Traumatic Experiences and Psychopathological symptoms in Prison Population and General Population

Traumatic events are stressful episodes that exceed an individual's coping resources and have been related to physical and mental health problems, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder. This study aims to compare the prison population and the general population in terms of trauma and psychopathological symptoms derived from exposure to traumatic events in the context of Ecuador. It is a descriptive-comparative and cross-sectional study. The study sample consisted of 99 incarcerated individuals and 84 persons from the general population of Ambato-Ecuador. The results indicate that persons from the prison population have experienced multiple traumas and re-victimization to a greater extent and present a higher percentage of PTSD and psychopathological symptoms than the general population. In that sense, it is a population that requires more significant intervention to reduce symptoms and prevent violent behavior.

Los eventos traumáticos son hechos estresantes que exceden los recursos de afrontamiento de un individuo y han sido relacionados con problemas de salud física y mental, particularmente con el trastorno de estrés postraumàtico. El objetivo de este estudio es comparar las experiencias traumáticas y los síntomas psicopatológicos entre la población penitenciaria y la población general. Es un estudio descriptivo-comparativo de corte transversal. La muestra del estudio estuvo conformada por 99 individuos encarcelados y 84 individuos de la población general de Ambato (Ecuador). Los resultados indican que los participantes de la población penitenciaria han experimentado en mayor medida múltiples traumas y revictimización; presentan un mayor número de síntomas psicopatológicos y un porcentaje más elevado de TEPT que la población general. Las diferencias que se presentan entre la población penitenciaria y la población general pueden deberse a que las personas encarceladas son más vulnerables a estar expuestas a eventos potencialmente traumáticos por su propia situación social. La población penitenciaria requiere una mayor intervención para reducir los síntomas psicopatológicos provocados por el trauma.

Work and Mental Distress among Nurses in the Amazon Region of Brazil during the COVID-19 Pandemic / Trabajo y malestar mental entre las enfermeras en la región amazónica de Brasil durante la pandemia de COVID-19 / Trabalho e sofrimento mental dos enfermeiros da Região Amazônica do Brasil durante a pandemia de COVID-19

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the relationship between psychopathological symptoms and the social, clinical, and occupational profile of nurses in the Amazon region of Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional online study was conducted in 2020 with 261 nurses. The Symptom Assessment Scale-40 was utilized. Results: The presence of pre-existing conditions before the pandemic was associated with psychotism (p=0.044). Experiencing constraints and/or violence at work during the pandemic was associated with somatization (p=0.025), and working hours were associated with anxiety (p=0.025). Nurses predominantly exhibited symptoms related to fear (33.7%), tension (34.5%), and a sense that something is wrong in the mind (22.6%). Conclusions: A significant association was observed between working hours and anxiety symptoms, the experience of constraints and/or violence at work during the COVID-19 pandemic and somatization symptoms, as well as between pre-existing conditions and psychotism symptoms related to COVID-19.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre los síntomas psicopatológicos y el perfil social, clínico y ocupacional de las enfermeras en la región amazónica de Brasil durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo transversal en línea en 2020 con la participación de 261 enfermeras. Se utilizó la Escala de Evaluación de Síntomas-40. Resultados: Se encontró una asociación significativa entre la presencia de condiciones preexistentes antes de la pandemia y el psicoticismo (p=0,044). Experimentar restricciones y/o violencia en el trabajo durante la pandemia se asoció con la somatización (p=0,025), y las horas de trabajo se relacionaron con la ansiedad (p=0,025). En general, las enfermeras presentaron predominantemente síntomas relacionados con el miedo (33,7%), la tensión (34,5%) y la sensación de que algo no está bien en la mente (22,6%). Conclusiones: Se observó una asociación significativa entre las horas de trabajo y los síntomas de ansiedad, así como entre la experiencia de restricciones y/o violencia laboral durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y los síntomas de somatización. Además, se encontró una asociación entre las condiciones preexistentes y los síntomas de psicoticismo relacionados con COVID-19.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a relação entre sintomas psicopatológicos e o perfil social, clínico e laboral dos enfermeiros da região Amazônica do Brasil durante a pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo descritivo de corte transversal online com 261 enfermeiros em 2020. Utilizou-se a Escala de Avaliação de Sintomas-40. Resultados: A presença de doenças preexistentes à pandemia associou-se ao psicoticismo (p=0,044). Ter sofrido constrangimentos e/ou violências no trabalho durante a pandemia associou-se à somatização (p=0,025), e a carga horária de trabalho associou-se à ansiedade (p=0,025). Os enfermeiros manifestaram principalmente sintomas relacionados ao medo (33,7%), tensão (34,5%) e sensação de que algo está errado na mente (22,6%). Conclusões: Foi observada uma associação significativa entre a carga horária de trabalho e sintomas de ansiedade, o sofrimento de constrangimentos e/ou violências durante o trabalho no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19 e sintomas de somatização, bem como entre doenças preexistentes à COVID-19 e sintomas de psicoticismo.

