Problematic Use of Social Networks during the First Lockdown: User Profiles and the Protective Effect of Resilience and Optimism.

During the first lockdown, there was an increase in time spent using Social Networking Sites (SNS), which should be studied, as well as problematic SNS use. The present study has three objectives: to evaluate (i) the differences across gender and age and SNS type in increased SNS use, (ii) problematic SNS use during lockdowns, and (iii) the protective role of resilience and optimism on problematic SNS use. A total of 1003 participants (75.5% women) over 18 years old participated (M = 42.33; SD = 14.32 years). The use of SNS before and during lockdown, anxiety, depression, life satisfaction and problematic SNS use were evaluated. A repeated measures ANOVA and four regression analyses were calculated for the first objective regarding increased SNS use. Another linear regression analysis was calculated for the second objective regarding problematic SNS use. A correlational analysis has been performed to assess the protective roles of resilience and optimism. Differences in the increased use of SNS were found between the two time points and between the different types of SNS. Higher use of Instagram and YouTube was related to younger age. Being female was associated with higher Instagram use. Significant problematic use was found to be associated with younger age but was not dependent on gender. Higher levels of resilience and optimism were related to a lower level of problematic SNS use. SNS use during lockdown needs to be studied in order to understand factors that may protect against undesirable psychological consequences and support prevention programs.

To be Direct or not: Reversing Likert Response Format Items.

Likert items are often used in social and health sciences. However, the format is strongly affected by acquiescence and reversed items have traditionally been used to control this response bias, a controversial practice. This paper aims to examine how reversed items affect the psychometric properties of a scale. Different versions of the Grit-s scale were applied to an adult sample (N = 1,419). The versions of the scale had either all items in positive or negative forms, or a mix of positive and negative items. The psychometric properties of the different versions (item analysis, dimensionality and reliability) were analyzed. Both negative and positive versions demonstrated better functioning than mixed versions. However, the mean total scores did not vary, which is an example of how similar means could mask other significant differences. Therefore, we advise against using mixed scales, and consider the use of positive or negative versions preferable.

Using Social Networking Sites During Lockdown: Risks and Benefits.

BACKGROUND: Previous research about use of Social Networking Sites (SNS) use during the COVID-19 lockdown has examined benefits and risks of SNS use (i.e., support through SNS, problematic SNS use and interaction about COVID-19) without comparing them. This study has two objectives: (i) to evaluate which SNS uses (problematic SNS use and interaction about COVID-19 on SNS) predict increased emotional distress, and (ii) to analyse if social support and interaction about COVID-19 mediated the relationship between time spent on SNS and increased emotional distress. METHOD: A total of 1,003 participants (75.5% women) over 18 years old took part (M = 42.33; SD = 14.32 years). Three hierarchical linear regressions were performed for the first objective and a path analysis was performed for the second. RESULTS: Results showed that negative social comparison on SNS had the highest positive regression weight, followed by interaction about COVID-19 and addictive consequences. Also, an indirect effect of time spent on SNS on anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction through interaction about COVID-19 and support through SNS was found. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that comparative SNS use is the best predictor of emotional distress. The mediation model proposed was confirmed, highlighting the importance of assessing specific SNS uses.

Masculinidad y Feminidad: Una visión multidimensional / Masculinity and Femininity: A multidimensional approach

La investigación de la Masculinidad y la Feminidad posee una larga trayectoria. A pesar de ello, aún se continúa discutiendo sobre la naturaleza de estos conceptos. En el presente estudio, se presenta el desarrollo de la Escala de Roles de Género de Oviedo (ERGO). Se empleó una muestra de 612 participantes procedentes de la población general española (Maños = 34.2; DTaños = 15.9). Se estudió la dimensionalidad, los índices de discriminación, la fiabilidad y las evidencias de validez divergente y convergente del instrumento. Además, se estudiaron diferencias en rasgos generales (modelo Big Five) y específicos de personalidad en función del sexo, y se realizó un ANCOVA controlando las variables de Masculinidad y Feminidad. Se observó un buen ajuste a una estructura multidimensional de tres factores, con alfas de Cronbach indicando una fiabilidad buena (Socioemocional = .75; Comparación = .81; Agresividad = .77) y adecuadas evidencias de validez. Se observaron diferencias en función del sexo en varios rasgos de personalidad, pero, al controlar la Masculinidad y Feminidad, las diferencias desaparecieron. El ERGO es una prueba válida y fiable para el estudio de los roles de género. Se discute la implicación de una aproximación multidimensional de la Masculinidad y Feminidad.(AU)

