Analysis of Heart Rate Variability in Individuals Affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) produces alterations in the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which explains the cardiac manifestations observed in patients. The assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) is what best reflects the activity of the ANS on heart rate. The Polar H7 Bluetooth® device proves to be a non-invasive and much faster technology than existing alternatives for this purpose. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to determine HRV using Polar H7 Bluetooth technology in ALS patients, comparing the obtained measurements with values from healthy individuals. METHOD: The sample consisted of 124 participants: 68 diagnosed with ALS and 56 healthy individuals. Using Polar H7 Bluetooth technology and the ELITE HRV application, various HRV measurements were determined for all participants, specifically the HRV index, RMSSD, RMSSD LN, SDNN index, PNN50, LF, HF, LF/HF ratio, HR average, and HF peak frequency. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between ALS patients and healthy individuals in the HRV index, RMSSD, RMSSD LN, SDNN index, PNN50, HF, and LF, where healthy individuals exhibited higher scores. For the HR average, the ALS group showed a higher value. Values were similar when comparing men and women with ALS, with only a higher HF peak frequency observed in women. CONCLUSION: The Polar H7 Bluetooth® device is effective in determining heart rate variability alterations in ALS, being a promising prognostic tool for the disease.

Predictive Model of Anxiety and Depression Perception in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Possible Implications for Clinical Treatment.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, including emotional distress, anxiety, and depression. These emotional symptoms currently have a pharmacological treatment with limited effectiveness; therefore, it is necessary to delve into their relationship with other psychological, functional, or prefrontal alterations. Additionally, exploring non-pharmacological therapeutic alternatives that have shown benefits in addressing emotional distress in MS patients is essential. AIM: To establish a predictive model for the presence of anxiety and depression in MS patients, based on variables such as psychological well-being, functional activity, and prefrontal symptoms. Additionally, this study aimed to propose non-pharmacological therapeutic alternatives based on this model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 64 diagnosed MS patients who underwent functional and cognitive assessments using the following questionnaires and scales: Functional Activities Questionnaire (FAQ), Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), Experiences Questionnaire (EQ), Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Prefrontal Symptoms Inventory (PSI). RESULTS: The model showed an excellent fit to the data and indicated that psychological well-being was the most significant predictor of the criteria (ß = -0.83), followed by functional activity (ß = -0.18) and prefrontal symptoms (ß = 0.15). The latter two are negatively related to psychological well-being (ß = -0.16 and ß = -0.75, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Low psychological well-being is the variable that most significantly predicts the presence of anxiety and depression in MS patients, followed by functional activity and prefrontal alterations. Interventions based on mindfulness and acceptance are recommended, along with nutritional interventions such as antioxidant-enriched ketogenic diets and moderate group physical exercise.

Spanish adaptation and validation of the ALS Depression Inventory-12 (ADI-12) in patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) have a higher prevalence of mood disorders, including depression, than the general population. Non-specific measurement instruments have been used to evaluate depression in these patients, which complicates accurate diagnosis. The ALS Depression Inventory (ADI-12) exclusively assesses depressive symptoms in patients with ALS. AIM: To adapt and validate the ADI-12 in a Spanish sample. METHODS: A selective design was used with 74 patients with ALS, using the ADI-12 questionnaire. The original instrument was translated and back-translated into Spanish. The internal structure, temporal stability, convergent, and discriminant validity of the instrument were analyzed. RESULTS: Two confirmatory models showed internal validity (p = 0.502 for the one-factor model, p = 0.507 for the two-factor model). The Cronbach's alpha (0.900 in the first measurement and 0.889 in the second one) indicated a high internal consistency of the test. The Pearson correlation (0.90) indicated high temporal stability. In terms of convergent validity, the ADI-12 showed moderate correlations with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) (0.51-0.58), and low correlations with time since ALS diagnosis (-0.26 to -0.27). LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of the present study was the small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: The ADI-12 is fitted to a single general factor of depression, and the scale shows high internal consistency and high temporal stability, therefore, its use is recommended for the diagnosis of depression in patients with ALS.

Propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del “Cuestionario de sentido en la vida” (MLQ) en adultos / Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the "Meaning in Life Questionnaire" (MLQ) in adults

El autoinforme más utilizado para evaluar el sentido en la vida es el “Cuestionario de sentido en la vida” (MLQ). Hasta la fecha, ningún estudio ha analizado las características psicométricas del MLQ en población adulta española. Por tanto, nuestro objetivo fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas del MLQ en una muestra de adultos españoles. Participaron 683 personas, 80,4% mujeres. Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio y un estudio de la invarianza factorial de los factores obtenidos en función del sexo y la edad de los participantes. Los datos ajustaron bien a un modelo con dos factores denominados Presencia y Búsqueda. Los dos factores estuvieron correlacionados de manera baja y positiva (0,19), sin embargo, no podemos asumir invarianza factorial para grupos de sexo y edad. El MLQ mostró una adecuada validez convergente con medidas de propósito en la vida, ansiedad y depresión. La presente investigación respalda las buenas propiedades psicométricas y la fiabilidad del MLQ en participantes adultos españoles para evaluar el sentido la vida. (AU)

The most widely used instrument to assess meaning in life is the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). To date, no study has analyzed the psychometric characteristics in the Spanish adult population. Our aim is to analyze the psychometric properties of the MLQ in a sample of Spanish participants. The sample consisted of 683 adults, 80.4% women, from Spain. CFA and factorial invariance of the factors obtained as a function of the gender and age of the participants was studied. The data had a good fit to a model with two factors called Presence and Search. The two factors showed a low and positive correlation (.19); however, we cannot assume factorial invariance for gender and age groups. The MLQ showed adequate convergent validity with measures of purpose in life, anxiety, and depression. The present research provides support for the good psychometric properties and reliability of the MLQ in adult Spanish participants to assess meaning in life. (AU)

Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) adapted to work: psychometric properties of the satisfaction with Work Scale (SWWS) / Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (SWLS) adaptada al trabajo: propiedades psicométricas de la Escala con la Satisfacción con el Trabajo (SWWS)

The purpose of this research has been to adapt the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) to the work context, giving rise to the Satisfaction With Work Scale (SWWS). To do this, the items were adapted to the work context by modifying the original version of the SWLS as little as possible. A sample of 199 workers from different sectors with an average age of 37.53 years (SD = 12.78 years) was used. Internal, converge and construct validity were analysed, as well as reliability and sex invariance. The results indicate that the SWWS is a valid and reliable measure of cognitive job satisfaction that has the advantage of being brief, general and one-dimensional. Moreover, these results found, open the way to the adaptation of the SWLS to specific contexts such as school, family or couple life, which until now had not been done.(AU)

El objetivo de esta investigación ha sido adaptar la Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (SWLS) al contesto laboral, desarrollando la Escala de Satisfacción con el Trabajo (SWWS). Para ello, los ítems fueron adaptados al contexto laboral modificando la versión original SWLS lo menos posible. Se empleó una muestra de 199 trabajadores de diferentes sectores con una media de edad 33,53 años (DT = 12.78 años). La evidencia de validez interna, convergente y de constructo fue analizada, también la fiabilidad y la invarianza en función del sexo. Los resultados indican que SWWS es una escala con evidencia de validez y fiable para medir la satisfacción cognitiva laboral, además de ser breve, general y de una dimensión. Los resultados indican que la SWLS puede adaptarse a contextos específicos como la escuela, la familia o la vida en pareja, algo que hasta ahora no ha sido realizado.(AU)

Neocortical Age and Fluid Ability: Greater Accelerated Brain Aging for Thickness, but Smaller for Surface Area, in High Cognitive Ability Individuals.

