The Role of Subjective Socioeconomic Status in Predicting Academic Performance: Exploring the Mediating Influence of Sense of Belonging among Students in a Distance Learning University

Building upon existing research conducted in face-to-face universities, our research explored whether, in the context of a distance learning institution, the positive association between subjective socioeconomic status and academic performance can be explained by students’ sense of belonging. To that end, we conducted a three-wave correlational study with 2,261 students enrolled in Social Psychology in a distance learning university. At the start of the academic year, we measured participants’ subjective socioeconomic status relative to other students alongside their initial expectations in terms of time investment and grades and other relevant covariates. Midway through the course, we assessed their sense of belonging to the university and, at the end, we recorded their grades. Results suggested that sense of belonging potentially serves as a mediating factor in the positive relationship between subjective socioeconomic status and grades even after accounting for variables like initial grade expectations, time commitment, gender, age, and employment situation. These findings emphasize the pivotal role of students’ psychological connection to the university in shaping their academic achievement, even within the expanding landscape of distance education. (AU)

The Role of Personal Demands and Personal Resources in Enhancing Study Engagement and Preventing Study Burnout

Using a 1-year longitudinal design, we examined the role of personal demands and personal resources in long-term health impairment and motivational processes among master students. Based on the job demands-resources theory and transactional model of stress, we hypothesized that students’ personal demands (i.e., irrational performance demands, awfulizing and irrational need for control) predict perceived study demands one year later, and indirectly relate to burnout. Furthermore, we predicted that personal resources indirectly associate with study engagement via students’ perceived study resources one year later. These hypotheses were tested in a sample of Dutch master students (N = 220 at T1 and T2) using structural equation modelling. As hypothesized, personal demands and personal resources at T1 predicted study demands and study resources one year later (T2, β = .25–.42, p <. 05), respectively. Study-home interference [study demand] mediated the association between personal demands and burnout (β = .08, p = .029), whereas opportunities for development [study resource] mediated the association between personal resources and study engagement (β = .08, p = .014). Hence, personal demands and personal resources relate indirectly to students’ burnout and engagement one year later via a heightened level of specific study demands and study resources. Accordingly, the present research expands the propositions of the JD-R Theory by proposing personal demands as a relevant factor for students’ long-term well-being. (AU)

Effectiveness of a Peer Mentoring on University Dropout and Academic Performance / La eficacia de un programa de mentoría en el abandono y el rendimiento académico

Mentoring programs have been proposed to reduce dropout and increase academic performance. We analyzed the effect of peer mentoring on university dropout and academic performance in the context of Spain. We applied a quasi-experimental posttest-only control group design with 3,774 students (mentees, n = 1,887; control, n = 1,887). Mentees had participated in a peer mentoring program. We apply the student’s t-test, Cohen’s d, phi statistic, and chi-square statistic. Mentees exhibited lower dropout than controls and showed higher academic performance regardless of the area of knowledge. Results support the implementation of mentoring programs in Spanish universities with the goal of reducing student dropout and increasing academic performance. The research provides empirical evidence for theory building in higher education studies, developmental relationships, and integration programs. (AU)

Se ha propuesto la aplicación de programas de mentoría para reducir la deserción universitaria y aumentar el rendimiento académico. En el artículo analizamos el efecto de la mentoría entre pares sobre el abandono universitario y el rendimiento académico en España. Aplicamos un diseño de grupo de control cuasiexperimental con medida post en una muestra de 3.774 estudiantes (mentorados, n = 1,887; control, n = 1,887). Los mentorados habían participado en un programa de mentoría entre pares. Aplicamos la prueba t de Student, la d de Cohen, el estadístico phi y el chi-cuadrado. Los mentorados presentaban un menor abandono que los controles y un mayor rendimiento académico independientemente del área de conocimiento. Los resultados avalan la implementación de programas de mentoría en las universidades españolas con el objetivo de reducir el abandono universitario y aumentar el rendimiento académico. La investigación proporciona evidencia empírica para la elaboración de teorías en estudios de educación superior, relaciones de desarrollo y programas de integración. (AU)

Social skills, behavioral problems, and academic competence of students with intellectual disabilities / Habilidades sociais, problemas de comportamento e competência acadêmica de alunos com deficiência intelectual / Habilidades sociales, problemas de conducta y competencia académica de estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual

