Understanding behavioral and cognitive dispositions as subsystem topologies within cognitive models: A proposal.

In our 2023 paper, entitled "Modeling interactions between the embodied and the narrative self: Dynamics of the self-pattern within LIDA," Kugele, Newen, Franklin, and I propose a functional description and implementation of a central element of Gallagher & Newen's pattern theory of self, which identifies an agent's self with a dynamic pattern of so-called cognitive aspects which govern their thought and behavior (Gallagher, 2013; Newen, 2018; Gallagher & Daly, 2018). The pattern theory explicitly rejects the traditional conceptualization of the self as a unitary entity with certain properties that resides within agents, with the idea of a pattern of aspects being central to its ability to account for the dynamic, yet relatively stable development of most natural agents' selves. Implementing the pattern theory within Learning Intelligent Distribution Agent revealed that, in order for a cognitive architecture to account for both the dynamic and stable nature of an agent's self-pattern, aspects of that pattern had to be realized by dispositions of the agent to either think or act in a certain way. In this commentary, I argue that this fundamental role of dispositions extends to cognitive processes in general and that cognitive systems should be understood in terms of the dynamical interactions of dispositions over time. In order to facilitate such an understanding, dispositions will have to be identified with topologies of cognitive (sub)systems. I provide an example of such a topology by reference to informational topologies in neuronal systems.

Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Self-Care in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Inventory based on the Middle-Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness.

AIMS: To test the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Self-Care in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Inventory on a sample of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China. BACKGROUND: Measuring the self-care of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is vital to promote the performance of effective self-care behaviours. However, few instruments have been developed to measure self-care in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the existing instruments lack theoretical support and satisfactory psychometrics properties. The Self-Care in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Inventory based on Middle-Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness has been developed and tested previously in Italian and US population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional instrument development study. METHODS: Construct validity was tested by confirmatory factor analysis and hypothesis testing, and reliability internal consistency using factor score determinacy coefficients. RESULTS: A convenience sample of 185 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was recruited from September 2020 to January 2022. The instrument consists of three scales: self-care maintenance, self-care monitoring and self-care management. Confirmatory factor analysis performed on the three scales produced good fit indices. The internal consistency was adequate with factor score determinacy coefficients ranging from 0.891 to 0.953 in Self-Care Maintenance Scale, 0.990 to 0.993 in Self-Care Monitoring Scale and 0.750 to 0.976 in Self-Care Management Scale. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese version of the Self-Care in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Inventory has acceptable reliability and validity. Some differences from the original instrument were identified. Further validation studies should be conducted to confirm the psychometric properties of the instrument in Chinese population.

The (In)flexible self: Psychopathology, mindfulness, and neuroscience

Clinical and neuroscientific evidence indicates that transdiagnostic processes contribute to the generation and maintenance of psychopathological symptoms and disorders. Rigidity (inflexibility) appears a core feature of most transdiagnostic pathological processes. Decreasing rigidity may prove important to restore and maintain mental health. One of the primary domains in which rigidity and flexibility plays a role concerns the self. We adopt the pattern theory of self (PTS) for a working definition of self. This incorporates the pluralist view on self as constituted by multiple aspects or processes, understood to constitute a self-pattern, i.e. processes organized in non-linear dynamical relations across a number of time scales. The use of mindfulness meditation in the format of Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) has been developed over four decades in Clinical Psychology. MBIs are promising as evidence-based treatments, shown to be equivalent to gold-standard treatments and superior to specific active controls in several randomized controlled trials. Notably, MBIs have been shown to target transdiagnostic symptoms. Given the hypothesized central role of rigid, habitual self-patterns in psychopathology, PTS offers a useful frame to understand how mindfulness may be beneficial in decreasing inflexibility. We discuss the evidence that mindfulness can alter the psychological and behavioral expression of individual aspects of the self-pattern, as well as favour change in the self-pattern as a whole gestalt. We discuss neuroscientific research on how the phenomenology of the self (pattern) is reflected in associated cortical networks and meditation-related alterations in cortical networks. Creating a synergy between these two aspects can increase understanding of psychopathological processes and improve diagnostic and therapeutic options. (AU)

Characteristics of self-regulation of the epidemic process of infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (Herpesviridae: Lymphocryptovirus, HHV-4).

