IMPULSIVITY, mental health STATE and emotion regulation MODULATE alcohol and marijuana use in a sample of Argentinean citizens.

Impulsivity and substance-related outcomes share a complex relationship, as various facets of impulsivity exhibit distinct associations with different drug-related outcomes. This study examines the associations between frequency and quantity of alcohol and marijuana use, with impulsivity traits, psychological distress, and the utilization of emotion regulation strategies. A survey asked Argentinian citizens (n=1507, 356 men) about frequency and quantity of alcohol or marijuana use on each day of a typical week, as well as anxiety, stress and depression symptoms (DASS-21), impulsivity-like traits (UPPS-P) and emotion regulation strategies (ERQ). The two-month prevalence of alcohol or marijuana use was 80.1%, and 27.2%, respectively. Lower premeditation was significantly (p<.05) and negatively associated with both frequency and quantity of alcohol consumed, whereas negative and positive urgency were positively and significantly (p<.05) associated with quantity of alcohol or marijuana use, respectively. Greater depression symptoms predicted greater quantity of alcohol use; whereas lower emotional suppression or lower cognitive reappraisal were significantly (p<.05) associated with a greater frequency of alcohol or marihuana use. Sensation seeking was significantly (p<.05) and positively associated with frequency of marijuana use. Individuals with higher levels of impulsivity-like traits, higher levels of depression or lower use of emotional regulation abilities appeared to be at a higher risk of alcohol or marijuana use. In this sample, the use of alcohol (though not marijuana) seems to fit a negative reinforcement pathway. The study suggests that individuals with risk factors for drug misuse could benefit from interventions aimed at enhancing emotion regulation.

Motives to play videogames across seven countries: Measurement invariance of the Videogaming Motives Questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: Gaming motives appear to be an important predictor of time spent gaming and disordered gaming. The Videogaming Motives Questionnaire (VMQ) has shown adequate psychometric properties to assess gaming motives among Spanish college students. However, the utility of this measure has not yet been explored in other cultures. This research aimed to examine the structure and measurement invariance of the VMQ across seven countries and gender groups, and to provide criterion-related validity evidence for VMQ scores. METHOD: College students who reported having played videogames in the last year (n = 5192; 59.07 % women) from the US, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, England, and Uruguay completed an online survey to measure time spent gaming, disordered gaming, and the VMQ. RESULTS: Findings support a 24-item 8-intercorrelated factor model structure for the VMQ in the total sample. Our results also support configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the VMQ across gender groups and countries. Students from North America (US and Canada) scored higher on most gaming motives (except recreation and cognitive development) than students from the other countries. The correlations between VMQ and non-VMQ variables were similar across gender and countries, except in England where VMQ correlations with time spent gaming were stronger. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that the VMQ is a useful measure for assessing gaming motives across young adults from different countries.

Evaluación del Modelo de Predisposición Adquirida para consumo de alcohol en adolescentes / Evaluation of the Acquired Preparedness Model for Alcohol Use in Adolescents / Avaliação do Modelo de Predisposição Adquirida para o consumo de álcool em adolescentes

Durante la adolescencia se observan altas tasas de consumo elevado de alcohol. El Modelo de Predisposición Adquirida (mpa) postula que la confluencia de factores de personalidad (como la impulsividad) y factores psicosociales (como las expectativas hacia el alcohol [ea]) predice el consumo de sustancias. Algunos resultados previos respaldan el mpa para explicar el uso de alcohol en adolescentes argentinos; sin embargo, no queda claro el modo en que distintas dimensiones de impulsividad se asocian con el uso de alcohol en esta etapa del desarrollo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue examinar, en una muestra de adolescentes argentinos, el rol mediador de las ea en la relación entre cinco dimensiones de impulsividad rasgo, medidas con la escala upps-p y la frecuencia de Consumo Episódico Elevado de Alcohol (ceea). Materiales y métodos: participaron 427 adolescentes de 13 a 18 años (58 % mujeres; M edad = 15.72, de = 1.48), escolarizados en el nivel medio (91.1 % en gestión privada). Resultados: apoyando el mpa, la tendencia a actuar precipitadamente bajo estados emocionales intensos (tanto positivos como negativos) se asoció a una mayor frecuencia de ceea vía una mayor anticipación de efectos positivos del consumo de alcohol. Urgencia positiva tuvo, además, un efecto directo sobre la frecuencia de ceea. Conclusiones: esta información puede ser de utilidad para el desarrollo de intervenciones destinadas a disminuir el desarrollo o mantenimiento de las positivas y, de esta manera, reducir el consumo de alcohol en los adolescentes.

High rates of heavy alcohol use are observed among adolescents. The Acquired Preparedness Model (apm) posits that the confluence of personality factors (e.g., impulsivity) and psychosocial factors (e.g., alcohol expectancies [aes]) predicts substance use. Research supports the use of the apmto explain alcohol use in Argentinean adolescents; however, how different dimensions of impulsivity are associ-ated with alcohol use at this developmental stage is unclear. This study was designed to examine the mediational role of aes in the relationship between multiple dimensions of trait-like impulsivity using the upps-p scale and the frequency of heavy episodic drinking (hed) in Argentinean adolescents. Materials and Methods: In this study, 427 adolescents (58% were women) with a mean age of 15.72 ± 1.48 years (range, 13­18 years) were enrolled. Results: In line with the associations proposed by the apm, this study showed that the tendency to act rashly under intense negative and positive emotions was positively associated with the frequency of hed, via the anticipation of more positive effects of alcohol use. Positive urgency also had a direct effect on the frequency of hed. This information may be useful in developing interventions to reduce positive aes to decrease adolescent alcohol use.

