Identification of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Preclinical and Prodromal Stages in Dementias: Development of a Screening Test for Mild Behavioral Impairment.

BACKGROUND: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are a psychopathological dimension of neurodegenerative diseases, consisting of personality changes, behavioral disorders, and alterations in basic functions such as appetite or sleep, among others. The aim of this study was the construction and validation of a screening test to identify these NPS associated with neurodegenerative pathologies in preclinical and prodromal stages, based on the ISTAART criteria for Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI). METHOD: The sample consisted of 206 subjects over 55 years old (117 cognitively healthy, 89 with Mild Cognitive Impairment). 69% were women, the mean age was 77 years ( SD = 10.58). RESULTS: The new scale consists of 19 items and exhibited a one-dimensional structure. Confidence was excellent (α = .94 and Ω = .97) and there was evidence of convergent validity with the MBI-C test ( r = .88) and the NPI-Q ( r = .82). In addition, the scale demonstrated good sensitivity (.88) and specificity (.80). CONCLUSIONS: The scale allows evaluation of NPS in DCoL. It exhibits good psychometric properties and makes a useful tool in early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies.

Identification of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Preclinical and Prodromal Stages in Dementias: Development of a Screening Test for Mild Behavioral Impairment / Identificación de los Síntomas Neuropsiquiátricos en Fases Preclínicas y Prodrómicas en Demencias: Desarrollo de un Test de Cribado para el Deterioro Conductual Leve

Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) are a psychopathological dimension of neurodegenerative diseases, consisting of personality changes, behavioral disorders, and alterations in basic functions such as appetite or sleep, among others. The aim of this study was the construction and validation of a screening test to identify these NPS associated with neurodegenerative pathologies in preclinical and prodromal stages, based on the ISTAART criteria for Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI). Method: The sample consisted of 206 subjects over 55 years old (117 cognitively healthy, 89 with Mild Cognitive Impairment). 69% were women, the mean age was 77 years (SD = 10.58). Results: The new scale consists of 19 items and exhibited a one-dimensional structure. Confidence was excellent (α = .94 and Ω = .97) and there was evidence of convergent validity with the MBI-C test (r = .88) and the NPI-Q (r = .82). In addition, the scale demonstrated good sensitivity (.88) and specificity (.80). Conclusions: The scale allows evaluation of NPS in DCoL. It exhibits good psychometric properties and makes a useful tool in early diagnosis of neurodegenerative pathologies.(AU)

Antecedentes: Los síntomas neuropsiquiátricos (SNP) constituyen una dimensión psicopatológica de las enfermedades neurodegenerativas conformada por cambios en la personalidad, trastornos conductuales o alteraciones en funciones básicas como, entre otras, el apetito o el sueño. El objetivo de este estudio es la construcción y validación de un test de cribado para la identificación de estos SNP asociados a patologías neurodegenerativas en etapas preclínicas y prodrómicas y basado en los criterios ISTAART para el Deterioro Conductual Leve (DCoL). Método: Se empleó una muestra de 206 sujetos mayores de 55 años (117 cognitivamente sanos y 89 con Deterioro Cognitivo Leve) siendo el 69% mujeres, con una media de edad de 77 años (DT = 10,58). Resultados: La nueva escala desarrollada consta de 19 items y muestra una estructura unidimensional. La fiabilidad fue excelente (α = .94 y Ω = .97) y se observaron evidencias de validez convergente con el test MBI-C con una correlación de .88 y la NPI-Q con .82. Además, muestra una buena sensibilidad de .88 y especificidad de .80. Conclusiones: La escala desarrollada permite evaluar los SNP en el DCoL mostrando buenas propiedades psicométricas y constituyendo una herramienta muy útil en el diagnóstico precoz de las patologías neurodegenerativas.(AU)

Reorganization of Brain Networks as a Substrate of Resilience: An Analysis of Cytochrome c Oxidase Activity in Rats.

The unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model has been used to induce depressive-like symptoms in animal models, showing adequate predictive validity. Our work aims to evaluate the effects of environmental enrichment (EE) on resilience in this experimental model of depression. We also aim to assess changes in brain connectivity using cytochrome c oxidase histochemistry in cerebral regions related to cognitive-affective processes associated with depressive disorder: dorsal hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, accumbens, and habenula nuclei. Five groups of rats were used: UCMS, EE, EE + UCMS (enrichment + stress), BG (basal level of brain activity), and CONT (behavioral tests only). We assessed the hedonic responses elicited by sucrose solution using a consumption test; the anxiety level was evaluated using the elevated zero maze test, and the unconditioned fear responses were assessed by the cat odor test. The behavioral results showed that the UCMS protocol induces elevated anhedonia and anxiety. But these responses are attenuated previous exposure to EE. Regarding brain activity, the UCMS group showed greater activity in the habenula compared to the EE + UCMS group. EE induced a functional reorganization of brain activity. The EE + UCMS and UCMS groups showed different patterns of connections between brain regions. Our results showed that EE favors greater resilience and could reduce vulnerability to disorders such as depression and anxiety, modifying metabolic brain activity.

Psychological Inflexibility, Anxiety and Depression: The Moderating Role of Cognitive Fusion, Experiential Avoidance and Activation.

BACKGROUND: Evidence about how cognitive fusion (CF) and experiential avoidance (EA) interact with emotional distress underlines the importance of analyzing the interrelationships between the different processes of psychological inflexibility in order to improve ways of addressing emotional problems. This study analyzes the moderating effect of CF, EA and activation (A) in relation to four criteria of anxiety and depression. METHOD: A cross-sectional study of a clinical sample of adults was carried out by means of a questionnaire administered before (N = 172) and 6 months after (N = 114) participation in a clinical study. RESULTS: Regression analyses gave results which were consistent in the two evaluations. The EAxCF interaction modulated anxiety symptomatology, whereas A was not a significant predictor. Nevertheless, a reduction in A was the principal modulating condition in the symptomatology of depression; and although CF and EA did act as independent predictors, the EAxCF interaction was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The presence and intensity of manifestations of emotional distress are explained and modulated by the progressive concurrence of CF, EA and reduction in A. The use of therapeutic approaches which increase activation could be a beneficial strategy with regard to decreasing cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance.

Psychological Inflexibility, Anxiety and Depression: The Moderating Role of Cognitive Fusion, Experiential Avoidance and Activation / Inflexibilidad Psicológica, Ansiedad y Depresión: el Papel Moderador de la Fusión Cognitiva, la Evitación Experiencial y la Activación

Background: Evidence about how cognitive fusion (CF) and experientialavoidance (EA) interact with emotional distress underlines the importanceof analyzing the interrelationships between the different processesof psychological inflexibility in order to improve ways of address ingemotional problems. This study analyzes the moderating effect of CF, EAand activation (A) in relation to four criteria of anxiety and depression.Method: A cross-sectional study of a clinical sample of adults was carriedout by means of a questionnaire administered before (N = 172) and 6months after (N = 114) participation in a clinical study. Results: Regressionanalyses gave results which were consistent in the two evaluations. TheEAxCF interaction modulated anxiety symptomatology, whereas A wasnot a significant predictor. Nevertheless, a reduction in A was the principalmodulating condition in the symptomatology of depression; and althoughCF and EA did act as independent predictors, the EAxCF interaction wasnot significant. Conclusions: The presence and intensity of manifestationsof emotional distress are explained and modulated by the progressiveconcurrence of CF, EA and reduction in A. The use of therapeuticapproaches which increase activation could be a beneficial strategy withregard to decreasing cognitive fusion and experiential avoidance.