Symptoms and online intimate partner violence during the Covid-19 Quarantine / Síntomas psicopatológicos y violencia online de pareja durante la cuarentena por el covid-19

Abstract Introduction: The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the physical and mental health of the population in general, in addition, during the quarantine, online intimate partner violence behaviours may arise, which increases the probability of psychopathological symptoms, with alterations in emotional and affective states. Objective: The purpose this study was examine the relationship between psychopathological symptoms and online intimate partner violence behaviours during the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: The design was correlational cross-sectional comparative, the sample nonprobability with the participation of 588 people of between 18 and 46 years of age. Symptom ChecklistSCL-36, Cyber dating abuse questionnaire and Sociodemographic questionnaire Results: Out of the total, 60 % reported having perpetrated a controlling behaviour and 54,3 % claimed to have been a victim of online abuse in your relationship, during the quarantine. It was found that there is a positive and significant relationship between cyber abuse, for both victimization and perpetration, and the psychopathological Symptomsby the Symptom Check List-36. A positive and significant relationship was also found between some symptoms assessed by the Symptom Check List-36 and sleep quality, cigarette consumption, and the intake of alcoholic and energising beverages during the quarantine. These results show that mental health may be affected by the confinement during the pandemic. Moreover, during the quarantine, intimate partner violence behaviours may arise, altering the emotional and affective state of individuals, with the appearance of symptoms of psychological disorders. Conclusions: Therefore, future investigations should be geared towards intervention programmes to reduce the psychological impact on the people affected.

Resumen Introducción: La pandemia por Covid-19 afecta la salud física y mental de la población en general, además, durante el tiempo de cuarentena se puede presentar violencia online de pareja, lo que aumenta la probabilidad que se presenten síntomas psicopatológicos, con alteraciones en los estados emocionales y afectivos. Objetivo: Por lo tanto, este estudio examinó la relación entre los síntomas psicopatológicos y comportamientos de violencia online de pareja durante Pandemia de covid-19. Método: El diseño fue correlacional comparativo transversal y la muestra no probabilística con la participación de 588 personas (18 y 46 años); los instrumentos que se emplearon en esta investigación fueron el cuestionario SCL-36, Escala de abuso online en relaciones y un cuestionario sociodemográfico. Resultados: El 60 % informó haber utilizado conductas de control y el 54,3 % refirieron haber sido víctima de abuso online en su relación en el tiempo de cuarentena. Se encontró que existe una relación positiva y significativa entre las conductas de violencia online tanto para la victimización y perpetración, con los síntomas psicopatológicos que evalúa SCL-36. También se encontró una relación significativa y positiva con algunos síntomas que evalúa el SCL-36 y la calidad del sueño, consumo de cigarrillo, ingesta de bebidas embriagantes y energizantes en el tiempo de cuarentena. Conclusiones: Estos resultados muestran que pueden aparecer síntomas psicopatológicos por el confinamiento durante la pandemia; además, que durante la cuarentena se pueden presentar conductas de violencia online en la pareja alterando el estado emocional y afectivo con la aparición de síntomas de trastornos psicológicos, por lo tanto, las futuras investigaciones deben dirigirse a programas de intervención para disminuir el impacto psicológico en las personas afectadas.

