progressively more complex, inclusive higher-order functions. This organizational structure from partial to whole may be reflected in the neural representations that underlie human behaviour, and in its genetic underpinnings. The objective of the present study was to explore a putative hierarchical organization of the genetic influences underlying cognitive domains. METHOD: Thirty four studies of the heritability of cognition on population-based samples were reviewed, which included measures of intelligence, verbal and performance abilities, memory, working memory and processing speed. RESULTS: Specific cognitive domains showed diverse proportions of genetic underpinnings such that higher-order cognitive functions present high heritability estimates, whereas lower-order functions respond to small/moderate heritability estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current understanding of the developmental processes of the neurobiological substrates of human cognition, the genetic contributions to cognitive abilities seem to be organized in line with the ontogenic maturation of the brain. We discuss the large genetic control of the combinatory capacity of basic cognitive functions, and its interaction with environmental influences.

Psychometric properties of the AQ Aggression Scale in Chilean students.

BACKGROUND: The Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) evaluates aggressive behaviours and is used to assess manifestations of aggression. METHODS: At different points in time, 346 Chilean university students participated in the validation of the instrument, whose convergent validity was shown in relation to the scales of Psychological Aggression and Physical Aggression of the Conflict Tactics Scale 2 (CTS- 2), and the Salvo Impulsivity Scale. Discriminant validity was found when comparing the scores obtained from a group of students categorized as "Violent" with those of a control group, after a screening test. RESULTS: The AQ scale has appropriate psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity. Four principal factors were obtained in the confirmatory factor analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The AQ can be used in Chile to assess aggressive behaviours. Challenges for future research are discussed.

Cross-cultural invariance of the factor structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire across Spanish and American college students.

The main goal of this study was to examine the cross-cultural invariance of the factor structure of the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) (Raine, 1991) in two large samples of Spanish and American young adults. The final sample was made up of 2313 college students (508 men, 22%). Their mean age was 20.5 years (S.D.=3.2). The results indicated that the Stefanis et al. (2004) four-factor model yielded the best goodness-of-fit indices compared to alternative models. Moreover, the results support configural, metric, and partial measurement invariance of the covariances of the SPQ across the two samples. The finding of measurement equivalence across cultures provides essential evidence of construct validity for the schizotypy dimensions and of the cross-cultural validity of SPQ scores. The finding of comparable dimensional structures in cross-cultural samples lends further support to the continuum model of schizotypy and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Future studies should continue to examine the validity of scores on the SPQ and other schizotypy measures and their variation or consistency across cultures.

The assessment of positive dimension of the psychosis phenotype in college students.

The Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales are one of the most used measuring instruments for the assessment of psychometric risk for psychosis. The main goal of the present study was to analyze the reliability of the scores and to provide new sources of validity evidence for the brief version of the Magical Ideation Scale (MIS-B) and the Perceptual Aberration Scale (PAS-B). The final sample was comprised of a total of 1349 university students divided into two subsamples (n1=710; M=19.8 years; n2=639; M=21.2 years). Results show that both measurement instruments have adequate psychometric properties under Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory. Internal structure analysis of MIS-B and PAS-B, through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, yielded an essentially one-dimensional solution. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total score of MIS-B ranged between 0.86 and 0.87, whereas for the PAS-B it ranged between 0.78 and 0.89. A total of 5 items showed a differential functioning for sex. The results indicate that the MIS-B and PAS-B are brief measurement instruments with adequate psychometric properties for the assessment of the positive dimension of the psychosis phenotype and could be used as screening tools in the detection of individuals at risk for psychosis in the general population.

Dimensionality of the Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales--brief forms in college students.

Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales are one of the most used measuring instruments for the assessment of psychometric risk for psychosis. The main goal of the present study was to analyze the internal structure of the Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales-Brief (WSS-B) forms and the reliability of the scores in a large sample of college students. The final sample was comprised by a total of 1349 students, 288 males, with a mean age of 20.48 years (SD = 2.58). The results indicated that the WSS-B scores presented adequate psychometric properties. Cronbach's alfa coefficient for total scores in WSS-B ranged from 0.86 to 0.93. Analysis of the internal structure of the WSS-B, through confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling, yielded a four factor solution (Magical Ideation, Perceptual Aberration, Social Anhedonia, and Physical Anhedonia) as the most adequate. Statistically significant differences in mean scores of WSS-B by sex were found. These results provided new validity evidence of the WSS-B scores in an independent sample of nonclinical young adults. The WSS-B seems to be useful, brief, and easy to administrate for the screening of extended psychosis phenotype in the general population.