Antecedentes: las evidencias sobre la interacción entre la fusión cognitiva(FC) y la evitación experiencial (EE) con el distrés emocional señalan laimportancia de analizar las interrelaciones entre los diferentes procesos deinflexibilidad psicológica. Este estudio analiza el efecto moderador de laCF, EA y la activación (A) en relación con cuatro criterios de ansiedady depresión. Método: se evaluó transversalmente mediante cuestionariouna muestra clínica de adultos antes (N = 172) y 6 meses después (N =114) de participar en un estudio clínico. Resultados: análisis de regresión mostraron resultados consistentes entre medidas. La interacción EA ×CF moduló la sintomatología de ansiedad, pero la A no resultó predictor significativo. Sin embargo, la reducción de A fue la principal condición moduladora de la sintomatología depresiva; y aunque la CF y EA síactuaron como predictores independientes, la interacción EA × CF noresultó significativa. Conclusiones: se sugiere que la presencia e intensidad de las manifestaciones de malestar emocional se explica y modulada por laprogresiva concurrencia de CF, EA y pérdida de A. Podría ser beneficioso intervenir en la dirección de incrementar la activación como una estrategia adecuada para disminuir la fusión cognitiva y la evitación de experiencias.

Evaluación de la calidad de la dieta y de la actividad física en jugadores de fútbol, de 13 a 16 años, del Principado de Asturias / Assessment of diet quality and physical activity of soccer players aged 13 to 16, from the Principality of Asturias, Spain

Introducción: La dieta y la actividad física son 2conductas que juegan un papel clave en la aparición de sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil. Es una tarea esencial en salud pública el análisis de su prevalencia en diferentes contextos.Objetivo: Describir la composición corporal, el nivel de actividad física y la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea de jugadores de fútbol de 13 a 16 años de Asturias. Secundariamente, determinar la relación entre dieta, actividad física, composición corporal y variables personales.Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal. Participaron 303 niños, con una edad media de 14,15 años (DE=1,06). Se analizaron la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y el nivel de actividad física con los cuestionarios KIDMED y PAQ-A, respectivamente, y se estableció su composición corporal de acuerdo con su índice de masa corporal.Resultados: Un 23,1% de los participantes presentó exceso de peso. El 54,8% y el 8,9% tenían una adherencia media o baja, respectivamente, a la dieta mediterránea. La puntuación media del PAQ-A fue de 2,69 (DE=0,47). El exceso de peso se asoció con jugar de portero (p=0,001), mayor puntuación de PAQ-A (p=0,011) y menor de KIDMED (p=0,032). El análisis de correlación presentó una asociación inversa entre edad y puntuación de PAQ-A (r=−0,122) y directa entre las puntuaciones de KIDMED e PAQ-A (r=0,152).Conclusiones: Los participantes en el estudio mostraron un adecuado nivel de actividad física. Sin embargo, presentaron un perfil obesogénico similar al de la población de su edad y una potencial necesidad de mejora sobre la adherencia a las recomendaciones de la dieta saludable. (AU)

Introduction: Diet and physical activity are factors that have key roles in childhood overweight and obesity prevention. Appropriate assessment of these factors is an essential task in public health.Objective: The main aims of the study are to assess body composition, physical activity, and adherence to Mediterranean diet of soccer players, aged 13 to 16 years old in Asturias, Spain. It also aims to evaluate the relationships between diet, physical activity, body composition, and personal characteristics.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey approach was used involving children (n=303) with a mean age of 14.15 years (SD=1.06), and using the KIDMED and PAQ-A questionnaires to assess adherence to Mediterranean diet and level of physical activity, respectively. Body composition was represented using the participants’ body mass index.Results: Approximately 23.1% of the participants were overweight or obese. With regards to adherence to Mediterranean diet, 54.8% of the participants had medium adherence, while 8.9% had low adherence. PAQ-A mean score was 2.69 (SD=0.47). Excess weight was associated with being a goalkeeper (P=.001), higher PAQ-A (P=.011), and lower KIDMED scores (P=.032). Correlation analysis showed an inverse association between age and PAQ-A score (r=−0.122), and a direct association between KIDMED and PAQ-A scores (r=0.152).Conclusion: Participants had an adequate level of physical activity. However, they had an obesogenic profile similar to that of their age population, who were not soccer players. Actions to improve adherence to healthy diet practices are highly recommended. (AU)