INTRODUCTION: Among the available scientific literature, there are no publications addressing processes of self-regulation in the parasite-host population systems with reference to chronic infections, including the infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV infection). The aim of the study is to assess manifestations of the epidemic process of chronic EBV infection through the lens of the basic tenets of the theory of self-regulation of parasitic systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed using data from scientific publications selected from such database sources as Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, CyberLeninka, RSCI, etc. The list of analyzed publications included published articles of the authors of this study, reporting the results of the retrospective epidemiological analysis of the incidence of infectious mononucleosis in Russia in general and in Moscow in particular, as well as the results of the laboratory tests regarding the detection frequency of specific antibodies to EBV proteins. RESULTS: The chronic course of EBV infection promotes a close long-term interaction between the pathogen and the host. The genetic variability of the pathogen and the functions of specific and nonspecific human immune defense systems play a key role in the interaction between two heterogeneous populations and underlie their phasal self-transformation. A variety of social and natural factors (adverse chemical, physical, biological, climatic impacts, etc.) trigger the reactivation of chronic EBV infection, thus providing the continuous existence of additional sources of infection in the host population. CONCLUSION: The analysis of the manifestations of chronic EBV infection in the context of the theory of self-regulation of parasitic systems promotes the understanding of the factors underlying the unevenness of its epidemic process. The obtained data can be adjusted for other infections having similar transmission mechanisms and virus life cycles (including other herpes infections) to map out strategies to control the epidemic process of chronic infections spread by aerosol transmission of the pathogen.

The (In)flexible self: Psychopathology, mindfulness, and neuroscience.

Clinical and neuroscientific evidence indicates that transdiagnostic processes contribute to the generation and maintenance of psychopathological symptoms and disorders. Rigidity (inflexibility) appears a core feature of most transdiagnostic pathological processes. Decreasing rigidity may prove important to restore and maintain mental health. One of the primary domains in which rigidity and flexibility plays a role concerns the self. We adopt the pattern theory of self (PTS) for a working definition of self. This incorporates the pluralist view on self as constituted by multiple aspects or processes, understood to constitute a self-pattern, i.e. processes organized in non-linear dynamical relations across a number of time scales. The use of mindfulness meditation in the format of Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) has been developed over four decades in Clinical Psychology. MBIs are promising as evidence-based treatments, shown to be equivalent to gold-standard treatments and superior to specific active controls in several randomized controlled trials. Notably, MBIs have been shown to target transdiagnostic symptoms. Given the hypothesized central role of rigid, habitual self-patterns in psychopathology, PTS offers a useful frame to understand how mindfulness may be beneficial in decreasing inflexibility. We discuss the evidence that mindfulness can alter the psychological and behavioral expression of individual aspects of the self-pattern, as well as favour change in the self-pattern as a whole gestalt. We discuss neuroscientific research on how the phenomenology of the self (pattern) is reflected in associated cortical networks and meditation-related alterations in cortical networks. Creating a synergy between these two aspects can increase understanding of psychopathological processes and improve diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Motivational Profiles in Physical Education: Differences at the Psychosocial, Gender, Age and Extracurricular Sports Practice Levels.

The objective of this study was to analyze the motivational profiles of Physical Education (PE) students and assess differences based on the perception of the support of autonomy, the intention to be physically active, satisfaction with classes, gender, age, and extracurricular sports activities. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out with a sample of 2621 students, aged 8 to 18 years (M = 14.16, SD = 2.28). An analysis of profiles was implemented, taking into account the motivation and the index of psychological mediators. The result of the cluster analysis gave a solution to four motivational profiles: high quality (n = 1094), low quantity (n = 292), low quality (n = 555), and high quantity (n = 680). Students grouped in the high quantity and quality profile presented higher levels of autonomy support, physical activity intention, enjoyment, and lower levels of boredom. Male participants, younger students, and those who participated in extracurricular activity were associated with self-determined profiles. In conclusion, the importance of promoting the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and autonomous motivation in PE classes is highlighted, in order to achieve higher values in terms of autonomy support, the intention to be physically active, enjoyment, and to reduce boredom levels in students.

Measuring self-care in the general adult population: development and psychometric testing of the Self-Care Inventory.