Reconocimiento de caras en la esquizotipia / Face recognition in schizotypy

Estudios previos sugieren la existencia de fallos en la percepción de uno mismo en la esquizofrenia y la esquizotipia y, en particular, una percepción inusual de la propia cara y de la de otros en la esquizotipia. El propósito de este estudio fue explorar las posibles diferencias en el reconocimiento de la propia cara y la de otros, entre las personas que puntúan alto y bajo en esquizotipia, además de confirmar si las dimensiones Cognitivo-perceptiva y de Desorganización de la esquizotipia, pero no la dimensión Interpersonal, guardan relación significativa con esas anomalías, según lo observado en estudios previos. La muestra estuvo formada por 219 adolescentes y jóvenes no clínicos, (53% mujeres). Los instrumentos empleados fueron el Self-Face Recognition Questionnaire (SFRQ), el Cuestionario de Personalidad Esquizotípica versión breve (SPQ-B) y el ESQUIZO-Q. La media de edad de los participantes fue de 16.3 años (DT = 1.18). Las comparaciones entre quienes puntúan alto y bajo en esquizotipia ofrece apoyo a la hipótesis de que los rasgos positivos (Cognitivo-perceptivos y de Desorganización) correlacionan significativamente con las dificultades en el reconocimiento de caras. Las mujeres mostraron mayores dificultades que los varones en el reconocimiento de caras, probablemente debido la tendencia a puntuar más alto en la dimensión Cognitivo-perceptiva (AU)

Studies suggest disturbances of self in schizophrenia and in schizotypy, and unusual perception of own and other faces in schizotypy. The purpose of this study was to explore possible differences between high and low scores on schizotypal questionnaires and self and others-face recognition, and confirm whether the cognitive-perceptual and disorganization dimensions of schizotypy, but not the interpersonal dimension, significantly correlated with such disturbances, as observed in previous studies. A sample of 219 nonclinical adolescent and young subjects (53% females) completed the Self-Face Recognition Questionnaire (SFRQ), the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire-Brief (SPQ-B), and the Oviedo Schizotypy Assessment Questionnaire (ESQUIZO-Q). Mean age of the participants was 16.3 years (SD = 1.18). Comparisons between those participants scoring high and low in schizotypal traits offer further support that positive (Cognitive-perceptual and Disorganization) traits significantly correlate with face recognition difficulties; demonstrating girls more disturbances than boys in face recognition, probably due to higher scores in the Cognitive-perceptive dimension (AU)

Development of a computerized adaptive test for Schizotypy assessment.

BACKGROUND: Schizotypal traits in adolescents from the general population represent the behavioral expression of liability for psychotic disorders. Schizotypy assessment in this sector of population has advanced considerably in the last few years; however, it is necessary to incorporate recent advances in psychological and educational measurement. OBJECTIVE: The main goal of this study was to develop a Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) to evaluate schizotypy through "The Oviedo Questionnaire for Schizotypy Assessment" (ESQUIZO-Q), in non-clinical adolescents. METHODS: The final sample consisted of 3,056 participants, 1,469 males, with a mean age of 15.9 years (SD=1.2). RESULTS: The results indicated that the ESQUIZO-Q scores presented adequate psychometric properties under both Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory. The Information Function estimated using the Gradual Response Model indicated that the item pool effectively assesses schizotypy at the high end of the latent trait. The correlation between the CAT total scores and the paper-and-pencil test was 0.92. The mean number of presented items in the CAT with the standard error fixed at ≤ 0.30 was of 34 items. CONCLUSION: The CAT showed adequate psychometric properties for schizotypy assessment in the general adolescent population. The ESQUIZO-Q adaptive version could be used as a screening method for the detection of adolescents at risk for psychosis in both educational and mental health settings.

Patrones desadaptativos de la personalidad del cluster B en adolescentes españoles / Cluster B maladaptive personality traits in Spanish adolescents

Introducción: La prevalencia y la expresión de los trastornos de la personalidad del cluster B durante la adolescencia han sido escasamente analizadas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la tasa de los rasgos y los patrones desadaptativos de la personalidad del cluster B autoinformados en adolescentes espa˜noles. También se examinaron la estructura dimensional subyacente y la influencia del sexo y la edad en su expresión fenotípica. Metodo: La muestra la formaron un total de 1.440 participantes (media = 15,9 a˜nos; DE = 1,2). El instrumento de medida utilizado fue el Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+). Resultados: Los rasgos de las personalidades «dramáticas» o «erráticas» son comunes entre la población adolescente, particularmente las facetas antisocial y límite. El 20,3% de la muestra presentaría, según los puntos de corte del PDQ-4+, un patrón desadaptivo de la personalidad del cluster B. El análisis de la estructura interna de los ítems del cluster B del PDQ-4+ arrojó una solución factorial concretada en 3 factores interrelacionados, a saber: Antisocial, Borderline e Histriónico/ Narcisista. Se encontraron diferencias en función del sexo en la subescalas del cluster B, no así en función de la edad. Conclusiones: Estos datos arrojan nuevas pistas que permiten mejorar la comprensión de los rasgos de la personalidad del cluster B en este sector de la población. Futuros estudios deberían utilizar instrumentos de medida que tuvieran en cuenta la preocupación, la convicción y el estrés asociado a tales experiencias(AU)