Estimating the reliability coefficient of tests in presence of missing values / Estimación del coeficiente de fiabilidad en presencia de valores perdidos

BACKGROUND: The problem of missing values at the item level is common in studies using educational and psychological tests. The aim of the present work is to explore how the estimation of reliability is affected by missing values. METHOD: Using real data, we simulated missing values in accordance with a «missing at random mechanism». Four factors were manipulated with the aim of checking their effect on the estimation of the reliability of the instrument: missing data mechanism, percentage of missing data in the database, sample size, and procedure employed for the treatment of missing values. RESULTS: The results show that the quality of estimations depends on the interaction of various factors. The general tendency is that the estimations are worse when the sample size is small and the percentage of missing values increases. Listwise is the worst procedure for treatment of the missing data in the simulated conditions. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that with a small percentage of missing values one can obtain estimations that are acceptable from a practical point of view with all the procedures employed, except Listwise

ANTECEDENTES: el problema de la presencia de valores perdidos a nivel de ítem es común en los estudios que emplean tests psicológicos o educativos. El objetivo de este trabajo es explorar cómo se ve afectada la estimación de la fiabilidad por la presencia de valores perdidos. MÉTODO: partiendo de datos reales se simularon valores perdidos de acuerdo a un mecanismo aleatorio. Se manipularon cuatro factores para comprobar su influencia en la estimación de la fiabilidad de la prueba: mecanismo de pérdida de datos, porcentaje de valores perdidos, tamaño de muestra y método empleado para el manejo de los datos perdidos. RESULTADOS: los resultados muestran que la calidad de las estimaciones depende de la interacción de varios factores. La tendencia general es que las estimaciones son peores cuando el tamaño de muestra es pequeño y aumenta el porcentaje de valores perdidos. Listwise es el peor procedimiento de manejo de los valores perdidos en las condiciones simuladas. CONCLUSIONES: cuando el porcentaje de valores perdidos es pequeño pueden obtenerse estimaciones aceptables, desde un punto de vista práctico, con todos los procedimientos empleados, excepto Listwise

Estimating the reliability coefficient of tests in presence of missing values.

BACKGROUND: The problem of missing values at the item level is common in studies using educational and psychological tests. The aim of the present work is to explore how the estimation of reliability is affected by missing values. METHOD: Using real data, we simulated missing values in accordance with a "missing at random mechanism". Four factors were manipulated with the aim of checking their effect on the estimation of the reliability of the instrument: missing data mechanism, percentage of missing data in the database, sample size, and procedure employed for the treatment of missing values. RESULTS: The results show that the quality of estimations depends on the interaction of various factors. The general tendency is that the estimations are worse when the sample size is small and the percentage of missing values increases. Listwise is the worst procedure for treatment of the missing data in the simulated conditions. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that with a small percentage of missing values one can obtain estimations that are acceptable from a practical point of view with all the procedures employed, except Listwise.

Efectividad de la psicoterapia breve en los centros de salud mental II: resultados / Effectiveness of brief psychotherapy in community mental health centers II: results

