Suma Psicológica

Evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Cyber Dating Abuse Questionnaire in Colombian adolescents and young adults

Resumen Introducción/objetivo: Los estudios realizados en algunos países, incluyendo a Colombia, indican altas prevalencias de ciberviolencia en el noviazgo. Sin embargo, en dicho país no se cuenta con instrumentos validados para medir esta forma de violencia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la confiabilidad y la validez de la Escala de Abuso Online en Relaciones de Noviazgo. Método: Participaron 2023 estudiantes de colegio y universitarios (53% mujeres), entre 13 y 40 años. Resultados: El análisis factorial exploratorio demostró la conveniencia de conservar la estructura original de 20 ítems de las dos escalas del instrumento (perpetración y victimización) y las dos subescalas de cada una (“agresiones directas” y “monitoreo/control”), estructura que fue ratificada por el análisis factorial confirmatorio con índices adecuados de ajuste. Además, las cuatro subescalas correlacionaron significativamente entre sí y con las escalas de la Lista de Chequeo de Experiencias de Maltrato Psicológico en la Pareja. Los índices alfa oscilaron entre .75 y .87. Conclusiones: Estos resultados indican que el instrumento presenta unas propiedades psicométricas que avalan su uso con adolescentes y adultos jóvenes colombianos.

Abstract Introduction/objective: Studies carried out in some countries, including Colombia, indicate high prevalences of cyber dating abuse. However, in that country there are no validated instruments to measure this form of violence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Cyber Dating Abuse Questionnaire. Method: The participants were 2023 college and university students (53% female), 13-40 years aged. Results: The exploratory factor analysis showed the convenience of preserving the original structure of 20 items on the two scales of the instrument (perpetration and victimization) and the two subscales of each (“direct aggression” and “monitoring/control”). This structure was ratified by confirmatory factor analysis with adequate adjustment indices. In addition, the four subscales correlated significantly with each other and with the scales of the Checklist of Experiences of Psychological Abuse in the Couple. Alpha indices ranged from .75 to .87. Conclusions: These results indicate that the instrument has psychometric properties that ensure its use with Colombian adolescents and young adults.

Attitudes towards hedonic indebtedness in Chilean high school students

Resumen Introducción: El consumo se ha instaurado como medio de interacción social generando altos niveles de endeudamiento en la población chilena. Los adolescentes han sido especialmente sensibles a esto, producto que a través del consumo acceden a elementos simbólicos asociados a la construcción de la identidad. El objetivo de la presente investigación es determinar la existencia de relaciones entre valores materiales, susceptibilidad al efecto de pares y actitudes hacia el dinero con respecto a las actitudes hacia el endeudamiento hedónico en estudiantes secundarios chilenos. Método: La muestra es de 1297 estudiantes secundarios chilenos, el 46% es hombre y el 54% es mujer, correspondientes a las ciudades de La Serena, Coquimbo, Santiago y Temuco. Se aplicaron las escalas de Actitudes hacia el Endeudamiento, Materialismo para Adolescentes, Escala de Susceptibilidad a la Influencia de los Pares y la Escala de Actitudes hacia el Dinero. Los datos fueron analizados a través de una regresión lineal múltiple jerárquica. Resultados: Se evidencian relaciones estadísticamente significativas entre sexo, valores materiales, susceptibilidad al efecto de pares y las actitudes hacia el dinero con respecto al endeudamiento hedónico. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio entregan pistas al momento de abordar la educación financiera, donde debe considerarse que la cultura materialista del modelo económico neoliberal impacta en las actitudes, valores y propensión al endeudamiento de los adolescentes y posteriormente adultos.

