Anxiety, emotions and threat perception in COVID-19 context: differences between Spanish teachers and students

Introduction: Our study compares the emotional impact of the first month of the lockdown on teachers and students due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, focusing on the variables of generalized anxiety, emotions, and perceived threat. Method: A non experimental design was applied, the sample consists of 452 participants (teachers = 188, young adult students = 264. Correlation analyses, a between-group design and effect size were carried out. Results: The results indicated that in crises or emergencies such as COVID-19, teachers and students have different emotional reactions. Students showed more generalized anxiety symptoms, more negative emotions, and fewer positive emotions. Teachers showed a higher degree of existential anxiety. Conclusion: Specific action plans should be developed for teachers and students. In addition, educational policies and teacher training programs should take the gender perspective into account when studying and planning a resilient educational system.

Introducción: Nuestro estudio compara el impacto emocional, entre profesores y estudiantes, durante el primer mes de cuarentena en España debido a la COVID-19, centrándonos en la ansiedad generalizada, emociones y percepción de amenaza. Método: Se aplicó un diseño no experimental, donde participaron 452 personas (profesores = 188, estudiantes adultos jóvenes = 264). Se realizaron análisis de correlación, diseños entre-grupos y tamaño del efecto. Resultados: Los resultados indican que durante crisis o emergencias como la COVID-19, los profesores y estudiantes tienen diferentes reacciones emocionales. Los estudiantes mostraron mayores síntomas de ansiedad generalizada, más emociones negativas y menos emociones positivas. Los profesores mostraron tener un alto grado de ansiedad existencial. Conclusión: Planes de acción específica deberían desarrollarse por separado para profesores y estudiantes. Además, las políticas educativas y los programas de formación de profesorado, deberían tener una perspectiva de género al estudiar y planificar un sistema educativo resiliente.

COVID-19. Effect of Moral Messages to Persuade the Population to Stay at Home in Spain, Chile, and Colombia.

Analyze whether the content of three moral messages (deontological, ethical utilitarianism, ethical virtue) and a control message differentially affect the probability of engaging in four behaviors: Washing their hands, participating in public gatherings, staying at home/avoiding social contact, and forwarding the message to inform more people. In our study, the sender of the message is a university professor. These variables are measured in terms of their behavioral intentions and others' behavioral intentions (beliefs about others' behavior). Randomized Controlled Trial. Our study includes the analysis of the possible moderating effect of the country of residence (Spain n = 1,122, Chile n = 1,107, and Colombia n = 1,433). The message with content referring to ethical virtue and staying at home obtains statistically significant lower scores on the probability of carrying out public health behaviors and sharing the message received. Regarding beliefs about the behavior of others, the message of ethical virtue has the same negative effect, but only on the likelihood of other people washing their hands, staying at home, and sharing the public health message. Institutional messages aimed at promoting public health behaviors are necessary in a pandemic situation. Our recommendation is to use deontological and utilitarian, or non-moral, content.

Psychometric properties and factorial invariance of the satisfaction with life scale in Latino immigrants in Chile, Spain, and United States / Propiedades psicométricas e invarianza factorial de la escala de satisfacción con la vida en inmigrantes latinos en Chile, España y EEUU

Abstract: Background: Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) is the most widely used instrument to assess subjective well-being in different populations. Aim: The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the psychometric properties and the factorial invariance of the SWLS in Latino immigrants living in Chile, Spain, and the United States. Method: A total of 663 participants over the age of 18 and who have lived in the host country for more than a year participated. Results: The results provide evidence of good internal consistency through Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. Also, there is evidence for the unifactorial structure of the instrument through confirmatory factor analysis and its invariance at the configural, metric, and scalar. Conclusions: It is concluded that SWLS is an invariant and reliable measure to study life satisfaction in Latino immigrants in western countries.

Resumen: Antecedentes: La escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (SWLS) es el instrumento más utilizado para evaluar el bienestar subjetivo en distintas poblaciones. Objetivo: El propósito de la presente investigación fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas y la invarianza factorial de la SWLS en inmigrantes latinos que viven en Chile, España y EEUU. Método: Participaron un total de 663 inmigrantes latinos mayores de 18 años y que llevan más de un año viviendo en el país de acogida. Resultados: Los resultados entregan evidencia de una buena consistencia interna a través del alfa de Cronbach y el omega de McDonald, también se provee soporte a la estructura unifactorial del instrumento mediante un análisis factorial confirmatorio y finalmente se prueba que la escala es invariante a nivel configural, métrico y escalar. Conclusión: Se concluye que la SWLS es una medida invariante y fiable para estudiar la satisfacción con la vida en inmigrantes latinos en países occidentales.

