Higher physical activity level and perceived social support is associated with less psychological distress in people with anxiety.

Introduction: Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental illnesses in first world societies, generating discomfort in the people who suffer from it, and high expenses and economic losses in the society. The physical activity (PA) performed, together with the perceived social support (PSS) by people with anxiety could be related to the psychological distress of people with anxiety. Objectives: To study the relationships between mental health and its dimensions, through Golberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12), and the level of PA (PAL) and the PSS in the Spanish adult population with anxiety. Hypothesis: A higher PAL, and a higher PSS, is related to a lower psychological distress in this population. Design and Methodology: This study included 1,661 adults with anxiety, residents in Spain. It was a cross-sectional study with data obtained from the Spanish National Health Survey. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to examine the data distribution of the variables. The median and interquartile range were used to characterize the sample for continuous variables, and absolute and relative frequencies were used for categorical variables. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to examine the differences between sexes. Dependence between PAL and sex was studied using the chi-square statistic. A Krustal-Wallis test was used to evaluate the existence of differences in the baseline medians on the GHQ-12, according to PAL level. Finally, the correlations between mental health and its dimensions with PAL and the Duke-UNC-11 scores were analysed, obtaining Spearman's rho and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: Moderate inverse correlations were found between the GHQ-12 and: PAL (rho: -0.219); PSS (r: -0.347). PAL and PSS presented moderate inverse correlations with successful coping (rho: -0.206 and r: -0.325), self-esteem (rho: -0.222 and r: -0.333) and stress (rho: -0.158 and r: -0.288). Conclusions: Greater PAL and social support are associated with reduced psychological distress in people with anxiety.

Valoración de un programa piloto de prescripción de actividad física en atención primaria en la Comunitat Valenciana / Evaluation of a pilot program of physical activity prescription in primary care in the Valencian Community (Spain)

Objetivo: Valorar el proceso de prescripción y la mejora de la autoestima y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en un estudio piloto de prescripción de activos de actividad física durante 3 meses. Método: Estudio cuasiexperimental antes-después sin grupo control, para la valoración del proyecto piloto (noviembre de 2017 y mayo de 2018) del programa Conecta Actius per a la Salut en seis centros de salud de la Comunitat Valenciana. Quienes aceptaron participar cumplimentaron un cuestionario con datos sociales, la escala de autoestima de Rosemberg y el cuestionario de calidad de vida EQ-5D al inicio (T0) y a los 3 meses (T1). Se realizó un análisis descriptivo por sexo, nivel educativo y oferta de activos, en el que se calcularon las diferencias de medianas entre T0 y T1 mediante el test de Wilconxon para dos muestras relacionadas. Resultados: Respondieron 82 personas en T0 y 78 en T1. Se observa una mejora de la calidad de vida (7%; p ≤0,001), la percepción de salud (12,5% p ≤0,001) y la autoestima (5,9%; p ≤0,001) entre T0 y T1. Las mujeres mejoran en mayor proporción que los hombres para las tres escalas medidas, y quienes tienen mayor nivel educativo o les han realizado la prescripción en los centros que ofertan un único activo. Conclusión: Se han obtenido beneficios en salud a corto plazo tras la prescripción de actividad física. En concreto, se observa una mejora en la calidad de vida, la percepción de salud y la autoestima. (AU)

Objective: Assess the prescription process, adherence and impact on health measured in improvement of self-esteem and health-related quality of life, as short-term health indicators, from a pilot study of prescription of physical activity assets for 3 months. Method: Quasi-experimental study before-after without a control group, for the evaluation of the pilot phase (November 2017 and May 2018) of the program Conecta Actius per a la Salut in the Valencian Community (Spain). The physical activity prescription was performed and a questionnaire was completed at the beginning (T0) and at 3 months (T1). A descriptive analysis was carried out by sex and educational level where the differences between T0 and T1 were calculated using chi square and the Wilcoxon test of two dependent samples. Results: The sample was 82 in T0 and 78 people in T1. The analysis shows an improvement between quality of life (7%; p ≤0.001), health perception (12,5%; p ≤0.001) and self-esteem (5,9%; p ≤0.001) between T0 and T1. The improvement proportion in Health perception is greater in women than in men for the three measured scales and in those who have a higher educational level or have been prescribed in centers that offer a single asset. Conclusion: Pilot study shows short-term health benefits after the physical activity prescription. Specifically, there is an improvement in the quality of life, health perception and self-esteem of the population. (AU)

