Suma Psicológica

And after the pandemic? Factors associated with obsessive compulsive disorder during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Introduction/objectives: The present study aims to identify factors associated with Obsessive Com pulsive Disorder (OCD) in Brazilians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A non-probabilistic sample was used, with 1,899 people from different regions, who responded to assessment instruments regarding OCD, Coping Resources, Religiosity, Perceived Support from Friends and Relatives and sociodemographic data. Buffering Hypothesis of social support and the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping were employed as theoretical frameworks to guide the interpretation of results. Results: The results, based on sample comparisons, identified groups at higher vulnerability for OCD symptoms after the pandemic: the LGBTQI+ population, single people, unemployed individuals and students, lower income families, those without religion or not attending religious centres, those with adherence to social isolation, residing or living with individuals in risk groups, with a history of COV ID-19 infection, pre-existing mental conditions, and a history of psychological/psychiatric treatment or counselling. Furthermore, correlations and multiple linear regression identified eight predictor variables for OCD symptoms: young age, not working as a healthcare professional, low coping scores, lower perceived social support, not attending religious centres, pre-existing mental illness symptoms before the pandemic, and high levels of anxiety and depression. Conclusions: It is concluded that identifying predictor factors for mental health issues helps in recognising risk and protective factors and designing more effective prevention and intervention programmes.

Resumen Introdução/Objetivo: O presente estudo objetiva identificar fatores associados ao Transtorno Obsessivo Compulsivo (TOC) em brasileiros durante a COVID-19. Método: Contou-se com amostra não- probabilística de 1.899 pessoas de diferentes regiões, que responderam a instrumentos de avaliação de TOC, Recursos de Enfrentamento, Religiosidade, Apoio Percebido de Amigos e Parentes e sociodemo gráfico. A Hipótese de Proteção do suporte social e o Modelo Transacional de Estresse e Enfrentamento foram utilizados como referenciais teóricos para orientar a interpretação dos resultados. Resultados: Os resultados, a partir de comparações amostrais, identificaram grupos de maior vulnerabilidade para sintomas de TOC após a pandemia de COVID-19: população LGBTQI+, solteiros, desempregados e estudantes, menor renda familiar, sem religião ou não frequentar centros religiosos, com adesão ao isolamento social, residir ou conviver com pessoas dos grupos de risco, com histórico de infecção pelo novo coronavírus, ter condição mental prévia e histórico de tratamento ou acompanhamento psicológico/psiquiátrico. Ademais, as correlações e a regressão linear múltipla identificaram oito variáveis preditoras de sintomas de TOC: menor idade, não atuar como profissional de saúde, baixos índices de enfrentamento, menor apoio social percebido, não frequentar centros religiosos, sintomas de adoeci mento mental anteriores à pandemia e maiores níveis de ansiedade e depressão. Conclusão: Concluise que a identificação de fatores preditores de problemas em saúde mental auxiliam na identificação de fatores de risco e proteção e delineamento de programas de prevenção e pósvenção mais eficazes.

Effectiveness of Bemocional: An online psychoeducational intervention for the promotion of well-being

Resumen Introducción: Ansiedad, tristeza e ira son emociones vinculadas a desórdenes emocionales que afectan la calidad de vida. Sin embargo, barreras como el costo, el estigma y el acceso limitan la búsqueda de tratamiento. Esta investigación evaluó la efectividad de “Bemocional”, una plataforma virtual basada en evidencia, para reducir síntomas emocionales y mejorar el bienestar en dominicanos. Método: Participaron 60 dominicanos que completaron lecturas diarias en “Bemocional” durante 10 días, enfocadas en una emoción específica. Resultados: Se observó una disminución significativa en ansiedad, M = 21 a M = 18 y p < .01; depresión M = 20 a M = 16 y p < .01; e ira-reacción, M = 6.9 a M = 5.9 y p < .01. El bienestar subjetivo también mejoró, M = 10.9 a M = 11.8 y p < .05. Conclusión: “Bemocional” demostró ser una herramienta efectiva para reducir la sintomatología emocional y promover el bienestar en la población dominicana.

