ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic is linked to a rise in mental health problems and the consequent devastating impact on social, political and health pillars. Puerto Rico has been no exception, including an aggressive and restrictive quarantine period, and several thousands of deaths attributed to the virus. The aim of this investigation is to examine the reliability and convergent validity of the Spanish version of the COVID Stress Scale (CSS). The CSS is a robust instrument to measure stress related to fears of being exposed to the virus and to the deleterious consequences in the lifestyle of the individual. Participants were 416 persons who completed an online survey that included the CSS and the assessment of depressive and anxiety symptoms. We examined itemlevel characteristics, factor structure and the convergent validity of the scales. The results support the five-factor structure of the CSS, excellent internal reliability, and convergent validity with scales of anxiety and depression. Overall, the Spanish version of the CSS provide a reliable and valid assessment of the new proposed COVID stress syndrome. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) Abstract (Spanish) La pandemia del COVID-19 ha estado asociada a un incremento en problemas de salud mental y al devastador impacto en pilares sociales, politicos y de salud publica. Puerto Rico no ha sido la excepcion, incluyendo un periodo riguroso restrictivo de salidas fuera del hogar y varias miles de muertes atribuidas al virus. El proposito de esta investigacion es examinar la confiabilidad y validez convergente de la version en espanol de la Escala de Estres de COVID (EEC). Participaron 416 personas que completaron una encuesta en linea que incluia la EEC y la evaluacion de sintomas de depresion y ansiedad. Examinamos caracteristicas a nivel de itemes, la estructura factorial y la validez convergente de las diversas escalas. Los resultados apoyan una estructura de cinco factores en la EEC, confiabilidad interna excelente, y validez convergente con las escalas de depresion y ansiedad. En general, la version en espanol de la EEC provee una evaluacion confiable y valida del nuevo sindrome de estres de COVID. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Parents of an infant may be particularly vulnerable to peritraumatic distress (e.g., psychological distress experienced during or immediately following a traumatic event) associated with events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Since peritraumatic distress could affect both their psychological well-being and their couple relationship functioning, it is essential to measure and document these symptoms within parents. The COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI;Qiu et al., 2020) was the first validated instrument to measure COVID-19 peritraumatic distress, but it has not yet been validated in French. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the French-Canadian version of the CPDI (F-CPDI) in a sample of 492 parents (58% of mothers) of an infant in Quebec Province (Canada). The factor structure, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the instrument were tested. Results indicate that the F-CPDI has good internal consistency and supports the four-factor structure proposed by the authors of the original instrument. Results of correlation analyses indicated that peritraumatic distress was related to increased psychological distress, postpartum depression, and lower life satisfaction. Results indicate satisfactory psychometric qualities for the F-CPDI, providing researchers and mental health professionals access to a COVID-19 peritraumatic distress measure. This questionnaire can be used to assess peritraumatic distress in parents of an infant during a pandemic period, which is a first step towards offering adapted intervention strategies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (French) Les parents d'un nouveau-ne peuvent etre particulierement vulnerables a la detresse peritraumatique (c'est-a-dire la detresse psychologique vecue pendant ou immediatement apres un evenement traumatique) associee a des evenements tels que la pandemie de COVID-19. Puisque la detresse peritraumatique pourrait affecter a la fois leur bien-etre psychologique et le fonctionnement de leur relation de couple, il est essentiel de mesurer et de documenter ces symptomes chez les parents. L'indice de detresse peritraumatique reliee a la COVID-19 (IDPC;Qiu et al., 2020) a ete le premier instrument valide pour mesurer la detresse peritraumatique reliee a la COVID-19, mais il n'a pas encore ete valide en francais. Cette etude visait a evaluer les proprietes psychometriques de la version franco-canadienne du CPDI (l'IDPC en francais) aupres d'un echantillon de 492 parents (58 % de meres) d'un nouveau-ne dans la province de Quebec (Canada). La structure factorielle, la coherence interne et la validite convergente de l'instrument ont ete testees. Les resultats indiquent que l'IDPC a une bonne coherence interne et soutient la structure a quatre facteurs proposee par les auteurs de l'instrument original. Les resultats des analyses de correlation indiquent que la detresse peritraumatique est liee a une detresse psychologique accrue, a la depression post-partum et a une satisfaction de vie moindre. Les resultats indiquent des qualites psychometriques satisfaisantes pour l'IDPC, permettant aux chercheurs et aux professionnels de la sante mentale d'avoir acces a un indice de detresse peritraumatique reliee a la COVID-19. Ce questionnaire peut etre utilise pour evaluer la detresse peritraumatique des parents d'un nouveau-ne en periode de pandemie, ce qui constitue une premiere etape pour proposer des strategies d'intervention adaptees. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) Impact Statement The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increase in mental health problems, including peritraumatic distress (Qiu et al., 2020). This study tested the validity of the French-Canadian COVID-19 Peritraumatic Distress Index (F-CPDI;Qiu et al., 2020), the first validated instrument to measure COVID-19 peritraumatic distress. Results revealed satisfactory psychometric qualities for the F-CPDI and prevalence rate of peritraumatic distress reaching 20.5% in Quebec parents of an infant. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
(Spanish) La pandemia del COVID-19 ha estado asociada a un incremento en problemas de salud mental y al devastador impacto en pilares sociales, politicos y de salud publica. Puerto Rico no ha sido la excepcion, incluyendo un periodo riguroso restrictivo de salidas fuera del hogar y varias miles de muertes atribuidas al virus. El proposito de esta investigacion es examinar la confiabilidad y validez convergente de la version en espanol de la Escala de Estres de COVID (EEC). Participaron 416 personas que completaron una encuesta en linea que incluia la EEC y la evaluacion de sintomas de depresion y ansiedad. Examinamos caracteristicas a nivel de itemes, la estructura factorial y la validez convergente de las diversas escalas. Los resultados apoyan una estructura de cinco factores en la EEC, confiabilidad interna excelente, y validez convergente con las escalas de depresion y ansiedad. En general, la version en espanol de la EEC provee una evaluacion confiable y valida del nuevo sindrome de estres de COVID. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Fear of the new coronavirus, as an emotional response to a pandemic situation that has plagued the world since early 2020, has many implications for the behaviour and psychological experiences of the population. To measure the fear of coronavirus a 7-item Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) was developed, now successfully used in more than 20 countries around the world. This study deals with the verification of psychometric characteristics of the Slovak version of FCV-19S, focusing on its factor structure, measurement invariance with respect to gender, reliability in terms of internal consistency, and convergent validity based on structural equation modeling (SEM) and based on the relationship to related constructs of anxiety, depression, and stress. Sample and settings: Data were collected on-line (N=744;aged 17-78) during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in Slovakia. Along with FCV-19S, World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index, Perceived Stress Scale, and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale were administered to the respondents. Results: The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the two-factor structure of the instrument with two subscales, Emotional and Physiological Symptoms. The FCV-19S has proven to be a gender-invariant tool, so it can be used to compare fear experiences in men and women. The results further indicate good internal consistency and convergent validity of the Slovak version of the scale. Limitations: Measurement invariance of FCV-19S across age, education or ethnic groups was not tested in the present study. Stability of the scores over time was also not examined due to cross-sectional design. The study is limited by online data collection and convenience sampling method. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved) (Czech) Ciele: Strach z noveho koronavirusu ako emocionalna reakcia na pandemicku situaciu, ktora suzuje svet uz od zaciatku roka 2020, ma mnoho suvislosti so spravanim a prezivanim obyvatelstva. Na jeho zaznamenavanie bola odbornikmi vyvinuta 7-polozkova skala Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), ktora je uspesne vyuzivana vo viac ako dvadsiatich krajinach sveta. Tato studia sa venuje overeniu psychometrickych charakteristik slovenskej verzie FCV-19S, pricom sa zameriava na overenie jej faktorovej struktury, invariancie merania vzhladom na pohlavie, reliability v zmysle vnutornej konzistencie, konvergentnej validity v zmysle strukturalneho modelovania (SEM) a na zaklade vztahu s pribuznymi premennymi uzkostou, depresivitou a stresom. Vyskumny subor a metody: Zber dat prebiehal online (N = 744;vek 17-78 rokov) pocas prebiehajucej pandemie koronavirusu na Slovensku. Okrem FCV-19S boli respondentom administrovane WHO-5 Index osobnej pohody, Skala vnimaneho stresu (PSS-10) a Skala uzkosti z koronavirusu (CAS). Vysledky: Vysledky konfirmacnej faktorovej analyzy podporili dvojfaktorovu strukturu nastroja s dvomi subskalami Emocionalne a Fyziologicke symptomy. FCV-19S sa ukazal ako nastroj invariantny vzhladom na pohlavie, je ho preto mozne vyuzit na porovnanie prezivaneho strachu u muzov a zien. Vysledky dalej poukazuju na dobru vnutornu konzistenciu a konvergentnu validitu slovenskej verzie skaly. Limity: V studii nebola overovana invariancia merania FCV-19S vzhladom na vek, vzdelanie a etnicitu. Vzhladom na prierezovy dizajn dalej nebola zistovana stabilita nastroja v case. Studia je tiez limitovana online zberom dat a prilezitostnym vyberom vyskumnej vzorky. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