Síntomas psicopatológicos y emocionales asociados a malos tratos en parejas de adolescentes de Floridablanca, Colombia / Psychopathological and emotional symptoms associated with abuse in adolescent couples in Floridablanca, Colombia

Diversos estudios han demostrado que los malos tratos en el noviazgo son un problema de alta prevalencia que afecta a adolescentes de diferentes edades y diversos contextos socioculturales, comprometiendo su desarrollo integral y bienestar. El objetivo general de este estudio fue conocer los síntomas psicopatológicos y emocionales asociados a los malos tratos por parte de la pareja entre adolescentes de Floridablanca, Colombia. Los participantes fueron 261 estudiantes de dos colegios de Floridablanca con edades entre los 13 y 19 años (M = 15; DT = 1.80). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron la Conflict in Adolescent Dating Re-lationships Inventory (CADRI), versión española, y la Lista de Síntomas SCL-90-R. Se encontró, teniendo en cuenta la direccionalidad en la violencia de género en el noviazgo, una prevalencia general de un 94.2 % de los participantes. En cuanto al género, el 41 % de los hombres participó en alguno de estos roles (perpetración, victimización y violencia mutua), sin encontrarse diferencias estadísticamente significativas. Además, se hallaron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre la puntuación global de victimización y violencia mutua y las escalas del SCL90-R, además de los tres indicadores que reflejan aspectos diferenciales de los síntomas. Los hallazgos se discuten en relación con los desafíos de desarrollo que enfrentan los adolescentes

Several studies have shown that dating abuse is a highly prevalent problem that affects adolescents of different ages and diverse sociocultural contexts, compromising their comprehensive development and well-being. The general objective was to know the psychopathological and emotional symptoms associated with abuse by the couple among adolescents from Floridablanca, Colombia. The participants were 261 students from two Floridablanca schools aged between 13 and 19 years old (M = 15; SD = 1.80). The instruments used were the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory (CADRI), Spanish version, and the List of Symptoms SCL-90-R. Taking into account the directionality in gender violence in courtship, a general prevalence of 94.2 % of the participants was found. Regarding gender, 41 % of the men participated in one of these roles (perpetration, victimization and mutual violence), with no statistically significant differences being found. In addition, statistically significant correlations were found between the global victimization and mutual violence score and the SCL90-R scales, in addition to the three indicators that reflect differential aspects of the symptoms. Findings are discussed in relation to developmental challenges faced by adolescents

Un modèle d'emboîtement des jeux typiques / Um modelo de entrelaçamento de jogos típicos / A model for interlocking of typical games / Un modelo de entrelazamiento de juegos típicos

Procuro iniciar uma reflexão sobre um modelo de avaliação qualitativa, baseada no jogo e no "jogo potencial" que pode estar subjacente a algumas formas de sintomas psicopatológicos. Para esse efeito, proponho um exemplo de associações de uma série de "jogos típicos" sobre a simbolização da dialética presença/ausência: o "jogo do esconde-achou", o "jogo da espátula", o "jogo da bobina", o "jogo do vá para a guerra". Estes tipos de jogos são analisados a partir dos processos envolvidos na construção do jogo, da sua associação e do aumento da complexidade da sua construção.

The purpose of this article is to launch a debate about a qualitative assessment model based on the game and the "potential play" underlying certain forms of psychopathological symptoms. For this purpose, I offer the example of a series of "typical game's" interlocking concerning the symbolization of presence and absence dialectic, which includes the "peek-a-boo" game, the "spatula game", the "wooden spool" game and the "go to war" game. This series of games is studied through the processes involved in the game's construction, its interlocking and the growing complexity of its construction.

El objetivo que persigo es impulsar la reflexión sobre un modelo de evaluación cualitativa basada en el juego y el "juego potencial" subyacentes a ciertas formas de síntomas psicopatológicos. Para ello, propongo un ejemplo en el que se encadenan una serie de "juegos típicos" sobre la simbolización de la dialéctica presencia-ausencia: el juego del "cucú tras", el juego de "la espátula", el juego de "la bobina", y el juego de "vete a la guerra". Esta cadena de juegos es analizada a partir de los procesos que intervienen en la construcción del juego, en su encadenamiento y en la creciente complejidad de su construcción.

