The effect of discrimination on Mental Health in the Chilean Population

Introduction: Discrimination affects the health and well-being of those who experience it. The relationship between discrimination and mental health in migrant communities and in the Chilean child and youth population has been previously studied, however, there is little evidence regarding the effects of discrimination on the general population. Objective: To analyze the relationship between discrimination and the presence of anxious and depressive symptoms in the Chilean population. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study evaluating 927 subjects in the cities of Arica, Antofagasta, and Santiago. To evaluate discrimination the Krieger Discrimination Experience Scale is used. To asses depressive and anxious symptomatology, the Beck scales for BDI Depression and BAI Anxiety were implemented. Results: The mean age of the sample is 33.9 years (Range 18-70 years; SD=13.13). 59.5% of the participants are female. 36% of the participants reported having experienced discrimination in some aspect of their lives. The highest perception of discrimination is associated with employment (42%) and the main reported causes are level of education or income, age, and gender. Experiences of discrimination exert statistically significant positive effects of moderate magnitude (b>.30) on depressive (b=.460, p<.001) and anxious (b=.480, p<.001) symptomatology, the latter being interrelated (b=.636, p<.001). Conclusions: More than a third of the population studied reported having been discriminated in some aspect of their lives. This perception is further accentuated in relation to employment. The perception of discrimination is associated with an increase in anxious and depressive symptoms in the Chilean population.

Introducción: La discriminación afecta la salud y el bienestar de las personas que la experimentan. Se ha estudiado ampliamente la relación entre discriminación y salud mental en comunidades migrantes y en población infanto-juvenil chilena, sin embargo, existe escasa evidencia respecto a los efectos de esta en la población general. Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre discriminación y la presencia de sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva en población chilena. Material y Método: Estudio transversal prospectivo evaluando 927 sujetos en las ciudades de Arica, Antofagasta y Santiago. Para evaluar discriminación se utiliza la escala de experiencias de discriminación de Krieger. Para evaluar sintomatología depresiva y ansiosa se utilizan las escalas de Beck para Depresión BDI y Ansiedad BAI. Resultados: La edad promedio de la muestra es de 33,9 años (Intervalo de 18 a 70 años; DE=13,13). El 59,5% de los participantes son mujeres. Un 36% de los participantes declara haber experimentado discriminación en algún aspecto de su vida. La mayor percepción de discriminación se asocia al empleo (42%) siendo las principales causas reportadas el nivel educacional o de ingresos, la edad y el sexo. Las experiencias de discriminación ejercen efectos positivos estadísticamente significativos de magnitud moderada (b>.30) sobre sintomatología depresiva (b=.460, p<.001) y ansiosa (b=.480, p<.001) estando las últimas interrelacionadas entre sí (b=.636, p<.001). Conclusión: Más de un tercio de la población estudiada reporta haber sido discriminada en algún aspecto de su vida. Esta percepción se agudiza en torno a la obtención de empleo. La percepción de discriminación se asocia a incremento en sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva en la población chilena.

Actitudes desde la clase social baja hacia la clase social alta: el papel del contacto y la ansiedad intergrupal

Introducción: el contacto intergrupal es un buen predictor de las actitudes positivas hacia otros grupos, relación que podría ser explicada por una menor ansiedad intergrupal. Estas asociaciones han sido analizadas entre distintos grupos, como la nacionalidad o la religión. Sin embargo, el contacto y las actitudes entre clases sociales han sido escasamente explorados. Por este motivo, analizamos el efecto mediador de la ansiedad intergrupal sobre la relación entre el contacto intergrupal y las actitudes positivas desde las personas de la clase social subjetiva baja hacia las de clase social subjetiva alta. Esperamos una relación positiva entre contacto (cantidad y calidad) y actitudes positivas, con la mediación de una menor ansiedad intergrupal. Método: en una muestra chilena no representativa (N = 118), realizamos análisis de regresiones para evaluar nuestra hipótesis. Resultados: los resultados respaldaron nuestra principal hipótesis, la cantidad y calidad del contacto fueron asociados a actitudes más positivas hacia la clase social subjetiva alta, mediada por una menor ansiedad intergrupal. Conclusiones: discutimos las implicancias para las relaciones entre clases sociales y las limitaciones asociadas a la muestra y la evaluación de la clase social.