na adolescência observam-se altas taxas de consumo de álcool. O Modelo de Predisposição Adquirida (mpa) postula que a confluência de fatores de personalidade (como a impulsividade) e fatores psicossociais (como expectativas em relação ao álcool [ea]) prediz o uso de substâncias. Alguns resul-tados anteriores corroboram o mpa para explicar o consumo de álcool em adolescentes argentinos; no entanto, não está claro como as diferentes dimensões da impulsividade estão associadas ao consumo de álcool nesta fase do desenvolvimento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi examinar, em uma amostra de adolescentes argentinos, o papel mediador da ea na relação entre cinco dimensões do traço de impul-sividade, medidas com a escala upps-p e a frequência de Consumo Episódico Elevado de Álcool (ceea). Materiais e métodos: participaram 427 adolescentes de 13 a 18 anos (58% mulheres; M idade = 15,72; dp = 1,48), matriculados no ensino médio (91,1% em escola particular). Resultados: apoiando o mpa, mostra-se que a tendência a agir precipitadamente sob estados emocionais intensos ­tanto positivos quanto negativos­ foi associada a uma maior frequência de ceea por meio de uma maior antecipação dos efeitos positivos do consumo de álcool. A urgência positiva também teve efeito direto na frequência de ceea. Conclusões: esta informação pode ser útil para o desenvolvimento de intervenções que visem reduzir o desenvolvimento ou manutenção de ea positivas e, desta forma, reduzir o consumo de álcool em adolescentes.

[Depression, anxiety and stress in college students before and during the first three months of COVID-19 lockdown]. / Depresión, ansiedad y estrés en estudiantes universitarios antes y durante los primeros tres meses de cuarentena por COVID-19.

Introduction: Different psychological symptoms of distress as well as drinking motives have been associated with alcohol use in college students. The COVID-19 lockdown [aislamiento social, preventivo y obligatorio (ASPO)] reduced movement to a minimum, impacting college students' mental health and generating changes in several behaviours, including alcohol use.Objectives: To examine the association between symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, drinking motives and alcohol use in two groups of Argentinian college students, before and during the first three months of lockdown. In addition, it was examined whether drinking motives mediate the relationship between psychological distress and alcohol use.Methods: Two samples of college students, one before the lockdown (n=125; mean age, 23.87 ± 3.27 years; 73.6% women) and another during the lockdown (n=174; 24.32 ± 3.64 years; 78.2% women) completed an online survey.Results: Alcohol use, as well as social and enhancement motives, decreased in college students during lockdown. The associations between psychological distress and drinking motives with alcohol use were more consistent in the group during lockdown compared with the group after lockdown. At a multivariate level, coping motives explained an increased frequency of alcohol consumption in college students during lockdown.Conclusions: It is necessary to pay special attention to the mental health of college students who have experienced changes in their routines as a result of the restrictions implemented during the pandemic.

Análisis factorial confirmatorio de la Escala de Dificultades en la Regulación Emocional Estado en una muestra argentina / Confirmatory Factor Analysis of State Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale in an Argentine Sample

Resumen La desregulación emocional es un constructo multidimensional determinado por formas poco adaptativas de responder frente a las emociones. Las personas adultas emergentes (i.e., entre 18 y 25/30 años de edad), particularmente universitarias, son vulnerables a involucrarse en comportamientos riesgosos en contextos emocionales. La Escala de Dificultades en la Regulación Emocional Estado (S-DERS) resulta adecuada para medir dimensiones de desregulación emocional momentánea en esta población; sin embargo, no se conocen estudios confirmatorios de su estructura factorial ni estudios de adaptación al idioma español. El objetivo del presente estudio fue examinar las propiedades psicométricas de la S-DERS. Se evaluaron 178 adultos emergentes universitarios argentinos (18-28 años; 53.9% mujeres; Medad= 22.03; DE ±2.06). Se analizó la estructura y la consistencia interna del modelo original (S-DERS; cuatro factores: aceptación, conciencia, claridad y modulación) y un modelo alternativo (S-DERS-R; 3 factores) sin el factor claridad. Ambos modelos presentaron un ajuste satisfactorio de su estructura factorial y valores aceptables de consistencia interna, a excepción de la subescala claridad. Mayormente, para las subescalas aceptación y modulación y puntajes totales de ambos modelos, se obtuvieron evidencias de validez convergente con dos escalas de desregulación emocional rasgo concurrente con una escala de afecto positivo y negativo y predictiva con una medida de activación emocional. Los resultados muestran propiedades psicométricas adecuadas. S-DERS-R, que prescinde del factor claridad, mejora el ajuste y mantiene valores de consistencia interna aceptables respecto a S-DERS. Se espera que este instrumento sea útil en estudios transversales y longitudinales de la desregulación emocional estado en universitarios.

Abstract: Emotion dysregulation is a multidimensional construct determined by maladaptive ways of responding to emotions. Emerging adults (i.e., aged from 18 to 25/30), particularly college students, are vulnerable to involvement in risky behaviors under emotions. The State Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (S-DERS) became suitable to measure facets of momentary emotion dysregulation in this population; however, there are no confirmatory studies or studies of adaptation to the Spanish language. The aim of this study was to examine psychometric properties of S-DERS. A sample of 178 Argentine emerging college-age adults was evaluated (18-28 years old; 53.9% women; Mage= 22.03; DE ± 2.06). Internal structure and consistency of the original model (i.e., S-DERS; four factors: Nonacceptance, Awareness, Clarity, Modulation) and an alternative model without Clarity (i.e., S-DERS-R; three factors) was analyzed. Both models presented a factor structure with satisfactory fit and acceptable values of internal consistency, with the exception of the Clarity subscale. Mainly to Nonacceptance and Modulation subscales, we observed evidence of convergent validity with two-trait emotion dysregulation scales, concurrent validity with a positive and negative affect scale, and predictive validity with an emotion arousal measure. Results show suitable sychometric properties. The S-DERS-R model (i.e., without Clarity factor) improves the model fit and maintains acceptable internal consistency values with respect to the S-DERS model. This instrument is expected to be useful in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies of state emotion dysregulation in college students.