The research on Masculinity and Femininity has a long history. Despite this, there is still discussion about the nature of these concepts. In the present study, the development of the Oviedo Gender Roles Scale (GRSO) is presented. A sample of 612 participants belonging to general Spanish population is used (Myears= 34.2; SDyears= 15.9). The dimensionali-ty, discrimination indices, reliability and evidence of convergent and diver-gent validity of the instrument were studied. In addition, differences in general (Big Five model) and specific personality traits based on sex were measured and an ANCOVA was performed controlling the variables of Masculinity and Femininity. A good fit to a three-factor multidimensional structure, with Cronbach’s alphas indicating good reliability (Socioemo-tional = .75; Comparison = .81; Aggressiveness = .77) and adequate evi-dence of validity were observed. Differences based on sex were observed in various personality traits, but when controlling for Masculinity and Fem-ininity, such differences disappeared. ERGO is a reliable and valid test for the study of gender roles. The implication of a multidimensional approach on Masculinity and Femininity is discussed.(AU)

Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Symptom Experience Index.

BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is a common late and chronic adverse effect of breast cancer treatment. This study aimed to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the BCLE-SEI Spanish version with Spanish-speaking breast cancer patients. METHOD: 286 patients were recruited (2018 to 2020), from the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. Data analysis included descriptive statistics; internal consistency and test-retest reliability; principal component analysis and exploratory factor analysis; average variance extracted; and receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: No semantic modifications to items were needed. The scores of the instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach´s alpha = .95-.97; McDonald´s omega = .96-.98) and test-retest reliability (r = .78-.87, n = 29). A significant difference was observed between the lymphedema group and non-lymphedema group (p < .001) in terms of total scale, symptom occurrence (p < .001), symptom distress in the physical-functional (p < .001), and psychosocial dimension (p < .001). Principal component analysis for symptom occurrence revealed a unidimensional factor and two factors were identified for symptom distress via exploratory factor analysis, the two of which explained 45.71% and 54.77% of the total sample variance, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided initial evidence to support the psychometric properties of the BCLE-SEI Spanish version.

To be Direct or not: Reversing Likert Response Format Items

Likert items are often used in social and health sciences. However, the format is strongly affected by acquiescence and reversed items have traditionally been used to control this response bias, a controversial practice. This paper aims to examine how reversed items affect the psychometric properties of a scale. Different versions of the Grit-s scale were applied to an adult sample (N = 1,419). The versions of the scale had either all items in positive or negative forms, or a mix of positive and negative items. The psychometric properties of the different versions (item analysis, dimensionality and reliability) were analyzed. Both negative and positive versions demonstrated better functioning than mixed versions. However, the mean total scores did not vary, which is an example of how similar means could mask other significant differences. Therefore, we advise against using mixed scales, and consider the use of positive or negative versions preferable. (AU)

Using Social Networking Sites During Lockdown: Risks and Benefits / Uso de Redes Sociales Durante el Confinamiento: Riesgos y Beneficios

Background: Previous research about use of Social Networking Sites (SNS) use during the COVID-19 lockdown has examined benefits and risks of SNS use (i.e., support through SNS, problematic SNS use and interaction about COVID-19) without comparing them. This study has two objectives: (i) to evaluate which SNS uses (problematic SNS use and interaction about COVID-19 on SNS) predict increased emotional distress, and (ii) to analyse if social support and interaction about COVID-19 mediated the relationship between time spent on SNS and increased emotional distress. Method: A total of 1,003 participants (75.5% women) over 18 years old took part (M = 42.33; SD = 14.32 years). Three hierarchical linear regressions were performed for the first objective and a path analysis was performed for the second. Results: Results showed that negative social comparison on SNS had the highest positive regression weight, followed by interaction about COVID-19 and addictive consequences. Also, an indirect effect of time spent on SNS on anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction through interaction about COVID-19 and support through SNS was found. Conclusions: The results indicate that comparative SNS use is the best predictor of emotional distress. The mediation model proposed was confirmed, highlighting the importance of assessing specific SNS uses.(AU)