[Evaluation of a pilot program of physical activity prescription in primary care in the Valencian Community (Spain)]. / Valoración de un programa piloto de prescripción de actividad física en atención primaria en la Comunitat Valenciana.

OBJECTIVE: Assess the prescription process, adherence and impact on health measured in improvement of self-esteem and health-related quality of life, as short-term health indicators, from a pilot study of prescription of physical activity assets for 3 months. METHOD: Quasi-experimental study before-after without a control group, for the evaluation of the pilot phase (November 2017 and May 2018) of the program Conecta Actius per a la Salut in the Valencian Community (Spain). The physical activity prescription was performed and a questionnaire was completed at the beginning (T0) and at 3 months (T1). A descriptive analysis was carried out by sex and educational level where the differences between T0 and T1 were calculated using chi square and the Wilcoxon test of two dependent samples. RESULTS: The sample was 82 in T0 and 78 people in T1. The analysis shows an improvement between quality of life (7%; p ≤0.001), health perception (12,5%; p ≤0.001) and self-esteem (5,9%; p ≤0.001) between T0 and T1. The improvement proportion in Health perception is greater in women than in men for the three measured scales and in those who have a higher educational level or have been prescribed in centers that offer a single asset. CONCLUSION: Pilot study shows short-term health benefits after the physical activity prescription. Specifically, there is an improvement in the quality of life, health perception and self-esteem of the population.

Prática esportiva do idoso: autoimagem, autoestima e qualidade de vida / Elderly's sports practice: self-image, self-esteem and quality of life

Objetivou-se comparar qualidade de vida, autoestima e autoimagem referidas por idosos praticantes de esportes individuais ou grupais e idosos não praticantes de atividades físicas. Participaram 36 idosos, do gênero masculino, de 60 a 74 anos, selecionados por conveniência. Foram utilizados o Questionário Sociodemográfico, WHOQOL-Bref, WHOQOL-Old e o Questionário de Autoimagem e Autoestima. Os dados coletados foram analisados quantitativamente, com uso de estatística descritiva e inferencial. A comparação entre os grupos revelou resultados significantes referentes à autoimagem e autoestima, em que os praticantes de esportes coletivos apresentaram valores superiores ao de esportes individuais. Em relação à qualidade de vida, o mesmo grupo se revelou superior ao grupo sedentário. Como limitações do estudo destacam-se o uso de questionários de autoavaliação/autorrelato, que podem ter a interferência da desejabilidade social e não terem sido controladas as atividades de vida diária, em especial do grupo sedentário. Sugerem-se novas pesquisas com ampliação da amostra e maior controle de variáveis.

This study aimed to compare quality of life, self-image and self-esteem reported by elderly individuals or group practice athletes, and seniors who do not practice physical activities. Participants were 36 elderly, male, 60 to 74 years old, selected by convenience. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the WHOQOL-Bref, the WHOQOL-Old and the Self Concept and Self-Esteem Questionnaire were used. The collected data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics. The comparison between groups showed significant differences regarding self-image and self-esteem, in which the practitioners of team sports had higher values than the individual sports practitioners. Regarding quality of life, the same group made superior evaluations compared to the sedentary group. The limitations of the study include the use of self-assessment questionnaires / self-report, which are prone to have the interference of social desirability and not have controlled activities of daily life, especially of the sedentary group. Further research with larger sample and greater control of variables is suggested.