Introduction: Intergroup contact is a good predictor of positive attitudes towards other groups, relationships that could be mediated by lower intergroup anxiety. These associations have been analyzed among different groups, such as nationality or religion. However, contact and attitudes among social classes have been scarcely explored. For this reason, we analyzed the mediator effect of intergroup anxiety on the relationship between intergroup contact and positive attitudes from people of lower subjective social class to those of higher subjective social class. We expected a positive relationship between contact (quantity and quality) and positive attitudes, with the mediation of lower intergroup anxiety. Method: In a non-representative Chilean sample (N = 118), we conducted regressions analyses to evaluate our hypothesis. Results: the results supported our main hypothesis, contact quantity and quality were associated with more positive attitudes toward individuals of higher subjective social class, mediated by lower intergroup anxiety. Conclusions: we discussed the implications for relationships among social classes and the limitations associated with the sample and assessment of the social class.

Validation of the brief scale for the evaluation of acculturation stress in migrant population (EBEA)

Abstract Background: Acculturation stress is associated with poorer physical and mental health and a lower level of psychological well-being. The causes of acculturation stress are diverse, but most are similar in the migrant population. Despite the importance of evaluating this variable, few studies have reported culturally adapted and validated instruments for specific populations. Based on this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a short scale for the evaluation of acculturation stress (EBEA). Methods: Two studies were conducted, involving 1725 first-generation Colombian and Peruvian migrants living in Chile, between the ages of 18 and 60 years. In addition to the EBEA and as evidence of validity, the Beck Anxiety Scale and the WHOQOL-BREF psychological health domain were applied. A confirmatory factor analysis was carried out, and the reliability and nomological validity were evaluated. Results: The results in both studies indicated that the scale presents a factorial structure of three dimensions: (a) the stress derived from the preparation and departure from the country of origin, (b) the stress produced by socioeconomic concerns in the host country, and (c) the tensions typical of adaptation to sociocultural changes or Chilean society. The reliability coefficients and the analysis of their nomological validity were very good. Conclusions: The EBEA is a measure that offers quick, useful screening for researchers who need a short measure for research among migrants. This tool contributes to the work of education, prevention, and intervention in the field of general health and migrants' mental health.

Identity fusion: a systematic review / Fusión de identidad: Una revisión sistemática

Abstract The objective of the present investigation was to conduct a systematic review of empirical studies that have reported the use of identity fusion theory. The review followed guidelines and recommendations of the PRISMA statement. The following databases were used Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Willey Online Library, EBSCO and JSTORE databases. Empirical studies were selected, in Spanish and English that were published between 2009 and 2018. 52 articles were found that met the selection criteria. Most studies give evidence that identity fusion is a strong predictor of extreme sacrifice behaviors by the group. Likewise, identity fusion has generally been associated with variables such as: identification with the group, group commitment, perceived social support, loyalty even in ostracized conditions, feelings, affects and emotions towards the group, perception of kinship, among other. Its implications and limitations are discussed.

Resumen El objetivo de la presente investigación fue realizar una revisión sistemática de los estudios empíricos que han reportado el uso de la teoría de fusión de identidad. Para esto, la revisión siguió los lineamientos y recomendaciones de la declaración PRISMA. Las bases de datos consultadas fueron Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Willey Online Library, EBSCO y JSTORE. En total, se revisaron 52 estudios empíricos, en español y en inglés, publicados entre los años 2009 y 2018, que cumplían con los criterios de selección. La mayoría de los estudios dan evidencia de que la fusión de identidad es un fuerte predictor de conductas extremas de sacrificio por el grupo, y también, se ha asociado generalmente a variables como la identificación con el grupo, el compromiso grupal, el apoyo social percibido, la lealtad incluso en condiciones de ostracismo, los sentimientos, afectos y emociones hacia el grupo, y la percepción de parentesco, entre otras. Al final se discuten sus implicaciones y limitaciones.