Introducción: Estudios previos durante el confinamiento por COVID-19 sobre el uso de Redes Sociales (RRSS) han examinado los beneficios y riesgos de diferentes usos (uso problemático, interacción sobre el COVID-19 y apoyo mediante RRSS), sin compararlos. Este estudio tiene dos objetivos: a) evaluar qué uso de RRSS predice mejor el incremento de distrés emocional, y b) analizar si el apoyo y la interacción sobre COVID-19 en RRSS media la relación entre el tiempo de uso y el distrés emocional. Método: La muestra constó de 1,003 participantes (75.5% mujeres) mayores de 18 años (M = 42.33; DT = 14.32). Se llevaron a cabo tres regresiones lineales jerárquicas para el primer objetivo y un path análisis para el segundo. Resultados: La comparación social negativa en RRSS tiene el mayor peso de regresión, seguido de interacción sobre el COVID-19 y consecuencias adictivas. Se ha obtenido un efecto indirecto del tiempo de uso sobre el distrés emocional a través de la interacción sobre COVID-19 y el apoyo mediante RRSS. Conclusiones: Los resultados indican que el uso comparativo de RRSS es el mejor predictor de distrés emocional. Se ha confirmado el modelo de mediación, enfatizando la importancia de la evaluación de usos específicos de RRSS.(AU)

Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Symptom Experience Index / Propiedades Psicométricas de la Versión Española del Breast Cancer andLymphedema Symptom Experience Index

Background: Lymphedema is a common late and chronic adverse effectof breast cancer treatment. This study aimed to translate and evaluate thepsychometric properties of the BCLE-SEI Spanish version with Spanish-speaking breast cancer patients. Method: 286 patients were recruited(2018 to 2020), from the Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias. Dataanalysis included descriptive statistics; internal consistency and test-retestreliability; principal component analysis and exploratory factor analysis;average variance extracted; and receiver operating characteristic curves.Results: No semantic modifications to items were needed. The scores ofthe instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’salpha = .95-.97; McDonald’s omega = .96-.98) and test-retest reliability(r = .78-.87, n = 29). A significant difference was observed between thelymphedema group and non-lymphedema group (p < .001) in terms of totalscale, symptom occurrence (p < .001), symptom distress in the physical-functional (p < .001), and psychosocial dimension (p < .001). Principalcomponent analysis for symptom occurrence revealed a unidimensionalfactor and two factors were identified for symptom distress via exploratoryfactor analysis, the two of which explained 45.71% and 54.77% of the totalsample variance, respectively. Conclusions: This study provided initialevidence to support the psychometric properties of the BCLE-SEI Spanishversion.

Antecedentes: el linfedemaes una complicación tras el cáncer de mama. El objetivo fue evaluar laspropiedades psicométricas de la versión española BCLE-SEI en mujeresdiagnosticadas de cáncer de mama que hablaban español. Método:participaron 286 pacientes (2018 a 2020) del Hospital UniversitarioCentral de Asturias. El análisis de datos incluyó estadísticos descriptivos;consistencia interna y fiabilidad test-retest, análisis de componentesprincipales y análisis factorial exploratorio; varianza media extraída;y curvas de características operativas del receptor. Resultados: no senecesitaron modificaciones semánticas en los ítems. El instrumentodemostró excelente consistencia interna (alfa de Cronbach = 0,95-0,97;omega de McDonald = .96-.98) y fiabilidad test-retest (r = 0,78-0,87; n =29). Se observaron diferencias significativas entre grupos linfedema y sinlinfedema (p < .001) en las escalas total, de síntomas (p < .001), físico-funcional (p < .001) y psicosocial (p < .001). El análisis de componentesprincipales para la “aparición de síntomas” reveló un factor unidimensionaly se identificaron dos factores para la “angustia por síntomas” a través delanálisis factorial exploratorio, explicando el 45,71% y el 54,77% de lavarianza total de la muestra, respectivamente. Conclusiones: la versiónespañola de BCLE-SEI mostró adecuadas propiedades psicométricas.