Biological (BA) and chronological (CA) age may or may not fit. The available evidence reveals remarkable individual differences in the overlap/mismatch between BA and CA. Increased mismatch can be interpreted as delayed (BA/CA < 1) or accelerated biological aging (BA/CA > 1). Body and brain health are correlated and both predict aging outcomes associated with physical and mental fitness. Moreover, research has shown that older brain age at midlife correlates negatively with cognitive ability measured in early childhood, which suggests early life predisposition to accelerated aging in adulthood. Under this framework, here we test if increased cognitive ability is associated with delayed brain aging, analyzing structural MRI data of 188 individuals, sixty of whom were recruited from MENSA, an association comprising individuals who obtained cognitive ability scores in the top 2 percent of the population. These high ability individuals (HCA) showed an average advantage of 33 IQ points, on a fluid reasoning test they completed for this research, over those other recruited because of their average cognitive ability (ACA). Next, brain age was computed at the individual level for two distinguishable neocortical features (thickness and surface area) according to models trained in an independent large-scale sample of 2377 individuals. Results revealed a stronger pattern of accelerated brain aging in HCA compared to ACA individuals for thickness, while the opposite pattern was suggested for surface area. The findings align well with the greater relevance of individual differences in cortical surface area for enhancing our understanding of cognitive differences at the brain level.

Perception of Dating Violence in Teenage Couples: A Cross Validation Study in Spain and Colombia.

BACKGROUND: dating violence, or violence in teenage couples, is a socially interesting topic, due to its prevalence and its possible use in predicting violence in adult couples. The perception of violence, or the detection of abusive behaviors by teenagers and young people (which can be considered as equivalent concepts), is essential to prevent violence itself. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to determine which behaviors are identified as abusive by teenagers and young people, and the severity that they attribute to them-meaning how they perceive them. Moreover, we will be able to determine whether there are differences between boys and girls in two countries: Spain and Colombia. METHODS: for this study, we used two samples from both countries, with a total of 389 teenagers (50.9% females and 49.1% males) who were, on average, 16.56 years old (SD = 1.94 years). We analyzed the factorial invariance depending on sex and country of the sample and the different profiles of violence perception. RESULTS: we found evidence of the internal validity of the questionnaire for what concerns the perception of inter-partner violence. The results point out that the perception of violence in the relationship is composed of two factors related to each other (Multiple and Emotional Abuse), which are invariant depending of sex and country of origin of the sample. The internal consistency of the test is adequate (>0.90). The analysis of the violence perception profiles indicates that Spanish teenagers have a higher perception of it, and, also, that girls hold a higher perception than boys. CONCLUSIONS: the results of this research have shown how dating violence (or violence in teenage couples) is differentially perceived not only between genders, but also across cultural contexts. Moreover, these outcomes may enhance the development of possible evidence-based interventions approaching the social problem generated by violence in teenage couples.

Cortical surface area variations within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are better predictors of future cognitive performance than fluid ability and working memory / Las variaciones de superficie cortical en la corteza dorsolateral prefrontal predicen mejor el futuro desempeño cognitivo que la inteligencia fluida y la memoria operativa

Background: Are cognitive and biological variables useful for predicting future behavioral outcomes?. Method: In two independent groups, we measured a set of cognitive (fluid and crystallized intelligence, working memory, and attention control) and biological (cortical thickness and cortical surface area) variables on two occasions separated by six months, to predict behavioral outcomes of interest (performance on an adaptive version of the n-back task) measured twelve and eighteen months later. We followed three stages: discovery, validation, and generalization. In the discovery stage, cognitive/biological variables and the behavioral outcome of interest were assessed in a group of individuals (in-sample). In the validation stage, the cognitive and biological variables were related with a parallel version of the behavioral outcome assessed several months later. In the generalization stage, the validation findings were tested in an independent group of individuals (out-of-sample). Results: The key finding revealed that cortical surface area variations within the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex predict the behavioral outcome of interest in both groups, whereas the cognitive variables failed to show reliable predictive validity. Conclusions: Individual differences in biological variables might predict future behavioral outcomes better than cognitive variables concurrently correlated with these behavioral outcomes