Factors Associated with Simultaneous or Concurrent Use of Alcohol and Marijuana in Argentina.

Background: The identification of factors promoting simultaneous alcohol and marijuana (SAM) use is important to promote early intervention efforts. The associations between impulsivity facets and SAM (or concurrent alcohol and marijuana, CAM) use have been analyzed in North American samples. These topics, however, remain unexplored in South American samples. This study assessed if internalizing symptoms, five impulsivity dimensions, and emotional regulation strategies differentiate between participants who reported last 2-month SAM use, CAM use, alcohol, or marijuana only use, or that reported no substance use. Methods: A sample of 1057 Argentinian citizens answered an online survey. A multinominal logistic regression was conducted on drug use membership. Results: Circa 25% of the sample reported SAM use. Higher sensation seeking differentiated between SAM use versus no substance use, and those with lower sensation seeking were more likely to be classified into the alcohol-only group or into the nonuse group, than into the SAM use group. Stress scores uniquely predicted membership into the alcohol-only category. Those with lower use of emotional suppression were more likely than nonusers to be classified in all drug use categories, except CAM use. Higher emotional suppression scores were associated with membership into the nonuse group or the alcohol-only group, when compared to the SAM use group. Hazardous drinking was significantly greater in SAM than in alcohol-only users. Conclusions: The study highlights the relevance of sensation seeking as a predictor of SAM use and pinpoints emotional suppression as common factor modulating hazardous drug use behaviors.

The Association between Distress Tolerance and Alcohol Outcomes via Internal Drinking Motives.

INTRODUCTION: Previous work suggests that college students who perceive themselves as less able to tolerate negative affect are more motivated to use alcohol to alleviate psychological distress. Recent findings also indicate that distress tolerance influences alcohol outcomes via a positive reinforcement pathway. However, results concerning the association between distress tolerance and alcohol outcomes remain inconsistent. Aim: The present study examined the association between distinctive features of distress tolerance and alcohol outcomes via internal drinking motives (i.e., coping and enhancement) in Argentinean college students. Method: From April to November 2019, a sample of 387 college students with last-month alcohol use (Mean age = 21.09 ± 4.98) completed an online survey assessing alcohol outcomes (past-month frequency of binge drinking and negative alcohol-related consequences), internal drinking motives, and four components of distress tolerance (i.e., tolerance, appraisal, absorption, and regulation). Results: The associations between specific facets of distress tolerance and drinking outcomes were atemporally mediated by coping and enhancement motives. Coping motives significantly mediated the effect of absorption and appraisal on alcohol-related problems (i.e., lower absorption and lower appraisal were associated with more problems via higher coping motives). Enhancement motives significantly mediated the effect of absorption (lower absorption was associated with greater enhancement motives) on binge drinking frequency and alcohol-related problems. Conclusions: Distress tolerance was associated with alcohol outcomes via coping and enhancement motives in this sample of Argentinean undergraduates. The ability to withstand negative affect could be a focal point of interventions to prevent the development of maladaptive patterns of drinking.

Self-control and problematic use of social networking sites: Examining distress tolerance as a mediator among Argentinian college students.

INTRODUCTION: Use of Social networking sites (SNSs) is a highly prevalent behavior worldwide and, for some individuals, its use can turn maladaptive. There has been growing interest to identify which variables are associated with problematic use of SNSs. AIM: The present study cross-sectionally examined whether the associations between different features of self-control (i.e., impulsivity-like traits, self-regulation and emotion regulation) indirectly relate to two outcomes of SNSs (hours of use and problematic use) via distress tolerance. METHODS: A sample of 509 Argentinean college students (70.3% female; Mean age = 21.15 ± 5.15) completed an online survey. RESULTS: Two significant indirect effects were found: a) higher negative urgency was associated with higher problematic use of SNSs via lower distress tolerance and b) higher self-regulation was associated with lower problematic use of SNSs via higher distress tolerance. Positive urgency, negative urgency and self-regulation had significant direct associations with problematic use of SNSs while neither component of emotion regulation was significantly associated with SNSs outcomes. No significant direct or indirect effects were found between any of the self-control features and time spent using SNSs. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight dysfunctional self-control, particularly emotion-driven impulsivity and low self-regulation, as relevant components of maladaptive SNSs that seem to operate by decreasing the perceived capacity to tolerate negative affect. In this context, interventions targeting the development and improvement of distress tolerance abilities might have a positive impact on problematic use of SNS.

Conductas sexuales de riesgo en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios argentinos: relación con consumo de sustancias, inicio sexual temprano e impulsividad rasgo / Risky sexual behaviors in a sample of Argentinean college students: Relationship with substance use, early sexual onset and trait-like impulsivity

Resumen Introducción: Los adultos emergentes universitarios son particularmente vulnerables a presentar consumo abusivo de sustancias y conductas sexuales de riesgo (CSR), lo que incrementa el riesgo de contraer infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) o embarazo no deseado. Objetivo: Examinar, en universitarios, si el tipo de consumo de sustancias (alcohol versus uso concurrente de alcohol y marihuana) y el nivel de impulsividad rasgo se asocian con la frecuencia de CSR con parejas ocasionales. Método: Una muestra de 467 estudiantes completó una encuesta online que medía frecuencia de CSR, ocurrencia de consumo de alcohol y de marihuana en el último año y nivel de impulsividad. Resultados: Los consumidores de alcohol y marihuana, comparados con los consumidores de alcohol, reportaron mayor promedio de parejas sexuales al año y mayor arrepentimiento por no cuidarse contra ITS/embarazo. Los participantes con uso concurrente de sustancias, y niveles medios y altos en las facetas de impulsividad, falta de perseverancia y de premeditación, mostraron mayor frecuencia de encuentros sexuales que los consumidores de alcohol o con baja impulsividad. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos sugieren que el uso concurrente de sustancias y ciertas facetas de impulsividad se asocian a una mayor frecuencia de determinadas CSR. Esta información podría ser útil para intervenir preventivamente en CSR en universitarios argentinos.