Análisis Psicométrico de la Escala Orientación hacia la Dominancia Social (SDO) Mediante un Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales Exploratorias (ESEM) / Psychometric Analysis of the Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) Scale Through a Model of Exploratory Structural Equations (ESEM)

Resumen El objetivo de la presente investigación es analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala Orientación hacia la Dominancia Social (SDO), en una muestra no universitaria de la ciudad de Arica, Chile, implementando técnicas psicométricas de acuerdo con el estado del arte disciplinar. El muestreo fue no probabilístico, por conveniencia y disponibilidad de 812 participantes, entre edades de 18 a 89 años. Se realizaron estimaciones de fiabilidad, análisis factoriales confirmatorios y modelos de ecuaciones estructurales exploratorios, contrastando diferentes modelos. Los resultados proporcionaron evidencia de validez basada en la estructura interna de la prueba, presentando buen ajuste de la estructura de la SDO (RMSEA=.076; CFI=.963; TLI=.956), y adecuados niveles estimados de fiabilidad (Oposición a la Igualdad: α=.85, ω=.84; Dominancia Grupal: α =.67, ω =.66). Finalmente, se concluye que las puntuaciones de la escala SDO poseen evidencia suficiente para sustentar su uso e interpretación, en población no universitaria equivalente a la del presente estudio.

Abstract The objective of this research is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) Scale in a non-university sample of the city of Arica, Chile, implementing psychometric techniques according to the state of disciplinary art. The sampling was non-probabilistic due to the convenience and availability of 812 participants in a range of ages from 18 to 89 years. To contrast different models were performed reliability estimates, confirmatory factorial analyses, and exploratory structural equation models. The results provided evidence of validity based on the internal structure of the test, presenting good adjustment of the SDO structure (RMSEA=.076; CFI=.963; TLI=.956), and estimated adequate levels of reliability (Opposition to the Equality: α=.85, ω=.84, Group dominance: α =.67, ω =.66). Finally, the research concluded that the scores of the SDO scale have sufficient evidence to support its use and interpretation, in a non-university population equivalent to that of the present study.

Fusión de identidad en migrantes: análisis psicométrico de la escala verbal / Identity fusion in migrants: psychometric analysis of verbal scale

Resumen El objetivo de la presente investigación es analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala verbal de fusión de identidad propuesta por Gómez et al. (2011), en una muestra de migrantes colombianos residentes en tres ciudades diferentes de Chile. El muestreo fue por conveniencia y se encuestaron a 959 participantes, de los cuales 49.3% fueron hombres y 50.7% mujeres, con una edad promedio de 35, 46 años (DE=10.23). Se realizaron estimaciones de fiabilidad, análisis factoriales confirmatorios y modelo de ecuaciones estructurales. Los resultados dan evidencia de un buen ajuste de la bifactorial estructura de la escala (RMSEA=.069; CFI=.979; TLI=.960), con adecuados niveles estimados de fiabilidad (sentimientos de conexión: α =.92; ω =.93; fuerza recíproca: α=.92; ω=.92). Además, probamos que la escala se relaciona de manera positiva con otras dos variables identitarias: la subescala importancia de la identidad colectiva de la escala de autoestima colectiva de Luhtanen y Crocker (1992), y una escala ad-hoc construida a partir de algunos elementos de la escala de identidad étnica validada por Smith (2002) en Costa Rica. Finalmente, se concluye que las puntuaciones de la escala de fusión de identidad poseen evidencia suficiente para sustentar su uso en investigaciones sobre población migrante colombiana en Chile.

Abstract The objective of the present investigation is to analyze the psychometric properties of the verbal identity fusion scale proposed by Gómez et al. (2011), in a sample of Colombian migrants residing in three different cities in Chile. Sampling was for convenience and 959 participants were surveyed. 49.3% were men and 50.7% were women, with an average age of 35.46 years (SD=10.23). Reliability estimates, confirmatory factor analyzes and structural equations model were made. The results give evidence of a good adjustment of the bifactorial scale structure (RMSEA=.069; CFI=.979; TLI=.960), with adequate estimated levels of reliability (connection: α =.92; ω =.93; reciprocal force: α =.92; ω =.92). In addition, we prove that the scale is positively related to two other identity variables: Importance of the Collective Identity subscale of the Luhtanen & Crocker Collective Self-Esteem Scale (1992), and an ad hoc scale constructed from some elements of the scale of Ethnic Identity validated by Smith (2002) in Costa Rica. Finally, it is concluded that the scores of the identity fusion scale have sufficient evidence to support its use in research on the Colombian migrant population in Chile.