Antecedentes: ¿Predicen las variables cognitivas y biológicas el futuro desempeño cognitivo? Método: en dos grupos independientes de participantes se miden variables cognitivas (inteligencia fluida y cristalizada, memoria operativa y control atencional) y biológicas (grosor y superficie cortical) en dos ocasiones separadas por seis meses, para predecir el desempeño en la tarea n-back valorado doce y dieciocho meses después. Se completan tres etapas: descubrimiento, validación y generalización. En la de descubrimiento se valoran en un grupo de individuos las variables cognitivas/biológicas y el desempeño a predecir. En la de validación, se relacionan las mismas variables con una versión paralela de la n-back completada meses después. En la de generalización, los resultados de la validación se replican en un grupo independiente de individuos. Resultados: las variaciones de superficie cortical en la corteza dorsolateral prefrontal derecha predicen el desempeño cognitivo en los dos grupos independientes de individuos, mientras que las variables cognitivas no contribuyen a la predicción del desempeño futuro. Conclusiones: las diferencias individuales en determinadas variables biológicas predicen el desempeño cognitivo mejor que las variables cognitivas que correlacionan concurrentemente con ese desempeño

Cortical surface area variations within the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are better predictors of future cognitive performance than fluid ability and working memory.

BACKGROUND: Are cognitive and biological variables useful for predicting future behavioral outcomes? METHOD: In two independent groups, we measured a set of cognitive (fluid and crystallized intelligence, working memory, and attention control) and biological (cortical thickness and cortical surface area) variables on two occasions separated by six months, to predict behavioral outcomes of interest (performance on an adaptive version of the n-back task) measured twelve and eighteen months later. We followed three stages: discovery, validation, and generalization. In the discovery stage, cognitive/biological variables and the behavioral outcome of interest were assessed in a group of individuals (in-sample). In the validation stage, the cognitive and biological variables were related with a parallel version of the behavioral outcome assessed several months later. In the generalization stage, the validation findings were tested in an independent group of individuals (out-of-sample). RESULTS: The key finding revealed that cortical surface area variations within the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex predict the behavioral outcome of interest in both groups, whereas the cognitive variables failed to show reliable predictive validity. CONCLUSIONS: Individual differences in biological variables might predict future behavioral outcomes better than cognitive variables concurrently correlated with these behavioral outcomes.

Hearing Loss: Stigma Consciousness, Quality of Life and Social Identity.

In the present research, three tests, Pinel's Stigma Consciousness (1999); Quality of Life by Ruiz and Baca (1993); and the Social Identity by Cameron (2004), were adapted and validated by hearing loss of different ages, educational levels, marital status and occupation in order to make the sample more representative. The content validity was established using a group of experts formed by disabled people and technicians in disability with the purpose of adapting the items of the different tests. The reliability of the three tests was adequate with values higher than .70. The Stigma Consciousness test presented a unifactorial structure, that of Quality of Life with four factors (General Satisfaction, Free Time, Physical and Psychological Well-being and Social Support) and Social Identity with three factors (Centrality, Ingroup Ties and Ingroup Affect). Goodness-of-fit tests showed adequate values. We also analyzed the convergent and discriminant validity of the scale in order to see which tests presented major and minor associations and the criterion validity relating the scales to the level of studies, the percentage of disability and the work place of the evaluated ones. Finally, we analyzed the similarities between our results and those obtained in the original tests.

Is there any relationship between unemployment in young graduates and psychological resources?. An empirical research from the conservation of resources theory / ¿Hay relación entre el desempleo de jóvenes graduados y los recursos psicológicos?. Investigación empírica desde la teoría de la conservación de los recursos