BACKGROUND: Self-care is important at all stages of life and health status to promote well-being, prevent disease, and improve health outcomes. Currently, there is a need to better conceptualize self-care in the general adult population and provide an instrument to measure self-care in this group. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the Self-Care Inventory (SCI), a theory-based instrument to measure self-care in the general adult population. METHODS: Based on the Middle Range Theory of Self-Care, the 20-item SCI was developed with three scales: Self-Care Maintenance (8 items), Self-Care Monitoring (6 items), and Self-Care Management (6 items). A cross sectional study with a US-based sample (n = 294) was conducted to test the SCI. Internal validity was assessed with Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Internal consistency reliability was assessed with Cronbach alpha for unidimensional scales or composite reliability and the global reliability index for multidimensional scales. Construct validity was investigated with Pearson correlation to test the relationship between general self-efficacy, positivity, stress, and self-care scores. RESULTS: The Self-Care Maintenance and Management scales were multidimensional and the Self-Care Monitoring scale was unidimensional. The global reliability index for multidimensional scales was 0.85 (self-care maintenance) and 0.88 (self-care management). Cronbach alpha coefficient of the self-care monitoring scale was 0.88. Test-retest reliability was 0.81 (self-care maintenance), 0.91 (self-care monitoring), and 0.76 (self-care management). The General Self-Efficacy Scale was positively related to all three self-care scale scores: self-care maintenance r = 0.46, p < 0. 001, self-care monitoring r = 0.31, p < 0. 001, and self-care management r = 0.32, p < 0. 001. The positivity score was positively related to self-care maintenance (r = 0.42, p < 0. 001), self-care monitoring (r = 0.29, p < 0. 001), and self-care management (r = 0.34, p < 0. 001) scores. The perceived stress was positively related to the self-care management (r = 0.20, p < 0. 001) score. CONCLUSIONS: The SCI is a theoretically based instrument designed to measure self-care in the general adult population. Preliminary evidence of validity and reliability supports its use in the general adult population.

Self-Regulation and Regulatory Teaching as Determinants of Academic Behavioral Confidence and Procrastination in Undergraduate Students.

The combination of student Self-Regulation (SR) and the context of Regulatory Teaching (RT), each in varying degree, has recently been demonstrated to have effects on achievement emotions, factors and symptoms of stress, and coping strategies. The aim of the present research study is to verify its possible further effects, on academic behavioral confidence and procrastination. A total of 1193 university students completed validated online questionnaires with regard to specific subjects in their degree program. Using an ex post facto design, multivariate analyses and structural equation modeling (SEM) were carried out in order to test the relationships predicted by the model. SR and RT had a significant joint effect in determining the degree of academic behavioral confidence and of procrastination. Academic behavioral confidence also significantly predicted reasons for procrastinating, and these in turn predicted activities of procrastination. Conclusions are discussed, insisting on the combined weight of the two variables in determining academic behavioral confidence, reasons for procrastinating and activities subject to procrastination, in university students. Implications for guidance and educational support of university students and teachers are analyzed.

Avaliação da motivação para aprender com base na teoria da autodeterminação / Motivation to learn assessment based on the theory of self-determination / Evaluación de la motivación para aprender basada en la teoría de la autodeterminación

O presente estudo buscou estimar indicadores de validade com base na estrutura interna e estimativa de precisão da versão adaptada do Continuum de motivação, por meio de uma análise fatorial confirmatória (AFC). Participaram 391 alunos do primeiro ao terceiro ano do ensino médio (M = 17,6; DP = 2,7), ambos os sexos, provenientes de duas instituições do estado do Paraná. Os resultados da AFC indicaram a presença dos cinco fatores do Continuum, todos com a mesma quantidade de itens. Os índices de consistência interna foram considerados aceitáveis e o instrumento apresentou bons índices de ajuste. Foram encontradas correlações positivas e negativas entre os fatores, significativas e com magnitude variando de pequena a grande. Por fim, os estudantes mostraram-se mais motivados extrinsecamente por regulação identificada. Os resultados evidenciam importantes avanços no que concerne a medidas com bons indicadores psicométricos para avaliação do construto motivacional, haja vista sua contribuição para a aprendizagem dos estudantes. (AU)

The present study sought to estimate validity indicators based on the internal structure and precision estimate of the adapted version of the Motivation Continuum, through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Participants were 391 students from the first to the third year of high school (M=17.6 years of age; SD=2.7), of both sexes, from two institutions in the state of Paraná. The CFA indicated the presence of the five factors in the Continuum, all with the same number of items. The internal consistency indices were considered acceptable and the instrument presented good fit indices. Significant positive and negative correlations were found between the factors, with magnitudes varying from small to large. The students were more extrinsically motivated by identified regulation. The results show important advances with regard to the psychometric indicators of a measure for assessing the motivational construct, considering its contribution to student learning. (AU)