Abstract Introduction: Consumer spending has established itself as a means of social interaction, generating high levels of indebtedness among the Chilean population. Adolescents have been especially sensitive to this situation, since through consumption they have access to symbolic elements associated with the construction of identity. The objective of this research is to determine the existence of relationships between material values, influence of peers, and attitudes towards money with regard to attitudes towards hedonic indebtedness in Chilean high school students. Method: Of a sample of 1297 Chilean high school students, 46% are men and 54% are women, corresponding to the cities of La Serena, Coquimbo, Santiago and Temuco. The scales of Attitudes towards Indebtedness, Materialism for Adolescents, Scale of Susceptibility to the Influence of Peers and the Scale of Attitudes towards Money were applied. The data were analyzed through a hierarchical multiple linear regression. Results: The results indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship between sex, material values, peer effect and attitudes towards money with respect to hedonic indebtedness. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study provide clues when approaching financial education in adolescents, where it must be considered that the materialistic culture of the neoliberal economic model impacts on the attitudes, values and propensity to indebtedness of adolescents and later adults.

Quality of life and coping strategies in patients with gynecological cancer

Resumen Introducción: El cáncer ginecológico impacta psicológicamente a la mujer. En este proceso las Estrategias de Afrontamiento-EA, al parecer, se asocian con la Calidad de Vida relacionada con la Salud-CvRS; sin embargo, se desconoce el valor predictivo de las EA sobre la CvRS. Este artículo tiene como finalidad identificar las diferencias y la naturaleza de la relación entre la CvRS y las EA respecto al apoyo psicológico, así como identificar si las EA predicen la CvRS. Método: Se efectuó un diseño no-experimental con 55 mujeres entre 27 y 69 años, M = 42.3, DE = 10.1, diagnosticadas con cáncer ginecológico. La CvRS se evaluó con el FACT-Cx y el SF-36; las EA, con el CAEPO. Resultados: las mujeres con asistencia psicológica tienen mejor CvRS y EA, igualmente, la CvRS se correlacionó con las EA positivas. La dimensión de salud general también es explicada por las EA positivas e inversamente por las EA negativas. Las EA que mejor predicen las CvRS son: Enfrentamiento y Lucha Activa, y Autocontrol y Control Emocional, mientras que las EA negativas afectan la CvRS. Conclusión: Los resultados resaltan la necesidad de acompañamiento psicológico que promueva EA positivas y beneficien la CvRS en mujeres con cáncer ginecológico.

Abstract Introduction: Gynecological cancer impacts women psychologically. In this process, the Coping Strategies-CS are apparently associated with Health-Related Quality of Life HRQL; however, the predictive value of CS on HRQL is unknown. This article aims to identify the differences and the nature of the relationship of HRQL and CS regarding psychological support, as well as to identify whether CS predict HRQL. Method: A non-experimental design was performed with 55 women between 27 and 69 years old, M = 42.3, DE = 10.1, diagnosed with gynecological cancer. The HRQL was evaluated with the FACT-Cx and the SF-36; and the CS, with CAEPO (Spanish acronym). Results: Women with psychological support have better HRQL and CS, likewise, HRQL was correlated with positive CS. The general health dimension is also explained by positive CS, and inversely by negative CS. The CS that best predict HRQL are: active confrontation and fighting, and self-control and emotional control, while negative CS affect HRQL. Conclusion: The results highlight the need for psychological support that promotes positive CS and benefits HRQL in women with gynecological cancer.

Exercise addiction in Mexico: Psychometric properties of the Exercise Addiction Inventory and risk analysis

Abstract Introduction: The consequences of exercise addiction have a physical, psychological and social impact on the sports men and women, similar to others addictions, which can cause serious health problems. In Mexico its incidence and relevance are unknown, and there is no instrument for its evaluation. This study aims to analyse the psychometric properties of the Exercise Addiction Inventory in a Mexican context and examine its relevance to different groups of people who practice sport. Method: Participants consisted of 487 people who practice physical exercise or competitive sport, aged between 18 and 52, with a mean age of 22.04. The EAI was used, and reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and factorial invariance analysis were conducted. Differences between groups of participants were also tested. Results: The results demonstrated the unifactorial structure of instrument, with satisfactory goodness of fit indices, and its factorial invariance was confirmed. The reliability obtained was adequate. In addition, significant differences were found between men and women in relation to degree of addiction, there was a higher risk for athletes compared to regular exercise goers, and 26.5% of participants obtained scores that place them at a high risk of exercise addiction. Conclusions: It is concluded that EAI is an adequate and reliable instrument, with appropriate psychometric properties. In the studied population there is an excessively high rate of participants who present a high risk of addiction, and men and athletes are the most susceptible groups to develop an exercise addiction.