Papel do ambiente familiar no desenvolvimento de sintomatologia psicopatológica em jovens adultos / Role of family environment in the development of psychopathological symptoms in young adults / Papel del entorno familiar en el desarrollo de síntomas psicopatológicos en jóvenes adultos

A perceção do ambiente familiar constitui um fator essencial para o desenvolvimento psicoafectivo e ajustamento emocional do indivíduo, bem como no desenvolvimento de sintomatologia psicopatológica. Desse modo, a dinâmica das relações pais-filhos parece assumir um papel dicotómico, protetor ou de risco no ajustamento emocional e desenvolvimento de sintomatologia psicopatológica. A presente investigação tem como principal objetivo analisar o efeito do ambiente familiar no desenvolvimento de sintomatologia psicopatológica dos jovens adultos. A amostra é constituída por 432 jovens adultos, com idades compreendidas entre os 18 e os 30 anos. Para a recolha de dados recorreu-se à Family Environment Scale, o Inventário de Sintomas Psicopatológicos e um questionário sociodemográfico. Os resultados apontam que a perceção de coesão no ambiente familiar prediz negativamente a sintomatologia depressiva e ansiosa, enquanto a perceção de alterações na expressividade e existência de conflitos no ambiente familiar predizem positivamente a sintomatologia ansiosa nos jovens adultos. Os resultados serão analisados à luz da perspetiva ecológica de Bronfenbrenner, no sentido de discutir a importância do ambiente familiar adaptativo no desenvolvimento afetivo e na sintomatologia psicopatológica nos jovens adultos.

The perception of family environment is an essential factor for the development of the individual psycho-affective and emotional adjustment, as well as development of psychopathological symptoms. Thus, the dynamics of parent-child relationships seems to assume a dichotomous, risk or protective role in emotional adjustment and development of psychopathology symptoms. This research aims to analyze the effect of family environment on the development of psychopathological symptoms in young adults. The sample was composed by 432 young adults, aged between 18 and 30 years. To collect data there was recourse to the Family Environment Scale, the Brief Symptom Inventory and the sociodemographic questionnaire. The results show that the perception of cohesion in the family environment predicts negatively the depressive and anxious symptoms, while the perception of changes in the expressiveness and existence of conflicts in the family environment predict positively anxious symptomatology in young adults. Results will be analyzed in the the ecological perspective of Bronfenbrenner, to discuss the importance of an adaptive family environment on the emotional development and the psychopathological symptoms in young adults.

La percepción del entorno familiar es un factor esencial para el desarrollo psico-afectivo y ajuste emocional del individuo, así como en el desarrollo de sintomatología psicopatológica. Asi mismo, la dinámica de la relación padre-hijo parece ejercer un papel dicotómico, protector o de riesgo a la adaptación emocional y el desarrollo de los síntomas psicopatológicos. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo analizar el efecto del entorno familiar en el desarrollo de síntomas psicopatológicos en jóvenes adultos. La muestra se compone por 432 jóvenes adultos entre 18 y 30 años. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó la Family Environment Scale, el Brief Symptom Inventory y un cuestionario sociodemográfico. Los resultados muestran que la percepción de cohesión en el entorno familiar predice negativamente los síntomas depresivos y de ansiedad, mientras que la percepción de los cambios en la expresión y la existencia de conflictos en el ámbito familiar predice positivamente los síntomas de ansiedad en los jóvenes adultos. Los resultados serán analizados a la luz de la perspectiva ecológica de Bronfenbrenner, discutiendo la importancia del ambiente familiar adaptativo en el desarrollo afectivo y síntomas psicopatológicos en jóvenes adultos.

Variables asociadas a la experiencia de abuso en la pareja y su denuncia en una muestra de mujeres / Factors Associated with the Intimate Partner Violence and their Complaint in a Sample of Women

Se examinan algunos factores asociados a la experiencia de abuso de pareja en la mujer y al hecho de denunciar estos abusos. Se evaluaron la sintomatología psicopatológica, las actitudes sexuales machistas y las variables sociodemográficas en 900 mujeres (300 que habían denunciado a sus parejas por abusos, 300 que nunca lo habían hecho y 300 de la población general), con edades entre 18 y 72 años. El abuso sufrido por la mujer en el ámbito marital se asocia a síntomas psicopatológicos y a actitudes sexuales machistas. La decisión de denunciar a la pareja depende de la intensidad del propio abuso y de que la mujer tenga un rol social más liberal y por tanto menos ajustado a los estándares tradicionales de género.

