Future Anxiety in Young Spanish Adults: Psychometric Properties of the Dark Future Scale / Ansiedad Futura en Adultos Jóvenes Españoles: Propiedades Psicométricas de la Dark Future Scale

Background/Objective: The Dark Future Scale (DFS) is a self-report instrument which assesses the tendency to think about the future with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Although it has been applied in different populations, instrumental studies are scarce, and there is no validated Spanish version. The aim was therefore to develop a Spanish version of the scale (DFS-S) and to analyze its psychometric properties in a sample of young adults. Method: Participants were 1,019 individuals aged from 18 to 24 years. They completed the DFS-S and the IPIP-BFM-20. Validity evidence based on the internal structure, including measurement invariance across gender, as well as on relationships with personality traits was obtained. Reliability and gender differences in DFS-S scores were also examined. Results: Results supported a single-factor structure, χ2(5) = 10.79, CFI = .999, RMSEA = .034, SRMR = .016, that was invariant across gender. Reliability of test scores was satisfactory (ω = .92). In the correlation analysis, future anxiety showed a strong positive correlation with neuroticism (.42) and a moderate negative correlation with extraversion (-.25). Females scored higher than males on future anxiety. Conclusions: The DFS-S has satisfactory psychometric properties and it is an adequate tool for measuring future anxiety among young adults.(AU)

Antecedentes/Objetivo: La Dark Future Scale (DFS) evalúa la ten-dencia a pensar en el futuro con ansiedad, miedo e incertidumbre. Aunque ha sido usadaen diferentes poblaciones, los estudios instrumentales son es-casos y no hay una versión adaptada al español. El objetivo del estudio fue adaptarla al español (DFS-S) y analizar sus propiedades psicométricas en una muestra de adultos jóvenes. Método:Participaron 1.019 jóvenes entre 18 y 24 años. Completaron la DFS-S y el IPIP-BFM-20. Se analizan evidencias de validez basadas en la estructura interna, incluyendo la invarianza de me-dida según el género, y basadas en las relaciones con rasgos de personali-dad, así como análisis de la fiabilidad y de las diferencias de género. Resulta-dos:Los resultados apoyaron una estructura de un solo factor, χ2(5) = 10.79, CFI = .999, RMSEA = .034, SRMR = .016, con invarianza respecto al gé-nero, y con coeficiente de fiabilidad satisfactorio (ω= .92). Se encontró co-rrelación positiva fuerte entre ansiedad futura y neuroticismo (.42) y una correlación negativa moderada con extraversión (-.25). Las puntuaciones en ansiedad futura fueron mayores en las mujeres. Conclusiones:Los resultados muestran propiedades psicométricas satisfactorias delaDFS-S, siendo un instrumento adecuado para medir la ansiedad futura en adultos jóvenes.(AU)

Fear, anxiety and depression in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients in the Netherlands: Data from a cross-sectional multicenter study / Miedo, ansiedad y depresión en pacientes con tumores del estroma gastrointestinal (GIST) en los Países Bajos: datos de un estudio multicéntrico transversal

Background: This study aims to (1) investigate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and severe fear of cancer recurrence or progression in gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients treated in a curative or palliative setting, (2) compare their prevalence with a norm population, (3) identify factors associated with anxiety, depression and severe fear, and (4) study the impact of these psychological symptoms on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods: In a cross-sectional study, GIST patients completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Cancer Worry Scale, and EORTC QLQ-C30. Results: Of the 328 patients, 15% reported anxiety, 13% depression, and 43% had severe fear. Anxiety and depression levels were comparable between the norm population and patients in the curative setting, but significantly higher for patients in the palliative setting. Having other psychological symptoms was associated with anxiety, while current TKI treatment and anxiety were associated with depression. Severe fear was associated with age, female sex, palliative treatment setting, anxiety, and GIST-related concerns. Conclusion: GIST patients treated in a palliative setting are more prone to experience psychological symptoms, which can significantly impair their HRQoL. These symptoms deserve more attention in clinical practice, in which regular screening can be helpful, and appropriate interventions should be offered.(AU)

Rasch analysis of the Hospital Anxiety andDepression Scale (HADS) in patients with major depression / Análisis de Rasch de la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) en pacientes con depresión mayor

La Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) [Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión] es una herramienta ampliamente utilizada para detección de la depresión y la ansiedad en pacientes con enfermedades médicas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar las propiedades psicométricas de la HADS en la detección de pacientes con depresión mayor utilizando el método de la teoría de respuesta al ítem. Un total de 460 pacientes con depresión mayor completaron el HADS. Se utilizó el análisis de Rasch para examinar la unidimensionalidad, el ajuste de los ítems, la dependencia local, la confiabilidad, el orden de las categorías, el funcionamiento diferencial de los ítems (DIF) y la focalización. La HADS mostró una construcción bidimensional. Todos los ítems se ajustaban al modelo de Rasch. Tres pares de ítems mostraron una dependencia local menor pero desconsiderada. Ambas subescalas tuvieron una confiabilidad aceptable. Ninguno de los ítems mostró categorías desordenadas o DIF. Todos los ítems estaban bien dirigidos y los participantes con niveles altos y bajos de angustia fueron menos objetivo que aquellos con niveles moderados de angustia. Finalmente, se generó una tabla de conversión para transformar las puntuaciones brutas en medidas de intervalo. El HADS demostró propiedades psicométricas adecuadas para evaluar la depresión y la ansiedad en pacientes con depresión mayor. Fue más apropiado para evaluar niveles de angustia moderados que altos o bajos. La tabla de conversión se puede utilizar para una medición más precisa. Estos resultados pueden allanar el camino para métodos eficientes y sensibles para analizar la respuesta a los síntomas de depresión en la investigación y en la práctica clínica.(AU)