This study had as general objective to characterize and associate social skills, behavior problems, and academic competence of students with intellectual disabilities in school inclusion and; as specific objectives to verify predictive values for social skills and differences between groups diagnosed with intellectual disability and other associated diagnoses. This was a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational, predictive, and comparative study. Forty-four students with intellectual disability participated (11 of them presented other associated diagnoses), who were evaluated by 42 guardians and 34 teachers. The instruments used were Social Skills Rating System (SSRS-BR) and the Parental Educative Social Skills Interview Script (RE-HSE-P). The evaluation from guardians and teachers were different. Social skills were negatively associated with behavior problems and positively associated with academic competence; behavior problems and diagnosis were negative predictors to social skills. There were significant differences in the groups. The results highlight the importance of intervention programs to develop social skills.(AU)

O estudo teve como objetivo geral caracterizar e associar habilidades sociais, problemas de comportamento e competência acadêmica de alunos com deficiência intelectual em inclusão educacional e; como objetivos específicos verificar valores preditivos para habilidades sociais e diferenças entre grupos com diagnóstico de deficiência intelectual somente e com outros diagnósticos associados. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo, correlacional, preditivo e comparativo. Participaram 44 alunos com deficiência (11 apresentavam outros diagnósticos associados), que foram avaliados por 42 responsáveis e 34 professoras. Os instrumentos utilizados foram Social Skills Rating System (SSRS-BR) e Roteiro de Entrevista de Habilidades Sociais Educativas Parentais (RE-HSE-P). A avaliação de responsáveis e professores foi diferente. Habilidades sociais foram negativamente associadas aos problemas de comportamento e positivamente associadas a competência acadêmica; problemas de comportamento e diagnósticos associados foram preditores negativos de habilidades sociais. Houve diferença significativa entre grupos. Resultados evidenciam a importância de programas para promoção de habilidades sociais.(AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo general caracterizar y asociar las habilidades sociales, los problemas de conducta y la competencia académica de estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual en la inclusión escolar; y como objetivos específicos verificar los valores predictivos de las habilidades sociales y las diferencias entre grupos diagnosticados con discapacidad intelectual y otros diagnósticos asociados. Se trató de un estudio cuantitativo, transversal, descriptivo, correlacional, predictivo y comparativo. Participaron 44 estudiantes con discapacidad intelectual (11 de ellos presentaban otros diagnósticos asociados), quienes fueron evaluados por 42 tutores y 34 docentes. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el Sistema de Evaluación de Habilidades Sociales (SSRS-BR) y el Guion de Entrevista de Habilidades Sociales para Educación de los Padres (RE-HSE-P). Las evaluaciones de los tutores y docentes fueron diferentes. Las habilidades sociales se asociaron negativamente con problemas de conducta y positivamente con la competencia académica; los problemas de conducta y el diagnóstico fueron predictores negativos de las habilidades sociales. Hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Los resultados destacan la importancia de los programas de intervención para desarrollar habilidades sociales con la población estudiada.(AU)

Validation and reliability of The Childhood Executive Function Inventory (CHEXI) in Spanish primary school students / Validación y fiabilidad del Inventario de Función Ejecutiva Infantil (CHEXI) en alumnos españoles de primaria

Given the enormous influence of executive functions in school and life success, it is necessary to identify EF levels and address them in a reliable way with tools accessible to practitioners. Two studies were conducted. In study 1, the psychometric properties of the Spanish version Children’s Executive Functioning Inventory (CHEXI) in a representative sample of 1230 primary school students from 9 to 12 years old was investigated. According to Barkley’s hybrid model, CHEXI showed good fit indices on the two subscales: working memory and inhibition (Χ² =949.32, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.98, SRMR = 0.06, RMSEA = 0.05), as well as excellent internal consistency (ω ≥ 0.84–0.91; α ≥ 0.84–0.91). In study 2, the efficacy of the CHEXI for the observation of EF deficits related to ADHD symptoms in children was analysed. Significant differences in parent-reported scores were observed between typically developing students and students diagnosed with ADHD (p = < 0.001, η2partial = 0.09 – 0.10). The results showed that the CHEXI is a reliable instrument for measuring EF in Spanish children, and, it could be a useful tool for the identification of ADHD in these ages. (AU)