Abstract Introduction: College students, a subpopulation of emerging adults, are particularly vulnerable to exhibit substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors. These behaviors put people at risk for sexually transmitted infections and/or unwanted pregnancy. Aim: To examine, in college students, whether the pattern of substance use (i.e., alcohol versus co-use of alcohol and marijuana) and the level of impulsivity are associated with the frequency of risky sexual behaviors with occasional partners. Method: A sample of 467 college students completed an online survey that assessed the frequency of risky sexual behaviors, past-year alcohol and marijuana use and trait-like impulsivity. Results: Alcohol/marijuana co-users, compared with alcohol users, reported a higher average of sexual partners per year and greater feelings of regret following careless sexual encounters. Co-users with medium or high levels in lack of perseverance and lack of premeditation (i.e., two facets of impulsivity) reported higher frequency of sexual encounters than alcohol users and/or students with low impulsivity. Conclusions: Findings suggest substance co-use, alongside different facets of impulsivity, are associated with greater frequency of specific risky sexual behaviors. These findings could better inform interventions aimed at prevent risky sexual behaviors in Argentinean college students.

Impulsivity, alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors in college students / [Impulsividad, consumo de alcohol y conductas sexuales riesgosas en estudiantes universitarios]

Introduction: Alcohol use in college students and related consequences, such as risky sexual behaviors, are a public health issue. Impulsivity is relevant to study alcohol use behaviors. This study aimed to analyze the effect of trait impulsivity (UPPS-P model), age of onset of alcohol use (AOA) and of sexual intercourse (AOS), alcohol use and risky sexual behavior under the influence of alcohol (RSBA). Materials and methods: 196 students (71.9% women, M age= 22.46; SD = 2.74) from the National University of Córdoba completed an online survey. We conducted bivariate and multivariate analyzes to examine the relationship between risk factors and RSBA. Results: AOA and AOS had a negative association with RSBA, while alcohol quantity and trait impulsivity was positively associated with RSBA. At the multivariate level, AOA and alcohol quantity directly influenced RSBA. The AOS and sensation seeking had an indirect effect via alcohol quantity. Discussion: This results provide evidence on the role of early initiation in alcohol use, impulsivity and alcohol use on RSBA in college students. This information can be useful for the development of preventive programs specifically designed for this population.

Introducción: El consumo de alcohol en estudiantes universitarios y sus consecuencias negativas, como las conductas sexuales de riesgo, representan una problemática de salud pública. La impulsividad es relevante para estudiar las conductas de consumo de alcohol. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar el efecto de la impulsividad rasgo (modelo UPPS-P), la edad de inicio en el consumo de alcohol (EIA) y de las relaciones sexuales (EIS) y el consumo de alcohol sobre las conductas sexuales de riesgo bajo los efectos del alcohol (CSRA). Materiales y métodos: 196 estudiantes (71.9% mujeres, edad M = 22.46; DE = 2.74) de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba completaron una encuesta online. Mediante análisis bivariados y multivariados se examinó la relación entre factores de riesgo y las CSRA. Resultados: La EIA y EIS tuvieron una asociación negativa con las CSRA, mientras que la cantidad de alcohol y la impulsividad rasgo se asociaron positivamente con las CSRA. A nivel multivariado, la EIA y la cantidad de alcohol consumida influyeron directamente sobre las CSRA. La EIS y la búsqueda de sensaciones tuvieron un efecto indirecto a través de la cantidad de alcohol consumida. Discusión: Los resultados aportan evidencia sobre el rol que tienen el inicio temprano en el consumo de alcohol, la impulsividad y el consumo de alcohol en las CSRA en estudiantes universitarios. Esta información puede resultar de gran utilidad para el desarrollo de programas preventivos destinados específicamente a esta población.

ELSA 2018 Cohort: Protective Behavioral Strategies as Mediators of the Relationship between Risk Factors and Alcohol Outcomes in Argentinean College Freshmen.

AIMS: The present study examined which types of alcohol protective behavioral strategies ([PBSs], Manner of Drinking [MOD] strategies, Serious Harm Reduction [SHR] or Limiting/Stopping Drinking strategies [LSD]) mediate the effects of a comprehensive number of distal antecedents on alcohol drinking quantity and alcohol-related negative consequences. METHODS: A sample of 762 last-month college freshman drinkers from Argentina (Mean age = 19.60 ± 3.80) completed a survey that assessed alcohol outcomes (drinking quantity during a typical week and alcohol-related negative consequences), frequency of use of PBS and a set of distal antecedents (i.e. age at drinking onset, drinking motives, college alcohol beliefs and impulsivity-like traits). RESULTS: MOD significantly mediated the effects of college alcohol beliefs (higher beliefs were associated with lower MOD use) and coping motives (higher coping motives were associated with lower MOD use) on alcohol outcomes. SHR significantly mediated the effects of sex (women reported more frequent SHR use) and enhancement motives (higher motivation was associated with lower SHR use) on alcohol-related negative consequences. CONCLUSION: Our findings partially support a mediational role of PBS in the association between risk factors and alcohol outcomes, and offer valuable information for the design of interventions to reduce alcohol use in South-American college students. More studies examining PBS as mediators of distal antecedents are needed to fully understand the peculiarities of these associations in different cultures.