Problematic Social Network Use: Structure and Assessment.

Using social networks (SNs) inappropriately can lead to psychological problems. The objective of this study was to develop a new measuring instrument of problematic use of SNs. The sample comprised 1003 participants over 18 years old (M = 42.33; SD = 14.32). Exploratory factor analysis was performed with a randomly selected 30% of the sample, and confirmatory factor analysis with the remaining 70%. The reliability of the instrument was estimated, and evidence of validity in relation to the variables-anxiety, depression and satisfaction with life-was obtained. The new scale demonstrated a two-dimensional structure (GFI =0.99; RMSEA= 0.06), with one factor of negative social comparison (α = 0.94) and another of addictive consequences (α = 0.91). Clear evidence of validity related to other variables was found. The new scale demonstrated good psychometric properties. The advantage of this questionnaire is that it assesses not only excessive use but also social comparison through SNs.

Resiliencia académica: la influencia del esfuerzo, las expectativas y el autoconcepto académico / Academic resilience: The influence of academic effort, expectations, and self-concept

Resumen Introducción: La resiliencia académica consiste en obtener altas calificaciones a pesar de hallarse en una desventaja socioeconómica. En el presente estudio se observó si el esfuerzo, las expectativas y el autoconcepto académicos forman parte de la resiliencia académica o estarían explicando un buen rendimiento académico en general. Método: Los participantes, una población de 7479 adolescentes españoles (M = 13.87; DT = 0.82), fueron divididos en cuatro grupos según el rendimiento académico (Bueno-Malo) y el nivel socioeconómico (Clase alta-Clase baja). Se realizaron análisis de diferencias y regresiones logísticas binarias para detectar cuál de las variables empleadas explicaba el rendimiento académico en los grupos de igual nivel socioeconómico. También se estudió si el sexo influía en la pertenencia a los grupos de buen rendimiento. Resultados: Se observaron diferencias en el esfuerzo, las expectativas y el autoconcepto académicos en función de los cuatro grupos creados; los grupos de buen rendimiento académico obtuvieron puntuaciones más altas independientemente del nivel socioeconómico. Se observó que las expectativas y el autoconcepto académicos explicaban gran parte del rendimiento académico. Se detectó una tasa de mujeres significativamente más alta con relación a la de hombres en los grupos de mayor rendimiento. Conclusiones: Muchas variables, que se han considerado propias de los alumnos académicamente resilientes, explican un buen rendimiento académico, en general, independientemente del nivel socioeconómico.

Abstract Introduction: Academic resilience is defined as getting high marks despite being at a socioeconomic disadvantage. In the present study, it was observed whether Academic Effort, Expectations and Self-Concept are part of academic resilience or would be explaining a good academic performance in general. Method: The participants, a population of 7479 Spanish adolescents (M = 13.87; SD = 0.82), were divided into four groups according to academic performance (Good-Bad) and socioeconomic level (Upper class-Lower class). Analysis of differences and binary logistic regressions were performed to detect which of the variables used explained the academic performance in the groups of the same socioeconomic level. It was also studied whether sex influenced membership in the good performance groups. Results: Differences in Academic Effort, Expectations and Self-concept were found according to the four groups created; the groups with good academic performance obtained higher scores regardless of socioeconomic level. Expectations and academic self-concept were found to explain much of academic performance. A significantly higher rate of women than men was found in higher performance groups. Conclusions: Many variables that have been considered typical of academically resilient students explain good academic performance in general, regardless of socioeconomic status.

Grit Assessment: Is One Dimension Enough?