Dada la enorme influencia de las funciones ejecutivas (FE) en el bienestar y el éxito escolar del alumnado de Educación Primaria, resulta necesario utilizar instrumentos que midan talesvariables que sean accesibles para todos los profesionales de la educación. Se realizaron dos estudios. En el estudio 1, se investigó las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del Inventario de Funcionamiento Ejecutivo Infantil (CHEXI) en una muestra representativa de 1230 alumnos de primaria de 8 a 12 años. Siguiendo el modelo híbrido de Barkley, el CHEXI mostró unos buenos índices de ajuste en las dos subescalas: memoria de trabajo e inhibición (Χ ²=949.32, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.98, SRMR = 0.06, RMSEA = 0.05), así como una excelente consistencia interna (ω ≥ 0.84–0.91; α ≥ 0.84–0.91). En el estudio 2, se analizó la eficacia del CHEXI para la observación de los déficits de EF relacionados con los síntomas del TDAH. Se observaron diferencias significativas en las puntuaciones informadas por los padres entre los estudiantes con desarrollo típico y los estudiantes diagnosticados con TDAH (p = < 0.001, η2partial = 0.09 – 0.10). Los resultados mostraron que el CHEXI es un instrumento fiable para medir las FEs en niños españoles, y podría ser una herramienta útil para la identificación del TDAH en estas edades. (AU)

Emotional intelligence weakly predicts academic success in medical programs: a multilevel meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Emotional intelligence (EI) is a predictive factor of academic success in undergraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs. Although some research suggests a positive association between EI and academic success in MD programs, other research reports neither an association nor a negative correlation between the two variables. The current study aimed to resolve these contradictory findings by conducting a systematic review and a meta-analysis using research from 2005 to 2022. METHODS: Data were analyzed using a multilevel modeling approach to (a) estimate the overall relationship between EI and academic success in MD programs and (b) determine whether the mean effect size varies according to country (United States vs. non-United States countries), age, EI test, EI task nature (ability-based vs. trait-based), EI subscales, and academic performance criteria (grade point average vs. examinations). RESULTS: Findings from 20 studies (m = 105; N = 4,227) indicated a positive correlation between EI and academic success (r = .13, 95% CI [.08, - .27], p < .01). Moderator analyses indicated that the mean effect size significantly varied according to EI tests and EI subscales. Moreover, three-level multiple regression analyses showed that between-study variance explained 29.5% of the variability in the mean effect size, whereas within-study variance explained 33.5% of the variability in the mean effect. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the current findings show that EI is significantly, albeit weakly, related to academic success in MD programs. Medical researchers and practitioners can therefore focus on integrating EI-related skills into the MD curriculum or target them through professional development training and programs.

Estrategias de aprendizaje y estudio, perspectiva temporal y rendimiento académicoen estudiantes universitarios de Buenos Aires / Learning and study strategies, temporal perspective and academic performance in university students of Buenos Aires

La investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar la relación entre estrategias de aprendizaje y estudio, perspectiva temporal y rendimiento académico en estudiantes universitarios de Buenos Aires. Se trató de un estudio correlacional ­de diferencias entre grupos, con un diseño no experimental, de corte transversal. Participaron 334 sujetos (68.6% mujeres, 31.4% hombres; Medad=25.90, DEedad= 8.23). Los instrumentos de recolección de datos fueron: una encuesta sociodemográfica y de datos académicos, el Inventario de Perspectiva Temporal de Zimbardo, y el Inventario de Estrategias de Aprendizaje. En los análisis de diferencias de medias se hallaron diferencias según rendimiento académico. Se encontró que los alumnos con mejor rendimiento académico presentaron mayores puntajes en Motivación, Competencias para el Manejo de la Información, Futuro Neutro y menores en Pasado Negativo, Presente Fatalista AU

The aim of the research was to analyze the relationship between learning and study strategies, time perspective and academic performance in university students from Buenos Aires. A correlational study ­of differences between groups, with a non-experimental, cross-sectional design was conducted. Participants were 334 subjects (68.6% women, 31.4% men; Mage=25.90, SDage= 8.23). The data collection instruments were: a sociodemographic and academic data survey, the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, and the Learning Strategies Inventory. In the analysis of differences in means, differences were found according to academic performance. It was found that the students with the best academic performance presented higher scores in Motivation, Information ManagementCompetences, Neutral Future and lower scores in Negative Past, Fatalistic Present AU