Abstract Introduction: Anxiety, sadness, and anger are emotions closely linked to emotional disorders that negatively impact quality of life. However, barriers such as cost, stigma, and limited access often prevent individuals from seeking treatment. This study evaluated the effectiveness of “Bemocional,” an evidence-based virtual platform, in reducing emotional symptoms and enhancing well-being among Dominicans. Method: Sixty Dominican participants completed daily readings on “Bemocional” for 10 days, each focused on a specific emotion. Results: Significant reductions were observed in anxiety, M = 21 to M = 18 and p < .01; depression, M = 20 to M = 16 and p < .01; and anger-reaction, M = 6.9 to M = 5.9 and p < .01. Subjective well-being also improved, M = 10.9 to M = 11.8 and p < .05. Conclusion: “Bemocional” proved to be an effective tool for reducing emotional symptoms and promoting well-being in the Dominican population.

Luxury and inequality: How preferences for luxury consumption shape beliefs that legitimize economic inequality

Resumen Introducción: la percepción de la desigualdad económica es la interpretación hecha de los indicadores objetivos sobre dicha desigualdad, y puede estar determinada por las experiencias vividas en la vida cotidiana. Una de las dimensiones que más se utilizan para describir la brecha entre quienes tienen más y menos recursos es el consumo de bienes, porque puede ser un indicador de los recursos y el estatus que se posee. La presente investigación pretende analizar, por medio del discurso, si de manera específica el consumo de lujo se utiliza como variable clave para describir la percepción de la desigualdad en la vida cotidiana. Además, explora la presencia de perfiles discursivos diferentes en función de la desigualdad percibida y las preferencias por el consumo de lujo. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo multidimensional con técnicas de “análisis estadístico de datos textuales” (AEDT), utilizando una muestra de 290 jóvenes universitarios. Resultados: se encontró que la desigualdad económica se percibe a través de las diferencias observadas en el consumo de lujo. Se identificaron cuatro perfiles discursivos en función del nivel de desigualdad percibido y las preferencias por el consumo conspicuo y estatutario, que mostraron la emergencia de creencias relacionadas con la legitimación de la desigualdad. Se caracterizaron por (a) mostrar creencias relacionadas con los privilegios adquiridos por tener más recursos; (b) destacar las diferencias en el acceso a mejores posibilidades y oportunidades; (c) enfatizar en la calidad de vida y la tranquilidad que se tiene para cubrir las necesidades básicas según lo que se posee, y (d) el logro de estatus, prestigio y reconocimiento social, derivado de los recursos económicos. Conclusiones: el consumo de lujo es una categoría clave en la descripción de la desigualdad que se percibe y la preferencia por este puede conllevar creencias que justifican un sistema económico que favorece la acumulación de capital y la desigualdad.

Abstract Introduction: The perception of economic inequality is a subjective interpretation of objective indicators of economic inequality, which is determined, by experiences in everyday life. One of the dimensions most used to describe the gap between those with more and fewer resources is consumption since this can be an indicator of the resources and status that one possesses. The purpose of this research is to analyze, through discourse, whether luxury consumption is specifically used as a key variable to describe the perception of inequality in everyday life. In addition, it explores the presence of different discursive profiles based on perceived inequality and preferences for luxury consumption. Method: A multidimensional descriptive study was conducted with statistical analysis techniques of textual data -AEDT- using a sample of 290 young university students. Results: Economic inequality is perceived through differences observed in luxury consumption. Four discursive profiles were identified based on the perceived level of inequality and preferences for conspicuous and status consumption, which showed the emergence of beliefs related to legitimising inequality. They were characterized by: (a) holding beliefs related to the privileges gained from having more resources; (b) highlighting differences in access to better possibilities and opportunities; (c) emphasizing the quality of life and peace of mind that comes from being able to meet basic needs according to what one possesses; and (d) achieving status, prestige, and social recognition derived from economic resources. Conclusions: Luxury consumption is a key category in the description of perceived inequality, and preference for it can lead to beliefs that justify an economic system that favors the accumulation of capital and therefore inequality.