El presente estudio buscó estimar indicadores de validez a partir de la estructura interna y estimación de precisión de la versión adaptada del Continuum de Motivación, mediante un Análisis Factorial Confirmatorio (AFC). Participaron 391 estudiantes de ambos sexos del primero al tercero año de secundaria (M=17.6; DS=2.7) de dos instituciones de la provincia de Paraná. Los resultados de AFC indicaron la presencia de los cinco factores en Continuum, todos con el mismo número de ítems. Los índices de consistencia interna se consideraron aceptables y el instrumento presentó buenos índices de ajuste. Se encontraron correlaciones positivas y negativas entre los factores, significativas y con variación de magnitud de pequeñas a grandes. Finalmente, los estudiantes estaban motivados de manera más extrínseca por la regulación identificada. Los resultados muestran importantes avances en cuanto a medidas con buenos indicadores psicométricos para evaluar el constructo motivacional, dada su contribución al aprendizaje de los estudiantes. (AU)

What They Expect Is What You Get: The Role of Interviewer Expectations in Nonresponse to Income and Asset Questions.

Personal income and assets are sensitive topics to discuss. This phenomenon is reflected in high rates of nonresponse to financial questions in surveys. In face-to-face surveys, item nonresponse is influenced by interviewers. Although interviewers are trained to conduct standardized interviews, some obtain a higher number of item nonresponses than others. This study examines interviewer effects on nonresponse to questions about household income, bank balances, and interest and dividend income in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). It first investigates the extent to which interviewers affect nonresponse to income and asset questions and second whether interviewers' prior expectations regarding respondents' likelihood to provide information about their income predict actual nonresponse rates. Results of multilevel modeling show that interviewer influence on nonresponse to the income and asset questions was significant at the five percent level. In addition, interviewer expectations were significantly correlated with "don't know" responses and "refusals." These results indicate that interviewer expectations matter in the context of income and asset questions and that survey practitioners should take this into account when designing interviewer training.

Self-care promotion of the intact (non-circumcised) patient: A review of available recommendations.

PURPOSE: With routine infant circumcision rates declining in the United States, nurses are likely to encounter more intact (non-circumcised) male patients requiring genital hygiene, nursing interventions, and education accessing the health system. To date, a little emphasis has been placed on the care of the intact male patient in the nursing literature, resulting in ambiguity in care recommendations. The vagueness is problematic, as improper intact care, particularly in the pediatric patient, can result in forced retraction injuries, bleeding, scarring, and unnecessary intervention. In addition, with nurses conducting many of the tasks of hygiene and education for self-care, there is potential for impaired patient self-care and harm if nurses are not knowledgeable in intact care. Utilizing Orem's self-care theory as a framework, the aim of this effort is to perform a review of current recommendations on intact care to inform nursing practice with this population. As no evidence was found in the scientific literature, readily available consumer website resources were reviewed. CONCLUSION: Themes of hygiene and age of retraction emerged. While recommendations for hygiene practices were variable, all review sources (n = 12) were clear in advising against the premature retraction of the intact foreskin and identified this as a route for injury. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: With no current literature available to summarize current nursing clinical or educational practices, dissemination of these recommendations is necessary to prevent patient injury and promote appropriate patient self-care.

A transgeneridade como resistência a uma lógica totalitária: uma leitura a partir da teoria do self gestáltico / Transgenderism as resistance to a totalitarian logic: a reading from the gestalt self theory / La transgeneridad como resistencia a una lógica totalitaria: una lectura de la teoría del self gestáltico

Este trabalho trata-se de um estudo teórico de caráter qualitativo e fenomenológico, sobre como a teoria do self gestáltico pode contribuir com as produções sobre a transgeneridade. Foram articulados ao longo do estudo autores como Lévinas, Agamben e Foucault como problematizadores da questão da transgeneridade como fenômeno social com o objetivo de possibilitar o desenvolvimento de aspectos sociais implícitos aos fundamentos da Gestalt-terapia. Para isto, foram tomados discursos divulgados em mídia nacional sobre a experiência de participação de uma mulher transgênero num campeonato esportivo de grande reconhecimento que foram analisados usando o método fenomenológico de redução psicológica articulados com os conceitos de Alteridade, Vida nua e Biopoder. Os principais achados foram que a teoria do self possui uma dimensão social pouco explorada que pode viabilizar novas formas de atuação e reflexão por parte de seus atores, e que, quando vista pelo viés desta teoria a transgeneridade, apresenta-se contemporaneamente como uma produção que demanda acolhimento e luta por produções de espaços onde seja possível construir uma representação objetiva socialmente válida e eticamente integrada...(AU)

