Psychometric Properties of the Revised Trolling Questionnaire in Argentinean Adults

Trolling with new technologies is a disruptive, deceptive, and destructive behavior, with great psychosocial, legal, and economical relevance. However, there are no studies in the scientific literature that have examined the properties of questionnaires to assess them. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to observe the psychometric properties of the Revised Trolling Questionnaire by Buckels et al.'s in a sample of Argentinean adults. An intentional sample of 837 participants from Argentina (mean age = 28.4 years; 61% female) was formed. They completed the Buckels et al.'s Revised Trolling Questionnaire, measures of dark personality, Internet addiction, cyberstalking, and socio-demographic questions. Exploratory and confirmatory factorial analyses indicated a one-factor structure with correct fit statistics. Internal consistency was adequate: Cronbach's α = .80 and Omega coefficient (ω) = .81. Concurrent validity of the trolling questionnaire was observed with dark personality (Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy), problematic Internet use (symptomatology and disfunctionality), and cyberstalking. Machiavellianism and disfunctionality were the most significant variables associated with trolling. Therefore, the Argentinean Spanish version of this test showed evidence of adequate psychometric properties.

El trolling mediante las nuevas tecnologías es un comportamiento disruptivo, molesto y destructivo, con una gran relevancia psicosocial, legal y jurídica. No existen estudios en la literatura científica que hayan examinado las propiedades de un instrumento para evaluarlo. El propósito del presente estudio fue observar las propiedades del Cuestionario Revisado de Trolling de Buckels et al. en una muestra de adultos argentinos. Se constituyó una muestra intencional de 837 participantes argentinos (edad promedio=28,4 años; 61% mujeres). Completaron el Cuestionario Revisado de Trolling de Buckels et al., un cuestionario de personalidad oscura (maquiavelismo, psicopatía y narcicismo), de adicción a internet, de cyberstalking y preguntas sociodemográficas. Un análisis factorial exploratorio como confirmatorio indicó una correcta estructura unifactorial. La consistencia interna fue adecuada: α de Cronbach = .80 y Omega coefficient (ω) = .81. La validez concurrente del cuestionario se observó con el cyberstalking, la personalidad oscura (maquiavelismo, narcisismo y psicopatía) y el uso problemático de Internet. El maquiavelismo y la disfuncionalidad eran las variables más asociadas al trolling. De este modo, la versión al español argentino de dicho test mostró evidencia de adecuadas propiedades psicométricas.

Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Impulsividad (UPPS-P) en una muestra de adultos argentinos / Psychometric properties of the Impulsivity Scale (UPPS-P) in a sample of Argentine adults

Resumen Este estudio tiene como objetivo explorar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Impulsividad (UPPS-P) en su versión breve en una muestra de adultos argentinos. Se exploró su estructura factorial y consistencia interna, y su validez convergente con los estilos de pensamiento experiencial y racional, así como con la psicopatía. A su vez, se exploró la relación de la impulsividad con el narcisismo y maquiavelismo, controlando los puntajes en psicopatía. Para ello, se seleccionó una muestra intencional de adultos argentinos (n = 517) de entre 18 y 60 años (54 % femenino, edad media 27), reclutados mediante diversas redes sociales. Los participantes respondieron de forma online a dicha escala, a un inventario sociodemográfico, así como al Inventario Experiencial Racional y a la Escala de Personalidad Oscura. Los resultados obtenidos se procesaron con el programa SPSS 23, Factor 8.10 y AMOS 16.0. Un análisis en paralelo, sumado a análisis factoriales confirmatorios, revelaron una estructura de cuatro factores: urgencia, búsqueda de sensaciones, falta de premeditación y falta de perseverancia. El factor urgencia incluyó tanto la urgencia positiva como la urgencia negativa de la escala UPPS-P. La estructura factorial revelada se asemeja al UPPS, escala de impulsividad previa al UPPS-P, conformada por cuatro factores. Se conservó la totalidad de los ítems de la escala breve. Dos ítems presentaron mayor carga en un factor distinto al que pertenecían en la adaptación. Los valores del alfa de Cronbach fueron adecuados, lo cual aseguró la consistencia interna. El alfa de Cronbach de la escala total fue .79. La escala reveló validez convergente con los puntajes de psicopatía y del Inventario Experiencial Racional. Se observaron correlaciones parciales significativas entre maquiavelismo y narcisismo, y diferentes dimensiones de impulsividad, controlando psicopatía. Se demuestra que la escala de impulsividad en su versión breve mantiene adecuadas propiedades psicométricas en una muestra de adultos argentinos.