Assessment of the Demand Control Support Questionnaire’s dimensional structure among public Brazilian school teachers

Abstract Objetives: While the Demand Control Support Questionnaire - DCSQ, is a widely used instrument for assessing job strain, it presents some inconsistencies regarding the psychometric properties. The study aimed to evaluate the internal consistency and convergent validity of the scale to identify the items that best describe the dimensions of the demand-control model among teachers. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 842 teachers from public schools in a municipality in southern Brazil, with the objective of investigating the dimensional structure, internal consistency and convergent validity of the short version of the DCSQ in Brazilian Portuguese. To evaluate the structure of the DCSQ, four confirmatory factor analyses were performed: the original model, an alternative model from previous validation studies, and two models suggested by the exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency was assessed using composite reliability, and convergent validity was assessed using average variance extracted. Results: The best-fit model comprised three dimensions: psychological demands, skill discretion and decision authority. It also included a correlation between the residuals of ‘fast work’ and ‘intense work’ items and the loading of ‘learning new things’ item in the psychological demands dimension. In addition, the item ‘repetitive work’, which was in the skill discretion dimension, and the social support dimension were removed from this model. Except for skill discretion, composite reliability was satisfactory for all dimensions. Few modification indices remained in this model. Conclusions: Considering the controversies surrounding the items in the skill discretion dimension, caution is advised when applying the demand-control model in teaching contexts.

Resumo Objetivos: Embora o Questionário de Demanda, Controle e Suporte Social (QDCS) seja um instrumento amplamente utilizado para avaliar o estresse no trabalho, este apresenta inconsistências em relação às suas propriedades psicométricas. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a consistência interna e a validade convergente da escala para identificar os itens que melhor descrevem as dimensões do modelo de demanda-controle entre professores. Método: Estudo transversal conduzido com 842 professores de escolas públicas de um município do sul do Brasil. Para avaliar a estrutura do DCSQ, foram reali zadas quatro análises fatoriais confirmatórias: o modelo original, um modelo alternativo de estudos de validação anteriores e dois modelos sugeridos pela análise fatorial exploratória. A consistência in terna foi avaliada por meio da confiabilidade composta e a validade convergente foi avaliada por meio da variância média extraída. Resultados: O modelo de melhor ajuste compreendeu três dimensões: demandas psicológicas, uso de habilidades e autoridade decisória. Também incluiu uma correlação entre os resíduos dos itens “trabalho rápido” e “trabalho intenso” e a carga do item “aprender coisas novas” na dimensão de demandas psicológicas. Além disso, o item “trabalho repetitivo”, que estava na dimensão uso de habilidades, e a dimensão de suporte social foram removidos deste modelo. Com exceção da autonomia na execução de tarefas, a confiabilidade composta foi satisfatória para todas as dimensões. Poucos índices de modificação permaneceram neste modelo. Conclusão: Considerando as controvérsias em relação aos itens da dimensão uso de habilidades, recomenda-se cautela ao aplicar o modelo de demanda-controle em contextos de ensino.

‘Working harder’: Relationships between workers’ grit, life satisfaction, and mental health indicators

Abstract Introduction: Grit is a protective factor in the work context, promoting persistence and consistency in response to job demands. However, its relationship with life satisfaction and mental health indicators remains underexplored. Objective: This study investigated the relationships among protective constructs in workplace settings, such as grit, life satisfaction, mental health indicators such as de pression, anxiety, and stress, and also workers’ physical activity, as well as their moderating and mediating roles. Method: The sample consisted of 389 Brazilian workers, between 19 and 75 years of age; 70% female, 52.2% married, and 74.3% residents of the southeastern region of Brazil. Regarding physical activity, 33.4% reported practicing sports 2 to 3 times a week and 32.6% did not train at all. The instruments employed were the sociodemographic questionnaire, the Grit Assessment Scale-Reduced, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales - 21, applied via Google form. Results: These indicated moderate and positive correlations between grit dimensions and life satisfaction among workers, a moderate and negative coefficient between both grit dimensions and depression, weak and negative correlations between grit dimensions and stress, and a moderate and negative correlation between life satisfaction and stress. Additionally, the interaction between the grit factors and physical activity training was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The findings reinforce the role of grit in life satisfaction and the reduction of depressive symptoms and stress but did not indicate any influence of physical activity training on these relationships.