Some factors associated with intimate partner violence and their complaint among women is here examined. Psychopathological symptoms, sexist attitudes and some sociodemographic variables were assessed in a sample of 900 women (300 women who reported partner abuse, 300 women who never reported partner abuse and 300 women in the general population). The age range was from 18 to 72 years old. The abuse suffered by women within marriage is associated with psychopatological symptoms and sexist attitudes. The women's decision to report partner abuse depends on both the intensity of the abuse and women's values as more liberal and less conformed by traditional gender standards.

Adaptación para Buenos Aires de la Escala de Orientaciones Generales de Causalidad (General Causality Orientations Scale - GCOS)* / Buenos Aires's Adaptation of General Causality Orientations Scale (GCOS)

El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar la adaptación lingüística y estudiar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Orientaciones Generales de Causalidad (General Causality Orientations Scale- GCOS) de Deci y Ryan (1985). Las orientaciones causales se refieren a la fuente de iniciación y regulación de las conductas, son relativamente estables y se relacionan con el grado de autodeterminación de las personas. Deci y Ryan postularon tres orientaciones (Autónoma, Control e Impersonal) que son medidas a través de sendas subescalas en la GCOS. Esta incluye 17 viñetas con tres ítemes cada una que se responden con una escala de 7 puntos. Participaron 184 sujetos residentes en la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y alrededores. Se solicitó el juicio de expertos para analizar el contenido de la escala y sus valoraciones coincidieron en identificar a la motivación como el constructo principal. Las evidencias de fiabilidad sugieren una apropiada consistencia interna para las tres subescalas (.76 para Autonomía, .74 para Control y .81 para Impersonal). Con respecto a la validez externa, se encontró que las medidas de síntomas psicopatológicos y de depresión variaron significativamente de acuerdo a la orientación motivacional con que se los vinculó. Además se analizaron respuestas de pares en las que se constató una concordancia importante entre la autoevaluación y la heteroevaluación en función de la profundidad del vínculo. Por último, se encontró que a medida que el nivel educativo aumentaba, disminuían las puntuaciones en Control e Impersonal.

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the GCOS in Argentinean adult population. The GCOS was originally designed in order to obtain an appropriate instrument for measuring causality orientations, that is, several aspects of people which take part in the initiation and regulation of the behavior (Deci & Ryan, 1985). It is composed by 17 vignettes which describe a situation and are followed by three responses, each one characterizes the three orientations: Autonomy, Control and Impersonal. Every item is answered on a 7-point Likert Scale, ranging from very unlikely to very likely. The GCOS was translated by three independent translators who had knowledge on Psychology to ensure the scale content validity. The content validity was assessed through the use of four independent judges who have wide knowledge on the human motivation field. Two of them suggested that the GCOS evaluated human motivation and the others recognized aspects related to power, achievement and relatedness, decision making, attribution theory. The preliminary version was tested in a small group. Some minor revisions were made on the participants' and judges' recommendations. The sample included 184 participants (106 females; 78 males). Reliability analysis showed a good internal consistency for each subscale: .76 for Autonomy, .74 for Control, and .81 for Impersonal. The item-total correlations ranged between .15 and .61 for Autonomy, .20 and .47 for Control, .15 and .54 for Impersonal. Moreover, five interviews were conducted for analyzing content validity. Five participants who obtained higher scores indifferent subscales were selected. The results showed a good consistency between the scale scores and the interview responses. Following the original study done by Deci and Ryan (1985) different scales were selected to evaluate the GCOS construct validity in our environment. The measures selected were: Autonomy - Connectedness Scale (ACS-30 - Bekker & van Assen, 1986) (Argentinean version, Brenlla & Traviganti, 2009), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II - Beck, Steer & Brown, 1996) (Argentinean version by Brenlla & Rodríguez, 2006) and, Symptom Checklist 90 Revised (SCL-90-R - Derogatis, 1994 - Argentinean version, Casullo, 2004). Significant correlations were found between the Autonomy Subscale and the SCL-90R. Particularly, it was found significant negative correlations with Depression (r = -.172; p < .05) and Psychoticism (r =- .241; p < .01). In the Control Subscale, the results showed significant correlation with BDI-II (r = .250; p < .01) and with the following factors of the SCL-R-90: Somatization (r = .249; p < .01), Obsessive-compulsive (r = .223; p < .01), Interpersonal sensitivity (r = .218; p < .05), Anxiety (r = .239; p < .01), Hostility (r = .222; p < .01), and Paranoid ideation (r = .312; p < .01). Also, negative correlations between this subscale and Factor I of the ACS-30-sensitivity to others- (r = -.207; p < .05). As regards the correlations of the Impersonal Subscale with other measures, were the clearest ones. This subscale showed significant correlations with all dimensions of SCL-R-90 (total score SCL-R-90: r = .472; p < .01) and with BDI-II (r = .389; p < .01). As well, negative correlations were found with Factor II of the ACS-30 - Capacity for managing new situations - of the ACS-30 (r = -.276; p < .01) and positive correlations with Factor III -Self-awareness (r = .238; p < .01). The sample's status characteristics influences were analyzed. No difference in scores by age and gender were found. Lastly educational biases were assessed. No influence of educational level was found in the Autonomy Subscale [F(2, 181) = .802; p = .450]. Nevertheless, as educational level decreases an increase in control and impersonal scores was found [Control: F(2, 181) = 13.748; p = .000; Impersonal: F(2, 181) = 19.767; p = .000].

