Executive functions scale for university students: UEF-1.

Introduction: Executive functions are a set of mental abilities that allow human beings to consciously regulate their behavior and, in a university setting, will have a significant impact on student success during professional training. Objective: To develop a scale to assess executive functions in a university setting. Method: Using a sample of 1,373 university students from Chile (663) and Ecuador (710) between 17 and 33 years old (Mage = 20.53, SD = 2.34). A study was carried out to analyze the psychometric properties of the instrument using a reliability and validity analysis for a scale that assesses executive functions: conscious monitoring of responsibilities, supervisory attentional system, conscious regulation of behavior, verification of behavior to learn, decision making, conscious regulation of emotions, and management of elements to solve tasks. Results: Adequate internal consistency parameters were found between α = 0.71 and 0.85. The seven executive functions proposed on the scale correlated proportionally between r = 0.42 and 0.62. In the confirmatory factor analysis, good fit indices were obtained in the model of the seven executive functions x2(413) = 1649.14, p = <0.001, CFI = 0.91, SRMR = 0.04 and RMSEA = 0.04. Discussion: The research carried out reaches its conclusion stating that the scale that was developed has the psychometric properties to assess executive functions in the Latin American setting. The results regarding previous research and the contribution made in the line of research of executive functions are discussed.

Factorial Structure of the EOCL-1 Scale to Assess Executive Functions.

The process of assessing executive functions through behavioral observation scales is still under theoretical and empirical construction. This article reports on the analysis of the factorial structure of the EOCL-1 scale that assesses executive functions, as proposed by the theory developed by Luria, which has not been previously considered in this type of evaluation. In this scale, the executive functions taken into account are error correction, internal behavioral and cognition regulatory language, limbic system conscious regulation, decision making, future consideration of consequences of actions, goal-directed behavior, inhibitory control of automatic responses, creation of new behavioral repertoires, and cognitive-behavioral activity verification. A variety of validity and reliability analyses were carried out, with the following results: (a) an adequate internal consistency level of executive functions between α = 0.70 and α = 0.83, (b) significant convergent validity with a scale that assesses frontal deficits between r = -0.07 and r = 0.28, and (c) the scale's construct validity that proposes a model with an executive central factor comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.93, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.04 (LO.04 and HI.04), standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.04, and x2 ( 312 ) = 789.29, p = 0.001. The findings are discussed based on previous literature reports and in terms of the benefits of using a scale to assess the proposed executive functions.

Psychometric Properties Of ADHD Rating Scale In School Context / Propiedades Psicométricas De La Escala ADHD En El Contexto Escolar

Abstract Background: The ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD RS IV) is one of the most commonly used scales in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment. Its psychometric properties have been studied in contexts including Europe and North America, however, in Latin America, there is shortage of empirical evidence about validity or reliability reported by teachers on a scholar context. The aim of the research was to analyze the psychometric properties of the ADHD RS IV based on the behavior of students reported by teachers. Material/methods: Three hundred and forty-five students voluntarily participated in this study (162 men and 183 women), aged between 5 and 15 years (Mage = 10.43, SD = 3.61). As instruments of measurement ADHD RS IV, Perception of Differences Test and Go / No-Go experiment were used. Cronbach's alpha, Pearson correlation and confirmatory factor analysis were applied and analyzed. Results: In the results it was found that internal consistency coefficient of RS IV ADHD is between .93 and .97. There is a significant statistically correlation between the scale and the number of successes points in the Perception of Differences Test (r = -.55, p = < .001) and mistakes to stimuli no-go (r = .34, p = .002). The classic ADHD model of two factors had good indicators of goodness of fit x 2 (101) = 321.40, p < .001; CFI = .96; RMSEA = .08 (.07 to .09) and SRMR = .04. Conclusions: The article is finalized highlighting the ADHD RS IV has adequate psychometric properties in order to be applied in the school context.