Grit is one of the non-cognitive variables that has received the most attention in recent years given its relationship to and influence in various aspects of life. There are very few reliable, valid instruments to evaluate it in Spanish-speaking countries. Because of that, the aim of this study is the development and validation of a new scale to evaluate grit in Spanish-speaking contexts. We used a sample of 531 Spanish participants (60% women) from the general population (Myears = 38.60, SDyears = 14.90). We examined the structure and measurement invariance of the instrument. We calculated the instrument's reliability and obtained evidence of validity in relation to other variables. We examined the differences in grit as a function of gender and age. The factorial analyses confirmed the unidimensionality of the instrument, along with the measurement invariance of the scores with respect to sex and age. The new grit scale demonstrated excellent reliability (α = .94; ω = .94). We found clear evidence of validity in relation to other variables; the Grit short scale (r = .691), self-control (r = .595), self-efficacy (r = .703), and conscientiousness (r = .661). The new scale for evaluating grit (Oviedo Grit Scale) is essentially unidimensional, and scores produced by it exhibit excellent indicators of reliability and validity.

Assessment of the Enterprising Personality: A Short Form of The BEPE Battery / Evaluación de la Personalidad Emprendedora: Versión Corta de la Batería BEPE

BACKGROUND: Enterprising personality is related to business creation and success. The objective of this study was the development and psychometric analysis of a reduced version of the BEPE Battery for the Evaluation of Enterprising Personality. METHOD: We used a sample of 1,170 people, 60% women, with a mean age of 42.34 years (SD = 12.96). We carried out psychometric analyses within the frameworks of Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory models. RESULTS: The short version (BEPE-16) consists of 16 items, demonstrating an essentially unidimensional structure. The reliability was excellent (α= .94; Ω= .94) and evidence of validity was found in relation to various variables: Measure Of Entrepreneurial Talents And Abilities (META test) (r=.71), extraversion (r=.57), conscientiousness (r=.50), neuroticism (r=-.54). The correlation between scores from the BEPE-16 and the original version was very high (r=.95). CONCLUSIONS: The BEPE-16 reduced version for the evaluation of enterprising personality demonstrated good psychometric properties, both in terms of reliability and validity. As such, it can be used in place of the original when the professional or research circumstances require it

ANTECEDENTES: la personalidad emprendedora está relacionada con la creación y éxito empresarial. El objetivo del presente trabajo es el desarrollo y análisis psicométrico de una versión reducida de la Batería BEPE para la Evaluación de la Personalidad Emprendedora. MÉTODO: se empleó una muestra de 1.170 participantes, 60% mujeres, con media de 42,34 años y desviación típica de 12,96. Se llevaron a cabo análisis psicométricos dentro del marco de la Teoría Clásica de los Test y de los modelos de Teoría de Respuesta a los Ítems. RESULTADOS: la versión corta desarrollada (BEPE-16) consta de 16 ítems, mostrando una estructura esencialmente unidimensional. La fiabilidad fue excelente (α= ,94; Ω= ,94), y se obtuvieron evidencias de validez en relación con distintas variables: Test META de tendencias y capacidades empresariales (r=,71), extraversión (r=,57), responsabilidad (r=,50), neuroticismo (r=-,54). La correlación entre las puntuaciones de la versión corta BEPE-16 y la versión original fue muy elevada (r=,95). CONCLUSIONES: la versión reducida BEPE-16 para la evaluación de la Personalidad Emprendedora muestra unas buenas propiedades psicométricas, tanto en lo relativo a la fiabilidad como a la validez; por tanto, puede utilizarse en vez de la original cuando el contexto profesional y de investigación lo demande

Assessment of the Enterprising Personality: A Short Form of The BEPE Battery.

BACKGROUND: Enterprising personality is related to business creation and success. The objective of this study was the development and psychometric analysis of a reduced version of the BEPE Battery for the Evaluation of Enterprising Personality. METHOD: We used a sample of 1,170 people, 60% women, with a mean age of 42.34 years (SD = 12.96). We carried out psychometric analyses within the frameworks of Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory models. RESULTS: The short version (BEPE-16) consists of 16 items, demonstrating an essentially unidimensional structure. The reliability was excellent (α= .94; Ω= .94) and evidence of validity was found in relation to various variables: Measure Of Entrepreneurial Talents And Abilities (META test) (r=.71), extraversion (r=.57), conscientiousness (r=.50), neuroticism (r=-.54). The correlation between scores from the BEPE-16 and the original version was very high (r=.95). CONCLUSIONS: The BEPE-16 reduced version for the evaluation of enterprising personality demonstrated good psychometric properties, both in terms of reliability and validity. As such, it can be used in place of the original when the professional or research circumstances require it.