The recession suffered in the western world since 2007 has left thousands of people unemployed. One of the countries most affected by unemployment is Spain and specially its young population (34.7%). Considering this context, we try to find out the role of psychological resources, well-being, distress, and eustress, among young employed and unemployed graduates. We worked with a sample of 542 young graduates, of whom 48.3% were unemployed, and those employed held job positions related to their academic background. Our results suggest that: 1) it is somewhat likely for young recent graduates to find a job if they score high in optimism; 2) resilience, optimism, autonomy, self-efficacy, environmental mastery, and overall life satisfaction are deteriorated in unemployment youth, while negative affect is increased in this group; and 3) environmental mastery plays a fundamental role among young unemployed graduates, for its loss is related to distress while its gain is related to eustress. The results of this research are relevant with regards to the implementation of training programs that contribute to the improvement of the well-being and life quality of these unemployed individuals, therefore allowing them to be in a better position to find a job

La situación de crisis que ha vivido el mundo occidental desde 2007 ha generado miles de desempleados. Uno de los países más afectados por el desempleo es España, en especial los jóvenes (34.7%). A la vista de este contexto intentamos analizar el rol de los recursos psicológicos, el bienestar, el distrés y el eustrés en jóvenes graduados empleados y desempleados. Hemos utilizado una muestra de 542 jóvenes graduados, de los cuales el 48.3% estaban desempleados y los que trabajaban ocupaban puestos relacionados con su formación académica. Nuestros resultados sugieren que: 1) es algo más probable que los jóvenes recién graduados encuentren trabajo si tienen puntuaciones altas en optimismo, 2) la resiliencia, el optimismo, la autonomía, la autoeficacia, el dominio del entorno y la satisfacción general con la vida están deteriorados en los jóvenes sin trabajo, a la par que aumenta en ellos el afecto negativo y 3) el dominio del entorno juega un papel fundamental en los jóvenes graduados desempleados, dado que su pérdida guarda relación con el distrés mientras que su ganancia se relaciona con el eustrés. Los resultados de esta investigación son relevantes para implementar programas de entrenamiento que contribuyan a mejorar el bienestar y la calidad de vida de estas personas desempleadas, lo que les permitirá estar en una mejor disposición para encontrar trabajo

Group analyses can hide heterogeneity effects when searching for a general model: Evidence based on a conflict monitoring task.

In experimental psychology, a unique model of general processing is often sought to represent the behaviors of all individuals. We address the question of whether seeking this objective - a unique model - is the most fruitful scientific strategy by studying a specific case example. In order to approach an answer to such a question, we compared the conventional approach in experimental psychology with analyses at the individual level by applying a specific mathematical modeling approach. A sample of 1159 individuals completed an experimental task based on managing conflict (a type of Simon task). Key findings revealed that at least four models are required to properly account for individuals' performance. Interestingly, four out of ten participants failed to show stimulus-response congruency effects in the experimental task, whereas the remaining 60% followed distinguishable theoretical models (consistent with conflict-monitoring theory and/or priming and episodic memory effects). The reported findings suggest that individuals' psychological characteristics might help to explain some of the reproducibility issues that are currently of great concern in psychology. These findings, along with further recent research, support the view that general and differential psychological approaches work better together for addressing relevant theoretical issues in psychological research.

Hearing loss: stigma consciousness, quality of life and social identity

In the present research, three tests, Pinel's Stigma Consciousness (1999); Quality of Life by Ruiz and Baca (1993); and the Social Identity by Cameron (2004), were adapted and validated by hearing loss of different ages, educational levels, marital status and occupation in order to make the sample more representative. The content validity was established using a group of experts formed by disabled people and technicians in disability with the purpose of adapting the items of the different tests. The reliability of the three tests was adequate with values higher than .70. The Stigma Consciousness test presented a unifactorial structure, that of Quality of Life with four factors (General Satisfaction, Free Time, Physical and Psychological Well-being and Social Support) and Social Identity with three factors (Centrality, Ingroup Ties and Ingroup Affect). Goodness-of-fit tests showed adequate values. We also analyzed the convergent and discriminant validity of the scale in order to see which tests presented major and minor associations and the criterion validity relating the scales to the level of studies, the percentage of disability and the work place of the evaluated ones. Finally, we analyzed the similarities between our results and those obtained in the original tests

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Affects, resources, culture and perceived health: what is the relationship among them? / Afectos, recursos, cultura y salud percibida: ¿cuál es la relación entre ellos?