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a widely used screening tool for depression and anxiety in patients with medical ill-nesses. This study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the HADS in screening for patients with major depression using item response theory method.A total of 460 patients with major depression completed the HADS. Rasch analyses were used to examine unidimensionality, item fit, local dependency, reliability, ordering of categories, differential item functioning (DIF)and targeting. The HADS showed a two-dimensional construct.All items fit the Rasch model.Three pairs of items showed mi-norbut inconsiderate local dependency.Both subscales had acceptable re-liability.None of the items displayed disordered categoriesor DIF.All items werewelltargeted, and participants with high and low levels of dis-tress were less targeted than those with moderate levels of distress.Finally, a conversion table to transform the raw scores into interval measures was generated. The HADS demonstrated adequate psychometric properties in assessing depression and anxiety in patients with major depression. It was more appropriate for assessing moderate than high or low levels of dis-tress.The conversion table can be used for more precise measurement.These results may pave the way for efficient and sensitive methods of ana-lyzing depression symptom response in research and in clinical practice.(AU)

Estrés y cognición: propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Estrés Percibido y asociaciones con el funcionamiento cognitivo, síntomas prefrontales y quejas cognitivas / Stress and cognition: psychometric properties of the Perceived Stress Scale and associations with cognitive functioning, prefrontal symptoms, and cognitive complaints

Introducción: La escala de estrés percibido de Cohen (EEP) es el instrumento más utilizado a nivel mundial para medir estrés percibido, sin embargo, no existen análisis psicométricos en población general venezolana. Además, la teoría sugiere que el estrés podría tener efectos en el funcionamiento cognitivo a través de la sintomatología prefrontal y las quejas cognitivas. Objetivos. Analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la EEP y determinar la relación del estrés percibido y el funcionamiento cognitivo mediante los síntomas prefrontales y las quejas cognitivas. Sujetos y métodos. Se aplicaron las pruebas EEP, ISP-18, MFE-30 y MoCA a una muestra de 223 participantes (Medad = 33, D.E. = 12.82; 64% mujeres). Se ejecutaron análisis factoriales confirmatorios para determinar el ajuste de las versiones de la EEP y modelos de ecuaciones estructurales para analizar las relaciones entre variables. Resultados. La estructura de la EEP con mejor ajuste se compone de diez ítems y dos factores denominados incontrolabilidad percibida y eficacia percibida. Asimismo, el modelo estructural obtuvo un excelente ajuste a los datos y pone de manifiesto que el efecto del estrés sobre el funcionamiento cognitivo ocurre a través de los síntomas prefrontales y las quejas cognitivas (ß = -.303; EE = .123; p = .013). Discusión. La EEP-10 es una herramienta breve, valida y confiable para ser utilizada en contexto venezolano. Los efectos del estrés percibido sobre el funcionamiento cognitivo ocurren a través de una mediación serial que involucra la percepción de los individuos respecto a su funcionamiento ejecutivo y fallos cognitivos cotidianos.(AU)

Introduction: The Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) is the most widely used instrument worldwide to measure perceived stress; however, there are no psychometric analyses in the Venezuelan general population. Moreover, theory suggests that stress could have effects on cognitive functioning through prefrontal symptomatology and cognitive complaints. Aims. To analyze the psychometric properties of the EEP and to determine the relationship of perceived stress and cognitive functioning through prefrontal symptoms and cognitive complaints. Subjects and methods. The EEP, ISP-18, MFE-30, and MoCA tests were administered to a sample of 223 participants (Mage = 33, SD = 12.82; 64% female). Confirmatory factor analyses were run to determine the fit of the EEP versions, and structural equation models were performed to analyze the relationships between variables. Results. The structure of the EEP with the best fit was composed of ten items and two factors called perceived uncontrollability and perceived efficacy. Also, the structural model obtained an excellent fit to the data and highlights that the effect of stress on cognitive functioning occurs through prefrontal symptoms and cognitive complaints (ß = -.303; EE = .123; p = .013). Discussion. The EEP-10 is a brief, valid and reliable tool to be used in a Venezuelan context. The effects of perceived stress on cognitive functioning occur through a serial mediation involving individuals’ perception of their executive functioning and everyday cognitive failures.(AU)

Factor structure and reliability of the Lasher and Faulkender’s Anxiety about Aging Scale in Mexican adults / Estructura factorial y confiabilidad de la Escala de Ansiedad por el Envejecimiento de Lasher y Faulkender en adultos mexicanos

The worry and anticipation of physical, psychological and personal losses centered on the aging process generate anxiety. This study analyzes the factorial structure, internal consistency and factorial invariance according to gender of the Lasher and Faulkender Anxiety about Aging Scale. The sample consisted of 706 Mexican adults. The factor structure of the questionnaire was analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis. The analyses show a four-factor structure (fear of the elderly, psychological concerns, physical appearance and fear of loss) is viable and adequate for both the total sample (GFI .979; RMSEA .037; CFI .987) as for women (GFI .970; RMSEA .045; CFI .980) and men (GFI .919 and RMSEA .080; CFI .947). The four-factor structure, based on statistical and substantive criteria, has shown adequate reliability and validity fit indicators and can be considered a short and computerized version of the original version by Lasher and Faulkender. On the other hand, the factor structure, the factor loadings and the intercepts are considered invariant in the two populations studied (men and women); however, there are differences between the populations on the means of the physical appearance and fear of loss factors.(AU)