Conductas alimentarias de riesgo y correlatos psicosociales en estudiantes universitarios de primer ingreso con sobrepeso y obesidad / Disordered eating behaviors and psychological correlates among overweight and obese freshmen College students

Resumen: INTRODUCCIÓN: El comienzo de los estudios universitarios es un estresor importante para los jóvenes que se asocia con un incremento en la incidencia de depresión, ansiedad, abuso de alcohol y CAR. OBJETIVO: Analizar la relación entre CAR e IMC, su asociación con variables demográficas y psicológicas y la interacción con el IMC. MÉTODO: En una muestra de 892 estudiantes universitarios de nuevo ingreso (502 mujeres y 390 hombres) (Xedad=19.7; DE=2.9) se midió peso y estatura y se utilizaron cuestionarios validados. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de CAR fue de 6.1% en mujeres y de 4.1% en hombres. La prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad en mujeres fue de 22.6% y de 7.4%, y en hombres fue de 26.6% y de 9.3%, respectivamente. Las mujeres y los hombres con obesidad 10.8% y 11.1% presentaron CAR de frecuencia alta, y las mujeres y hombres con sobrepeso 13.2% y 3.8%, respectivamente. En las mujeres el IMC aumenta el riesgo de CAR 1.6 veces (p < 0.05) y en los hombres 1.4 veces (p > 0.05). No se encontró interacción del IMC en la asociación de CAR con el resto de las variables. DISCUSIÓN Y CONCLUSIÓN: En ambos sexos, las variables relacionadas con la imagen corporal aumentan el riesgo de CAR significativamente (p < 0.05). Los síntomas depresivos, la baja autoestima y el IMC aumentan el riesgo entre las mujeres, y el deseo por la musculatura, nivel socioeconómico y el área de estudio entre los hombres. Se recomienda llevar a cabo una investigación específica sobre CAR en varones, para evitar el subregistro de casos.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The beginning of college studies involves important stress, which is related to an increase in the incidence of depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse and DEB. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between DEB and nutritional status measured with BMI, its association with demographic and psychological variables, and the interaction with BMI. METHOD: A sample of 892 college students in their freshman year (502 females and 390 males) (Xage=19.7; SD=2.9) was studied. Weight and height were measured, and validated questionnaires were used. RESULTS: The prevalence of DEB was 6.1% in females and 4.1% in males. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in females was 22.6%, and 7.4% and 26.6% and 9.3% in males, respectively. Among women and men with obesity 10.8% and 11.1% showed high-DEB, whilst among overweight women and men 13.2% and 3.8% showed high-DEB, respectively. BMI increases the risk for DEB 1.6 times among women (p < 0.05), 1.4 times among men (p > 0.05). There was no interaction found between BMI and the other variables. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The variables related with body image increase the risk of DEB significantly (p < 0.05) in both sexes. Depressive symptoms, low self-steem increase the risk among women, and socioeconomic status and study area increase the risk of DEB among men. The specific research of DEB among males is highly recommended to avoid the under registration of cases.

Do Otimismo Explicativo ao Disposicional: a Perspectiva da Psicologia Positiva / From Explanatory to Disposicional Optimism: a Perspective from Positive Psychology / Del Optimismo Explicativo al Disposicional: la Perspectiva de la Psicología Positiva

O otimismo, a partir da sabedoria popular, passando pelas discussões filosóficas até os estudos empíricos em Psicologia está fortemente associado a uma visão positiva da vida, especialmente diante de adversidades. O presente trabalho visa apresentar duas abordagens teóricas e de investigação empírica sobre o otimismo no campo da Psicologia Positiva. A perspectiva de Seligman define o otimismo como aprendido, relacionado aos estilos explicativos, enquanto Scheier e Carver compreendem o otimismo a partir de uma dimensão disposicional, baseado em expectativas generalizadas. No presente estudo, salientam-se as diferentes posições teóricas e metodológicas, os estudos realizados em diferentes culturas e com variáveis, como autoestima e personalidade.(AU)