Resumo Introdução: A garra é um fator protetivo no contexto laboral, promovendo persistência e consistência diante das demandas do trabalho. No entanto, sua relação com a satisfação com a vida e indicadores de saúde mental permanece pouco explorada. Objetivo: Este estudo investigou as relações entre construtos protetivos no ambiente de trabalho, incluindo garra, satisfação com a vida, indicadores de saúde mental, como depressão, ansiedade e estresse e atividade física, bem como seus papéis moderadores e mediadores. Método: Participaram 389 trabalhadores brasileiros, com idades entre 19 e 75 anos, 70% mulheres, 52,2% casados e 74,3% residentes da região Sudeste do Brasil. Em relação à atividade física, 33,4% relataram praticar esportes de 2 a 3 vezes por semana e 32,6% não realizavam nenhuma. Foram aplicados um questionário sociodemográfico, a Escala Reduzida de Avaliação da Garra, a Escala de Satisfação com a Vida e a Depression-Anxiety Stress Scales-21, via formulário online. Resultados: Foram encontradas correlações moderadas e positivas entre dimensões da garra e satisfação com a vida, além de correlações negativas moderadas com depressão e fracas com estresse. A interação entre fatores de garra e prática de atividade física não foi estatisticamente significativa. Conclusão: Os achados reforçam o papel da garra na satisfação com a vida e na redução de sintomas depressivos e de estresse, mas não indicaram influência da prática de atividade física nessas relações.

Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale-Short Form (BADS-SF) in Colombian Adolescents

Abstract Introduction: The Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale-Short Form (BADS-SF) assesses behavioural activation and avoidance. Method: This study adapted the adult BADS-SF for adolescent populations and evaluated its psychometric properties in a sample of 450 Colombian adolescents (ages 13-17) from diverse regions who provided informed consent. Results: The adolescent version (BADS SFA) demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, with McDonald’s Omega = .73 and Cronbach’s alpha = .72. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) suggested a two-factor structure, which was subsequently confirmed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) using an 8-item version of the scale (item 8 was removed). The CFA also demonstrated measurement invariance across sex. As hypothesised, significant correlations were observed between behavioural activation, depression, and suicidal risk. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the BADS-SFA possesses adequate psychometric properties for assessing behavioural activation and avoidance in Colombian adolescents. This paper discusses the removal of item 8, the nature of the avoidance dimension, and directions for future research.

Resumen Introducción: La Escala de Activación Conductual para la Depresión - Forma Corta (BADS-SF) evalúa la activación y la evitación conductual. Método: En el presente estudio se adaptó la versión para adultos del BADS-SF para poblaciones adolescentes y evaluó sus propiedades psicométricas en una muestra de 450 adolescentes colombianos (edades 13-17) de diversas regiones, quienes proporcionaron su asentimiento informado. Resultados: La versión adolescente (BADS-SFA) demostró una consistencia interna aceptable, con una w de McDonald de .73 y un w de Cronbach de .72. El análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) sugirió una estructura de dos factores, la cual fue confirmada posteriormente mediante un análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) utilizando una versión de ocho ítems de la escala (se eliminó el ítem ocho). El AFC también demostró invarianza de medición a través del sexo. Tal como se hipotetizó, se observaron correlaciones significativas entre la activación conductual, la depresión y el riesgo suicida. Conclusiones: Estos hallazgos indican que el BADS-SFA posee propiedades psicométricas adecuadas para evaluar la activación y la evitación conductual en adolescentes colombianos. En este artículo se discute la eliminación del ítem ocho, la naturaleza de la dimensión de evitación y las direcciones para futuras investigaciones.

Adaptation and psychometric functioning of the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale for Children (SCAS-C) in the Peruvian child population

Abstract Introduction/objective: Worldwide, the prevalence of mental disorders in children is 10%, with anxiety disorders being the most common (6.5%). In Peru, a prevalence of 2% of generalised anxiety in children is estimated. Anxiety disorders affect academic, social, and family development, generating significant annual costs. In this context, it is essential to have instruments that allow for rapid detection of anxiety disorders. The present study aims to adapt and show the psychometric properties of the SCAS-C in children. Method: The sample comprised 725 Peruvian schoolchildren (47.31% males and 52.69% females) aged 8 to 12 years (M = 10.26; SD = 1.25). Result: It was found that the model of 3 related dimensions showed adequate fit indices (.038) and was invariant concerning sex and psychological treatment received. Furthermore, it showed adequate reliability values. Conclusion: SCAS-C shows robust psychometric properties to measure three types of anxiety disorder in children and, given its brevity, enables rapid detection in primary care settings.