Argentine validation of the Consideration of Future Consequences Scale (CFC-14) / Validación argentina de la escala de Consideración de las Consecuencias Futuras (CFC-14)

Abstract Consideration of future consequences is the extent to which people anticipate and are influenced by the potential future consequences of their current behavior. A well-established tool to measure this behavior is the 14-item Consideration of Future Consequences Scale (CFC-14). The CFC-14 has shown appropriate psychometric properties in several languages. This scale comprises two factors: the CFC-Immediate (CFC-I, 7 items) and the CFC-Future (CFC-F, 7 items). The main goal of this study was to assess the psychometric properties and internal consistency of the CFC-14 Scale in Spanish, using an Argentine sample. A second goal was to determine its convergent validity with impulsivity, and determine differences and invariance across gender and age groups. Using a web-based survey, data were collected from 512 participants (75.2% women) aged 13-74 years (M = 30.8). CFA showed a two-factor model as the best solution for the 13-items version (CFI .961, TLI .952, RMSEA .064 90%IC .054/.074, WRMR 0.979). Standardized regression weights (p ≤ .05) ranged from .50 to .66 for CFC-F and between .43 and .83 for CFC-I. Composite reliability was also adequate: CFC-F achieved p = .80 and CFC-I p = .82. There were no differences across gender and age, but there was a progressive invariance between these groups. The CFC-F and UPPS-P subscales correlations were negative and significant, highlighting the negative and moderate correlation between CFC-F and the lack of premeditation (r=-.41). Thus, CFC-14 has adequate psychometric properties in an Argentine population, although more studies are necessary to determine the robustness of these findings.

Resumen La consideración de las consecuencias futuras se define como el grado en el cual las personas anticipan y son influenciadas por las potenciales consecuencias futuras de su comportamiento actual, y una herramienta muy utilizada para medirla es la Escala de Consideración de las Consecuencias Futuras (CFC-14). Esta escala ha exhibido propiedades psicométricas adecuadas en varios idiomas y se encuentra conformada por dos factores: CFC-Inmediato (CFC-I, 7 ítems) y CFC-Futuro (CFC-F, 7 ítems). El objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas y la consistencia interna de la versión en español de la CFC-14 en una muestra argentina, además de identificar las evidencias de validez convergente con la Escala de Impulsividad y la invarianza en función del género y la edad de los participantes. Para esto, se evaluó mediante una encuesta online a 512 participantes (75.2 % mujeres) de 13 a 74 años (M = 30.8) y se realizó un AFC en el que se encontró un modelo de dos factores como aquel con mejor ajuste para una versión de la escala de 13 ítems (CFI = .961; TLI = .952; RMSEA = .064; IC 90 % = .054-.074; WRMR = 0.979). Específicamente, los pesos de regresión estandarizados (p ≤ .05) fueron de .50 a .66 para CFC-F y de .43 a .83 para CFC-I; los valores de confiabilidad compuesta fueron adecuados, con un p = .80 para CFC-F y un p = .82 para CFC-I; no se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en función del sexo y la edad de los participantes, no obstante, hubo una invarianza progresiva entre estos grupos; y las correlaciones entre las subescalas de la Escala de Impulsividad (UPPPS-P) y la CFC-F fueron negativas y significativas, siendo llamativa la correlación negativa y moderada entre la falta de premeditación y la CFC-F (r = -.41). De este modo, la CFC-14 mostró propiedades psicométricas adecuadas en una muestra argentina, aunque se necesita de más estudios para determinar la robustez de estos resultados.

LATEMO-E: A Film Database to Elicit Discrete Emotions and Evaluate Emotional Dimensions in Latin-Americans / LATEMO-E: Banco de Dados de Filmes para Suscitar Emoções e Avaliar Dimensões Emocionais para Latino-Americanos / LATEMO-E: Set de Fragmentos de Películas para Inducir Emociones y Evaluar Dimensiones Emocionales en Latinoamericanos

Abstract Introduction: Film clips are the most used stimuli to induce different emotional states. Objective: Identify, select, and evaluate a set of film clips according to dimensionality and discreteness of emotions. Film experts suggested 437 fragments, but only 70 met the criteria to be included in the LATEMO-E film-clip database. Study 1: The 70 film clips were tested for their ability to induce disgust, anger, fear, sadness, amusement, tenderness, and neutral (n = 147 participants; mean age = 20.64 years, SD ±2.21 years). Results: A total of 28 film clips presented adequate scores on intensity and discreteness. Study 2: A total of 28 selected film clips were assessed again in a new sample of 106 participants (mean age = 20.96 years, SD ±2.45 years). Results: Anger and amusement film clips were the most extreme in the valence and activation dimensions. Anger and fear film clips were the most extreme categories in the intensity, certainty, and control dimensions. Conclusions: These stimuli were useful for inducing emotional states that can be judged from both the dimensional perspective of emotions and the basic emotions perspective. Evoked emotions could be differentiated according to cognitive patterns of evaluation that guide behavior in response to emotional stimulation.