Spanish Scientists' Opinion about Science and Researcher Behavior.

We surveyed 348 Psychology and Education researchers within Spain, on issues such as their perception of a crisis in Science, their confidence in the quality of published results, and the use of questionable research practices (QRP). Their perceptions regarding pressure to publish and academic competition were also collected. The results indicate that a large proportion of the sample of Spanish academics think there is a crisis in Science, mainly due to a lack of economic investment, and doubts the quality of published findings. They also feel strong pressure to publish in high impact factor journals and a highly competitive work climate.

The Role of Neuroticism in Predicting Psychological Harassment in Nursing: A Longitudinal Study.

Psychological harassment is a serious occupational risk for nurses, but little is known about its related factors and possible predictors. The objective of the present study was to investigate whether nursing students' neuroticism trait and coping styles can predict psychological harassment at work when they later become nurses. A non-experimental, longitudinal, three-wave prospective study with a time lag of 6 years was carried out, following nursing students from three Spanish universities until they joined the health labor market. The age range of the sample was 20⁻48 years, and the mean age was 26.99 ± 5.72; the majority of the sample were women (88.5%). Predictor variables were neuroticism and coping styles (emotional and behavioral coping). The criterion variable was psychological harassment. To examine the model fit between the predictor and criterion variables, we conducted structural equation modelling. Results confirmed a high correlation between neuroticism and psychological harassment. In addition, a direct effect of neuroticism on psychological harassment was found; however, emotional and behavioral coping styles did not show a good fit. Proactive interventions to improve emotional self-control are needed in order to prevent negative effects of psychological harassment at work on nurses.

Knowledge level of effect size statistics confidence intervals and meta-analysis in spanish academic psychologists / Grado de conocimiento sobre los tamaños del efecto, intervalos de confianza y meta-análisis en psicólogos académicos españoles

BACKGROUND: The statistical reform movement and the American Psychological Association (APA) defend the use of estimators of the effect size and its confidence intervals, as well as the interpretation of the clinical significance of the findings. METHOD: A survey was conducted in which academic psychologists were asked about their behavior in designing and carrying out their studies. The sample was composed of 472 participants (45.8% men). The mean number of years as a university professor was 13.56 years (SD= 9.27). RESULTS: The use of effect-size estimators is becoming generalized, as well as the consideration of meta-analytic studies. However, several inadequate practices still persist. A traditional model of methodological behavior based on statistical significance tests is maintained, based on the predominance of Cohen's d and the unadjusted R2/η2, which are not immune to outliers or departure from normality and the violations of statistical assumptions, and the under-reporting of confidence intervals of effect-size statistics. CONCLUSION: The paper concludes with recommendations for improving statistical practice

ANTECEDENTES: el movimiento de la reforma estadística y la Asociación Americana de Psicología (APA) defienden el uso de estimadores del tamaño del efecto y sus intervalos de confianza, así como la interpretación de la significación clínica de los hallazgos. MÉTODO: se realizó una encuesta a psicólogos académicos sobre su conducta en el diseño y realización de estudios. La muestra estuvo compuesta de 472 participantes (45,8% hombres). La media en años como académico fue 13,56 (DT= 9,27). RESULTADOS: el uso de estadísticos del tamaño del efecto se está generalizando, también la consideración de los estudios meta-analíticos. Sin embargo, persisten prácticas estadísticas inadecuadas. Se mantiene un modelo tradicional de comportamiento metodológico basado en las pruebas de significación estadística, predominio de la d de Cohen, y del R2/η2 no ajustado que no son inmunes a la existencia de outliers y violaciones de las asunciones y un escaso uso de los intervalos de confianza de los estadísticos del tamaño del efecto. CONCLUSIONES: se concluye con recomendaciones para la mejora de la práctica estadística

Spanish Validation of the Polymorphous Prejudice Scale in a Sample of University Students.

The shortened version of the Polymorphous Prejudice Scale (PPS) analyzes new manifestations of prejudice toward gay men and lesbian women. Specifically, this instrument consists of 16 items distributed in four subscales: values gay progress, positive beliefs about gay men, positive beliefs about lesbian women, and resistance to heteronormative expectations. The aim of the current study is to add new evidence about the reliability and validity of the scale. The scale is administrated to 348 heterosexual university students from Spain with a mean age of 22.62 years (SD = 7.63). Reliability and factorial validity estimates are presented. A four-factor structure is supported using confirmatory factor analysis (short version). Our results can be useful in planning variables for intervention programs designed to foster the tolerance and normality of sexual diversity.