Introducción: El objetivo de la presente investigación ha sido comparar mediante un ensayo clínico la efectividad de una Psicoterapia Breve con el tratamiento habitual de los Trastornos Mentales Comunes en los Centros de Salud Mental (CSM) de Asturias. La introducción general a este estudio se ha descrito por Fernández-Méndez y cols. (2010) y se remite a los lectores a ese artículo para más detalles respecto al fundamento, diseño, tratamientos y procedimientos de la investigación. Sujetos y método: Se seleccionaron al azar 216 personas mayores de 14 años que consultaban por primera vez en seis CSM y que fueron diagnosticadas de trastornos depresivos, de ansiedad y/o de adaptación. Ciento cuarenta y una cumplían los criterios de inclusión y aceptaron participar en la investigación, siendo asignadas al azar a dos grupos: Psicoterapia breve integradora-ecléctica (n = 76) o Tratamiento habitual en los CSM (n = 65). Se han comparado sus resultados a los 6, 12, 24 y 36 meses en diversos índices de mejoría clínica, funcionamiento psicosocial e indicadores sanitarios indirectos. Los datos se han obtenido del Registro de Casos Psiquiátricos, de la Historia Clínica y del propio paciente. Se han usado los siguientes instrumentos: Impresión Clínica Global (ICG, Guy, 1976), Inventario de Discapacidad de Sheehan (SDI, Sheehan, 1996) y Cuestionario de Satisfacción (Moré y Muñoz, 2000). Resultados: El programa de Psicoterapia breve ha sido más efectivo que el tratamiento habitual: Obtiene una mayor tasa de altas y los sujetos muestran mayores mejorías en estado clínico y discapacidad y mayor satisfacción. Estas diferencias se dan tanto a los seis meses como al año y a los dos años de iniciarse los tratamientos. Además, aunque el número medio de sesiones es igual en ambos grupos (en torno a seis), el tratamiento experimental duró mucho menos tiempo. Conclusiones: La Psicoterapia ha resultado ser un tratamiento viable y efectivo para la mayoría de los casos que consultan en los CSM (AU)

Background: The aim of the current research has been comparing the effectiveness of a brief psychotherapy with the usual treatment of Common Mental Disorders in Mental Health Centers (MHC) of Asturias. The general background of this study has already been described by Fernández-Méndez et al (2010) and readers are referred to that article for details regarding rationale, design, treatments and procedures of the study. Subjects and method: Two hundred and sixteen patients over the age of 14 were selected at random among those who consulted for the first time in six MHC and were diagnosed of depressive, anxiety or adjustment disorders. One hundred and forty-one fulfilled the inclusion criteria and agreed to take part in the study; they were assigned at random into two groups: brief integrative-eclectic psychotherapy (n = 76) or usual treatment in the MHC (n = 65). Their results have been compared at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months against diverse indexes of clinical improvement, psycho-social functioning and sanitary indirect indicators. Information has been obtained from the Psychiatric Cases Record, the Clinical History and from the patients. The following instruments have been used: the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement scale, the Sheehan Disability Inventory and a Satisfaction Survey. Results: Brief psychotherapy was more effective than usual treatment: it resulted in a higher number of discharges and subjects show greater improvements in clinical status and disability, and greater satisfaction. These differences occur both at 6 months to one year and two years of starting treatment. Furthermore, although the average number of sessions is equal in both groups (about six), time-wise the psychological treatment lasted much less (AU)

Efectividad de la psicoterapia breve en los centros de salud mental I: Diseño, tratamientos y procedimiento / Effectiveness of Brief Psychotherapy in Community Mental Health Centers I: design, treatments and procedures

Introducción. El objetivo de la presente investigación ha sido comparar mediante un ensayo clínico la efectividad de una Psicoterapia Breve con el tratamiento habitual de los Trastornos Mentales Comunes en los Centros de Salud Mental (CSM) de Asturias. En este artículo se describen la justificación, el diseño y los procedimientos de ese estudio. Los primeros resultados se publican en Fernández- Méndez y cols. (en prensa). Sujetos y método. Se seleccionaron al azar 216 personas mayores de 14 años que consultaban por primera vez en seis CSM y que fueron diagnosticadas de trastornos depresivos, de ansiedad y/o de adaptación. Ciento cuarenta y una cumplían los criterios de inclusión y aceptaron participar en la investigación, siendo asignadas al azar a dos grupos: Psicoterapia breve integradora- ecléctica (n = 76) o Tratamiento habitual en los CSM (n = 65). Se han comparado sus resultados a los 6, 12, 24 y 36 meses en diversos índices de mejoría clínica, funcionamiento psicosocial e indicadores sanitarios indirectos. Los datos se han obtenido del Registro de Casos Psiquiátricos, de la Historia Clínica y del propio paciente. Se han usado los siguientes instrumentos: Impresión Clínica Global (ICG, Guy, 1976), Inventario de Discapacidad de Sheehan (SDI, Sheehan, 1996) y Cuestionario de Satisfacción (Moré y Muñoz, 2000) (AU)