Resumo Introdução: os clipes são os estímulos mais utilizados para induzir diferentes estados emocionais. Objetivo: identificar, selecionar e avaliar um conjunto de clipes de filme de acordo com a discrição e dimensionalidade da emoção. 437 fragmentos foram sugeridos por especialistas em filmes, mas 70 atenderam aos criterios de inclusão em um banco de dados de filmes. Estudo 1: os 70 clipes foram testados em sua capacidade de induzir: nojo, raiva, medo, tristeza, diversão, ternura e neutro (N = 147 participantes; M = 20,64; DP ±2,21). Resultados: 28 clipes apresentaram escores adequados de intensidade e discrição. Estudo 2: 28 clipes selecionados foram reavaliados em uma nova amostra de 106 participantes (M = 20,96; DP ±2,45). Resultados: os clipes de raiva e diversão foram os mais extremos nas dimensões de valência e ativação. Clips de raiva e medo foram as categorias mais extremas nos indicadores de intensidade, certeza e controle. Conclusões: os estímulos foram úteis para induzir estados emocionais que podem ser julgados tanto pela perspectiva dimensional das emoções quanto pela perspectiva básica das emoções. Além disso, as emoções evocadas são diferenciadas de acordo com os padrões cognitivos de avaliação que guiam o comportamento em resposta à estimulação emocional.

Resumen Introducción: los fragmentos de películas están entre los estímulos más usados para inducir distintos estados emocionales. Objetivo: identificar, seleccionar y evaluar un set de fragmentos de películas según la discreción y la dimensionalidad de la emoción. Expertos en cine sugirieron 437 fragmentos, pero solo 70 fueron identificados como aquellos que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión en un set de fragmentos de películas. Estudio 1: los 70 fragmentos fueron evaluados en su capacidad para inducir: asco, ira, miedo, tristeza, diversión, ternura y neutro (N = 147 participantes; M = 20.64; DE ±2.21). Resultados: 28 fragmentos presentaron puntuaciones adecuadas en intensidad y discreción. Estudio 2: los 28 fragmentos fueron reevaluados en una nueva muestra de 106 participantes (M = 20.96, DE ±2.45). Resultados: los fragmentos de ira y diversión fueron los más extremos en las dimensiones valencia y activación. Ira y miedo fueron las categorías más extremas en los indicadores intensidad, certeza y control. Conclusiones: los estímulos resultaron útiles para inducir estados emocionales que pueden ser juzgados desde la perspectiva dimensional de las emociones, así como desde el enfoque de las emociones básicas. Además, las emociones provocadas se diferencian en función de patrones cognitivos de evaluación que guían la conducta en respuesta al estímulo emocional.

Further considerations regarding PANAS: Contributions from four studies with different Argentinean samples

Abstract In this research we analyzed the psychometric properties of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) in samples coming from four independent studies: university students (Study 1, n = 392; Study 2, n = 395), general adult population (Study 3, n = 316), and athletes (Study 4, n = 533). Through confirmatory analyses we evaluated the following models: (a) two-factor model (Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988), (b) three-factor model by Mehrabian (1997), (c) three-factor model by Gaudreau, Sánchez and Blondin (2006) and (d) bi-factor model (Leue & Beauducel, 2011), all of them in their oblique and orthogonal variants. Several models presented an acceptable fit, but only after allowing correlated errors and excluding the items alert and excited. While orthogonal solutions of the three models showed the best fit in Studies 2, 3 and 4, oblique solutions presented the best fit in Study 1. Cronbach's alpha, composite reliability and omega indexes oscillated between .55 and .89. Considering the original theoretical model and the practical utility of the PANAS, we favor the model of two orthogonal factors, excluding the aforementioned items.

Resumen En esta investigación analizamos las propiedades psicométricas del Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) en muestras de cuatro estudios independientes: estudiantes universitarios (Estudio 1, n = 392; Estudio 2, n = 395), población general adulta (Estudio 3, n = 316) y atletas (Estudio 4, n = 533). Mediante análisis confirmatorios evaluamos los siguientes modelos: (a) dos factores (Watson, Clark & Tellegen, 1988), (b) tres factores por Mehrabian (1997), (c) tres factores por Gaudreau, Sánchez and Blondín (2006) y (d) bi-factorial (Leue & Beauducel, 2011), todos en sus variantes oblicua y ortogonal. Varios modelos presentaron un ajuste aceptable, pero solo después de permitir correlacionar los errores y excluir los ítems alerta y excitado. Mientras que las soluciones ortogonales de los tres modelos mostraron un mejor ajuste en los Estudios 2, 3 y 4, las soluciones oblicuas presentaron un mejor ajuste en el Estudio 1. El alfa de Cronbach, la confiabilidad compuesta y el índice omega oscilaron entre .55 y .89. Considerando el modelo teórico original y la utilidad práctica del PANAS, nos inclinamos hacia el modelo de dos factores ortogonales, excluyendo los ítems antes mencionados.

Evaluación de validez convergente y discriminante en tests computarizados de toma de decisiones / Avaliação da validade convergente e discriminante em testes computadorizados da tomada de decisões / Assessment of convergent and discriminant validity in computerized decision-making tests

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la validez convergente y discriminante entre tests de impulsividad, funcionamiento ejecutivo, toma de decisiones (TD) con y sin componente emocional y de TD centrado en el agente. Mediante un diseño instrumental, se evaluaron 217 participantes (64,5% mujeres) entre 18 y 30 años de edad (M=23,22, ±2,44). El Análisis de Componentes Principales mostró 4 componentes que explicaron el 83,88% de la varianza y agruparon los tests de acuerdo a lo esperado. Además, el estudio de las correlaciones mostró que los tests de TD verídica fueron levemente correlacionados, sugiriendo convergencia parcial entre ellas. No se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre los tests de TD verídica y los tests de TD centrados en el agente, función ejecutiva e impulsividad. Los resultados coincidieron con las expectativas y con los estudios previos sobre el tema. (AU)