The link among academic stress, sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, academic performance, and the moderating role of resourcefulness in health professions students during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The rapid shift to virtual learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to high academic stress among health profession students. High academic stress was associated with impaired psychosocial well-being and decreased academic performance. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between academic stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, academic performance, and the moderating effect of resourcefulness among undergraduate health profession students. METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study included undergraduate health profession students. The primary investigator distributed the study link to all students through the university's Central Messaging Centre, Twitter account, and WhatsApp. The study variables were measured using the Student Life Stress Inventory, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire, the Centre for Epidemiology Scale of Depression, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Resourcefulness Skills Scale. Pearson R correlation and linear regression analysis were utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Our sample included 94 undergraduate health profession students, 60 % of which were females with a mean age of 21, and the majority were nursing and medicine students. High academic stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, depressive symptoms, and resourcefulness were reported among 50.6 %, 43 %, 79.6 %, 60.2 %, and 60 % of the participants, respectively. However, no effect of resourcefulness was found on any of the study variables. Instead, academic stress and sleep disturbances were the strongest predictors of depressive symptoms regardless of the level of resourcefulness. CONCLUSION: Adequate academic support during virtual learning and tools to early detect subtle signs of high academic stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance should be routinely utilized by educational institutions. In addition, incorporating sleep hygiene and resourcefulness training in health professions education is highly indicated.

Relación existente entre creatividad y rendimiento académico en la adolescencia: Una revisión sistemática / The relationship between creativity and academic achievement in adolescence: A systematic review

La creatividad es una capacidad propia del ser humano que sirve para dar respuestas originales y novedosas a problemas que surgen en la vida cotidiana, por lo que potencia el desarrollo de los estudiantes. Por otro lado, el logro académico es uno de los principales elementos que se utilizan para identificar si los sujetos han adquirido ciertos conocimientos. El objetivo de este trabajo de revisión sistemática es analizar la relación existente entre la creatividad y rendimiento académico en los estudiantes adolescentes, así como, examinar cualitativamente las diferencias entre las distintas dimensiones que evalúan la creatividad en el rendimiento académico. Atendiendo a la metodología se ha consultado en las bases de datos Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO y ERIC a partir de unas fórmulas de búsqueda elaboradas mediante los descriptores creatividad y rendimiento que, a partir de la utilización de unos criterios de elegibilidad, han dado lugar a un total de 15 estudios. La mayoría de las investigaciones señalan que existe una relación bidireccional entre creatividad y rendimiento académico, siendo las dimensiones de fluidez, originalidad y flexibilidad las más examinadas. Además, se ha obtenido que ciertos elementos de la creatividad como la expresividad creativa actúan como un factor moderador en el rendimiento de los estudiantes; aunque también existen estudios indican que no existe ningún tipo de relación significativa entre ambas variables. Se debe llevar a cabo una serie de estrategias o recursos educativos que potencien la formación del alumnado. (AU)

Creativity is a human capacity that servesto provide original and novel answers to problems that arise in everyday life, and therefore enhances students’ development. On the other hand, academic achievement is one of the main elements used to identify whether subjects have acquired certain knowledge. The aim of this systematic review is to analyse the relationship between creativity and academic achievement in adolescent students, as well as to examine qualitatively the differences between the different dimensions that assess creativity in academic achievement. In terms of methodology, the databases Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO and ERIC have been consulted based on search formulas elaborated using the descriptors creativity and performance which, based on the use of eligibility criteria, have given rise to a total of 15 studies. Most of the studies indicate that there is a two-way relationship between creativity and academic performance, with the dimensions of fluency, originality and flexibility being the most examined. In addition, it has been found that certain elements of creativity such as creative expressiveness act as a moderating factor in students’ performance; although there are also studies indicating that there is no significant relationship between the two variables. A series of educational strategies or resources should be implemented to enhance student learning. (AU)

Autonomy-relatedness Patterns and their Association with Academic and Psychological Adjustment among Chinese Adolescents.

Establishing autonomy and maintaining relatedness with parents are two of the most crucial goals for adolescents and meeting these goals can be critical for academic and psychological adjustment. A two-dimensional framework was proposed for exploring the integrative synthesis of autonomy and relatedness, but its cultural applicability was limited. To better account for the situations associated with non-Western cultural context, this study extended the prior framework to three dimensions (volition, functional independence, and relatedness) and utilized latent profile analysis to explore the configurations and their concurrent and longitudinal (one year later) associations with adjustment (academic engagement, academic buoyancy, depressive symptoms, and externalizing problems). The study collected data from 3992 Chinese adolescents (51.33% girls, Mage = 15.41, SD = 0.55). Latent profile analyses identified five profiles: High, High Functional Independence, Moderate, Low Functional Independence, and Extremely Low Functional Independence. The High profile was the robust optimal pattern for academic and psychological adjustment, while the Low Functional Independence and Extremely Low Functional Independence were risk patterns over time. The High Functional Independence profile was only conducive to academic areas but not to psychological areas. Findings demonstrated the necessity of the three-dimensional framework in this field.