Knowledge level of effect size statistics, confidence intervals and meta-analysis in Spanish academic psychologists.

BACKGROUND: The statistical reform movement and the American Psychological Association (APA) defend the use of estimators of the effect size and its confidence intervals, as well as the interpretation of the clinical significance of the findings. METHOD: A survey was conducted in which academic psychologists were asked about their behavior in designing and carrying out their studies. The sample was composed of 472 participants (45.8% men). The mean number of years as a university professor was 13.56 years (SD= 9.27). RESULTS: The use of effect-size estimators is becoming generalized, as well as the consideration of meta-analytic studies. However, several inadequate practices still persist. A traditional model of methodological behavior based on statistical significance tests is maintained, based on the predominance of Cohen’s d and the unadjusted R2/η2, which are not immune to outliers or departure from normality and the violations of statistical assumptions, and the under-reporting of confidence intervals of effect-size statistics. CONCLUSION: The paper concludes with recommendations for improving statistical practice.

Interpretation of the p value: A national survey study in academic psychologists from Spain.

BACKGROUND: Incorrect interpretations of p values affect professionals’ decisions and jeopardize the quality of psychological interventions and the accumulation of valid scientific knowledge. This study analyzes the errors made by Spanish academic psychologists in interpreting p values. METHOD: We surveyed academic psychologists about their interpretations of p values. The sample is composed of 418 academic psychologists from Spanish public universities. The mean number of years working as a university professor is 14.16 (SD = 9.39). RESULTS: Our findings suggest that many academic psychologists do not know how to correctly interpret p values. The inverse probability fallacy presents the greatest comprehension problems. Methodology instructors also interpret the significance of the p value erroneously. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the importance of the statistical re-education of professors.

Interpretation of the p value: A national survey study in academic psychologists from Spain / Interpretación del valor p: una encuesta nacional entre profesores españoles de Psicología

BACKGROUND: Incorrect interpretations of p values affect professionals' decisions and jeopardize the quality of psychological interventions and the accumulation of valid scientific knowledge. This study analyzes the errors made by Spanish academic psychologists in interpreting p values. METHOD: We surveyed academic psychologists about their interpretations of p values. The sample is composed of 418 academic psychologists from Spanish public universities. The mean number of years working as a university professor is 14.16 (SD = 9.39). RESULTS: Our findings suggest that many academic psychologists do not know how to correctly interpret p values. The inverse probability fallacy presents the greatest comprehension problems. Methodology instructors also interpret the significance of the p value erroneously. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the importance of the statistical re-education of professors

ANTECEDENTES: las interpretaciones incorrectas de los valores p afectan a las decisiones de los profesionales y ponen en peligro la calidad de las intervenciones psicológicas y la acumulación de conocimiento científico válido. Este estudio analiza los errores de interpretación del valor p y su interpretación correcta entre el profesorado de las universidades de Psicología de España. MÉTODO: se encuestó a profesores universitarios sobre sus interpretaciones de los valores p. La muestra está compuesta por 418 profesores de Psicología de las universidades públicas españolas. La media de años como profesor universitario es 14,16 (DT = 9,39). RESULTADOS: nuestros hallazgos sugieren que muchos profesores universitarios no saben interpretar correctamente los valores de p. La falacia de la probabilidad inversa presenta los mayores problemas de comprensión. Los profesores de Metodología también cometen errores de interpretación del valor p. CONCLUSIONES: estos resultados resaltan la importancia de la re-educación estadística de los profesores

Etiology of homosexuality and attitudes toward same-sex parenting: a randomized study.

Attribution theory suggests the hypothesis that heterosexuals' attitudes toward homosexual sexual orientation will be more negative when homosexuality is attributed to controllable causes. Our randomized study analyzed (a) whether beliefs about the genetic or environmental etiology of the homosexual sexual orientation can be immediately modified by reading a text and (b) the causal effect of attributions about the controllability (environmental etiology) or noncontrollability (genetic etiology) of homosexual sexual orientation on the rejection of same-sex parenting and their social rights. The sample was composed of 190 Spanish university students with a mean age of 22.07 years (SD = 8.46). The results show that beliefs about the etiology of the sexual orientation could be modified by means of a written text. Furthermore, participants who believed that sexual orientation had a genetic etiology showed greater support for social rights and less rejection of same-sex parenting. However, the effects were detected only when there was a traditional opposition to the family with same-sex parenting. When the opposition was normative, the effect was not statistically significant. Our results can be useful in planning variables for intervention programs designed to foster tolerance toward and normality of sexual diversity.