Avaliação da Validade Convergente e Discriminante em Testes Computadorizados da Tomada de Decisões O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a validade convergente e discriminante entre testes de impulsividade, de funcionamento executivo, de tomada de decisão (TD) com e sem componente emocional e de TD focada no agente. Através de um desenho Instrumental, foram avaliados 217 participantes (64,5% mulheres) entre 18 e 30 anos (M=23,22 ± 2,44). A Análise de Componentes Principais mostrou quatro componentes que explicaram 83,88% de variância e agrupo os testes como foi esperado. Além disso, o estudo das correlações mostra que os testes da TD verdadeira foram fracamente correlacionados, sugerindo convergência parcial entre elas. Não foram encontradas correlações significativas entre os testes da TD verdadeira e os testes da TD com foco no agente, função executiva e impulsividade. Os resultados coincidem com as expectativas e com estudos prévios sobre o assunto. (AU)

The objective of this study was to analyze the convergent and discriminant validity between impulsivity, executive functioning, and decision-making (DM) tests with and without emotional component and and agent centered DM. Through an Instrumental design, 217 participants were evaluated, 64.5% women, between 18 and 30 years of age (M=23.22 ± 2.44). The Principal Component Analysis showed four components that explained 83.88% of variance and grouped the tests as expected. In addition, the correlation study shows that the true DM tests were poorly correlated, suggesting partial convergence between them. No significant correlations were found between true DM testing and DM testing with agent focus, executive function and impulsivity. The results coincide with expectations and previous studies on the subject, (AU)

Evaluación de validez convergente y discriminante en tests computarizados de toma de decisiones / Avaliação da Validade Convergente e Discriminante em Testes Computadorizados da Tomada de Decisões / Assessment of convergent and discriminant validity in computerized decision-making tests

El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar la validez convergente y discriminante entre tests de impulsividad, funcionamiento ejecutivo, toma de decisiones (TD) con y sin componente emocional y de TD centrado en el agente. Mediante un diseño instrumental, se evaluaron 217 participantes (64,5% mujeres) entre 18 y 30 años de edad (M= 23,22, ±2,44). El Análisis de Componentes Principales mostró 4 componentes que explicaron el 83,88% de la varianza y agruparon los tests de acuerdo a lo esperado. Además, el estudio de las correlaciones mostró que los tests de TD verídica fueron levemente correlacionados, sugiriendo convergencia parcial entre ellas. No se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre los tests de TD verídica y los tests de TD centrado en el agente, función ejecutiva e impulsividad. Los resultados coincidieron con las expectativas y con los estudios previos sobre el tema.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a validade convergente e discriminante entre testes de impulsividade, de funcionamento executivo, de tomada de decisão (TD) com e sem componente emocional e de TD focada no agente. Através de um desenho Instrumental, foram avaliados 217 participantes (64,5% mulheres) entre 18 e 30 anos (M = 23,22 ± 2,44). A Análise de Componentes Principais mostrou quatro componentes que explicaram 83,88% de variância e agrupo os testes como foi esperado. Além disso, o estudo das correlações mostra que os testes da TD verdadeira foram fracamente correlacionados, sugerindo convergência parcial entre elas. Não foram encontradas correlações significativas entre os testes da TD verdadeira e os testes da TD com foco no agente, função executiva e impulsividade. Os resultados coincidem com as expectativas e com estudos prévios sobre o assunto.

The objective of this study was to analyze the convergent and discriminant validity between impulsivity, executive functioning, and decision-making (DM) tests with and without emotional component and with agent-centered DM. Through an Instrumental design, 217 participants were evaluated, 64.5% women, between 18 and 30 years of age (M = 23.22 ± 2.44). The Principal Component Analysis showed four components that explained 83.88% of variance and grouped the tests as expected. In addition, the correlation study shows that the true DM tests were poorly correlated, suggesting partial convergence between them. No significant correlations were found between true DM testing and DM testing with agent focus, executive function and impulsivity. The results coincide with expectations and previous studies on the subject.

Emociones, toma de decisiones y consumo de alcohol en jóvenes universitarios / Emotions, decision making and alcohol consumption in university students

Según la hipótesis del marcador somático, la toma de decisiones resulta adaptativa cuando los procesos emocionales se integran a la actividad cognitiva. La primacía del sistema afectivo sobre el control cognitivo en los jóvenes se relaciona con una toma de decisiones en función de la gratificación inmediata, sin tener en cuenta posibles consecuencias perjudiciales futuras. El consumo intensivo de alcohol, muy frecuente en los jóvenes, se asocia a una acrecentada toma de decisiones desadaptativa. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la toma de decisiones en jóvenes de ambos sexos consumidores moderados e intensivos de alcohol, según el tipo de inducción emocional a la que fueron expuestos. Mediante un diseño factorial con pre-y postest, se estudió la toma de decisiones en 79 participantes de 18 a 29 años, antes y después de la inducción emocional positiva o negativa. Para evaluar la toma de decisiones, se administraron las pruebas Iowa Gambling Task y Cognitive Bias Task. Para inducir emociones se utilizaron fragmentos de películas. Además, se registró la frecuencia cardíaca durante la experimentación. Como resultado, se encontró que las mujeres inducidas negativamente y los hombres inducidos positivamente obtuvieron peor rendimiento en la Iowa Gambling Task. La frecuencia cardíaca disminuyó durante las sesiones experimentales respecto del periodo basal. Los consumidores intensivos tuvieron peor rendimiento en la Cognitive Bias Task respecto de los consumidores moderados. Se concluye que la experiencia emocional y el tipo de consumo de alcohol influyen sobre la toma de decisiones en los jóvenes universitarios.