Optimism from the view of folk's wisdom, through the philosophical discussions to empirical studies in Psychology is strongly associated with a positive outlook on life, especially in light of disruptive events. This paper presents two theoretical approaches and empirical research on optimism in the field of Positive Psychology. The prospect of Martin Seligman defines optimism as learned, related to explanatory style, while Michael Scheier and Charles Carver understand optimism from a dispositional dimension, based on generalized expectations. Different theoretical and methodological assumptions of these theories are presented, as well as studies from both theories in different cultures and with other variables, such as self-esteem and personality.(AU)

El optimismo desde la sabiduría popular, pasando por las discusiones filosóficas hasta los estudios empíricos en Psicología, está fuertemente asociado a una visión positiva de la vida, especialmente frente a las adversidades. El presente trabajo buscó presentar dos abordajes teóricos y de investigación empírica sobre el optimismo en el campo de la Psicología Positiva. La perspectiva de Seligman define el optimismo como aprendido, relacionado a los estilos explicativos, mientras que Scheier y Carver comprenden el optimismo a partir de una dimensión disposicional, basado en expectativas generalizadas. En el presente estudio se destacan las diferentes posiciones teóricas y metodológicas, los estudios realizados en diferentes culturas y con variables, como autoestima y personalidad.(AU)

Do otimismo explicativo ao disposicional: a perspectiva da psicologia positiva / From explanatory to disposicional optimism: a perspective from positive psychology / Del optimismo explicativo al disposicional: la perspectiva de la psicología positiva

O otimismo, a partir da sabedoria popular, passando pelas discussões filosóficas até os estudos empíricos em Psicologia está fortemente associado a uma visão positiva da vida, especialmente diante de adversidades. O presente trabalho visa apresentar duas abordagens teóricas e de investigação empírica sobre o otimismo no campo da Psicologia Positiva. A perspectiva de Seligman define o otimismo como aprendido, relacionado aos estilos explicativos, enquanto Scheier e Carver compreendem o otimismo a partir de uma dimensão disposicional, baseado em expectativas generalizadas. No presente estudo, salientam-se as diferentes posições teóricas e metodológicas, os estudos realizados em diferentes culturas e com variáveis, como autoestima e personalidade.

Optimism from the view of folk's wisdom, through the philosophical discussions to empirical studies in Psychology is strongly associated with a positive outlook on life, especially in light of disruptive events. This paper presents two theoretical approaches and empirical research on optimism in the field of Positive Psychology. The prospect of Martin Seligman defines optimism as learned, related to explanatory style, while Michael Scheier and Charles Carver understand optimism from a dispositional dimension, based on generalized expectations. Different theoretical and methodological assumptions of these theories are presented, as well as studies from both theories in different cultures and with other variables, such as self-esteem and personality.

El optimismo desde la sabiduría popular, pasando por las discusiones filosóficas hasta los estudios empíricos en Psicología, está fuertemente asociado a una visión positiva de la vida, especialmente frente a las adversidades. El presente trabajo buscó presentar dos abordajes teóricos y de investigación empírica sobre el optimismo en el campo de la Psicología Positiva. La perspectiva de Seligman define el optimismo como aprendido, relacionado a los estilos explicativos, mientras que Scheier y Carver comprenden el optimismo a partir de una dimensión disposicional, basado en expectativas generalizadas. En el presente estudio se destacan las diferentes posiciones teóricas y metodológicas, los estudios realizados en diferentes culturas y con variables, como autoestima y personalidad.