Resumen Introducción/objetivo: A nivel mundial, la prevalencia de los trastornos mentales en niños es del 10%, siendo los trastornos de ansiedad los más comunes (6.5%). En Perú, se estima una prevalencia del 2% en niños. Los trastornos de ansiedad afectan el desarrollo académico, social y familiar, generando costos significativos cada año. En este contexto, es fundamental contar con instrumentos que permitan la detección rápida de los trastornos de ansiedad. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo adaptar y evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del SCAS-C en niños. Método: La muestra estuvo conformada por 725 escolares peruanos (47.31% hombres y 52.69% mujeres) con edades entre 8 y 12 años (M = 10.26; DE = 1.25). Resultados: Se encontró que el modelo de 3 dimensiones relacionadas presentó índices de ajuste adecuados (.038) y fue invariante con respecto al sexo y al tratamiento psicológico recibido. Además, mostró valores adecuados de fiabilidad. Conclusiones: El SCAS-C presenta propiedades psicométricas robustas para medir tres tipos de trastornos de ansiedad en niños y, dada su brevedad, permite una detección rápida en entornos de atención primaria.

Network analysis of the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and sequelae due to COVID-19

Abstract Introduction: The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic significantly increased global anxiety and depression rates. Among those infected, physical sequelae often worsened psychological symptoms, creating a cycle of distress. This study examined the interrelations between anxiety, depression, and COVID-19 sequelae. Method: Data were collected through an online survey of 18,720 Brazilian adults between March and May 2024. We conducted two network analyses: one for anxiety and depression, and another for COVID-19 sequelae, with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Results: About one-third of participants reported persistent COVID-19 sequelae, mainly neurological symptoms, sleep disturbances, psychiatric conditions, and chronic pain. Post-pandemic networks appear to reflect a shift from anxiety- to depression-centred structures, with hopelessness emerging as the most central symptom and psychomotor changes functioning as the primary bridge between anxiety and depression. In the network integrating sequelae, anxiety, and depression, neurological sequelae and sleep disturbances emerged as the most influential nodes. Psychomotor changes also acted as the main bridge node, suggesting they may play a crucial role in linking depressive symptoms to anxiety and post-COVID sequelae within the network. Conclusions: The findings highlight the enduring impact of the pandemic on mental health and emphasise the need for targeted interventions that also address depressive symptoms to mitigate these long-term adverse effects.

Resumen Introducción: La pandemia de 2019 de la enfermedad causada por el coronavirus (COVID-19) aumentó significativamente las tasas globales de ansiedad y depresión. En las personas infectadas, las secuelas físicas a menudo agravaron los síntomas psicológicos, generando un ciclo de malestar. En este estudio se examinaron las interrelaciones entre la ansiedad, la depresión y las secuelas de la COVID-19. Método: Los datos se recopilaron mediante una encuesta en línea realizada a 18.720 adultos brasileños entre marzo y mayo de 2024. Se realizaron dos análisis de redes: uno para la ansiedad y la depresión, y otro para las secuelas de la COVID-19 junto con los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión. Resultados: Aproximadamente un tercio de los participantes informó de secuelas persistentes de la COVID-19, principalmente síntomas neurológicos, alteraciones del sueño, problemas psiquiátricos y dolor crónico. Tras la pandemia, las redes parecen reflejar un cambio desde estructuras centradas en la ansiedad hacia estructuras centradas en la depresión, con la desesperanza emergiendo como el síntoma más central y los cambios psicomotores funcionando como el principal puente entre la ansiedad y la depresión. En la red que integra secuelas, ansiedad y depresión, las secuelas neurológicas y las alteraciones del sueño emergieron como los nodos más influyentes. Los cambios psicomotores también actuaron como el principal nodo puente, lo que sugiere que pueden desempeñar un papel crucial en la vinculación de los síntomas depresivos con la ansiedad y las secuelas post-COVID dentro de la red. Conclusiones: Estos resultados ponen de manifiesto el impacto duradero de la pandemia en la salud mental y enfatizan la necesidad de llevar a cabo intervenciones específicas que también aborden los síntomas depresivos con el fin de mitigar estos efectos adversos a largo plazo.