The purpose of this research is to understand if the relationship between positive and negative affect (PA/NA) and perceived health is mediated by psychosocial resources, and, whether culture (collectivistic vs. individualistic) has a role in that relationship. Structural Equation Models were applied: The first expressed the direct and indirect relationship PA/NA to health. The second reflected indirect influence of PA/NA on health and, resources mediated between both. Both models were tested in two cultures: one individualistic (Spain) and the other collectivistic (Mexico). The results showed that models work differently in both cultures. In Spain there were no significant differences between the two models. In Mexico, the direct and indirect relationship model functioned better. These results have interesting implications: The influence of PA/NA on health could be different depending on the culture, therefore future research to reconsider the cultural variable, would be interesting. The way PA vs. NA influence perceived health is different; PA can influence both directly and indirectly through psychosocial resources, while NA can only influence directly. It would be fascinating if future research would replicate this, including more countries, and, using biological measurements of health

El propósito de esta investigación es comprender si la relación entre el afecto positivo y negativo (AP/AN) y la salud percibida está mediada por los recursos psicosociales, y, si la cultura (colectivista vs. individualista) tiene un rol en esta relación. Se aplicaron diferentes Modelos de Ecuaciones Estructurales: el primero recoge relaciones directas e indirectas entre AP/AN y salud, y el segundo, refleja la influencia indirecta de AP/AN sobre salud y la mediación de los recursos entre ambos. Los modelos fueron probados en dos culturas: individualista (España) y colectivista (México). Los resultados muestran que España no hay diferencias significativas entre los dos modelos, sin embargo, en México, el modelo con relaciones directas e indirectas ajusta mejor a los datos. Estos resultados tienen interesantes implicaciones: 1) La influencia de AP/AN sobre la salud puede ser diferente dependiendo de la cultura, por tanto, tener en consideración la variable cultura en este tipo de investigaciones podría ser una cuestión relevante. 2) La forma en la que AP y AN influyen sobre la salud percibida es distinta; el AP influye tanto directa como indirectamente a través de los recursos, mientras que AN solo influye directamente. Sería muy interesante que futuras investigaciones replicaran este estudio considerando más países, y, empleando parámetros biológicos de salud

Gray and white matter correlates of the Big Five personality traits.

Personality neuroscience defines the scientific study of the neurobiological basis of personality. This field assumes that individual differences in personality traits are related with structural and functional variations of the human brain. Gray and white matters are structural properties considered separately in previous research. Available findings in this regard are largely disparate. Here we analyze the relationships between gray matter (cortical thickness (CT), cortical surface area (CSA), and cortical volume) and integrity scores obtained after several white matter tracts connecting different brain regions, with individual differences in the personality traits comprised by the Five-Factor Model (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness to experience). These psychological and biological data were obtained from young healthy women. The main findings showed statistically significant associations between occipital CSA variations and extraversion, as well as between parietal CT variations and neuroticism. Regarding white matter integrity, openness showed positive correlations with tracts connecting posterior and anterior brain regions. Therefore, variations in discrete gray matter clusters were associated with temperamental traits (extraversion and neuroticism), whereas long-distance structural connections were related with the dimension of personality that has been associated with high-level cognitive processes (openness).

Methods to estimate the variance of some indices of the signal detection theory: a simulation study / Métodos para estimar la varianza de algunos índices de la teoría de la detección de señales: un estudio de simulación