Development and validity evidence of the multidimensional scale of sexual selfconcept in a Spanish-speaking context

Abstract Background/objective: STIs and HIV/AIDS are an important public health problem, transmitted by risky sex behaviours. In this context, it is necessary to identify protective factors, of those behaviours, as sexual self-concept. Sexual self-concept is a multidimensional trait (i.e. sexual self-esteem; sexual self-efficacy; and sexual assertiveness), but, in an extensive review, we did not find any measure to assess this multidimensional construct in a Spanish-speaking context. The objective of this research is development a scale to assess sexual self-concept in young people and adults. Method: Time-space sampling with a total size of 792 participants, coming from the two Chilean cities (i.e. Arica and Iquique) with the highest HIV rates, aged between 17 and 53 years old (ME = 23.42; SD = 6.33), with 66.2% women (N = 500), 33.6% men (N = 258). Results: Final scale has 16 items and 4 dimensions: sexual self-esteem, sexual self-efficacy, assertive sexual communication, and assertive sexual behaviour. The identified structure provides satisfactory levels of reliability (ω > .8) and presents robust evidence of validity, based on the internal structure of the test, using ESEM (RMSEA = .060; CFI = .99; TLI = .98), evidence of validity based on relationship to other variables (i.e. risky sexual behaviour) and measurement invariance between men and women. Conclusions: The multidimensional scale of sexual self-concept has adequate psychometric properties to assess sexual selfconcept in equivalent samples.

Predictores de prejuicio sutil y manifiesto en el norte de Chile

El propósito del presente estudio es examinar la relación entre diversas variables como predictores del prejuicio racista (sutil y manifiesto) y proponer un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales que exprese adecuadamente su relación. Estas variables incluyen: el autoritarismo, la orientación a la dominancia social, el conservadurismo y el hetero-estereotipo. Se busca establecer si todas ellas presentan una relación directa, indirecta o nula con el prejuicio. Como resultado se constató el prejuicio racista, se proponen y presentan evaluación del ajuste, de dos modelos predictivos del prejuicio, a los datos obtenidos. El estudio propone un modelo unifactorial y otro bifactorial, ambos con buenos indicadores de bondad de ajuste. Esta investigación cobra relevancia, considerando la situación de ciudad fronteriza de Arica y el aumento de inmigrantes latinoamericanos en los últimos años, hacia Chile.

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between various variables as predictors of racist prejudice (subtle and manifest) and propose a model of structural equations that adequately expresses their relationship. These variables include: authoritarianism, orientation to social dominance, conservatism and hetero-stereotype. It seeks to establish whether all of them have a direct, indirect or null relationship with prejudice. As a result, the racist prejudice was verified, and the evaluation of the data obtained from two predictive models of prejudice is proposed and presented. The study proposes a unifactorial and a bifactorial model, both with good indicators of goodness of fit. This research becomes relevant, considering the situation of the border city of Arica and the increase of Latin American immigrants in recent years, towards Chile.

O objetivo deste estudo é examinar a relação entre várias variáveis como preditores de preconceito racista (sutil e manifesto) e propor um modelo de equações estruturais que expressem adequadamente sua relação. Essas variáveis incluem: autoritarismo, orientação ao domínio social, conservadorismo e heteroestereótipo. Ele procura estabelecer se todos eles têm uma relação direta, indireta ou nula com o preconceito. Como resultado, foi encontrado o preconceito racista, e dois modelos de avaliação do preconceito são propostos e apresentam ajuste aos dados obtidos. O estudo propõe um modelo unifatorial e um modelo bifatorial, ambos com bons indicadores de qualidade de ajuste. Esta pesquisa se torna relevante, considerando a situação da cidade fronteiriça de Arica e o aumento de imigrantes latino-americanos nos últimos anos, em direção ao Chile