This article is a theoretical study based on the qualitative phenomenology method about how the theory of self in Gestalt therapy can contribute to the scientific production on transgenderism. Authors such as Lévinas, Agamben, and Foucault were used as problematizing sources on the transgenderism as a social phenomenon, with the objective of developing implicit social features to the foundations of the Gestalt therapy. In order to create the framework, opinions presented in national media about the participation of a transgender athlete in a renowned tournament were analyzed using the phenomenology method of psychological reduction through the concepts of otherness, bare life, and biopower. The main results were that the theory of self has been poorly explored in its social dimension and in a reverse situation it could assist new forms of understanding it by its players. When the transgenderism is perceived through that theory, it represents a field that requires accommodation and fight for a space that could build an objective representation that could be valid and ethically integrated...(AU)

Este trabajo es un estudio teórico de carácter cualitativo y fenomenológico, acerca de cómo la teoría del Self de la Gestalt puede contribuir a las producciones sobre transgénero. Autores como Lévinas, Agamben y Foucault fueron articulados como problematizadores del tema transgénero como un fenómeno social para permitir el desarrollo de aspectos sociales implícitos en los fundamentos de la terapia Gestalt. Para ello, se tomaron discursos difundidos en medios de comunicación nacionales sobre la experiencia de participación de una mujer transgénera en un campeonato deportivo de gran reconocimiento que fueron analizados usando el método fenomenológico de reducción psicológica articulados con los conceptos de Alteridad, Vida desnuda y Biopoder. Los principales hallazgos fueron que la teoría del self posee una dimensión social poco explorada que puede viabilizar nuevas formas de actuación y reflexión por parte de sus actores, y que cuando vista por el sesgo de esta teoría la transgeneridad se presenta contemporáneamente como una producción que demanda aceptación y lucha por producciones de espacios donde sea posible construir una representación objetiva socialmente válida y éticamente integrada...(AU)

Adaptive Reflection on Negative Emotional Experiences: Convergences and Divergence Between the Processing-Mode Theory and the Theory of Self-Distancing Reflection.

Reflecting on negative emotional experiences can be adaptive but it can also maintain or intensify detrimental emotional states. Which factors determine whether reflection can have one consequence or another is unclear. This study focused on two research programs that have concentrated on this topic in the last decades: processing-mode theory (PMT) and self-distancing theory (SDT). The article described and contrasted both programs and their findings. The promising results that PMT and SDT have achieved in identifying the differences between the forms of adaptive and maladaptive reflection are highlighted. Likewise, the disconcerting contradictions observed between both programs that make integrating the findings difficult are indicated. The PMT states that adaptive reflection is concrete, and it is focused on the how of the experience. The SDT states that adaptive reflection is self-distanced and focused on the global meaning of the experience. The article finishes by indicating possible explanations for these apparent contradictions and outlines the challenges to be solved to improve comprehension of the topic.

Towards a Phenomenology of Self-Patterns in Psychopathological Diagnosis and Therapy.

Categorization-based diagnosis, which endeavors to be consistent with the third-person, objective measures of science, is not always adequate with respect to problems concerning diagnostic accuracy, demarcation problems when there are comorbidities, well-documented problems of symptom amplification, and complications of stigmatization and looping effects. While psychiatric categories have proved useful and convenient for clinicians in identifying a recognizable constellation of symptoms typical for a particular disorder for the purposes of communication and eligibility for treatment regimes, the reification of these categories has without doubt had negative consequences for the patient and also for the general understanding of psychiatric disorders. We argue that a complementary, integrated framework that focuses on descriptive symptom-based classifications (drawing on phenomenological interview methods and narrative) combined with a more comprehensive conception of the human subject (found in the pattern theory of self), can not only offer a solution to some of the vexed issues of psychiatric diagnosis but also support more efficacious therapeutic interventions.