Background. The aim of the current research has been comparing the effectiveness of a brief psychotherapy with the usual treatment of Common Mental Disorders in Mental Health Centers (MHC) of Asturias. The present article describes the rationale, design and procedures of the study. Initial outcome findings are reported by Fernández- Méndez et al (in press). Subjects and method. Two hundred and sixteen patients over the age of 14 were selected at random among those who consulted for the first time in six MHC and were diagnosed of depressive, anxiety or adjustment disorders. One hundred and forty-one fulfilled the inclusion criteria and agreed to take part in the study; they were assigned at random into two groups: brief integrative-eclectic psychotherapy (n = 76) or usual treatment in the MHC (n = 65). Their results have been compared at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months against diverse indexes of clinical improvement, psycho-social functioning and sanitary indirect indicators. Information has been obtained from the Psychiatric Cases Record, the Clinical History and from the patients. The following instruments have been used: the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement scale, the Sheehan Disability Inventory and a Satisfaction Survey (AU)

Assessment of the global intelligence and selective cognitive capacities in preterm 8-year-old children.

The aim of this study was to assess various cognitive abilities such as attention, IQ, reasoning, and memory related to academic achievement in 8- and 9-year-old preterm children. A total of 141 children were assessed. The preterm group (=37 weeks) comprised 63 children and was compared to 78 full-term children. Attention was evaluated using the d2 Selective Attention test, and the IQ by the L-M form of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, establishing a profile of abilities: perception, memory, comprehension, reasoning, and verbal fluency. Significant differences in IQ were found between the preterm and full-term children. Of the cognitive abilities assessed, the only significant differences were found in verbal fluency, with preterm boys showing lower verbal fluency scores than full-term children. In conclusion, all preterm groups have attention ability similar to that of full-term children. However, preterm children obtain lower scores in intelligence measures. In addition, preterm boys have verbal fluency difficulties. Taking into account the increase in preterm births, suitable intervention programs must be planned to attend the difficulties found.

Assessment of the global intelligence and selective cognitive capacities in preterm 8-year-old children / Evaluación de la inteligencia y capacidades cognitivas específicas en niños prematuros de 8 años de edad

The aim of this study was to assess various cognitive abilities such as attention, IQ, reasoning, and memory related to academic achievement in 8- and 9-year-old preterm children. A total of 141 children were assessed. The preterm group (= 37 weeks) comprised 63 children and was compared to 78 full term children. Attention was evaluated using the d2 Selective Attention test, and the IQ by the L-M form of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, establishing a profile of abilities: perception, memory, comprehension, reasoning, and verbal fluency. Significant differences in IQ were found between the preterm and full-term children. Of the cognitive abilities assessed, the only significant differences were found in verbal fluency, with preterm boys showing lower verbal fluency scores than full-term children. In conclusion, all preterm groups have attention ability similar to that of full-term children. However, preterm children obtain lower scores in intelligence measures. In addition, preterm boys have verbal fluency difficulties. Taking into account the increase in preterm births, suitable intervention programs must be planned to attend the difficulties found (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar diferentes habilidades cognitivas tales como la atención, cociente intelectual, razonamiento y memoria relacionadas con el rendimiento académico en niños prematuros de 8 y 9 años de edad. Se evaluaron un total de 141 niños. El grupo de prematuros (= 37 semanas) estaba compuesto por 63 sujetos y se comparó con 78 niños nacidos a término. La atención fue evaluada con la prueba D2 de atención selectiva, y el cociente de inteligencia con la forma de LM de la escala de inteligencia del Stanford-Binet, estableciendo un perfil de habilidades: percepción, memoria, comprensión, razonamiento y fluidez verbal. Se encontraron diferencias en el cociente intelectual entre los niños prematuros y los nacidos a término. De las habilidades cognitivas evaluadas, se encontraron diferencias en la fluidez verbal, donde los niños prematuros mostraron puntuaciones más bajas. En conclusión, los prematuros tienen una capacidad de atención similar a los niños a término pero obtienen puntuaciones menores en las medidas de inteligencia. Además, los niños prematuros tienen dificultades en la fluidez verbal. Considerando el aumento en los nacimientos prematuros, deberían organizarse programas de intervención adecuados para asistir a las dificultades encontradas en esta población (AU)