When new talent scores: The impact of human capital and the team socialization context on newcomer performance in professional sports teams.

This study integrates research on newcomer socialization and work teams to examine how the team environment facilitates or hinders the translation of human capital into newcomer performance in professional sports teams. Using large, multiyear and multilevel data from the top five European professional football leagues, we examine how individual-level newcomer human capital and the team-level characteristics (prior team performance, number of newcomers) influence individual newcomer performance during two different socialization contexts (when more vs. less time for socialization is provided). We found that individual human capital was positively related to newcomer performance across socialization contexts while the direct relationships between team variables and performance were conditional on the socialization context. Prior team performance was positively related to newcomer performance when more time for socialization was provided, but prior team performance as well as the number of newcomers were negatively related to newcomer performance when less time for socialization was provided. Beyond the direct relationships, our results show that human capital was less positively related to newcomer performance when newcomers joined higher performing teams across socialization contexts. These findings extend our understanding of the complex relationships between individual human capital and the team's socialization environment on newcomer performance and advance new knowledge regarding conditions that facilitate the success of newcomers who join existing (operating) teams. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Impact of Internet Addiction on Academic Performance of Undergraduate Dental Students of Bhubaneswar, India

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the level of internet addiction and its impact on the academic performance of undergraduate dental students of Bhubaneswar. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was steered among 814 undergraduate dental students (representing first year through internship) in Bhubaneswar, India. Internet addiction was assessed with the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) developed by Young, which consisted of 20 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Google Forms were used to collect the data. Statistical tests like Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to analyze the qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively, with the significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The prevalence of Internet Addiction was found to be 27.5%. Interns showed the highest mean Internet Addiction (57.91±10.71) score. The proportion of addicted students was higher in males, 74 (31.4%), than in females, 150 (26%). The mean scores for individual domains were overuse (16.31±3.64), non-restraints (7.77±2.66), inhibiting the flow of life (9.52±3.05), emotional state (11.25±2.86), and dependence (10.47±2.53). A correlation coefficient (Spearman's rho value of -.167) indicates a negative correlation between internet addiction and academic scores, which was statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed that internet use for varying purposes eventually leads to addiction and affects students' academic performance. The affected students need early intervention and control over internet usage.

Comprensión lectora, estilos de aprendizaje y rendimiento académico en universitarios / Reading comprehension, learning styles and academic performance in university students

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar las relaciones entre Comprensión lectora (Cl), Estilos de aprendizaje (Ea) y Rendimiento académico (Ra). La población consistió en 48 universitarios de Psicología de una universidad mexicana, la distribución fue 36 (75 %) mujeres y 12 (25 %) hombres, con una edad promedio de 19.95 años. Se les aplicaron un cuestionario ad hoc para evaluar las características socioacadémicas, el Cuestionario de Honey y Alonso de Estilos de aprendizaje y el Instrumento de Comprensión lectora para alumnos universitarios. Para análisis de los datos se usó estadística descriptiva e inferencial mediante pruebas no paramétricas. Resultados, globalmente respecto a la Cl el grupo se ubica en la categoría “malo” y “regular” (47.9 %); predomina el nivel literal en la categoría “bueno” y un Ea predominantemente reflexivo (57.9 %). Se concluye que existe una relación positiva y significativa entre la Cl y el Ea reflexivo (rs = .323, p= .025) y el Ra (rs = .399, p= .005). (AU)

The objective of this study was to determine the relationships between Reading comprehension (Rc), Learning styles (Ls) and Academic Performance (Ap). The population consisted of 48 undergraduate students in Psychology from a Mexican university, the distribution was 36 (75%) women and 12 (25%) men, with an average age of 19.95 years. An ad hoc questionnaire was applied to them to evaluate the socio-academic characteristics, the Honey and Alonso Questionnaire of Learning Styles and the Reading comprehension Instrument for College students. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis through non-parametric tests. From the results, globally in terms of Ls the group is located in the category “bad” and “regular” (47.9%); the literal level predominates in the “good” category and a predominantly reflective Ls (57.9%). It is concluded that there is a positive and significant relationship between Rc, the reflective Ls (rs = .323, p= .025) and Ap (rs = .399, P= .005). (AU)

Prevalence of depressive symptoms among dental students is influenced by sex, academic performance, smoking exposure, and sexual orientation: cross-sectional study