Prácticas del aáálisis factorial exploratorio (fe) en la investigación sobre cconducta del consumidory marketing / Exploratory facoor analysis (efa) in consumer behavior and marketing research

El Análisis Factorial Exploratorio (AFE) es una de las técnicas estadísticas más utilizadas en la investigación social. El principal objetivo de este trabajo es describir las prácticas más utilizadas por los investigadores en el área de la conducta del consumidor y el marketing. Mediante una metodología de revisión documental se analizan las prácticas de AFE en cinco revistas españolas dedicadas a dicha temática (2000-2010). Se analizan las elecciones de los investigadores relacionadas con el modelo factorial, el criterio de retención, la rotación, la interpretación de los factores y otras cuestiones relevantes para el análisis factorial. Los resultados sugieren que los investigadores ejecutan los análisis utilizando métodos cuestionables. Se presentan sugerencias para mejorar el uso del análisis factorial y el informe de resultados y se proporciona un protocolo (Protocolo de Análisis Factorial Exploratorio, PAFE) para ayudar a editores, revisores y autores a mejorar sus informes de análisis factorial exploratorio.

Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) is one of the most widely used statistical procedures in social research. The main objective of this work is to describe the most common practices used by researchers in the consumer behavior and marketing area. Through a literature review methodology the practices of AFE in five consumer behavior and marketing journals (2000-2010) were analyzed. Then, the choices made by the researchers concerning factor model, retention criteria, rotation, factors interpretation and other relevant issues to factor analysis were analized. The results suggest that researchers routinely conduct analyses using such questionable methods. Suggestions for improving the use of factor analysis and the reporting of results are presented and a checklist (Exploratory Factor Analysis Checklist, EFAC) is provided to help editors, reviewers, and authors improve reporting exploratory factor analysis.

Calidad de servicio en supermercados: una propuesta de medición / Quality service in supermarkets: a proposal of measurement

El presente trabajo estudia la percepción de la calidad de servicio en los supermercados. La investigación establece los criterios utilizados a la hora de valorar los servicios prestados y elabora un instrumento para medir la calidad de servicio en este contexto. A partir de la revisión de la literatura se ha creado una escala compuesta por 13 ítems y cuatro factores teóricos (precios, producto, servicio e imagen y producto fresco). Para comprobar las propiedades psicométricas del instrumento llevamos a cabo una encuesta telefónica asistida por ordenador (CATI) con una muestra de 300 entrevistas. Los resultados nos permiten presentar una escala con una estructura factorial de cuatro dimensiones, con unos índices de fiabilidad y validez óptimos. Al mismo tiempo, concluimos que la variable valoración global del establecimiento es una variable importante en la estructura perceptiva de los consumidores

This assignment has the aim of going deeply into the study of service quality perception in supermarkets. The research tries to find the criterion used when rating the services received in a supermarket and also to elaborate an instrument to measure the service quality in this context. From the review of the existing bibliography, four theoretical factors and a thirteen items scale have been composed. These four factors are: price, product, service and image and fresh product. In order to check the psychometrical properties of the questionnaire we carried out a computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) with a sample of 300 interviews. The results obtained allow us to show a scale with a factorial structure of 4 dimensions that throws up optimal indexes of reliability and validity. At the same time we conclude that the variable called establishment global rate is an important variable in the perceptive structure of the consumers

[Quality service in supermarkets: a proposal of measurement]. / Calidad de servicio en supermercados: una propuesta de medición.

This assignment has the aim of going deeply into the study of service quality perception in supermarkets. The research tries to find the criterion used when rating the services received in a supermarket and also to elaborate an instrument to measure the service quality in this context. From the review of the existing bibliography, four theoretical factors and a thirteen items scale have been composed. These four factors are: price, product, service and image and fresh product. In order to check the psychometrical properties of the questionnaire we carried out a computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) with a sample of 300 interviews. The results obtained allow us to show a scale with a factorial structure of 4 dimensions that throws up optimal indexes of reliability and validity. At the same time we conclude that the variable called establishment global rate is an important variable in the perceptive structure of the consumers.