La preocupación y anticipación de pérdidas físicas, psíquicas y personales centradas en el proceso de envejecimiento generan ansiedad. El presente estudio analiza la estructura factorial, consistencia interna e invarianza factorial de acuerdo al sexo de la Escala de Ansiedad ante el Envejecimiento de Lasher y Faulkender. La muestra fue de 706 adultos mexicanos. La estructura factorial del cuestionario se analizó a través de análisis factoriales confirmatorios. Los análisis, muestran que una estructura de cuatro factores (miedo a las personas mayores, preocupaciones psicológicas, apariencia física y miedo a las pérdidas), es viable y adecuada tanto para la muestra total (GFI .979; RMSEA .037; CFI .987) como para las mujeres (GFI .970; RMSEA .045; CFI .980) y hombres (GFI .919 y RMSEA .080; CFI .947). La estructura de cuatro factores, atendiendo a criterios estadísticos y sustantivos, ha mostrado adecuados indicadores de ajuste de fiabilidad y validez y se puede considerar una versión corta e informatizada de la versión original de Lasher y Faulkender. Por otro lado, la estructura factorial, las cargas factoriales y los interceptos se consideran invariantes en las dos poblaciones estudiadas (hombres y mujeres); sin embargo, existen diferencias entre las poblaciones para las medias de los factores apariencia física y miedo a las pérdidas.(AU)

Psychometric Properties of the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) in Spanish Population / Propiedades Psicométricas del Índice de Sensibilidad a la Ansiedad-3 (ASI-3) en Población Española

Background: The Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) is the reference instrument for measuring anxiety sensitivity. The psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the ASI-3 have been examined in university students but not in adults from the general population. Whether the ASI-3 subscales provide relevant information has not yet been examined either. Method: The ASI-3’s factor structure, internal consistency, temporal stability, and relationship with neuroticism were examined in a Spanish community sample of 919 adults. Results: In two subsamples of participants, the ASI-3 presented a structure of three correlated factors (physical, cognitive, and social concerns) that loaded on a higher-order factor, but the three factors did not explain much item variance. The total scale and subscales of the ASI-3 showed excellent or good indices of internal consistency (alphas and omegas = .81 – .91), and adequate indices of test-retest reliability at two months (r = .57 – .73) and the relationship with neuroticism and its facets (r = .19 – .52). Conclusions: The ASI-3 provides reliable, valid measures of anxiety sensitivity in Spanish adults, but its subscales are not very useful beyond the information provided by the total scale.(AU)

Antecedentes: el Índice de Sensibilidad a la Ansiedad-3 (ASI-3) es el instrumento de referencia para medir la sensibilidad a la ansiedad. Las propiedades psicométricas de la versión española del ASI-3 se han examinado en estudiantes universitarios, pero no en adultos de la población general. Tampoco se ha examinado si las subescalas del ASI-3 aportan información relevante. Método: se examinó la estructura factorial del ASI-3, su consistencia interna, estabilidad temporal y relación con neuroticismo en una muestra comunitaria española de 919 adultos. Resultados: en dos submuestras de participantes, el ASI-3 presentó una estructura de tres factores correlacionados (preocupaciones físicas, cognitivas y sociales) que saturaban en un factor de orden superior, pero los tres factores no explicaban mucha varianza de los ítems. La escala total y las subescalas del ASI-3 mostraron índices excelentes o buenos de consistencia interna (alfas y omegas = .81 – .91) y adecuados de fiabilidad test-retest a los dos meses (r = .57 – .73) y de relación con el neuroticismo y sus facetas (r = .19 – .52). Conclusiones: el ASI-3 proporciona medidas fiables y válidas de la sensibilidad a la ansiedad en adultos españoles, pero sus subescalas no son muy útiles más allá de la información proporcionada por su escala total.(AU)

Psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Spain. A post lockdown reflection / Impacto psicosocial de la pandemia de COVID-19 en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en España. Una reflexión posterior al confinamiento

Objectives: This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 on patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Spain during lockdown and the first wave of the pandemic. Patients and methods: A self-report questionnaire that integrated the Spanish version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 items (DASS-21) and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSS) was designed to gather sociodemographic data and information related to the effects of lockdown on the lives of IBD patients. Twelve IBD units invited their patients to answer the anonymous online survey between the 1st July and the 25th August 2020. Results: Of the 693 survey participants with IBD, 67% were women and the mean age was 43 (SD 12). Sixty-one percent had ulcerative colitis, 36% Crohn's disease and 3% indeterminate colitis. DASS-21 scores indicate that during lockdown the estimated prevalence of depression was 11% [95% CI 8.2–13%], anxiety 20% [95% CI 17 to 23%] and stress 18% [95% CI 8.2–13%]. Multivariate analysis showed that the perceived high risk of COVID-19 infection because of having IBD and maladaptation to government measures to reduce the spread of disease doubled the risk of anxiety and stress during lockdown. Conclusions: In the short-term, lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic seemed to have an impact on the already affected mental health of our IBD patients in Spain.(AU)