Aim: To estimate the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported depressive symptoms in undergraduate and graduate dental students. Methods: The Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was applied, and only the depression domain was verified. A structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, behavioral, and COVID-19 pandemic-related fear variables. Academic performance was assessed based on academic records, ranging from 0 (worst possible grade) to 10 (best possible grade). Respondents included 408 regularly enrolled dental students. Bi- and multivariate analyses were performed using Poisson regression with robust variance to verify the association between at least moderate depressive symptoms and independent variables. Results: The prevalence of at least moderate depression was 40.5% among undergraduate students and 26% among graduate students. The prevalence of fear and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic was 96.1% among undergraduate students and 93.5% among graduate students. In the final multivariate analysis, being female (prevalence ratio [PR]:2.01; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]:1.36­2.96) was associated with a higher PR for depression. Conversely, no exposure to smoking (PR:0.54; 95%CI:0.36­0.82) and a final academic performance average ≥7.0 (PR:0.56; 95%CI:0.41­0.76) was associated with a lower PR for depression. Finally, among graduate students, a non-heterosexual orientation was associated with a higher PR for depression (PR:6.70; 95%CI:2.21­20.29). Conclusion: Higher rates of depression symptoms were observed in female undergraduates, students with lower academic performance and smoking exposure, and graduate dental students with a non-heterosexual orientation

Escala de bienestar académico vía aplicación web para estudiantes universitarios en Brasil / Academic wellbeing scale via web application for university students in Brazil / Escalade bem-estar acadêmico via aplicação web para universitários no Brasil

Este es un estudio de desarrollo tecnológico en la elaboración de un instrumento computarizado para evaluar la autopercepción del bienestar académico, basado en la teoría del bienestar subjetivo de la Psicología Positiva. Tuvo como objetivo construir un instrumento y buscar evidencias de validez vía aplicación web como tecnología para evaluar el constructo bienestar académico en estudiantes universitarios. Investigación de campo, descriptiva y exploratoria, cuantitativa, con 702 académicos voluntarios de Universidades de diferentes regiones geopolíticas de Brasil Se identificó que la mayoría de los encuestados son del sexo femenino con un 76,9% (540), y se obtuvo un promedio de 23,79 para su edad, con una desviación estándar de 6,7. En la construcción del instrumento se obtuvieron factores relacionados con el contenido de bienestar académico, se definió un valor propio igual o superior a 0,44. Así, fueron evidenciados 03 Factores: Factor 01 -Autoconfianza y rendimiento académico profesional, con 27 ítems; Factor 02 -Apoyo social con 2 ítems; y Factor 3 -Limitaciones de desempeño autopercibidas, con 11 ítems. La escala total tuvo un Alfa de 0,90, con una versión final de 40 ítems. Las condiciones de validez están garantizadas, así como la fiabilidad de las tres subescalas y la escala completa. Tales aspectos de la evaluación del bienestar académico pueden ser utilizados en verificaciones posteriores al regreso de las actividades universitarias, identificando posibilidades de cambios en el escenario académico y estrategias de intervención y readaptaciones conductuales(AU)

It is a study of technological development in the elaboration of a computerized instrument to evaluate the self-perception of academic well-being, based on the theory of subjective well-being of Positive Psychology. It aimed to build an instrument and seek evidence of validity via web application as a technology to assess the academic well-being construct in university students. Field research, descriptive and exploratory, quantitative, with 702 volunteer academics from Universities from different geopolitical regions in Brazil. It was identified that the majority of respondents are female with 76.9% (540), and the average age of these was 23.79, being standard deviationde 6,7.In the construction of the instrument, factors related to the content of academic well-being were obtained, with an Eigenvalue equal to or greater than 0.44 was defined. Thus, 03 Factors were evidenced: Factor 01 -Self-confidence and professional academic achievement, with 27 items; Factor 02 -Social support with 2 items; and Factor 3 -Self-perceived limitations in performance, with 11 items. The total scale had an Alpha of 0.90 with 40 items in its final version. The validity conditions are guaranteed,together with the reliability of the three subscales and the full scale. Such aspects of the assessment of academic well-being can be used in subsequent verifications after the return of university activities, identifying possibilities for changes in the academic scenario and intervention strategies and behavioral readaptations(AU)