Designing A Culture, Language And Illness-Specific Self-esteem Scale In Bahasa Malaysia

Objective: Self-esteem is an important component of psychological health. In Malaysia, Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale remained the single most popular utilized scale for studying global self-esteem. This study aims to design a language, culture and illness specific self-esteem questionnaire. Methods: The study consisted of 2 phases. The first phase was to generate items for the new self-esteem questionnaire (SSES) in Bahasa Malaysia. Literature review on the concept of self- esteem and its’ content was conducted. This was followed by expert opinion from professional care-givers. The items were qualitatively validated by healthy subjects and patients with schizophrenia from the same locality, culture and language. The second phase consists of quantitative validation of the items. Items in the new scale were analyzed based on the responses from 165 stable schizophrenia outpatients. The validated Malay version of Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale (RSES) was used concurrently as a comparison. Results: The SSES displayed good internal consistency for its two domains (Cronbach’s alpha=0.88, 0.81) and test-retest reliability (ICC), ranged from 0.44 to 0.87. Its construct validity was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. The concurrent validity of SSES and RSES using Pearson correlation was 0.77. The Cronbach’s alpha for the validated Malay version of RSES is 0.67. Conclusion: This study presents a new self-esteem questionnaire (SSES) which has high concurrent validity with the standard RSES and confirms the reliability and validity of SSES in Malay patients with Schizophrenia.

Escala de autopercepção de harter para adolescentes: um estudo de validação / Harter self perception scale for adolescents: a validation study

O presente estudo objetivou investigar a validade convergente da escala de Autopercepção de Harter. Foram participantes 291 adolescentes da Região Sul, com idade média de 17 anos, de ambos os sexos e estudantes do Ensino Médio. Os instrumentos utilizados foram a Escala de Autopercepção de Harter para Adolescentes (EAPH-A), a Escala de Auto-Estima de Rosenberg, a Escala Multidimensional de Satisfação de Vida e o Inventário de Depressão Infantil. Os resultados indicam que a EAPH-A apresentou boa qualidade psicométrica. A análise de fidedignidade apontou índices de consistência interna adequados (∝=0,60 a ∝=0,88). A validade de construto foi comprovada por análises de correlação com os demais instrumentos, sendo que todos os índices foram significativos e na direção esperada. A alta correlação entre os instrumentos aponta a necessidade de haver outros estudos que investiguem as dimensões da autopercepção e diferencie esse conceito de outros construtos, como auto-estima, satisfação de vida e autoconceito.

The present paper's purpose was to investigate the Harter Self-Perception scale thru a convergent validity analysis. The participants were 291 southern adolescents, mean age 17 years, from both sexes and high school students. The instruments were the Harter Self Perception Scale (HSPS-A), the Rosenberg's Self Esteem Scale, the Multidimensional Life Satisfaction Scale and the Children Depression Inventory. The results offered evidence of satisfactory psychometrics characteristics of the HSPS-A. The reliability analysis indicated acceptable coefficients (∝=0.60 a ∝=0.88). The construct validity was confirmed thru the correlation analysis with the other instruments once all coefficients were significant and in the expected direction. The high correlation among the instruments indicates the need of other research to evaluate the self-perception dimensions and the relations between this and other correlates constructs such as self-esteem, life satisfaction and self-concept.

Rompimento amoroso, depressão e auto-estima: estudo de caso / Love breakup, depression and self-esteem: case study

Estudo de caso sobre a vivência psicoterápica de um adulto (22 anos), em momento de crise relacionada à ruptura de uma relação amorosa. O processo psicoterápico desdobrou-se em duzentas sessões e follow up. Os dados foram colhidos através de registros das sessões, Versões de Sentido, Inventário de auto-estima de Coopersmith (SEI), Inventário de Depressão de Beck (IBD) e um Questionário de triagem de Depressão fundamentado no DSM IV (QTD). Suspeitávamos que quanto maior fosse sua aceitação sobre sua condição psicológica, maior seriam seus índices de auto-estima; e quanto maior fosse sua autonomia, menor seriam seus índices de depressão. Os resultados apontaram que o cliente aprofundou a percepção de sua condição de responsabilidade existencial e entrou em contato com sua insegurança, identificada a causas externas, sobretudo ante experiências nas relações amorosas. Assim, percebeu-se em progressivo contato com seus sinais somáticos, compreendendo-os e os integrando à sua forma de estar-no-mundo. Tal compreensão pareceu colocá-lo na perspectiva de responsabilizar-se pelos seus projetos existenciais, assumindo uma forma autêntica de viver e pensar sua psicopatologia.