Psychometric properties of the d2 selective attention test in a sample of premature and born-at-term babies / Características psicométricas del test de atención selectiva d2 en niños prematuros y nacidos a término

The psychometric properties of the d2 Selective Attention Test are analyzed in two samples of premature (n= 63) and born-at-term (n= 78) children. The reliability coefficients (internal consistency) reached values of around .90. Principal components analysis revealed a three-factor structure, which accounts for 58% of the variance, and thus coincides with the number of factors presented in the manual of the Spanish adaptation of the test but not with their composition. Results suggest that the d2 test has adequate psychometric properties both for the global sample and for each sub-sample (AU)

Se analizan las propiedades ricas del test de atención selectiva «d2» en dos grupos de niños: prematuros (n= 63) y nacidos a término (n=78). Los coeficientes de fiabilidad, calculados por métodos de consistencia interna, se han situado en valores en torno a 0,90. El análisis de componentes principales ha mostrado una estructura de tres factores explicando el 58% de la varianza, coincidiendo con el número de factores presentados en el manual de la adaptación española de la prueba pero no en cuanto a la composición de los mismos. Se concluye que la prueba d2 tiene un comportamiento psicométricamente adecuado tanto para el grupo global como para cada una de las submuestras empleadas (AU)

Psychometric properties of the d2 selective attention test in a sample of premature and born-at-term babies.

The psychometric properties of the d2 Selective Attention Test are analyzed in two samples of premature ( n = 63) and born-at-term ( n = 78) children. The reliability coefficients (internal consistency) reached values of around .90. Principal components analysis revealed a three-factor structure, which accounts for 58% of the variance, and thus coincides with the number of factors presented in the manual of the Spanish adaptation of the test but not with their composition. Results suggest that the d2 test has adequate psychometric properties both for the global sample and for each sub-sample.

Mujeres maltratadas por sus parejas masculinas / No disponible

El estudio presenta un análisis de la agresión que las mujeres sufren por parte de los hombres que son maridos o parejas de hecho, ocupándonos de aquellos casos en que ellas han hecho manifiesta su petición de ayuda. La muestra está compuesta de sesenta y seis mujeres, cuyo contacto hemos realizado y solicitado a través de asociaciones y/o casas de acogida durante el año 2000. Los resultados son presentados con referencia a las características sociodemográficas, las agresiones sufridas, los motivos de éstas y sus consecuencias, identificando las estrategias de afrontamiento más utilizadas por las mujeres maltratadas (AU)

Maltreated women by their male couples. The study presents an analysis of the aggression women suffer on the part of husbands or regular couples, paying attention to those cases in which such women have made clear their claim for help. The sample compiles sixty-six women, who have been contacted through associations and/or shelter houses during the year 2000. The results are presented with reference to sociodemographic aspects, the aggressions suffered, the reasons of these aggressions and their consequences, identifying the strategies of coping more commonly used by ill-treated women (AU)