A simulation study is presented to evaluate and compare three methods to estimate the variance of the estimates of the parameters δ and C of the signal detection theory (SDT). Several methods have been proposed to calculate the variance of their estimators, d' and c. Those methods have been mostly assessed by comparing the empirical means and variances in simulation studies with the calculations done with the parametric values of the probabilities of giving a yes response on a signal trial (hits) and on a noise trial (false alarms). In practical contexts the variance must be estimated from estimations of those probabilities (empirical rates of hits and false alarms). The three methods to estimate the variance compared in the present simulation study are based in the binomial distribution of Miller, the normal approach of Gourevitch and Galanter and the maximum likelihood method proposed by Dorfman and Alf. They are compared in terms of relative bias (accuracy) and the mean squared error (precision). The results show that the last two methods behave indistinguishably for practical purposes and provide severe over-estimation errors in a range of situations that while not the most common are perfectly credible in several practical contexts. By contrast, the method of Miller provides better results (or at least similar) in all conditions studied. It is the recommended method to obtain estimates of the variances of these statistics for practical purposes (AU)

Se presenta un estudio de simulación para evaluar y comparar tres métodos de estimación de la varianza de las estimaciones de los parámetros δ y C de la teoría de la detección de señales (TDS). Se han propuesto varios métodos para calcular la varianza de sus estimadores, d’ y c. Dichos métodos han sido evaluados sobre todo comparando las medias y varianzas empíricas en estudios de simulación en los que los cálculos se han hecho con los valores paramétricos de las probabilidades de emitir una respuesta ‘si’ en un ensayo-señal (aciertos) y en un ensayo-ruido (falsas alarmas). En contextos prácticos la varianza tiene que ser estimada a partir de las estimaciones de esas probabilidades (tasas empíricas de aciertos y falsas alarmas). Los tres métodos para estimar la varianza comparados en la presente simulación son los basados en la distribución binomial de Miller, en la aproximación a la normal de Gourevitch y Galanter y el de máxima verosimilitud propuesto por Dorfman y Alf. Estos se comparan en términos de su sesgo relativo (exactitud) y en el error cuadrático medio (precisión). Los resultados muestran que los dos últimos métodos se comportan de forma indistinguible a efectos prácticos y producen importantes errores de sobre-estimación en un abanico de situaciones que sin ser las más comunes son bastante realistas en diversos contextos prácticos. Por el contrario, el método de Miller proporciona mejores resultados (o al menos similares) en todas las condiciones estudiadas. Es el método recomendado para obtener estimaciones de las varianzas de estos estadísticos en situaciones aplicadas (AU)

The gendered división of housework / La división generizada de las tareas domésticas

BACKGROUND: In spite of the verifiable achievements obtained in gender equity, one wonders if they still exist in our societies gendered activities (roles) at the household level. This study states an affirmative prediction. Gender role is here organized in four different nuclei: instrumentality inside and outside home for men; expressiveness and instrumentality inside home for women, pertaining to two clearly different domains (household activities for men and household activities for women). METHOD: 98 women and 86 men completed the Gender Roles Questionnaire (GRQ). RESULTS: Obtained results showed that: (a) men and women do not do certain household activities (roles) with the same frequency; (b) the four-dimensional approach fits the data better than the one-dimensional and even better than the two-dimensional approach (household gender roles for men and women separately). CONCLUSION: Discussion focuses on the implications of these results for both research and education

ANTECEDENTES: pese a los constatables logros en la igualdad de género, cabe preguntarse si todavía existen, en nuestras sociedades, actividades (roles) generizadas en el ámbito doméstico. La predicción es que sí. El rol de género se organiza aquí en cuatro núcleos diferentes: instrumentalidad intra y extra-hogar para los varones y expresividad e instrumentalidad intra-hogar para las mujeres, dentro de dos claros dominios (doméstico varón y doméstico mujer). MÉTODO: 98 mujeres y 86 varones respondieron al Cuestionario de Roles de Género (CRG). RESULTADOS: los resultados pusieron de manifiesto: a) que varones y mujeres claramente difieren en el ejercicio de ciertas actividades (roles) domésticas; b) que el planteamiento de cuatro dimensiones se ajusta mejor a los datos que el unidimensional e, incluso, que el bidimensional (roles de género domésticos de varones y roles de género domésticos de mujeres). CONCLUSIONES: se establecen las posibles implicaciones derivadas de estos resultados, tanto para el ámbito de la investigación como para el educativo

The gendered division of housework.