Resumen Introducción: Las consecuencias de la adicción al ejercicio físico impactan de manera física, psicológica y social en el practicante, de forma similar a otras adicciones, pudiendo ocasionar serios problemas para su salud. En México se desconoce su incidencia y relevancia, y no se dispone de instrumentos para su evaluación. El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas del Exercise Addiction Inventory en el contexto mexicano, y examinar su relevancia en diferentes grupos de practicantes. Método: Participaron 487 practicantes de ejercicio físico o deporte competitivo, de edades entre 18 y 52 años, y una media de edad de 22.04 años. Se empleó el EAI, y se realizaron análisis de fiabilidad, análisis factorial confirmatorio y de invarianza factorial. También se comprobaron las diferencias entre grupos de participantes. Resultados: Los resultados demostraron la estructura unifactorial del instrumento, con índices de bondad y ajuste satisfactorios, y se confirma su invarianza factorial. La fiabilidad obtenida fue adecuada. Además, se encontraron diferencias significativas entre hombres y mujeres con relación al grado de adicción, mayor riesgo de los deportistas frente a practicantes habituales de ejercicio, y un 26.5% de participantes que obtienen puntuaciones que los sitúan en alto riesgo de adicción al ejercicio. Conclusiones: Se concluye que el EAI se muestra como un instrumento adecuado y fiable, con apropiadas propiedades psicométricas. En la población estudiada hay una tasa excesivamente alta de participantes que presentan un elevado riesgo de adicción, siendo los hombres y los deportistas los grupos con mayor susceptibilidad a padecerla.

Academic performance of secondary education students in socio-familial risk contexts

Abstract Introduction: The relationship that socio-familial and non-cognitive variables have on students in regards to their academic performance is a very important element for success in Secondary Education. In this study the influence of non-cognitive variables (academic self-concept, self-efficacy and perceived family affective support) and socio-familial variables (educational level and expectations of each parent) on the academic performance of secondary school students were analysed. Method: Students were grouped according to their accumulated socio-familial risk index (at-risk students, n = 305; not-at-risk students, n = 991). To measure the variables, the scales What do you think of yourself, General Self-Efficacy and Perceived Family Support were used. Socio-family variables were measured with an ad hoc questionnaire, and academic performance with the end-of-course evaluation scores. Results: The receiver operating characteristic curve showed a decrease in students’ academic performance from three or more accumulated risks. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was performed for each group. The results showed that for at-risk students, academic performance was mainly determined by two variables: academic self-concept and self-concept; in contrast to the not-at-risk students in which self-efficacy was the one that had the greatest effect on performance. In both groups, the parents’ expectations were the family variable with the highest incidence being performance, although, for the at-risk group, the effect was greater. Conclusions: The relevance of the identification of non-cognitive and socio-familial variables on the academic performance of at-risk students in regards to secondary education due to socio-familial factors is discussed.

Resumen: Introducción: La relación que las variables sociofamiliares y no cognitivas de los estudiantes tienen con el rendimiento académico es un elemento muy importante para el éxito escolar en la educación secundaria. En este estudio se analizó la influencia de variables no cognitivas (autoconcepto académico, autoeficacia y apoyo afectivo familiar percibido) y variables sociofamiliares (nivel educativo y expectativas de cada progenitor) en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes de secundaria. Método: El alumnado fue agrupado de acuerdo con su índice de riesgo sociofamiliar acumulado (estudiantes en riesgo, n = 305; estudiantes sin riesgo, n = 991). Para medir las variables se utilizaron las escalas Qué opinas de ti mismo, Autoeficacia general y Apoyo familiar percibido. Las variables sociofamiliares se midieron con un cuestionario ad hoc, y el rendimiento académico con las calificaciones de la evaluación de final de curso. Resultados: La curva ROC mostró una disminución en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes de tres o más riesgos acumulados. Se realizó un modelo de ecuación estructural (SEM) para cada grupo. Los resultados mostraron que en los estudiantes en riesgo el rendimiento académico estuvo determinado principalmente por dos variables: el autoconcepto académico y el autoconcepto; a diferencia de los estudiantes sin riesgo en los que la autoeficacia fue la que tuvo un mayor efecto en el rendimiento. En ambos grupos, las expectativas de los progenitores fueron las variables familiares con mayor incidencia en el rendimiento, aunque en el grupo de riesgo el efecto fue mayor. Conclusiones: Se discute la relevancia de la identificación de variables no cognitivas y sociofamiliares para el desempeño académico de estudiantes de educación secundaria en riesgo por factores sociofamiliares.