Objetivos: Este estudio transversal multicéntrico se llevó a cabo para evaluar el impacto psicosocial de la COVID-19 en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) en España durante el confinamiento y la primera ola de la pandemia. Pacientes y métodos: Se diseñó un cuestionario de autoinforme que integraba la versión española de la Escala de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés-21 ítems (DASS-21) y el Cuestionario de Estrés Percibido (PSS) para recoger datos sociodemográficos e información relacionada con los efectos del confinamiento en la vida de los pacientes con EII. Doce unidades de EII invitaron a sus pacientes a responder a la encuesta anónima en línea entre el 1 de julio y el 25 de agosto de 2020. Resultados: De los 693 participantes en la encuesta con EII, el 67% eran mujeres y la edad media era de 43 años (DE 12). El 61% tenía colitis ulcerosa, el 36% enfermedad de Crohn y el 3% colitis indeterminada. Las puntuaciones del DASS-21 indican que durante el encierro la prevalencia estimada de depresión fue del 11% [IC 95%: 8,2-13%], de ansiedad del 20% [IC 95%: 17-23%] y de estrés del 18% [IC 95%: 8,2-13%]. El análisis multivariante mostró que la percepción de alto riesgo de infección por COVID-19 por tener EII y la inadaptación a las medidas gubernamentales para reducir la propagación de la enfermedad duplicaban el riesgo de ansiedad y estrés durante el encierro. Conclusiones: A corto plazo, el confinamiento durante la pandemia de COVID-19 pareció tener un impacto en la ya afectada salud mental de nuestros pacientes con EII en España.(AU)

Development of a Revised Version of the Statistical Anxiety Scale / Desarrollo de una Versión Revisada de la Escala de Ansiedad Estadística

Background: Statistics anxiety is a common problem in students taking statistics courses in the social sciences. It is most widely measured by the statistical anxiety scale. The various adaptations of this instrument have shown certain problems in the replication of its factorial structure and do not have a system to control possible response bias effects. The objective of our study was to propose a short test to measure statistical anxiety that also includes a scale to control social desirability bias. Method: We developed a revised version of the statistical anxiety scale using procedures for controlling response biases and examined its factorial structure using exploratory and confirmatory analysis in a sample of 531 students. Results: The revised version showed a clear four-factor structure in exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses with the expected three content factors plus one social desirability factor. The scales showed no acquiescence effects and moderate social desirability effects, and had a clear relationship with academic success. Conclusions: The revised version of the statistical anxiety scale improves on the psychometric properties of the original version and may overcome the problems detected in some adaptations of the previous version.(AU)

Antecedentes: La ansiedad estadística es un problema habitual en los estudiantes que cursan materias relacionadas con la estadística en las ciencias sociales. Una de las escalas más utilizadas en su evaluación es la Escala de Ansiedad Estadística. En algunas adaptaciones se han detectado problemas en la replicación de su estructura factorial y no controlan los sesgos de respuesta. El objetivo de nuestra investigación fue proponer un test para la evaluación de la ansiedad estadística incluyendo una escala para el control de la deseabilidad social. Método: Se desarrolló una versión revisada de la escala utilizando procedimientos para el control de la deseabilidad social analizándose su estructura factorial en una muestra de 531 estudiantes. Resultados: La versión revisada mostró un ajuste adecuado tanto a nivel exploratorio como confirmatorio a una estructura de cuatro factores; los tres de contenido esperados y un factor de deseabilidad social. Las escalas no mostraron efectos de la aquiescencia y un moderado efecto de la deseabilidad social, además las escalas de contenido mostraron una clara relación con el rendimiento académico. Conclusiones: La versión revisada de la escala mejora las propiedades de la versión precedente y puede solventar los problemas detectados en algunas adaptaciones de la misma.(AU)

Construcción y validación de la Escala de Afrontamiento de la Ansiedad durante los Exámenes / Developing and Validation of the Anxiety Coping during Tests Scale

Las estrategias de afrontamiento permiten regular la ansiedad experimentada durante situaciones evaluativas y continuar su resolución. El objetivo de este estudio fue construir una escala para medir el uso de estrategias que permiten afrontar la ansiedad durante un examen escrito, delimitadas a aquellas que permiten continuar resolviendo el examen. El instrumento construido fue aplicado a 184 personas (101 mujeres, 82 hombres y 1 persona no identificada con esas categorías (Medad = 17.27, DE = 0.70) y consideró las experiencias en el examen de admisión a una Universidad. Mediante un Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales Exploratorio se evidenció una estructura de tres factores que representaron las estrategias: aceptación, puesta en perspectiva y afrontamiento activo. Cada factor definió una subescala, las cuales presentaron evidencias de confiabilidad: consistencias internas aceptables y correlaciones test-retest positivas y significativas. Se aportaron evidencias de validez favorables mediante análisis de jueces, análisis de ecuaciones estructurales, diferencias según género y correlaciones parciales con ansiedad ante los exámenes. Se concluyó que la escala propuesta es apropiada para medir el afrontamiento de la ansiedad durante exámenes.

Coping strategies are a useful tool to regulate the anxiety experienced in evaluative situations.Based on that, the objective of this study was to develop a scale to measure the use of strategies in order to cope anxiety during tests, delimiting those which allow to continue solving the test. The developed instrument was applied to 184 people (101 women, 82 men and 1 unidentified person with these categories (Mage = 17.27, SD = 0.70) and it considered the experiences in the admission test to a University. The Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling showed a three-factor structure, which represented the strategies: acceptance, putting into perspective and active coping. Each factor defined a subscale, which presented evidence of reliability: acceptable internal consistencies and significant test-retest correlations. Favorable evidence of validity was provided through the analysis of experts, structural equation analysis, gender differences, and partial correlations with test anxiety. It was concluded that the proposed scale is suitable to measure the coping with during tests.