Psychological testing is often problematic for deaf people. Many psychologists avoid exploring language-based reasoning in this population given numerous validity concerns and a general lack of understanding of how one might administer these tests in a way that is sensitive to one's language history. This approach, however, leaves a large area of cognition unexplored. Those who do assess language-based reasoning are at risk of drawing inaccurate conclusions given the complex nature of language-based reasoning in individuals with a unique language background. As a follow-up to Bridgett (2018), this study was originally developed to investigate the validity of the VCI with a sample of deaf children to better understand what the construct was measuring. However, due to COVID-19 and the resulting limitations of in-person data collection, this study's focus shifted towards developing a standardized version of ASL administration for the VCI. In the current study, the investigator collected feedback from the signing community and developed a definitive ASL administration through back and forward translations, cognitive debriefings, and reconciliations. The ultimate objective of this study is to provide psychologists with additional tools for the VCI administration, including a training material for the standardized ASL translation. Another objective is for psychologists to learn about the limitations of the translation and the index per se. With this information, the investigator aims to increase the cultural and linguistic sensitivity involved in administering the VCI to deaf and hard of hearing children who speak ASL. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
In the beginning of 2020 there appeared an urgent need for substantial advancement of the medical and psychological support for medical personnel involved in medical care provided to patients with the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in hospital settings. This need originated from the necessity to diagnose the risks of doctors developing mental states that adversely affect their professional performance and, subsequently, lead to disorders. In addition, there are under-researched matters of dependence of the prevalence of destructive mental states on the intensity of workload experienced by doctors in the "red zones", where the risk of patient fatalities is high. This study aimed to investigate the workload-dependent dynamics of psycho-emotional exhaustion among the medical staff of a COVID hospital. We analyzed the psychological tests (MBI, Maslach Burnout Inventory) that 121 people completed during a four-week assignment in the "infectious" zone and two weeks in the observation department. Seventy-nine doctors comprised the heavy workload group and 42 were in the moderate workload group. The study showed that healthcare workers experiencing heavier workloads exhibit high values of the psycho-emotional exhaustion indicators more often. We registered significant differences (р ≤ 0.05) by the Emotional Exhaustion scale at the third and fifth weeks of the study. By the fifth week, i.e., when the assignment in the "infectious zone" was over, heavy workload group had the median of 25 (23.5;27), while in the moderate workload group it was 14 (14;15), which is 56% lower. © 2022 Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Despite continuing criticism regarding the psychometric credibility of projective techniques, evident in the scholarly literature (e.g., Imuta et al., 2013;Lawrence et al., 2021;Ryan et al., 2019), mounting recent evidence indicates that projective tests are considered an integral part of acceptable methods used or applied in research studies (Eby, 2020;Piotrowski, 2022). Perhaps reflecting the acceptability and relevance of projective assessment, chapter coverage in recent texts on psychological assessment clearly depicts the importance of projective techniques in clinical and child psychology applied to the mental health evaluation process (Saklofske et al., 2013;Sellbom & Suhr, 2020;Verdon & Azoulay, 2020;Weiner & Kleiger, 2021;Wright, 2020;Yalof & Bram, 2021). All this bodes-well for research, but what about the status of projective testing in practice/applied settings, particularly as a foundation for forming a conceptual therapeutic framework in mental health treatment? Hence, the purpose of this commentary is to address this specific issue by examining recent test usage findings, based on empirical data, as reported by practitioners. Of particular interest are the findings of 2 recent dissertations regarding the use of projective tests by practicing psychologists. The first study surveyed a sample of 510 members of APA Division 12 (both clinical child and pediatric psychologists) on the use of drawings (H-T-P, DAP, KFDs) in assessment (Longest, 2006). The most interesting observation is that 25% of the practitioners responded to the survey. Such attention to drawings in clinical practice shows a continued professional interest in projective assessment (see Piotrowski, 2016). More recent data on the use of a variety of projective techniques by psychologists were reported in a