Case study of a young adult's (22) psychotherapy experience during an emotional crisis prompted by the breakup of a love relationship. The psychotherapy process was developed over two hundred sessions with follow up. Data was collected using notes from the sessions, the Coopersmith self-steem inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory and a final questionnaire on depression (DSM-IV). We assumed that the more emotional expressions of acceptance about his psychological condition were affirmed, the higher his self-steem levels would be, and the more autonomous behaviours experienced, the lower the levels of depression he would present. Results indicated that client maintained his responsibility and existential perceptions and improved awareness about his emotional insecurity as well as identifying external reasons for his model of love relationship. Thus, he perceived himself to be in progressive contact with his somatic symptoms, understanding and integrating them into his way of being in the world. Such comprehension and learning increased his sense of responsibility for himself and his own existential projects, authentically integrating them into his psychopathology.

Mastectomia: impacto auto-estima das pacientes / Mastectomy: impact in patients' self-esteem

O tratamento do câncer de mama provoca seqüelas físicas e psicológicas permanentes, as quais estão relacionadas ao procedimento cirúrgico. Mulheres submetidas à mastectomia radical modificada podem ter valores emocionais e afetivos alterados. Foi avaliada, por meio de um instrumento validado no Brasil, a auto-estima de pacientes submetidas à mastectomia por câncer de mama. Foram avaliadas 40 pacientes submetidas à mastectomia havia mais de 1 ano. Elas passaram por entrevistas com questionários específicos para auto-estima e para dados sociodemográficos. Outro grupo de 40 mulheres não portadoras de neoplasia mamária e um terceiro grupo com 15 mulheres submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico conservador foram avaliados como controle. Obtiveram-se os valores de p mediante os testes de Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney e qui-quadrado. Na Escala de Auto-estima de Rosenberg, 27% de todas as pacientes estudadas apresentaram escores superiores a 10, e a média total do grupo mastectomizado foi de 7,9 no grupo de cirurgia conservadora a média foi de 9,8 e no grupo-controle, 4. Esses resultados confirmam a baixa auto-estima das pacientes quando comparadas às do grupo sem neoplasia (p = 0,0001). Quando a mastectomia e a cirurgia conservadora foram correlacionadas por meio do teste de comparações múltiplas, não houve significância estatística. A conclusão foi que a perda da mama, ou parte dela, promove um impacto negativo na auto-estima das pacientes.

The treatment of breast cancer causes permanent physical and psychological sequelae, which are related to the surgical procedure. Women who underwent modified radical mastectomy may have altered affective and emotional values. Was evaluated using a validated instrument in Brazil, self-esteem of patients undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer. We evaluated 40 patients who underwent mastectomy had more than 1 year. They went through interviews with specific questionnaires for self-esteem and demographic data. Another group of 40 women not suffering from breast cancer and a third group with 15 women undergoing conservative surgery were evaluated as controls. We obtained p values by the Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and chi-square. Scale Rosenberg Self-esteem, 27% of all patients studied had scores above 10, and the average total mastectomy group was 7.9 in the group of conservative surgery the average was 9.8 and in the control group 4. These results confirm the low self-esteem of patients when compared to those of patients without cancer (p = 0.0001). When mastectomy and conservative surgery were correlated through the test of multiple comparisons, no statistical significance. The conclusion was that the loss of the breast, or part of it promotes a negative impact on self-esteem of patients.