Construcción y validación de la Escala de Afrontamiento de la Ansiedad durante los Exámenes / Developing and Validation of the Anxiety Coping during Tests Scale

Las estrategias de afrontamiento permiten regular la ansiedad experimentada durante situaciones evaluativas y continuar su resolución. El objetivo de este estudio fue construir una escala para medir el uso de estrategias que permiten afrontar la ansiedad durante un examen escrito, delimitadas a aquellas que permiten continuar resolviendo el examen. El instrumento construido fue aplicado a 184 personas (101 mujeres, 82 hombres y 1 persona no identificada con esas categorías (Medad = 17.27, DE = 0.70) y consideró las experiencias en el examen de admisión a una Universidad. Mediante un Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales Exploratorio se evidenció una estructura de tres factores que representaron las estrategias: aceptación, puesta en perspectiva y afrontamiento activo. Cada factor definió una subescala, las cuales presentaron evidencias de confiabilidad: consistencias internas aceptables y correlaciones test-retest positivas y significativas. Se aportaron evidencias de validez favorables mediante análisis de jueces, análisis de ecuaciones estructurales, diferencias según género y correlaciones parciales con ansiedad ante los exámenes. Se concluyó que la escala propuesta es apropiada para medir el afrontamiento de la ansiedad durante exámenes.

Coping strategies are a useful tool to regulate the anxiety experienced in evaluative situations.Based on that, the objective of this study was to develop a scale to measure the use of strategies in order to cope anxiety during tests, delimiting those which allow to continue solving the test. The developed instrument was applied to 184 people (101 women, 82 men and 1 unidentified person with these categories (Mage = 17.27, SD = 0.70) and it considered the experiences in the admission test to a University. The Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling showed a three-factor structure, which represented the strategies: acceptance, putting into perspective and active coping. Each factor defined a subscale, which presented evidence of reliability: acceptable internal consistencies and significant test-retest correlations. Favorable evidence of validity was provided through the analysis of experts, structural equation analysis, gender differences, and partial correlations with test anxiety. It was concluded that the proposed scale is suitable to measure the coping with during tests.

Measurement Invariance and Latent Mean Differences Between American, Spanish and Chinese Adolescents Using the Social AnxietyScale for Adolescents (SAS-A) / Análisis de Invarianza y Diferencias de Medias Latentes Entre Adolescentes Americanos, Españoles y Chinos Usando la Escala deAnsiedad Social para Adolescentes (SAS-A)

Background: Social anxiety is one of the most prevalent disorders amongadolescents (Stein et al., 2017). The main aim of this study was to analyzethe equivalence of scores on the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents(SAS-A) using structural equation modeling and identify differences inlatent means of social anxiety in China, Spain, and the USA. Method:Random sampling was used to recruit participants, which included 536Chinese (46% girls), 1,178 Spanish (55.3% girls) and 866 North American(55.1% girls) adolescents. The participants’ ages ranged between 14 and17 years old. Results: The SAS-A three-factor correlated model of socialanxiety remained invariant between the Spanish and North Americanadolescents, but results could not be replicated in the Chinese adolescents[M2 = ΔS-Bχ2 (Δdf, p) = 4732.56 (36, < .01)]. Analyses of latent differencesbetween Spain and the USA showed that Spanish adolescents had higherscores than North Americans for Fear of Negative Evaluation (TS = -9.630;d = .44) and for Social Avoidance and General Anxiety towards people(TS = -2.717; d = .12). Conclusions: The results are interpreted accordingto the cultural traits of individualism-collectivism and self-construal, andpractical implications are discussed.

Antecedentes: la ansiedadsocial es uno de los trastornos con mayor prevalencia en adolescentes(Stein et al., 2017). Así, el propósito principal de este estudio fue analizarla invarianza de la Escala de Ansiedad Social para Adolescentes (SAS-A) mediante un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales y examinar las diferenciasde medias latentes en ansiedad social en adolescentes de China, España y EE.UU. Método: los participantes se seleccionaron a través de muestreoaleatorio: 534 chinos (46% chicas), 1.178 españoles (55,3% chicas) y866 norteamericanos (55,1% chicas), con edades comprendidas entre los14 y 17 años. Resultados: las puntuaciones del modelo de tres factorescorrelacionados de ansiedad social de la SAS-A resultaron invariantesentre adolescentes españoles y norteamericanos, pero estos resultados nofueron replicados en adolescentes chinos [M2 = ΔS-Bχ2 (Δdf, p) = 4732.56(36, < .01)]. El análisis de medias latentes entre España y EE.UU. mostróque los adolescentes españoles manifestaban niveles más altos de Miedoante las evaluaciones negativas (TS = -9.630; d = .44) y Evitación social yansiedad general hacia las personas (TS = -2.717; d = .12).Conclusiones: estos hallazgos fueron interpretados atendiendo al de individualismo-colectivismo y las concepciones culturales de la propia persona, analizandosus implicaciones prácticas.

Relationships between test anxiety, self-regulation and strategies for coping with stress, in professional examination candidates / Relaciones entre ansiedad evaluativa, autorregulación y estrategias de afrontamiento del estrés en universitarios opositores

The research objective was to establish relationships of association, interdependence and structural prediction between the variables of test anxiety, self-regulation and stress coping strategies. The theoretical framework of reference was the Competence for Studying, Learning and Performing under Stress (CSLPS) model. Participating were 142 students who were preparing for professional examinations to attain a post as public school teacher (primary education), enrolled at academies in Almería (Spain) for this purpose. Previously validated questionnaires were administered for data collection. The study design was linear ex post-facto, with bivariate, inferential analyses of association (ANOVAs and MANOVAs) and of structural prediction. Results showed a negative relationship between test anxiety self-regulation, especially in students with high emotionality, and a negative impact on decision making. Positive relationships were found between test anxiety and strategies for coping with stress. Finally, a positive predictive relationship was verified between self-regulation and coping strategies, while associative and inferential analyses highlighted the role of goals as determining factors in strategies used for coping with stress, especially strategies that focuson problem solving. Results are discussed and implications for improving these processes in professional examination candidates are established