Trata-se de um estudo de desenvolvimento tecnológico na elaboração de um instrumento informatizado para avaliação da autopercepção do bem-estar acadêmico, com base na teoriado bem-estar subjetivo da Psicologia Positiva. Teve como objetivo construir um instrumento e buscar evidências de validade via aplicação web como tecnologia para avaliação do construto de bem-estar acadêmico em estudantes universitários. Investigação de campo, descritiva e exploratória, quantitativa, com 702 acadêmicos voluntários de Universidades de diferentes regiões geopolíticas no Brasil. Identificou-se que os respondentes em sua maioria são dosexo feminino com 76,9% (540), e obteve-se sobre a idade destes a média de 23,79, sendo desvio padrãode 6,7. Na construção do instrumento, obteve-se fatores relacionadas ao conteúdo do bem-estar acadêmico, com Eigenvalue igual ou superior a 0,44 foi definido. Assim, foram evidenciado 03 Fatores: Fator 01 -Autoconfiança e realização acadêmica profissional, com 27 itens; Fator 02 -Apoio social com 2 itens; e o Fator 3 -Limitações autopercebidas no rendimento, com 11 itens. A escala total apresentou um Alfa de 0,90, com versão final de 40 itens. Estando as condições de validade garantidas, juntamente com a confiabilidade, das três subescalas e da escala total asseguradas. Tais aspectos da avaliação do bem-estar acadêmico, podem ser empregados em verificações subsequentes ao retorno das atividades universitárias, identificando possibilidades de alterações no cenário acadêmico e estratégias de intervenções e readaptações comportamentais(AU)

Inventario SISCO del estrés académico: revisión de sus propiedades psicométricas en estudiantes universitarios / SISCO inventory of academic stress: review of its psychometric properties in university students

Resumen: Los estudios superiores representan el punto culminante del estrés académico, proceso multifactorial complejo, con alta carga de trabajo. El inventario SISCO del estrés académico posee buenas propiedades psicométricas para sus subescalas de Estresores, Sintomatología y para la puntuación media total, no así para la subescala de Afrontamiento. El objetivo de este artículo es corroborar lo reportado previamente en base a un análisis psicométrico completo. En 1126 estudiantes universitarios, se obtuvieron buenas propiedades psicométricas para las subescalas de Estresores y Sintomatología, con un buen ajuste en el análisis factorial confirmatorio, en base a una estructura de cuatro factores. La subescala de Sintomatología quedó conformada por las subescalas Reacciones físicas y psicológicas y por Reacciones del comportamiento social. La subescala de Afrontamiento mantiene propiedades psicométricas deficientes. La puntuación para el total de los ítems del instrumento muestra buenas propiedades psicométricas (alfa de Cronbach y omega de 0.820 y 0.860, respectivamente). Se corrobora lo reportado previamente, avalándose la necesidad de más estudios, y la modificación del instrumento, en especial la subescala de Afrontamiento.

Abstract: Higher education represents the peak of academic stress, a complex multifactorial process with a high workload. The SISCO academic stress inventory has good psychometric properties for its subscales Stressors, Symptomatology and for the whole instrument, but not for the Coping subscale. The aim of this paper is to corroborate previous reports based on a full psychometric analysis. In 1,126 university students, good psychometric properties were obtained for the Stressors and Symptomatology subscales, with a good fit in the confirmatory factor analysis, based on a four-factor structure. The Symptomatology subscale consisted of the subscales Physical and Psychological Reactions and Social Behavioural Reactions. The Coping subscale maintains poor psychometric properties. The complete scale score shows good psychometric properties (Cronbach's alpha and omega of 0.820 and 0.860, respectively). This corroborates previous reports and supports the need for further study and modification of the instrument, especially the Coping subscale.

Parental autonomy support and homework completion: Mediating effects of children’s academic self-efficacy, purpose for doing homework, and homework-related emotions

La calidad de la crianza afecta el desempeño de los niños en las tareas escolares. El presente estudio examinó las relaciones entre el apoyo parental a la autonomía, la autoeficacia académica, el propósito de realizar las tareas por aprender, las emociones positivas y la terminación de las tareas escolares. La muestra incluye 984 estudiantes (M edad = 10.68 años, DS = 0.63), 502 (51%) niños y 482 (49%) niñas de escuelas primarias de Sonora, México. Se calculó un modelo estructural. El modelo estructural indica que el apoyo parental a la autonomía se relaciona directamente de forma positiva con la autoeficacia académica, el propósito de aprender en las tares, las emociones positivas y la terminación de las tareas. El análisis multigrupo muestra que el sexo y el desempeño académico del niño no moderan las relaciones propuestas en el modelo estructural. En general, los resultados sugieren que el apoyo parental a la autonomía promueve la terminación de las tareas en la educación primaria.(AU)