dissertation on current assessment practices in the context as an aid in therapy (Hanigan, 2021). This study surveyed licensed psychologists in practice across a myriad of applied settings in the USA. Of the 293 respondents, 29% were engaged in assessment for 20+ hours/per week (this is a slight increase from survey data reported over the past 2 decades). In addition, 55% of these practitioners use at least one projective technique (45% don't use any projective measures). Overall, the continued presence of projective measures in the research literature, the introduction of a host of novel projective techniques in recent years, and contemporary survey data on test usage clearly confirm the fact that projective techniques remain a significant part of the assessment armamentarium of mental health professionals. The current pandemic has had a very detrimental impact on the assessment enterprise (Gicas et al., 2021;Krach et al., 2020), particularly with regard to the use of the Rorschach. This disengagement of personality assessment practice has been corroborated in an analysis of the recent mental health literature related to COVID-19 (Piotrowski & Watt, 2021).Hence, we must await the findings of future studies (post-COVID) before an accurate appraisal on the nature and extent of psychological testing (particularly projective techniques) can be determined (Krishnamurthy et al., 2022). But, for now, projective assessment appears alive and (somewhat well) in the field of mental health evaluation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the change in suicidal ideation and its risk factors among employees. A longitudinal cohort study was conducted, starting with the baseline online survey in March 2020 (T1), followed by May (T2), and August (T3). The change in suicidal ideation from T2 to T3 and relevant factors associated with suicidal ideation at T3 were examined. Suicidal ideation significantly increased between May and August 2020 among females, younger (under 39 years old), highly educated population, and those without pre-existing mental health conditions. Factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation were younger age, suicidal ideation at T2, and with pre-existing mental health conditions. Loneliness at T2 showed a significant association with suicidal ideation, if adjusting those without pre-existing mental health conditions. National and community support is needed to target people who are likely to be left behind, such as young people and those with pre-existing mental health conditions, in the pandemic. METHOD: A longitudinal study was conducted with a cohort of full-time employees, starting with the baseline online survey in March 2020 (time point 1), followed by May (time point 2) and August (time point 3). The change in suicidal ideation from time point 2 to 3, and relevant factors associated with suicidal ideation at time point 3, were examined. RESULTS: Suicidal ideation significantly increased between time points 2 and 3 among women, younger people (aged <39 years), those who were highly educated and those without pre-existing mental health conditions. Factors significantly associated with suicidal ideation were younger age, suicidal ideation at time point 2 and pre-existing mental health conditions. Loneliness at time point 2 showed a significant association with suicidal ideation when adjusting for those without pre-existing mental health conditions. CONCLUSIONS: National and community support is needed to target people who are likely to be left behind, such as young people, those with pre-existing mental health conditions and those experiencing loneliness, in the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
As in previous periods of quarantine, lockdown confinement measures dictated to control SARS-CoV-2 would be expected to negatively affect mental health. We investigated the immediate effects (over a 10 day period) of a strict nationwide stay-at-home order imposed in Spain, one of the countries most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing our analysis on the feelings of loneliness, we obtained our measures within a social context characterised by strong and continuous public and governmental support for increasing social bonds and cooperation in order to face the common public threat. Leveraging data from the Barcelona Brain Health Initiative, a prospective population-based study cohort, the short UCLA Loneliness Scale was administered to 1604 participants 2 years and 1 year before the stay-at-home lockdown and repeated, on average, 10 days after the official confinement order issued by the Spanish government. Ratings of loneliness remained stable during the 2 years before lockdown; however, they decreased significantly during the early stages of home confinement. This effect was particularly significant for the item 'feeling excluded from others' and was also observed among individuals who were confined alone. Overall, the results suggest that gestures and manifestations of appreciation by people for the labour and efforts of certain individuals, along with official campaigns designed to promote feelings of inclusion and belonging, may have beneficial effects on feelings of loneliness, a negative emotional state strongly regarded as a risk factor for impaired mental and general health status. Further assessments during the later stages of home confinement are now warranted.