El objetivo de la investigación fue establecer relaciones de asociación, interdependencia y predicción estructural entre las variables ansiedad evaluativa, authorregulación y estrategias de afrontamiento del estrés. El marco teórico de referencia fue el modelo de la competencia de Studying, Learning, and Performing under Stress (SLPS). Participaron 142 estudiantes, que se estaban preparando en academias de Almería (España) para obtener plaza como maestros en centros públicos. Para la recogida de datos se administraron cuestionarios escritos previamente validados. El diseño fue ex post-facto lineal, con análisis de asociación bivariada, inferenciales (ANOVAs y MANOVAs) y de predicción estructural. Los resultados mostraron una relación negativa entre la ansiedad evaluativa y la autorregulación, especialmente en los estudiantes con alta emocionalidad, con un impacto negativo para la toma de decisiones. También se encontraron relaciones positivas entre la ansiedad evaluativa y las estrategias de afrontamiento del estrés. Por último, se constató la relación de predicción positiva entre la autorregulación y las estrategias de afrontamiento, a la vez que los análisis asociativos e inferenciales destacaron el papel de las metas como determinantes de las estrategias usadas para afrontar el estrés, especialmente, las referidas a la focalización en la resolución de problemas. Se discuten los resultados y se establecen implicaciones para las mejoras de estos procesos en los estudiantes opositores

Resultados de una intervención psicoeducativa interdisciplinar con EMDR en pacientes con fibromialgia: experiencia de un centro privado / Results of an interdisciplinary psychoeducational intervention with EMDR in patients with fibromyalgia: a private center experience

Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de un protocolo multidisciplinario (psicología, reumatología, medicina del deporte, unidad del sueño y nutrición) en pacientes con fibromialgia. Materiales y métodos: Se evaluaron los cambios en el estado de ansiedad (objetivo principal), la intensidad del dolor, su repercusión sobre las actividades cotidianas y su limitación subjetiva in situ. El abordaje psicológico incluyó un proceso psicoeducativo como marco general y técnicas de desensibilización y reprocesamiento con movimientos oculares (EMDR) como instrumento de regulación emocional. Se utilizó un diseño intrasujeto con medidas pre y postestudio, cuyos instrumentos fueron el inventario de ansiedad rasgo (STAI), la dimensión dolor del WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), un test específico de repercusión del dolor en la vida cotidiana (diseñado a propósito) y una escala subjetiva in situ de la intensidad de dolor (escala de Thierry). La utilización de prácticas EMDR (música bilateral y maniobra del abrazo-mariposa o similar) y el grado de satisfacción de las pacientes se valoraron en términos porcentuales al final del estudio. Resultados: Un total de 56 mujeres con una edad media de 51 (± 10) años y edades comprendidas entre los 30 a 73 años fueron estudiadas. Las participantes se distribuyeron desde el año 2016 hasta 2020 en 8 grupos sucesivos de no más de 10 integrantes cada uno. Cada grupo recibió 10 sesiones (una por semana) de una hora y media de duración que se distribuyeron en 6 sesiones de psicología y 1 sesión de reumatología, medicina del deporte, unidad del sueño y nutrición. Los resultados mostraron efectos positivos significativos después del programa, con mejoras post intervención en el estado de ansiedad rasgo (p = 0,0000/p < 0,005) (d = 0,427) intensidad del dolor (p = 0,0003) (d = 0,344), repercusión del dolor (p = 0,0000/p < 0,005)...(AU)

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a multidisciplinary protocol (psychology, rheumatology, sports medicine, sleep unit and nutrition) in patients with fibromyalgia. Material and methods: Changes in the state of anxiety (main objective), intensity of pain, its impact on daily activities and "in situ" subjective limitations, were evaluated. The psychological approach included a psychoeducational process as a general framework and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing techniques (EMDR) as an instrument of emotional regulation. An intra-subject design was used with pre and post-study measurements whose instruments were the trait anxiety inventory (STAI), the WOMAC pain dimension (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index), a specific test measuring the impact of pain on daily life activities (designed on purpose) and a subjective "in situ" scale of pain intensity (Thierry scale). The use of EMDR practices (bilateral music, the butterfly-hug manoeuvre or similar) and the degree of patient satisfaction were assessed in percentage terms at the end of the study. Results: A total of 56 women with a mean age of 51 (± 10) years and aged between 30 to 73 years were studied. The participants were distributed from 2016 to 2020 in 8 successive groups of no more than 10 members per group. Each group received 10 sessions (one per week) lasting an hour and a half that were divided into 6 sessions of psychology and 1 session of rheumatology, sports medicine, sleep unit and nutrition. The results showed significant positive effects after the program, with post-intervention improvements in the state of trait anxiety (p = 0.0000/p < 0.005) (d = 0.427) intensity of pain (p = 0.0003) (d = 0.344), impact of pain on daily activities (p = 0.0000/p < 0.005) (d = 0.486) and in the subjective sensation of pain intensity (no patients exhibiting "very significant pain"). At the end of the study, 46 patients (83 %) had adopted EMDR...(AU)

Impacto del nivel de ansiedad en pacientes pediátricos, que presentan trastornos en el neurodesarrollo / Impact of anxiety level in pediatric patients, who have neurodevelopmental disorders