Resumen Antecedentes: La ADHD Rating Scale IV (ADHD RS IV) es una de las escalas más utilizadas en la evaluación del trastorno por déficit de atención con hiperactividad (ADHD). Sus propiedades psicométricas se han estudiado en contextos que incluyen Europa y América del Norte, sin embargo, en América Latina, hay escasez de evidencia empírica sobre la validez o confiabilidad reportada por los docentes en un contexto académico. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas del ADHD RS IV con base en el comportamiento de los estudiantes reportados por los maestros. Material /Métodos: Trescientos cuarenta y cinco estudiantes participaron voluntariamente en este estudio (162 hombres y 183 mujeres), con edades comprendidas entre 5 y 15 años (Mage = 10.43, SD = 3.61). Como instrumentos de medida ADHD RS IV, se utilizaron la prueba de percepción de diferencias y el experimento Go / No-Go. Alfa de Cronbach, correlación de Pearson y análisis factorial confirmatorio fueron aplicados y analizados. Resultados: En los resultados se encontró que el coeficiente de consistencia interna de RS IV ADHD está entre .93 y .97. Existe una correlación estadística significativa entre la escala y el número de puntos de éxito en la Prueba de Percepción de Diferencias (r = -.55, p = <.001) y los errores a los estímulos no-go (r = .34, p =. 002). El modelo clásico de TDAH de dos factores tenía buenos indicadores de bondad de ajuste x 2 (101) = 321.40, p <.001; CFI = .96; RMSEA = .08 (.07 a .09) y SRMR = .04. Conclusiones: El artículo finaliza destacando que la ADHD RS IV tiene propiedades psicométricas adecuadas para ser aplicado en el contexto escolar.

Inhibitory Control And Symptomatology Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder / El Control Inhibitorio Y La Sintomatología Del Trastorno Por Déficit De Atención Con Hiperactividad

Abstract Background: Inhibitory control has been described as a factor causing difficulties in the regulation present in the ADHD. Objective: The aim was to analyze the relationship between inhibitory control and symptoms of ADHD in a sample of 81 subjects diagnosed with ADHD (Mage=10.05, SD=2.53). Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional and correlational scope research was carried out. The instruments used were the ADHD RS IV and SIMON experiment. Correlation inferential statistical regression and regression processes were applied. Results: Three regression models were tested, where inhibitory control presents a significant prediction with the (a) attention deficit F (1,79) =20.69, p=<.001, R 2 =.21, (b) hyperactivity and impulsivity F (1, 79) =5.90, p=.01, R 2 =.07 and (c) the combination of both (a+b) F (1, 79) =13.25, p=< .01, R 2 =.14. Conclusions: The findings suggest that inhibitory control is one of the main executive functions that determines the degree of affectation of the symptomatology of the child population with ADHD.

Resumen Antecedentes: El control inhibitorio ha sido descrito como un factor causal que genera problemas de déficit de atención, impulsividad e hiperactividad que engloban la sintomatología del TDAH. Objetivo: El fin de esta investigación fue analizar la relación entre el control inhibitorio y los síntomas del TDAH en una muestra de 81 sujetos diagnosticados con TDAH (M edad = 10.05, DE = 2.53). Método: Se ejecutó una investigación cuantitativa, transversal y alcance correlacional. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron ADHD RS IV y el experimento SIMON. Se aplicaron procesos de análisis estadístico inferencial correlacional y regresión. Resultados: Tres modelos de regression fueron testeados, donde el control inhibitorio present una relación significativa, prediciendo (a) el déficit de atención F (1, 79) = 20.69, p=< .001, R 2 =.21, (b) hiperactividad e impulsividad F (1, 79) = 5.90, p=.01, R 2 =.07 y (c) la combinación de ambos (a+b) F (1, 79) = 13.25, p=< .01, R 2 =.14. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos encontrados sugieren que el control inhibitorio es una de las funciones ejecutivas principales que determina el grado de afectación de la sintomatología de la población infantil con ADHD.

Escala Reducida Para Valorar El Sentido De Coherencia: Soc 15 / Scale Reduced To Value The Sense Of Coherence: Soc 15

Resumen Introducción: El sentido de coherencia es una constructo de la salud que permite al individuo enfrentar las dificultades y situaciones difíciles de la vida. Está configurado por tres factores: significado, comprensión y manejo. Se ha propuesto como método de valoración de este constructo a la escala SOC con 29 ítems. Objetivo: En esta investigación se plantea como objetivo, proponer una escala SOC reducida. Métodos: Se trabajó con una muestra de 445 participantes saludables de Quito-Ecuador, 145 hombres (32.5%) y 300 mujeres (67.4%). Resultados: Se obtuvo que la escala reducida en 15 ítems presenta adecuada consistencia interna en sus tres factores: comprensión α=.74, manejo α=.82 y significado α=.82. En el análisis factorial confirmatorio se encontró un ajuste aceptable del modelo reducido (SOC-15) x 2=317.90, GL=87, p=<.001, CFI=.92, RMSEA=.07 (.06-.08) y SRMR=.04. Conclusiones: Se discuten los datos en relación a los beneficios de contar con una escala reducida para su futuro aplicación en el contexto clínico sanitario y científico.