According to the somatic marker hypothesis, decision-making is adaptive when emotional processes are integrated into cognitive activity. The primacy of the affective system over cognitive control in young people is related to decision making based on instant gratification, regardless of eventual future harmful consequences. Binge alcohol consumption -very common in young people- is associated with an increased maladaptive decision making. The aim of this study was to evaluate decision making in young people of both sexes who are moderate and binge alcohol consumers, according to the type of emotional induction to which they have been exposed. Using a cross-over design, decision making was assessed in 79 participants aged 18 to 29, before and after the positive or negative emotional induction. The Iowa Gambling Task and the Cognitive Bias Task were administered in order to evaluate decision making. Emotions were induced using film clips. Heart rate was also recorded during the procedure. As a result, women negatively induced and men positively induced achieved a worse performance on the Iowa Gambling Task. Heart rate decreased compared to baseline during the experimental sessions. Binge drinkers had a worse performance compared to a moderate performance in the Cognitive Bias Task. It is concluded that emotional experience and the type of alcohol consumption influence decision making in university students.

Características de la experiencia emocional inducida mediante fragmentos de películas en una muestra de jóvenes argentinos / Characteristics of the emotional experience induced by film clips in a sample of argentinian youngs

Debido al interés actual en la relación entre emoción y cognición, ha surgido la necesidad de contar con técnicas confiables de inducción emocional. Uno de los procedimientos más utilizados para el estudio experimental de la experiencia emocional es la inducción de emociones mediante fragmentos de películas. El objetivo del estudio que se informa fue conocer las características subjetivas y objetivas de la respuesta emocional ante estímulos audiovisuales inductores de emociones positivas y negativas, en una muestra de jóvenes argentinos. Se seleccionaron 20 fragmentos de películas (10 de valencia positiva y 10 de valencia negativa). La muestra estuvo integrada por 81 participantes (44 mujeres) de 18 a 25 años (M = 21.20 ±2.57). La respuesta emocional subjetiva se evaluó con el Self-Assessment Manikin (Bradley & Lang, 1994) y la objetiva, registrando la frecuencia cardíaca. La valencia, la activación y el control correlacionaron en la mayoría de los fragmentos. Además, hombres y mujeres presentan una reactividad diferenciada a la valencia de los estímulos, dado que las mujeres fueron más sensibles a los estímulos negativos (mutilaciones y animales amenazantes) y los hombres, a los estímulos positivos (contenido erótico y cómico). Por último, la inducción emocional se mantuvo aproximadamente 30 minutos después de finalizada la presentación de los estímulos para los videos de valencia negativa y 15 minutos para los de valencia positiva. Se concluye que la investigación realizada constituye un aporte al estudio de las medidas subjetivas de la emoción y las características de la experiencia emocional en función del tiempo y del sexo de quienes la experimentan.

Developments since the mid-twentieth century in the research of emotion and the growing interest in its interaction with cognition have generated the need for reliable emotional induction techniques. The efforts made in recent years to carry out the standardization of film clips capable of inducing emotion stand are remarkable. With this, these methodological resources are widely chosen by researchers to study emotional processes. The aims of the research were: (1) to assess valence, arousal, dominance (subjective measures) and cardiac frequency (objective measure) in relation with positive and negative emotions induced by film clips, (2) to determine how long the emotional induction remained active after the presentation of audio visual stimuli, and (3) to evaluate whether there are sex differences in emotional experience, subjectively and objectively, induced by film clips. 81 college students (44 women) from 18 to 25-years-old of Córdoba (Argentina) were evaluated. The average age was 21.20 (SD: ± 2.57). The sample was finally composed by 81 participants for not meeting certain requirements to conform. The evaluation was performed individually in a room equipped for that purpose. Each participant watched 10 film clips of positive or negative valence. Participants evaluated valence, arousal and dominance at 15, 30, 45 y 60 minutes post-induction. Each experiment lasted approximately 90 minutes. The instruments administrated were note of informed consent, 20 Battery of film fragments with ability to induce emotions, Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM), sociodemographic data form, questionnaire of pattern of alcohol and other substances consumption, stress test equipment 12-lead CardioVex. Significant correlations between valence, arousal and dominance in most film clips were obtained. Then, repeated measures ANOVA between the scores were made in the SAM Activation after the emotional induction, significant interaction were found between Time and Type of Induction [F(4,316) = 2.5461, p < .05 ηp² = .031]. According to Fisher post hoc test, there were significant differences between means of the arousal to the last film clip of the series and 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes post-induction (p < .001) in the negative condition, and between the last film and 15, 30, 45 y 60 minutes post-induction (p < .01). Significant difference also was found between 30 minutes arousal to Positive Induction and Negative Induction (p < .01). Finally, in terms of sex differences in emotional experience, women reported more negative valence than men in the film clips of negative valence: The Exorcist [F(40) = 8.576; p < .05] Saving Private Ryan [F(40) = 10.833, p < .01], Misery [F (40) = 4.500; p < .05] and Dead Man Walking [F(40) = 7.121; p < .05]. In addition, women reported greater arousal in the positive film clip There's Something About Mary 2 [F(37) = 6.014; p < .05]. Finally men reported greater dominance in face to negative film clips The Exorcist [F(40) = 8.051; p < .01], Schindler's List 2 [F(40) = 4.963; p < .05], Leaving Las Vegas [F (40) = 5.829; p < .05] and the positive film clip Something About Mary 2 [F(37) = 5.166; p < .05] while women reported greater dominance to the film clip When Harry Met Sally [F(37) = 5.106; p < .05]. Study of discreet emotions and heart rate variability was suggested for more correlations between subjective and objective measures of emotion. Naturally, negative stimuli are more thrilling because they present major intensity and discreteness than positive stimuli. Response to negative stimuli also have a more significant biological importance. Men use more effective emotion regulation strategies than women, whereas, women use negative and non-adaptive emotion regulation strategies. As a conclusion, this study make a contribution to the study of subjective and objective measures of emotion and the features of the emotional experience according to time of the induction and sex of those who experience.