Autoeficacia percibida y adherencia al CPAP (presión positiva continua en la vía aérea) en personas con apnea del sueño / Perceived self-efficacy and adherence to CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) in people with sleep apnea

Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre la autoeficacia percibida y la adherencia objetiva al CPAP en una población de pacientes con SAHOS de una institución especializada en cuidado respiratorio de la ciudad de Bogotá. Método: Se utilizó un diseño de corte transversal con abordaje cuantitativo - correlacional, a partir de una corte de pacientes con Síndrome de Apnea Obstructiva del Sueño (SAHOS) moderado o severo. Entre los meses de septiembre y noviembre de 2018, se incluyeron de forma consecutiva 136 pacientes, hombres y mujeres, mayores de edad, que usaban CPAP y asistieron a consulta de neumología, sueño, rehabilitación y exámenes diagnósticos. Se obtuvo información demográfica y clínica. Cada participante diligenció el instrumento SEMSA para evaluar la autoeficacia y se obtuvo lectura de tarjeta del dispositivo, para evaluar adherencia objetiva. Se analizaron los datos por medio de un modelo de regresión logística. Resultados y conclusiones: La correlación entre la autoeficacia y la adherencia objetiva al CPAP, mostró un coeficiente de Sperman -,076. En el análisis discriminado, la dimensión autoeficacia de la escala de autoeficacia, mostró una correlación débil (Rho Sperman=0.17) estadísticamente significativa (p=0.048), lo cual concuerda con lo reportado en algunas publicaciones hechas en poblaciones diferentes a la estudiada. La puntuación de la dimensión de autoeficacia (3,4/4) fue superior a lo informado en la literatura, y la de expectativas de riesgo (1,85/4) fue inferior a lo reportado. Los pacientes jóvenes tuvieron una mayor autoeficacia que las personas mayores. La adherencia objetiva al CPAP (uso de CPAP > a 4 horas/noche por más del 70% de las noches) fue del 66,9 % con un promedio de horas de uso por noche de 5,54, valores más altos que los reportados a nivel mundial y local. Otras variables no tuvieron asociación con la adherencia.

Objective: To determine the relationship between perceived self-efficacy and objective adherence to CPAP in a population of patients with OSAHS from an institution specialized in respiratory care in the city of Bogotá. Method: This is a cross-sectional design with a quantitative-correlational approach, based on a cut-off of patients with moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea OSAHS. Between the months of September and November of 2018, 136 patients were included; both gender male and female, which were above legal age 18 years old, users of CPAP machine and who attended to the pulmonology consultation, sleep, rehabilitation and diagnostic tests. Demographic and clinical information was obtained. Each participant completed the instrument in order to evaluate self-efficacy. Also, to evaluate objective adherence, card reading of the CPAP device, was obtained. The data was analyzed by logistic regression model. Results and conclusions: The correlation between self-efficacy and objective adherence to CPAP showed a Sperman coefficient of -,076. In the discriminated analysis, the selfefficacy dimension of the self-efficacy scale showed a weak correlation (Rho Spermean = 0.17) statistically significant (p = 0.048), in the sense that the information is relevant. The score of the dimension of self-efficacy (3.4 / 4) was higher and reported in the literature, but lower in the domain of risk expectations (1.85 / 4). Young patients had greater self-efficacy than older patients. Objective adherence to CPAP (use of CPAP> at 4 hours / night for more than 70% of the nights) was 66.9% with an average nighttime usage of 5.54, higher values than those reported Globally and locally. Other variables had no association with adherence.

The effect of guided reflection on heart failure self-care maintenance and management: A mixed methods study.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of structured, guided reflection on patient descriptions of self-care maintenance and management. BACKGROUND: Inadequate HF self-care behaviors are linked to hospitalizations. Symptom monitoring and recognition are precursors to adequate HF self-care. Reflection on actions taken during HF exacerbations may lead to insights and future changes in HF self-care maintenance and management. METHODS: One-group mixed method pre-test/post-test design. Following cognitive screening, self-care maintenance and management was measured prior to the intervention at a home visit one-week after hospital discharge, and one-month post intervention. Qualitative data consisted of audiotaped individual interviews with participants, field notes and reflective diaries kept by patients. RESULTS: The results (N = 10) demonstrate large effect sizes and increases in self-care maintenance (69.9 vs 79.6, d = 1.04) and management (47.2 vs 63.9, d = 2.53) scores after intervention. Eight themes emerged from the data that reflected the HF participant's experience of self-care. Reflection evoked emotions around concerns for family and mortality. Participants linked symptoms experienced with contextual factors which facilitated discussion about changing future actions. CONCLUSIONS: Purposeful reflection may be necessary for the development of self-care. Guided reflection on previous actions that includes contextual considerations may also play a role in enhancing self-care management by allowing the person to more fully understand the illness experience.