Abstract Introduction: The sense of coherence is a construct of health that allows the individual to face difficult situations of life. It is configured by three factors: meaning, understanding and management. As a method of assessment of this construct, has been proposed the SOC scale with 29 items in its original version. Objective: The objective of this study is to propose a reduced SOC scale. Methods: We worked with a sample of 445 healthy participants from Quito-Ecuador, 145 men (32.5%) and 300 women (67.4%). Results: It was obtained that the reduced scale of 15 items presents an adequate internal consistency in its three factors: understanding α = .74, management α = .82 and meaning α = .82. In the confirmatory factor analysis, an acceptable adjustment of the reduced model was found (SOC-15) x 2 = 317.90, DF = 87, p = <. 001, CFI = .92, RMSEA = .07 (.06-.08) and SRMR = .04. Conclusions: The data is discussed in relation to the benefits of counting with a reduced scale for its future application in the clinical and health scientific context.

Atention neuropsychologic evaluation: symbols and digits test / Evaluación neuropsicológica de la atención: test de símbolos y dígitos

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The symbol digit modality test is a reactive which provides great support in neuropsychological evaluation. Its execution permits to evaluate brain functions such as visual perception, stimuli recognition, attention (focal, selective and sustained), task supervision, interference control among others. OBJECT: The purpose of the current research study was to analyze the normative percentiles of the execution of the test, to identify the performance activity of the reactive according to age group and gender; applying the test in a sample of college students. METHOD: The sample included 250 university students,142 (56.8%) males and 108 (43.2%) females. The age range of the participants was between 18 and 34 years old (M=21.53, DE=2.25). A transversal, non-experimental, quantitative research model with a correlational scope was used. RESULTS: The correct answer average for the test was 52.83 (DE=13,60) and for percentile P5 31,55 right answers were found; for percentile P75 60,00 right answers, P25 had 46,00 right answers, and for P95 74,45 right answers were found. No significant differences were found for the mean of errors in the test in terms of age group f(3, 246)=0,67, p=0,57 and gender t(248)=0,68, p=0,49 of the participants as comparison factor. CONCLUSIONS: Results were discussed based on prior research pointing out the importance of counting with a first statistical parameter of the test as ground for neuropsychological clinical practice in Ecuador.

RESUMEN INTRODUCCIÓN: El test de símbolos y dígitos es un reactivo de gran apoyo en la evaluación neuropsicológica. Su ejecución permite la valoración de funciones cerebrales como la percepción visual, el reconocimiento de estímulos, la atención (focalizada, selectiva y sostenida), supervisión de tareas, control de la interferencia y otras. OBJETIVO: En el presente artículo se reporta una investigación que tuvo como finalidad analizar los percentiles normativos de la ejecución del test, identificar las diferencias en el rendimiento del reactivo, según grupo etario y género de los valores del test al ser aplicado en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios. MÉTODO: La muestra estuvo conformada por 250 estudiantes universitarios, 142 (56,8%) hombres y 108 (43,2%) mujeres. El rango de edad de los participantes fue entre 18 y 34 años de edad (M=21,53, DE=2,25). Se utilizó un diseño de investigación cuantitativo, transversal, no experimental y alcance correlacional. RESULTADOS: Se encontró que la media de aciertos en el test es de 52,83 (DE=13,60) y en el percentil P5 se encontraron 31,55 aciertos; el el percentil P25 existieron 46,00 aciertos, en el percentil P75 se hallaron 60,00 aciertos y en el percentil P95 se encontraron 74,45 aciertos. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la media de errores del test, considerando el grupo etario f(3, 246)=0,67, p=0,57 y género t(248)=0,68, p=0,49 de los participantes como factor de comparación. CONCLUSIONES: Se discuten los resultados en torno a investigaciones previas, mencionando la importancia de contar con un primer parámetro estadístico del test como base para la práctica clínica neuropsicológica en Ecuador.