Humor as a protective factor against anxiety and depression / El humor como factor protector de la ansiedad y la depresión

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Even though humor its part of everyday life, only in the last 40 years has Psychology begun to discern its impact on mental health. The aim of this paper is to explore the role that humor styles may have as protectors against anxiety and depression and their relationship with optimism. METHOD: A sample of 804 participants (M = 39.28; SD = 14.71) was used to analyze the uses of humor, optimism and clinical symptoms of anxiety and depression. In addition, the influence of sociodemographic variables such as sex, geographic location, age and educational level on different uses of humor was studied. Through an analysis of structural equations, the variables that had a protective or facilitating role in depression and anxiety were analyzed. RESULTS: Men and women differ in the use of a more aggressive humor style, and the use of affiliative humor styles decreases with age. The structural equation model indicated a good fit to the proposed theoretical model. CONCLUSIONS: Humor is a tool of everyday life and it can act for or against an individual's mental health

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVOS: Si bien el humor es algo que forma parte de la vida cotidiana, en los últimos 40 años la Psicología ha empezado a discernir su impacto en la salud mental. El objetivo de este estudio explora el papel que los tipos de humor pueden tener como protectores de la ansiedad y la depresión y su relación con el optimismo. MÉTODO: Se empleó una muestra de 804 participantes (M = 39.28; DT = 14.71) para analizar los usos del humor, el optimismo y los síntomas clínicos de ansiedad y depresión. Además, se estudió la influencia de variables sociodemográficas como el sexo, la ubicación geográfica, la edad y el nivel de estudios en los diferentes usos del humor. A través de un análisis de ecuaciones estructurales, se analizó qué variables poseían un papel protector o facilitador en la depresión y en la ansiedad. RESULTADOS: Los hombres y las mujeres difieren en el uso de un humor más agresivo y el uso del humor afiliativo disminuye con la edad. El modelo de ecuaciones estructurales mostró un buen ajuste al modelo teórico propuesto. CONCLUSIONES: El humor es una herramienta de la vida cotidiana y puede actuar a favor o en contra de la salud mental del individuo

Humor as a protective factor against anxiety and depression.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Even though humor its part of everyday life, only in the last 40 years has Psychology begun to discern its impact on mental health. The aim of this paper is to explore the role that humor styles may have as protectors against anxiety and depression and their relationship with optimism. METHOD: A sample of 804 participants (M = 39.28; SD = 14.71) was used to analyze the uses of humor, optimism and clinical symptoms of anxiety and depression. In addition, the influence of sociodemographic variables such as sex, geographic location, age and educational level on different uses of humor was studied. Through an analysis of structural equations, the variables that had a protective or facilitating role in depression and anxiety were analyzed. RESULTS: Men and women differ in the use of a more aggressive humor style, and the use of affiliative humor styles decreases with age. The structural equation model indicated a good fit to the proposed theoretical model. CONCLUSIONS: Humor is a tool of everyday life and it can act for or against an individual's mental health.

ANTECEDENTES/OBJETIVOS: Si bien el humor es algo que forma parte de la vida cotidiana, en los últimos 40 años la Psicología ha empezado a discernir su impacto en la salud mental. El objetivo de este estudio explora el papel que los tipos de humor pueden tener como protectores de la ansiedad y la depresión y su relación con el optimismo. MÉTODO: Se empleó una muestra de 804 participantes (M = 39.28; DT = 14.71) para analizar los usos del humor, el optimismo y los síntomas clínicos de ansiedad y depresión. Además, se estudió la influencia de variables sociodemográficas como el sexo, la ubicación geográfica, la edad y el nivel de estudios en los diferentes usos del humor. A través de un análisis de ecuaciones estructurales, se analizó qué variables poseían un papel protector o facilitador en la depresión y en la ansiedad. RESULTADOS: Los hombres y las mujeres difieren en el uso de un humor más agresivo y el uso del humor afiliativo disminuye con la edad. El modelo de ecuaciones estructurales mostró un buen ajuste al modelo teórico propuesto. CONCLUSIONES: El humor es una herramienta de la vida cotidiana y puede actuar a favor o en contra de la salud mental del individuo.