Sintomas psicopatológicos em meninas vítimas de abuso sexual abrigadas e não-abrigadas / Síntomas psicopatológicos en niñas víctimas de abuso sexual acogidas y no acogidas por instituciones de protección / Psychopathological symptoms of sheltered and non-sheltered sexually abused girls

A identificação de uma situação de abuso sexual contra uma criança ou adolescente requer medidas de proteção que garantam a segurança da vítima. O abrigamento constitui-se como um recurso protetivo para crianças ou adolescentes que não possuem algum familiar capaz de garantir seus cuidados e segurança. O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar a presença de sintomas psicológicos em meninas vítimas de abuso sexual, abrigadas e não-abrigadas, como: depressão, ansiedade, stress, transtorno do estresse pós-traumático, e crenças relacionadas ao abuso sexual. As participantes foram 40 meninas com idade entre nove e 16 anos. Os resultados apontaram que não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação aos sintomas investigados. Embora estudos apontem o abrigamento como um evento potencializador de sintomas psicopatológicos, os resultados demonstram que em situações extremas de violência, tais como o abuso sexual, o abrigo pode representar uma estratégia não necessariamente negativa para o agravamento de sintomas.

La identificación de una situación de abuso sexual contra un niño, niña o adolescente requiere medidas de protección que garanticen la integridad física y psicológica de la víctima. Llevar a un niño, niña o adolescente a una institución es una medida de protección para quienes no tienen un familiar capaz de garantizar su cuidado. El presente estudio tuvo como finalidad identificar la presencia de síntomas psicopatológicos en niñas víctimas de abuso sexual, que eran acogidas y no acogidas por instituciones de protección, tales como: depresión, ansiedad, estrés, trastorno de estrés postraumático y creencias relacionadas con el abuso sexual. Las participantes fueron 40 niñas con edades entre nueve y 16 años. Los resultados indicaron que no hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos de niñas acogidas y no acogidas por instituciones de protección, en relación con los síntomas investigados. Aunque hay estudios que señalan que en las instituciones se pueden intensificar los síntomas psicopatológicos, estos resultados demuestran que en situaciones extremas de violencia, como el abuso sexual, pueden representar una medida de protección que no empeora los síntomas.

The identification of a sexual abuse episode against a child or adolescent requires protective measures to ensure the safety of the victim and to avoid possible re-victimizations. Among the existing protective measures, the shelter is a resource for those children or adolescents who do not have any family member capable to ensure their care and safety. This study aimed to verify the presence of psychopathological symptoms in non-sheltered and sheltered girls who are victims of sexual abuse. The symptoms examined were: depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and beliefs related to sexual abuse. The participants were 40 girls aged between nine and 16 years. Results showed that there was no significant difference between groups with respect to the symptoms assessed. Although some studies suggested that the shelter is a context that enhances psychopathological symptoms, the results of this research showed that in situations of extreme violence such as sexual abuse, the shelter might be a strategy which is not necessarily negative and does not contribute to the worsening of symptoms.