Introducction: The prevalence and expression of Cluster B personality disorders during adolescence have been poorly analyzed. The main aim of this research was to analyze the rate of Cluster B maladaptive personality traits in Spanish adolescents. We also examined dimensional structure underlying the influence of sex and age in its phenotypic expression, was also examined. Method: The sample consisted of a total of 1440 participants (Mean = 15.9 years, SD = 1.2). The self-reporting questionnaire used was the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4 + (PDQ-4 +). Results: Maladaptative «dramatic» or «erratic» personality traits are common among adolescents, particularly antisocial and borderline facets. Using the PDQ-4+ cut-off points, 20.3% of the sample submitted had a Cluster B personality disorder. The analysis of the internal structure of the Cluster B items of the PDQ-4 + yielded a factorial solution centred on three interrelated factors, including: Antisocial, Borderline and Histrionic/Narcissistic. There were differences by gender in the subscales of Cluster B, but not in function of age. Conclusions: These data yield new insights that improve the understanding of the Cluster B personality disorders and traits in this sector of the population. Future studies should use measurement tools that take into account the concern, conviction and distress associated with such experiences(AU)

Cluster A maladaptive personality patterns in a non-clinical adolescent population / Patrones desadaptativos de la personalidad del Cluster A en población adolescente no clínica / Patrones desadaptativos de la personalidad del Cluster A en población adolescente no clínica

Background: The prevalence and expression of Cluster A personality disorders in adolescence is poorly analyzed and understood. The main goal was to analyze the rate of Cluster A traits and maladaptive personality patterns in adolescents. In addition, the underlying dimensional structure and the possible influence of sex and age in its phenotypic expression were examined. Method: The final sample was comprised of a total of 1,443 participants (M= 15.9 years, SD= 1.2). The instrument used was the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+). Results: Cluster A maladaptive personality traits are common among adolescents. According to the PDQ-4+, 13.1% (n= 189) of the sample reported a Cluster A maladaptive personality pattern. Analysis of the internal structure yielded two interrelated factors, namely Paranoid and Schizotypal-Schizoid. Males, compared with females, obtained higher scores on the schizotypal subscale when the score was dimensional and on the schizotypal and schizoid subscales when items were dichotomized. Conclusions: These data yield new clues that improve the understanding of Cluster A traits in this sector of the population, and advance in early detection of adolescents at risk of personality disorders (AU)

Antecedentes: la prevalencia y la expresión de los trastornos de la personalidad del Cluster A en la adolescencia se encuentra escasamente analizada y comprendida. El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la tasa de los rasgos y patrones desadaptativos de la personalidad del Cluster A en adolescentes. También se examinó la estructura dimensional subyacente y la influencia del sexo y la edad en su expresión fenotípica. Método: la muestra la formaron 1.443 participantes (M= 15,9 años; DT= 1,2). El instrumento de medida utilizado fue el Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+). Resultados: los rasgos de las personalidades del Cluster A son comunes entre la población adolescente. El 13,1% (n= 189) de la muestra presentaría, según el PDQ-4+, un patrón desadaptativo de la personalidad del Cluster A. La estructura dimensional subyacente arrojó dos factores interrelacionados, Paranoide y Esquizotípico-Esquizoide. Los varones presentaron, en comparación con las mujeres, mayores puntuaciones en la subescala esquizotípica cuando la puntuación era dimensional, y en las subescalas esquizotípica y esquizoide cuando la puntuación de los ítems era dicotomizada. Conclusiones: estos datos permiten avanzar en la comprensión de los rasgos del Cluster A y en la detección temprana de adolescentes con riesgo de desarrollar un trastorno de la personalidad (AU)

Cluster A maladaptive personality patterns in a non-clinical adolescent population.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence and expression of Cluster A personality disorders in adolescence is poorly analyzed and understood. The main goal was to analyze the rate of Cluster A traits and maladaptive personality patterns in adolescents. In addition, the underlying dimensional structure and the possible influence of sex and age in its phenotypic expression were examined. METHOD: The final sample was comprised of a total of 1,443 participants (M = 15.9 years, SD = 1.2). The instrument used was the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-4+ (PDQ-4+). RESULTS: Cluster A maladaptive personality traits are common among adolescents. According to the PDQ-4+, 13.1% (n = 189) of the sample reported a Cluster A maladaptive personality pattern. Analysis of the internal structure yielded two interrelated factors, namely Paranoid and Schizotypal-Schizoid. Males, compared with females, obtained higher scores on the schizotypal subscale when the score was dimensional and on the schizotypal and schizoid subscales when items were dichotomized. CONCLUSIONS: These data yield new clues that improve the understanding of Cluster A traits in this sector of the population, and advance in early detection of adolescents at risk of personality disorders.