Parenting qualities may affect children’s homework achievement. The present study examined the relationship among parental autonomy support, children’s academic self-efficacy, learning-oriented purposes for doing homework, positive homework-related emotions, and homework completion. The sample included 984 children (M age = 10.68 years, SD = 0.63), 502 (51%) boys and 482 (49%) girls from elementary schools of Sonora, Mexico. A structural model and multigroup invariance by gender and academic achievement was calculated. The structural model indicated that parental autonomy support had a direct positive relation with children’s academic self-efficacy, learning-oriented purposes, and positive emotions in homework; it also had an indirect effect in homework completion by its positive association with these psychological resources. A multi-group analysis indicates that gender and academic achievement did not moderate the structural relations. Overall, findings suggest that parental autonomy support is critical to promote homework completion in elementary school children.(AU)

The impact of COVID-19 induced emergency remote instruction on students' academic performance at an HBCU.

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic early in 2020 forced universities to shut down their campuses and transition to emergency remote instruction (ERI). Students had to quickly adapt to this new mode of instruction while dealing with all other distractions caused by the pandemic. This study integrates extensive data from students' institutional records at a large Historically Black College and University (HBCU) institution with data from a students' survey about the impact of COVID-19 on learning during the Spring 2020 semester to examine the impact of the transition to ERI on students' performance and identify the main factors explaining variations in students' performance. The main findings of our analysis are: (a) students' university experience was positively correlated with performance (continuing students who spent at least one academic year at the university prior to the outbreak had better performance than freshman and new transfer students), (b) students' perceived change in performance after the transition was positively associated with actual performance (students who perceived a decline in their performance after transition to ERI had significantly worse performance than other students), and (c) students' prior online learning experiences and students' emotional experiences with the COVID-19 disease were not significantly associated with performance. These results suggest that the approaches adopted by higher education institutions to support students during times of crisis should pay special attention to certain groups of students.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 decreases subjective academic stress in healthy adults: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Psychological stress negatively affects the intestinal barrier function in animals and humans. We aimed to study the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 on intestinal permeability and stress-markers during public speech. Healthy students were randomized to L. rhamnosus-containing (test) or acidified (placebo) milk consumed twice daily for 4 weeks, with 46 subjects per treatment group. Small intestinal permeability was quantified by a 2 h urinary lactulose-mannitol ratio (LMR, primary outcome), fractional excretion of lactulose (FEL) and mannitol (FEM). Salivary cortisol, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and Perceived Stress scores (PSS) were collected. No between-treatment differences were found for LMR (p = .71), FEL or FEM. Within-treatment analyses showed similar LMR and FEL but a stress-induced increase of FEM with the placebo (p < .05) but not test product. Despite a similar increase in salivary cortisol, the stress-induced increase in STAI was significantly lower with the test product vs. placebo (p = .01). Moreover, a stress-preventative effect of the probiotic was found for PSS and more pronounced in subjects with high stress-induced cortisol (p = .01). While increased FEM was mediated by salivary cortisol levels, the effect of the test product on subjective stress was not mediated by changes in FEM. No serious adverse events occurred. In conclusion, we demonstrated that L. rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 prevented stress-induced hyperpermeability to mannitol. Subjective but not objective stress-markers were reduced with L. rhamnosus vs. placebo, suggesting anxiolytic effects, which were independent of barrier stabilization and attractive for the reduction of stress in both health and disease. Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT03408691.

Potential risk groups and psychological, psychosocial, and health behavioral predictors of pharmacological neuroenhancement among university students in Germany.

Aiming to develop and implement intervention strategies targeting pharmacological neuroenhancement (PN) among university students more specifically, we (1) assessed the prevalence of PN among German university students, (2) identified potential sociodemographic and study-related risk groups, and (3) investigated sociodemographic, psychological, study-related psychosocial, general psychosocial and health behavior related factors predicting the 12-month prevalence of PN. Therefore, a cross-sectional online survey was administered to students of the University of Mainz, Germany. A binary logistic regression with stepwise inclusion of the five variable groups was performed to predict PN. A total number of 4351 students out of 31,213 registered students (13.9%) participated in the survey, of which N = 3984 answered the question concerning PN. Of these, 10.4% had used one substance for PN at least once in the past 12 months. The regression analysis revealed 13 variables that were significantly related to the 12-month prevalence of PN. Specifically, the group of health behavior related variables showed the strongest relationship with PN. Therefore, an approach to the prevention of PN should be multifactorial so that it addresses social conditions, as well as education on substance use and healthy behaviors in terms of non-pharmacological strategies as alternatives of PN.