El desarrollo infantil debe ser monitoreado regularmente, para la detección temprana de señales de alarma que indiquen alteraciones en su evolución normal. Esta investigación se deriva de la participación de pacientes pediátricos con trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Objetivo: Evaluar la ansiedad en pacientes pediátricos que padecen trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Material y Métodos: El diseño metodológico es no experimental, descriptiva, y transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 150 pacientes pediátricos de un centro de rehabilitación del estado de Hidalgo, México, con un diagnóstico de trastorno del neurodesarrollo con un rango de edad de 4-17 años. Se aplicó una Escala de Ansiedad de Spence (38 ítems) que se dividía en 6 subescalas. La aplicación comprendió un periodo de 30 días. Resultados: De los 150 participantes, correspondencia con el género femenino 49 y el masculino 101 niños. A partir de esto, se identificó que un 48% de los participantes presentan ansiedad generalizada. Conclusión: Los resultados del examen Spence identifican que las participantes femeninas tienen un nivel alto con 55 puntos para los hombres un nivel alto con 45 puntos y en promedio se identifica que tienen un alto nivel de ansiedad en general con 48 puntos.(AU)

Child development must be monitored regularly, for the early detection of alarm signals that indicate alterations in their normal evolution. This research is derived from the participation of pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. Objective: to evaluate anxiety in pediatric patients suffering from neurodevelopmental disorders. Material and Methods: The methodological design is non-experimental, descriptive and transversal. The sample consisted of 150 pediatric patients from a rehabilitation center in the state of Hidalgo, México, with a diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorder with an age range of 4-17 years. A Spence Anxiety Scale (38 items) was applied, which was divided into 6 subscales. The application comprised a period of 30 days. Results: Of the 150 participants, correspondence with the female gender 49 and the male 101 children. From this, it was identified that 48% of the participants presented generalized anxiety. Conclusion: The results of the Spence test identify that participating women have a high level with 55 points, for men a high level with 45 points and on average it is identified that they have a high level of anxiety in general with 48 points.(AU)

Prevalence and characteristics of test anxiety in first year anatomy students.

BACKGROUND: Test anxiety is a common phenomenon at universities with the potential to impair academic performance and student well-being. This study was conducted to investigate prevalence, characteristics, and development of the test anxiety categories "emotionality", "worry", "interference", and "lack of confidence" among first year medical students. METHODS: Overall, 625 freshman medical students were enrolled. They were recruited from the participants of a first semester anatomy course. The participants were assessed four times with a validated psychological test anxiety questionnaire (Prüfungsangstfragebogen, PAF). The first assessment was conducted at the commencement of the first semester. All further assessments were performed two days prior to each of three mandatory oral anatomy tests in the course of one half year. Prevalence rates as well as mean global and subscale scores of the test anxiety dimensions "emotionality", "worry", "interference" and "lack of confidence" were determined and compared between assessments. RESULTS: Approximately 50% of the study participants showed pronounced test anxiety in at least one dimension over the observation period. Only about 10% were considered test anxiety-positive according to the global PAF scale. Worry showed the highest (up to 48%) and interference the lowest (≈5%) prevalence rates. Emotionality had a stable prevalence of approximately 17%, whereas lack of confidence showed a rising trend over the observation period from 15.2% up to 24.0%. CONCLUSION: Test anxiety is substantially more prevalent among medical students as commonly reported and deserves more detailed, dimension-specific exploration in future. Especially worry and lack of confidence give reason for concern, demanding further investigation.

The Abbreviated Science Anxiety Scale: Psychometric properties, gender differences and associations with test anxiety, general anxiety and science achievement.

Science anxiety refers to students' negative emotions about learning science. Across two studies, we investigated the psychometric properties of the newly developed Abbreviated Science Anxiety Scale (ASAS), which was adapted from the modified Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (m-AMAS) (Carey E., 2017). Using a sample of students in grades 7 to 10 (N = 710), Study 1 reported a two-factor structure of the ASAS (learning science anxiety and science evaluation anxiety) and negative associations between the ASAS factors and science achievement. Study 2 replicated this two-factor model in students in grades 11 and 12 (N = 362) and found that students in the "Arts" track were more anxious about science than those in "Sciences" track. Both studies consistently reported positive inter-correlations between the ASAS factors, with good internal reliabilities and modest meaningful associations with test anxiety and general anxiety, suggesting that science anxiety might be a distinct construct. Further, female students had higher science anxiety (especially science evaluation anxiety) than male students, even when test anxiety and general anxiety were considered in models. In summary, the ASAS is a brief, valid, and reliable instrument that can be used to guide and improve science education.

Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ) in a sample of young and adult athletes

Abstract Aims: This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ). Methods: Participants were five hundred and nineteen young and adult athletes who responded to the ABQ and Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R. Data analysis was conducted through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Cronbach's alpha, Composite reliability, average variance extracted, multigroup analysis, and Pearson's correlation (p<0.05). Results: The results of the CFA confirmed the structure with three dimensions (Physical and emotional exhaustion (PEE), reduced sense of sports accomplishment (RSSA), and sports devaluation (SD) [χ²/gl=2.92; CFI=.92; TLI=.91; RMSEA=.06]. Internal consistency was satisfactory (>.70). External validity revealed a positive correlation between PEE (r=.14) and RSSA (r=.23) with somatic anxiety and a positive correlation of PEE (r=.15), RSSA (r=.30), and SD (r=.14) with cognitive anxiety. Further, all dimensions of burnout had negative correlations with the self-confidence (r=.17-.23). In the factor invariance analysis, satisfactory data were found in the model's fit, establishing good factor loadings, variance/covariance, and residuals in both age groups (up to 18 years and over 18 years) and genders (men and women). Conclusion: It was concluded that the Brazilian version of the ABQ is satisfactory for the application of possible studies involving burnout syndrome in the Brazilian sports context in different group extracts.