Preliminary Evidence of Validity of the Reduced Version of Rook and Fisher’s Impulse Buying Scale

Resumo Introdução: A redução de escalas visa a redução da quantidade de itens, mantendo-se suas qualidades psicométricas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo a redução da versão brasileira da escala de compra por impulso de Rook e Fisher. Método: Participaram do estudo 1173 brasileiros, sendo 868 mulheres e 305 homens com a média de idade de 24.8 anos e desvio-padrão de 12.7. Todos os participantes foram contatados via redes sociais ou e-mail. A pesquisa foi dividida em três estudos. Resultados: No primeiro estudo, a estrutura unifatorial do instrumento foi corroborada, uma vez que a análise paralela sugeriu a retenção de um fator e os índices de ajuste foram acima de .95. Foram selecionados quatro itens para comporem a versão reduzida. O segundo estudo analisou a estrutura interna e as cargas fatoriais da escala reduzida por meio da análise fatorial exploratória e da análise fatorial confirmatória. Os resultados da análise fatorial exploratória foram semelhantes aos do estudo 1 e a análise fatorial confirmatória também apresentou índices de ajuste acima de .90. No terceiro estudo foram realizadas correlações para verificar o grau de diferença das correlações entre a escala reduzida e a original. Foram obtidas evidências de validade preditiva com as escalas de materialismo, consumo de status e propensão ao endividamento. Ainda, realizou-se uma análise fatorial confirmatória multigrupo que verificou a invariância do instrumento entre homens e mulheres. Conclusão: Conclui-se que a escala reduzida de compra por impulso, 4-CI, é considerada adequada para a mensuração desse construto.

Abstract Introduction: Scale reduction aims the reduction of the number of the items maintaining its psychometric properties. The goal of this study was to reduce the Brazilian version of Rook and Fisher’s impulsive buying scale. Method: Participants were 1173 Brazilians, in which 868 were women and 305 were men with mean of age of 24.8 years old and a standard deviation of 12.7. All participants were recruited via social media or e-mail. The research was split in three. Results: In the first study, the unifactorial structure was supported, once the parallel analysis suggested the retention of one factor, and the fit indexes were superior to .95. Four items were selected to form the reduced version. The second study analyzed the internal structure and the factorial loadings of the reduced scale through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The results from the exploratory factor analysis were similar to those of study 1 and the confirmatory factor analysis also showed fit indexes above .90. In the third study, correlation analysis were run to verify the disparities between the reduced and the original scale. Predictive validity evidence was gathered with the materialism, consumption by status, and propension to indebtedness. Still, a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis verified the instrument invariance between men and women. Conclusion: It is concluded that the reduced impulsive buying scale, 4-CI, is considered adequate to the measurement of this construct.

Risky sexual behaviors in a sample of Argentinean college students: Relationship with substance use, early sexual onset and trait-like impulsivity

Resumen Introducción: Los adultos emergentes universitarios son particularmente vulnerables a presentar consumo abusivo de sustancias y conductas sexuales de riesgo (CSR), lo que incrementa el riesgo de contraer infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) o embarazo no deseado. Objetivo: Examinar, en universitarios, si el tipo de consumo de sustancias (alcohol versus uso concurrente de alcohol y marihuana) y el nivel de impulsividad rasgo se asocian con la frecuencia de CSR con parejas ocasionales. Método: Una muestra de 467 estudiantes completó una encuesta online que medía frecuencia de CSR, ocurrencia de consumo de alcohol y de marihuana en el último año y nivel de impulsividad. Resultados: Los consumidores de alcohol y marihuana, comparados con los consumidores de alcohol, reportaron mayor promedio de parejas sexuales al año y mayor arrepentimiento por no cuidarse contra ITS/embarazo. Los participantes con uso concurrente de sustancias, y niveles medios y altos en las facetas de impulsividad, falta de perseverancia y de premeditación, mostraron mayor frecuencia de encuentros sexuales que los consumidores de alcohol o con baja impulsividad. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos sugieren que el uso concurrente de sustancias y ciertas facetas de impulsividad se asocian a una mayor frecuencia de determinadas CSR. Esta información podría ser útil para intervenir preventivamente en CSR en universitarios argentinos.