Abstract This study aimed to explore the psychometric properties of the Impulsive Behavior Scale (UPPS-P) in its short version in a sample of Argentinean adults. Its factor structure and internal consistency were explored, as well as its convergent validity with experiential and rational thinking styles, along with psychopathy. At the same time, the relationship of impulsivity with narcissism and Machiavellianism was explored, controlling the scores in psychopathy. An intentional sample of Argentinean adults (N = 517) between 18 and 60 years old (54 % female, mean age 27) was selected. Participants responded on-line to this scale, a sociodemographic inventory, as well as to the Rational Experiential Inventory and the Dark Personality Scale. The results obtained were processed with the programs SPSS 23, Factor 8.10, and AMOS 16.0. The sample was randomly divided into two groups of n = 217 and n = 300. An exploratory factorial analysis was first performed on the first group, as a calibration study. After that, a confirmatory analysis was performed on the second group, as a replication study, since there are no previous studies on this subject in Argentina. A parallel analysis was first carried out with the Factor 8.10 program. A number of replications = 100 and percentile representation of simulations = .95 were used. Regarding the exploratory factor analysis, The Unweighted Least Squares method was used along with a Promin rotation. The final solution showed a structure of four factors: urgency, sensation seeking, lack of premeditation, and lack of perseverance, explaining 56 % of the variance. Each of these factors explained 16 %, 24 %, 10 %, and 6 % of the variance, respectively. The urgency factor included both the positive and negative urgency of the UPPS-P scale. The factor structure revealed is similar to the UPPS, a scale of impulsivity prior to the UPPS-P, made up of four factors. All items on the short scale were retained. Two items loaded better on a different factor. Cronbach's Alphas were adequate, ensuring internal consistency. Cronbach's α of the full scale was .79. Internal consistency was analyzed, resulting in Cronbach's α values of .76 for Emergency; .75 for Sensation Search; .69 for Lack of Premeditation, and .74 for Lack of Perseverance. The resulting Cronbach α values are similar to those of the Spanish version, which presented internal consistencies between .61 and .79. Subsequently, based on the factor structure found, confirmatory factor analysis was carried out on the second group sample. A relatively good fit was found for the model, with CFI and TLI values above .90 and the SRMR and RMSEA below .05. The authors' original model, which includes five factors, was also tested. The fit was less satisfactory compared to the previous model, because of the CFI, TLI, SRMR, and RMSEA indicators, and the difference in ∆ from the models, which was statistically significant at the p < .001 level. Finally, a second-order model was tested with all four dimensions as first-order latent variables and impulsivity as second-order latent variables. The fit was relatively satisfactory, with CFI and TLI above .90 and SRMR and RMSEA below .05. Thus, the present adjustment revealed a second-order factor, as did the English short version of the UPPS-P (Cyders et al., 2014). The scale revealed convergent validity with the scores of psychopathy and the Rational Experiential Inventory. Psychopathy resulted positively related to impulsivity. In turn, the correlations between the dimensions of impulsivity and those of the Rational Experiential Inventory were negative with the rational thinking style -excluding sensation seeking- and positive with the significant ones of the experiential style. Significant partial correlations were observed between machiavellianism and narcissism and different dimensions of impulsivity, controlling psychopathy scores. It is demonstrated that the impulsivity scale in its short version maintains adequate psychometric properties in a sample of Argentinean adults.

Predicción de fortaleza mental desde la satisfacción de las necesidades básicas en jugadores de deportes electrónicos de CABA y GBA

Introducción: Los deportes electrónicos han llegado para quedarse. Estudios anteriores han demostrado que los deportistas de esports poseen similares características, como la satisfacción por competir, que los de deportes tradicionales. Sin embargo, siendo un área todavía en crecimiento, pocos estudios los han abordado en Latinoamérica. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la relación y los predictores de la fortaleza mental desde la satisfacción de las necesidades básicas en jugadores aficionados de esports de Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires y Gran buenos Aires, Argentina. Método: Para esto se constituyó una muestra de 426 participantes (85% masculino), con una media de edad de 22 años (D.E = 3.67), los cuales contestaron la Basic Needs Satisfaction in Sport Scale (BNSSS) y el cuestionario Mental Toughness Index (MTI), al igual que un cuestionario sociodemográfico. Resultados: Los resultados indicaron una fuerte relación entre ambas variables, especialmente con las dimensiones de satisfacción de la competencia y percepción de elección, siendo también las principales predictoras de la fortaleza mental. Conclusiones: Estos resultados aportan nueva evidencia empírica a esta área en formación, como así también brindas distintas cuestiones a tenerse en cuenta para desarrollar la fortaleza mental y el éxito deportivo en los esports.

Background: Esports are here to stay. Previous studies have shown that sports athletes have characteristics Esports are here to stay. Previous studies have shown that esports athletes have similar characteristics, such as satisfaction from competing, as those in traditional sports. However, being an area still growing, few studies have addressed them in Latin America. This study aimed to determine the relationship and predictors of mental toughness from the satisfaction of basic needs in amateur esports players from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina. Methods: For this, a sample of 426 participants (85% male) was constituted, with a mean age of 22 years (SD = 3.67), who answered the Basic Needs Satisfaction in Sport Scale (BNSSS) and the Mental Toughness Index (MTI) questionnaire, as well as a sociodemographic questionnaire. Results: The results indicated a strong relationship between both variables, especially with the dimensions of competence satisfaction and perception of choice, also being the main predictors of mental strength. Conclusions: These results provide new empirical evidence for this area in formation, as well as different issues to be taken into account to develop mental strength and sporting success in esports.