Versão portuguesa da escala de dificuldades de regulação emocional e sua relação com sintomas psicopatológicos / The Portuguese version of the difficulties in emotion regulation scale and its relationship with psychopathological symptoms

CONTEXTO: As dificuldades de regulação emocional estão presentes em vários quadros psicopatológicos, sendo necessário o recurso a um instrumento que as possa medir adequadamente. OBJECTIVOS: Fazer a adaptação para o português da Escala de Dificuldades de Regulação Emocional e analisar as suas qualidades psicométricas. Um segundo objectivo do estudo era o de explorar a associação entre as dimensões da DERS e sintomas psicopatológicos específicos. MÉTODO: A escala original foi traduzida para o português e preenchida por uma amostra de 324 sujeitos que também preencheram o Inventário Breve de Sintomas. RESULTADOS: Os resultados revelam uma estrutura factorial muito semelhante à da versão original, bons valores de estabilidade temporal, de consistência interna (Cronbach's α = ,93) e bons níveis de validade externa com o BSI. A análise realizada com o subgrupo de 115 sujeitos que compuseram a amostra clínica revelou que os indivíduos com psicopatologia apresentam mais dificuldades de regulação emocional do que os indivíduos normais. Por meio da análise de correlação entre as diferentes subescalas da DERS e do BSI, verificamos que as subescalas Estratégias e Objectivos apresentam o valor mais elevado de associação com todos os sintomas psicopatológicos. DISCUSSÃO: Esses resultados sugerem que essas duas dimensões são transversais às várias perturbações psicopatológicas e poderiam, por isso, ser incluídas em intervenções psicológicas focadas na capacidade de regulação emocional.

BACKGROUND: Emotion dysregulation is a unifier dimension of several psychopathological symptoms thus an instrument that measures it is needed. OBJECTIVES: To adapt to Portuguese the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale and study its psychometric qualities. A second goal was to explore the association between DERS dimensions and specific types of psychopathology symptoms. METHOD: The original measure was translated to Portuguese and completed by a sample of 324 individuals who also completed the Brief Symptom Inventory. RESULTS: The results show a very similar factor structure to the original measure: good testretest stability, very good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = ,93) and good external validity with BSI. The analysis performed with the subset of 115 individuals that composed the clinical sample showed that psychopathologic individuals present more difficulties in emotion regulation than normal individuals. Through the correlation analysis between the different DERS and BSI subscales, we found that the Strategies and Goals subscales present the highest level of association with all the psychopathological symptoms. DISCUSSION: This may suggest that these two dimensions are present in various psychological disorders and could, therefore, be included in psychological interventions focused on emotion regulation skills.

Avaliação psicológica de obesos grau III antes e depois de Cirurgia Bariátrica / Psychological evaluation of grade III obese patients before and after Bariatric Surgery

Avalia depressão, ansiedade, sintomas psicopatológicos, alexitimia e estilo defensivo de obesos grau III, antes e depois de cirurgia bariátrica. O estudo seguiu delineamento quase-experimental, de tipo cross-sectional. Contou com grupo pré-cirúrgico (Gr1, N=32) e pós-cirúrgico (Gr2, N=33), entre seis e 33 meses após a cirurgia. Instrumentos: Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI), Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck (BAI), Escala de Avaliação de Sintomas (EAS-40), Versão em Português da Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto (TAS-26) e Versão em Português do Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40). Os dois grupos apresentaram baixos níveis de depressão, ansiedade, sintomas psicopatológicos e alexitimia. No entanto, os níveis do Gr 2 foram significantemente inferiores (p<0,05). Em relação ao estilo defensivo, o Gr1 apresentou mais defesas imaturas (p<0,02) do que o Gr 2.

This study evaluates depression, anxiety, psychopathologic symptoms, alexithymia and defensive style of grade III obese patients, before and after bariatric surgery. The study followed a cross-sectional design, with a group of surgical candidates (Gr1, N=32) and one of postoperative patients (Gr2, N=33) between 6 and 33 months after the surgery. Instruments: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Symptom Assessment Scale (EAS-40), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-26) and Defensive Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40). The results pointed to low levels of depression, anxiety, psychopathological symptoms and alexithymia in both groups, although those of Gr2 were significantly lower than those of Gr1 (p<0.05). Concerning the defensive style, Gr1 showed more immature defense (p<0. 02) than Gr2.