Abstract Introduction: College students, a subpopulation of emerging adults, are particularly vulnerable to exhibit substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors. These behaviors put people at risk for sexually transmitted infections and/or unwanted pregnancy. Aim: To examine, in college students, whether the pattern of substance use (i.e., alcohol versus co-use of alcohol and marijuana) and the level of impulsivity are associated with the frequency of risky sexual behaviors with occasional partners. Method: A sample of 467 college students completed an online survey that assessed the frequency of risky sexual behaviors, past-year alcohol and marijuana use and trait-like impulsivity. Results: Alcohol/marijuana co-users, compared with alcohol users, reported a higher average of sexual partners per year and greater feelings of regret following careless sexual encounters. Co-users with medium or high levels in lack of perseverance and lack of premeditation (i.e., two facets of impulsivity) reported higher frequency of sexual encounters than alcohol users and/or students with low impulsivity. Conclusions: Findings suggest substance co-use, alongside different facets of impulsivity, are associated with greater frequency of specific risky sexual behaviors. These findings could better inform interventions aimed at prevent risky sexual behaviors in Argentinean college students.

Cross-cultural measurement invariance in the Satisfaction with Life Scale in Chilean and Spanish university students

Abstract Introduction: The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) is a widely used measure of an individuals’ cognitive assessment of subjective well-being. The SWLS has been validated in several contexts and populations, but its cross-cultural measurement invariance in emerging adult samples remains barely explored. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the measurement invariance of the SWLS in university students from Chile and Spain and according to gender. Method: A non-probabilistic sample of 165 university students from Chile (66.7% women, Mage = 21.9, SD = 2.35), and 109 students from Spain (48.6% women; Mage = 22.9, SD = 2.4) completed the SWLS. Results: Using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis, results showed that the SWLS exhibited configural, metric and scalar invariance in the comparison between the Chilean and Spanish student samples and also according to gender. Conclusions: This finding allows for significant latent mean comparisons between cross-cultural samples. Moreover, this study supports the SWLS as a valid instrument which provides data that can inform policies in order to improve the subjective well-being of university students of both genders, both in developed and developing Spanish-speaking countries.

Resumen Introducción: La Escala de Satisfacción con la Vida (SWLS) es un instrumento ampliamente utilizado para la evaluación cognitiva del bienestar subjetivo de los individuos. La SWLS ha sido validada en numerosos contextos y poblaciones, pero la invarianza de medida a nivel transcultural en adultos emergentes ha sido poco explorada. El propósito de este artículo fue evaluar la invarianza de medida de la SWLS en estudiantes universitarios de Chile y España y según género. Método: Una muestra no probabilística de 165 estudiantes universitarios de Chile (66.7% mujeres, edad promedio = 21.9, DE = 2.35) y 109 estudiantes de España (48.6% mujeres, edad promedio = 22.9, DE = 2.4) completaron la SWLS. Resultados: Por medio de un análisis factorial confirmatorio multigrupo, los resultados mostraron que la SWLS exhibió invarianza configural, métrica y escalar en la comparación entre las muestras de estudiantes chilenos y españoles y según género. Conclusión: Este hallazgo muestra que la SWLS permite comparaciones significativas de medias latentes entre muestras transculturales universitarias. Además, este estudio aporta evidencia de la SWLS como un instrumento válido que puede guiar la creación de políticas para mejorar el bienestar subjetivo de los estudiantes universitarios de ambos géneros, tanto en países desarrollados como en desarrollo de habla hispana.