Motivaciones para correr y el compromiso con el running en adultos argentinos de CABA y GBA / Motivations to running and commitment to running in argentinian adults

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo describir el grado de motivación para correr y el compromiso con el running en adultos argentinos corredores de ambos sexos (53% masculino) de Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires y Gran Buenos Aires analizar las relaciones entre las variables mencionadas y determinar cuáles de las motivaciones constituían los mayores predictores del compromiso para correr. A tal efecto se aplicaron las versiones en castellano de la MotivationsofMarathonersScale (Masters, Ogles&Jolton, 1993) y Commitmentto Running Scale(Carmack & Martens, 1979). Todos los participantes dieron su autorización para participar en el estudio. Los resultados evidenciaron niveles de compromiso con el running similar a estudios anteriores, y arrojaron una correlación positiva entre el compromiso a correr y todas las dimensiones de las motivaciones para correr, siendo las mayores la significación con la vida ­ autoestima y las metas personales - competencia. Además, estas dimensiones resultaron ser los mayores predictores del compromiso. Los resultados del presente estudio brindan un nuevo aporte a la promoción de la salud de las personas y los beneficios de la práctica deportiva.

The present study aimed to describe the levels of motivations to run and commitment to running in Argentine adult runners of both sexes (53% male) from CABA and GBA, analyse the relationships between the mentioned variables and determine which of the motivations were the main predictors of commitment to running. Therefore, the Spanish versions of the Motivations of Marathoners Scale (Masters, Ogles & Jolton, 1993) and the Commitment to Running Scale (Carmack & Martens, 1979) were applied. All participants agreed to participate in the study. The results pointed out levels of commitment to running similar to previous research, along with a positive correlation between commitment to running and all dimensions of motivations to run, reaching the highest score the significance with life - self-esteem and personal goals - competence. Furthermore, these dimensions turned out to be the main predictors of commitment. The results of this study provide a new contribution to promote people's health and the benefits of the sports practice

Predicción del Trolling desde el sadismo y la adicción a Internet en jóvenes adultos de Buenos Aires / Prediction of Trolling behavior from sadism and Internet addiction in young adults of Buenos Aires

RESUMEN Introducción : El trolling es un fenómeno de gran actualidad, pero mucho menos estudiado a diferencia de otras problemáticas relacionadas con las nuevas tecnologías. El presente estudio evaluó los niveles de trolling en adultos a partir del sadismo y la adicción a internet. Método : Para este fin, se constituyó una muestra intencional de 708 adultos, de ambos géneros (56% mujeres, edad M = 25 años DE = 8.7), de Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA) y Gran Buenos Aires (GBA), Argentina. Los participantes contestaron el Cuestionario de trolling de Buckels et al., de Tendencias Sádicas de Paulhus et al., de Adicción a Internet de Lam-Figueroa et al. y un cuestionario demográfico. Los datos indicaban que tanto el sadismo vicario, el sadismo directo y la disfuncionalidad en el uso de Internet eran predictores del trolling. Resultados : Los resultados sugerían asociación del trolling con la edad y diferencias según el género. Un modelo estructural para predecir el trolling a partir del sadismo como variable latente y la adicción a internet mostraron un ajuste adecuado CFI = .99, TLI = .98, RMSEA = .04, indicando que el sadismo predecía el trolling y la adicción a internet. Conclusión : El sadismo es un predictor importante para la conducta de Trolling a través de internet, donde los individuos con estas características aprovechan el anonimato para realizar sus conductas agresivas.

ABSTRACT Background : Trolling is a very topical phenomenon, but much less studied unlike other problems related to new technologies. The present study evaluated the levels of trolling in adults from sadism and internet addiction. Method : For this purpose, an intentional sample of 708 adults of both genders (56% women, age M = 25 years SD = 8.7), from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires (CABA) and Greater Buenos Aires (GBA), Argentina is selected. Participants answered the Trolling Questionnaire by Buckels et al., On Sadistic Tendencies by Paulhus et al., On Internet Addiction by Lam-Figueroa et al. and a demographic questionnaire. The data indicated that both vicarious sadism, outright sadism, and dysfunctionality in Internet use were predictors of trolling. Results : The results suggested an association of trolling with age and differences according to gender. A structural model to predict trolling based on sadism as a latent variable and internet addiction shows an adequate fit CFI = .99, TLI = .98, RMSEA = .04, indicating that sadism predicted trolling and internet addiction. Conclusion : Sadism is an important predictor for trolling behavior over the internet, where individuals with these characteristics take advantage of anonymity to carry out their aggressive behaviors.