O uso do computador como estratégia educacional: relações com a motivação e aprendizado de alunos do ensino fundamental / Use of computers as an educational strategy: relation with elementary students' motivation and learning

Foram analisadas relações entre uso do computador, motivação e desempenho em prova de conteúdos de matemática em estudantes do ensino fundamental. O delineamento foi quase experimental, com um grupo experimental e dois de controle. No pré-teste foram avaliados o conhecimento de conteúdos matemáticos e a motivação para vir à escola, por meio da Escala de avaliação da motivação de alunos do ensino fundamental. Na intervenção, o grupo experimental projetou e construiu jogos empregando o computador; o grupo controle 1 fez somente exercícios com lápis e papel (ambos com acesso aos tutoriais); e o grupo de controle 2 assistiu às aulas habituais. Ao final todos os participantes foram avaliados pela segunda vez acerca do conteúdo e da motivação, com os mesmos instrumentos utilizados no pré-teste. Passados 30 dias, os participantes do grupo controle 1 e do grupo experimental fizeram nova prova dos conteúdos de Matemática trabalhados durante a intervenção. Os resultados mostraram que os alunos do grupo experimental tiveram ganhos na qualidade motivacional quando comparados ao grupo de controle 2, indicando que o uso do computador tem importantes implicações para o engajamento e persistência dos alunos em tarefas acadêmicas.(AU)

Relations between the use of computers, motivation and performance of elementary school students in mathematics contents had been analyzed. It was used a quasi-experimental design with an experimental group and two control groups. In the daily pre-test, the knowledge of mathematics contents and the motivation to go to school were evaluated. The experimental group (EG) projected and constructed games using the computer; the control group (CG 1) only worked with pencil and paper (both with access to tutorials); and the control group (CG 2) attended regular classes. In the ending of the study every participant was evaluated for a second time regarding the content and the motivation, with the same instruments used in the daily pre-test. Thirty days later, the participants of CG 1 and EG were once again evaluated regarding mathematics contents which had been worked during the intervention. The results showed that the pupils of the EG were better motivated than the ones of the CG 2, indicating that the use of the computer has important implications for the engagement and persistence of students in academic tasks.(AU)

O uso do computador como estratégia educacional: relações com a motivação e aprendizado de alunos do ensino fundamental / Use of computers as an educational strategy: relation with elementary students' motivation and learning

Foram analisadas relações entre uso do computador, motivação e desempenho em prova de conteúdos de matemática em estudantes do ensino fundamental. O delineamento foi quase experimental, com um grupo experimental e dois de controle. No pré-teste foram avaliados o conhecimento de conteúdos matemáticos e a motivação para vir à escola, por meio da Escala de avaliação da motivação de alunos do ensino fundamental. Na intervenção, o grupo experimental projetou e construiu jogos empregando o computador; o grupo controle 1 fez somente exercícios com lápis e papel (ambos com acesso aos tutoriais); e o grupo de controle 2 assistiu às aulas habituais. Ao final todos os participantes foram avaliados pela segunda vez acerca do conteúdo e da motivação, com os mesmos instrumentos utilizados no pré-teste. Passados 30 dias, os participantes do grupo controle 1 e do grupo experimental fizeram nova prova dos conteúdos de Matemática trabalhados durante a intervenção. Os resultados mostraram que os alunos do grupo experimental tiveram ganhos na qualidade motivacional quando comparados ao grupo de controle 2, indicando que o uso do computador tem importantes implicações para o engajamento e persistência dos alunos em tarefas acadêmicas...

Relations between the use of computers, motivation and performance of elementary school students in mathematics contents had been analyzed. It was used a quasi-experimental design with an experimental group and two control groups. In the daily pre-test, the knowledge of mathematics contents and the motivation to go to school were evaluated. The experimental group (EG) projected and constructed games using the computer; the control group (CG 1) only worked with pencil and paper (both with access to tutorials); and the control group (CG 2) attended regular classes. In the ending of the study every participant was evaluated for a second time regarding the content and the motivation, with the same instruments used in the daily pre-test. Thirty days later, the participants of CG 1 and EG were once again evaluated regarding mathematics contents which had been worked during the intervention. The results showed that the pupils of the EG were better motivated than the ones of the CG 2, indicating that the use of the computer has important implications for the engagement and persistence of students in academic tasks...