Respuesta autonómica cardiovascular al estrés mental inducido por la prueba de cálculo aritmético / Autonomic cardiovascular response to mental stress induced by the arithmetic computation test

Introducción: El estrés mental agudo, así como los estados de ansiedad inducidos para influenciar la reactividad psicofisiológica en jóvenes sanos, aportan cambios en los patrones nerviosos que pueden ser medidos mediante la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca. Objetivo: Determinar las diferencias en los parámetros lineales del balance autonómico cardiovascular en individuos jóvenes en estado basal y durante la prueba de cálculo aritmético. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental, sin grupo control de tipo antes y después, en el Laboratorio de Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba. Población y muestra de 10 sujetos. Se registró el trazado electrocardiográfico (5 min) durante el reposo y luego durante la prueba de cálculo aritmético. Resultados: Existieron diferencias significativas entre ambos estados en las variables frecuencia cardiaca (p = 0,005); mínima (p = 0,007); máxima (p = 0,005); intervalo RR (p = 0,005); stress index (p = 0,028); índice simpático (p = 0,005); bajas frecuencias (p = 0,005); relación LF/HF (p = 0,005); RMSSD (p = 0,007); NN50 (p = 0,008); pNN50 (p = 0,005); índice parasimpático (p = 0,005) y altas frecuencias (p = 0,005). El estrés mental provocó una disminución parasimpática y un predominio simpático uniforme en todos los sujetos participantes en el estudio. Conclusiones: Durante el estrés mental inducido por la prueba de cálculo aritmético la dinámica lineal de la respuesta autonómica cardiovascular experimenta un aumento en la actividad simpática y una disminución del tono parasimpático, traduciendo una respuesta adaptativa en la regulación de la función cardiovascular por el sistema nervioso autónomo(AU)

Introduction: Acute mental stress and states of anxiety induced to influence psychophysiological reactivity in healthy young people, result in changes in nervous patterns which may be measured in terms of heart rate variability. Objective: Determine the differences in linear parameters for autonomic cardiovascular balance in young individuals at baseline and during the arithmetic computation test. Methods: A non-observational quasi-experimental before-after study without a control group was conducted at the Basic Biomedical Sciences Laboratory of the University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba. The study population and sample was 10 subjects. The electrocardiographic tracing (5 min) was recorded at rest and then during the arithmetic computation test. Results: Significant differences were found between the two states as to the variables heart rate (p = 0.005), minimum (p = 0.007), maximum (p = 0.005), RR interval (p = 0.005), stress index (p = 0.028), sympathetic index (p = 0.005), low frequencies (p = 0.005), LF/HF ratio (p = 0.005), RMSSD (p = 0.007), NN50 (p = 0.008), pNN50 (p = 0.005), parasympathetic index (p = 0.005) and high frequencies (p = 0.005). Mental stress caused a parasympathetic reduction and uniform sympathetic predominance in all the subjects participating in the study. Conclusions: During the mental stress induced by the arithmetic computation test, the linear dynamic of the autonomic cardiovascular response experiences an increase in sympathetic activity and a reduction in parasympathetic tone, displaying an adaptive response in cardiovascular function regulation by the autonomous nervous system(AU)

Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on ICU Caregivers.

SUBJECT AND PURPOSE: Just as every pandemic, COVID-19 could lead to emotional and psychological disturbances among caregivers, especially in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where significant stress related to the influx of patients, exposure to the virus and the lack of documentation on this new SARS occurred. The present study aimed at assessing the psychological impact of COVID-19 on the caregivers at the peak of the "crisis period". MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Impact of Event Scale - Revised (IES-R) was proposed to the persons working in 5 ICUs of a French teaching hospital (8th of April to the 21st of April 2020). Logistic regression was performed to find independent risk factors for anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: The incidence of anxiety and depression were 48% and 16%, respectively. PTSD symptoms were present in 27% of respondents. The independent risk factors for developing anxiety syndrome were being assigned in COVID-19 + ICU (OR = 2.081 [95% confident interval (CI), 1.035-4.184)], and not be trained in intensive care medicine, OR = 2.570 [95% CI, 1.344-4.901]. The independent risk factors for PTSD are having a history of burn-out (OR = 4.591 [95% CI, 1.464-14.397] and not being trained in ICU, (OR = 2.155 [95% CI, 1.047-4.440]). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 could have a strong impact on ICU workers. These findings should lead to prevention procedures (ICU training sessions) in persons at risk.

Feasibility of Clinical Hypnosis for Test Anxiety in First-Year Medical Students.

The purpose of this pilot study was to characterize test anxiety among first-year medical students at the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and to test clinical hypnosis as a possible intervention. The "Prüfungsangstfragebogen," a shortened and revised German version of the Test Anxiety Inventory, was used to estimate test anxiety. It was administered 3 times: at the commencement of winter term 2017/18 and 2 days prior to each of 2 mandatory oral anatomy exams. The test-anxiety categories emotionality, worry, interference, and lack of confidence were evaluated. The effect of clinical hypnosis on test anxiety was estimated. The global test anxiety and lack of confidence scores were reduced significantly over time in the group that underwent clinical hypnosis but not in the control group. Direct comparisons of hypnosis vs. control group yielded no statistically significant differences in the test anxiety scores.