BACKGROUND: In spite of the verifiable achievements obtained in gender equity, one wonders if they still exist in our societies gendered activities (roles) at the household level. This study states an affirmative prediction. Gender role is here organized in four different nuclei: instrumentality inside and outside home for men; expressiveness and instrumentality inside home for women, pertaining to two clearly different domains (household activities for men and household activities for women). METHOD: 98 women and 86 men completed the Gender Roles Questionnaire (GRQ). RESULTS: Obtained results showed that: (a) men and women do not do certain household activities (roles) with the same frequency; (b) the four-dimensional approach fits the data better than the one-dimensional and even better than the two-dimensional approach (household gender roles for men and women separately). CONCLUSION: Discussion focuses on the implications of these results for both research and education.

Does Employee Recognition Affect Positive Psychological Functioning and Well-Being?

Employee recognition is one of the typical characteristics of healthy organizations. The majority of research on recognition has studied the consequences of this variable on workers. But few investigations have focused on understanding what mechanisms mediate between recognition and its consequences. This work aims to understand whether the relationship between employee recognition and well-being, psychological resources mediate. To answer this question a sample of 1831 workers was used. The variables measured were: employee recognition, subjective well-being and positive psychological functioning (PPF), which consists of 11 psychological resources. In the analysis of data, structural equation models were applied. The results confirmed our hypothesis and showed that PPF mediate the relationship between recognition and well-being. The effect of recognition over PPF is two times greater (.39) with peer-recognition than with supervisor-recognition (.20), and, the effect of PPF over well-being is .59. This study highlights the importance of promoting employee recognition policies in organizations for the impact it has, not only on well-being, but also on the positive psychological functioning of the workers.

Still seeking for an explanation of the sequential compatibility effect / En busca de una explicación del Efecto Secuencial de Compatibilidad

The modulation of the Compatibility Effect (CE) according to the compatibility of the previous trial (Sequential Compatibility Effect, SCE) in three types of attentional tasks is explored. The flankers and spatial Stroop tasks have different degrees of cognitive complexity. In all three tasks it is analyzed whether the SCE varies when the stimuli in consecutive trials are exactly the same (pure replicas) or not. The data, collected from three independent samples (total N = 1.159), show the CE in the three tasks. However, SCE only shows up in the spatial Stroop task. The effect is smaller albeit still significant when the pure replica trials are removed, a result inconsistent with those of Mayr et al. (2003) and Hommel (1998) but consistent with the Conflict Theory (Botvinick et al., 2001). Furthermore, we also discuss the importance of cognitive complexity in relation to the perspective of Botvinick et al. (2004). From this point of view more complexity should be reflected in a greater presence of cognitive conflict, and therefore a higher SCE

Se estudia la modulación del Efecto de Compatibilidad (EC) según la compatibilidad del ensayo previo (Efecto Secuencial de Compatibilidad, ESC) en tres tipos de tareas atencionales, flancos verbal, flancos numérico y Stroop espacial, modeladas a partir de Gratton et al., (1992). Las tareas de flancos y Stroop espacial presentan diferente complejidad cognitiva. Se analiza en estas tareas si la modulación del EC está matizada por la repetición de estímulos exactamente iguales consecutivos (puras réplicas) o es independiente de ésta. Se registran datos de tres muestras independientes (Ntotal = 1.159) para averiguar si los resultados logran reproducirse. Se observa EC para las tres tareas atencionales, pero sólo hay ESC en la tarea de Stroop espacial. El efecto se mantiene después de eliminar del análisis los ensayos que son puras réplicas, un resultado inconsistente con las propuestas de Mayr et al. (2003) y Hommel (1998) pero congruente con la Teoría del Conflicto (Botvinick et al., 2001). Además, se analiza la importancia de la complejidad cognitiva en relación a la perspectiva de Botvinick et al. (2004). Desde este punto de vista una mayor complejidad se debería reflejar en una mayor presencia de conflicto cognitivo, y, por tanto, un mayor ESC