Personality Traits in Latin America: A Cross-Cultural Study of the Big Five Factor Structure and its Relationship with Self-Reported Daily Behaviors.

The Big Five factors model of personality is one of the most internationally studied and applied since it has been replicated in multiple investigations in different countries and cultures. This five-dimensional structure has evidence from studies carrying out factor analyses in different versions and adaptations of personality measurement instruments under these theoretical assumptions, and cross-cultural studies reveal its universality. However, no research has investigated how this structure is replicated in Latin American countries yet. This study aimed to carry out a cross-cultural study evaluating the factorial congruence of the Revised International Personality Item Pool in Latin American countries. The validity was also analyzed assessing relationships with gender, age, and self-reported activities of daily living. The five-dimensional structure was supported by evidence in the different samples that participated in this study, preserving the individual differences that characterize each country. Differences according to gender and age were found in different personality factors, as well as relationships with recreational activities. It is concluded that the five-factor structure of the scale is replicated in Latin American samples and that the psychometric properties of the instrument are consistent. Limitations and future lines of research are discussed.

Utility of the Brief Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire to Identify College Students At-Risk for Alcohol Related Problems: Relative Operating Characteristics across Seven Countries.

Background: It is important to identify students who would benefit from early interventions to reduce harmful drinking patterns and associated consequences. the Brief Young Adult Alcohol Consequences Questionnaire (B-YAACQ) could be particularly useful as a screening tool in university settings. Objectives. The present study examined the utility of the B-YAACQ to distinguish among students at-risk for problematic alcohol use as measured by the AUDIT. Objectives: The present study examined the utility of the B-YAACQ to distinguish among students at-risk for problematic alcohol use as measured by the AUDIT. Methods: A sample of 6382 students (mean age=20.28, SD=3.75, 72.2% females) from seven countries (i.e., U.S., Canada, South-Africa, Spain, Argentina, Uruguay, England) completed the B-YAACQ, the AUDIT and different measures of alcohol use. Results: ROC analyses suggested that a cutoff score of 5 maximized the YAACQ's discrimination utility to differentiate between students at low versus moderate/high risk in the total sample and across countries (except in Canada, where the cutoff was 4). In addition, a cutoff of 7 differentiated between students at low/moderate versus high risk in the total sample, while cutoffs of 10, 9, 8 and 7 differentiate between students at low/moderate versus high risk in Uruguay, U.S and Spain (10), Argentina (9), England (8), and Canada and South-Africa (7), respectively. Students classified at the three risk levels (i.e., low, moderate and high) differed in age (i.e., a younger age was associated with higher risk) and drinking patters (i.e., higher drinking frequency, quantity, binge drinking and AUDIT and B-YAACQ scores in the higher risk groups). Conclusions: This study suggest that the B-YAACQ is a useful tool to identify college students at-risk for experiencing problematic patterns of alcohol use.

The Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory - Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) and its Relationship with Everyday Behaviors.

This study aimed to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory-Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ; Corr & Cooper, 2016) and to demonstrate how RST constructs are associated with a variety of everyday behaviors. To achieve this goal, three studies have been conducted. In Study 1, a direct translation of the items from English to Spanish was pilot-tested in a sample of 139 students and a descriptive analysis of items was conducted. Moreover, a reverse translation and comparison between the two English versions were carried out by the lead author of the original questionnaire and the items were refined accordingly. In Study 2, the questionnaire's internal structure was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and the predictive validity was assessed using the Criterion Set of Act Clusters in a sample of 1,281 participants. Finally, a study of convergent validity with other measures of personality was performed in Study 3 with 190 participants. The obtained results suggested that the RST-PQ has adequate psychometric properties and the convergent validity results with other personality measures replicate findings from previous research. Having a Spanish language version of the RST-PQ is important, not only to advance RST research but also to demonstrate that this theoretical approach contributes to the prediction and explanation of different behaviors whether they are healthy or pathological ones.

The Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory – Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ) and its Relationship with Everyday Behaviors

This study aimed to adapt and validate the Spanish version of the Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory–Personality Questionnaire (RST-PQ; Corr & Cooper, 2016) and to demonstrate how RST constructs are associated with a variety of everyday behaviors. To achieve this goal, three studies have been conducted. In Study 1, a direct translation of the items from English to Spanish was pilot-tested in a sample of 139 students and a descriptive analysis of items was conducted. Moreover, a reverse translation and comparison between the two English versions were carried out by the lead author of the original questionnaire and the items were refined accordingly. In Study 2, the questionnaire’s internal structure was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and the predictive validity was assessed using the Criterion Set of Act Clusters in a sample of 1,281 participants. Finally, a study of convergent validity with other measures of personality was performed in Study 3 with 190 participants. The obtained results suggested that the RST-PQ has adequate psychometric properties and the convergent validity results with other personality measures replicate findings from previous research. Having a Spanish language version of the RST-PQ is important, not only to advance RST research but also to demonstrate that this theoretical approach contributes to the prediction and explanation of different behaviors whether they are healthy or pathological ones. (AU)

Dimensiones de la ideología política. Un abordaje operativo desde la Teoría de Respuesta al Ítem / Dimensions of political ideology. An operational approach from Item Response Theory

Resumen A pesar de que la ideología política es un constructo central para la psicología política contemporánea, en la literatura persisten desacuerdos respecto de su estructura y operacionalización. Teniendo esto en cuenta, el presente trabajo evalúa las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Ideología Política de forma operativa, es decir, contemplando los posicionamientos de las personas sobre temas políticos. Para ello, se tomó una muestra probabilística de la población de Córdoba, Argentina (N = 444) y se testearon las propiedades psicométricas de esta escala por medio de la teoría de respuesta al ítem. Como resultado, se encontró una estructura bidimensional con dos ejes independientes -conservadurismo y progresismo-, cada uno con propiedades de intervalo y ajuste del modelo satisfactorio. Como indicador de validez predictiva, los resultados de la relación de las dimensiones de ideología política con los valores sociales fueron consistentes con la evidencia empírica antecedente. En suma, si bien las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Ideología Política se seguirán estudiando, esta es un aporte significativo por la escasez de instrumentos de evaluación que la comprendan de un modo operativo, multidimensional y ecológicamente válido.

Abstract Although political ideology is a core concept for contemporary political psychology, divergences persist in the literature regarding its structure and operationalization. This paper assesses the psychometric properties of the Escala de Ideología Política [Political Ideology Scale] operationally, that is, considering people's positioning regarding different political issues. For this purpose, a probability sample was taken from the population of Córdoba, Argentina (N = 444) and the psychometric properties of this scale were tested by applying Item Response Theory. A two-dimensional structure with two independent axes -Conservatism and Progressivism- was found, each with interval properties and satisfactory model fit. Furthermore, political ideology was correlated with social values, in a way that is consistent with the previous empirical evidence. This provides evidence of predictive validity. In sum, although the psychometric properties of the Political Ideology Scale will be further studied, this paper represents a significant contribution, due to the scarcity of ecologically valid instruments of operational ideology.

Inventario IPIP-NEO: Estabilidad y Validez de Estructura Interna, Convergente y Concurrente en Muestras Argentinas / IPIP-NEO Inventory: Stability and Internal Structure, Convergent and Concurrent Validity in Argentinean Samples

Resumen Las principales herramientas de evaluación de la personalidad se construyeron a partir de las bases teóricas del modelo de los Cinco Factores. Particularmente, en Argentina, el IPIP-NEO es uno de los instrumentos, basados en este modelo, que presenta resultados satisfactorios en los estudios de consistencia interna (confiabilidad) y de validez mediante evidencia de estructura interna (análisis factorial exploratorio). El objetivo de este trabajo fue aportar nuevos estudios psicométricos a la escala utilizando una muestra heterogénea de argentinos (N = 499). Se estimó la estabilidad temporal de las puntuaciones a través del método test-retest y se realizó un estudio de validez de estructura interna mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio. Por otro lado, se aportó validez externa a través de estudios de convergencia, estudios de contraste de grupos divididos por sexo y edad, y un análisis test criterio mediante regresión múltiple con actividades recreativas. Los resultados sugieren que las puntuaciones que del IPIP-NEO son estables, con adecuados índices de confiabilidad y evidencias de validez externa, lo que indica que puede ser utilizado en muestras argentinas. Se planifica la elaboración de un baremo local y nuevos estudios de validez externa con implicancias clínicas y laborales.

Abstract The main personality assessment tools were built on the theoretical basis of the Five Factors model. Particularly, in Argentina, IPIP-NEO is one of the instruments, based on this model, that presents satisfactory results in the studies of internal consistency (reliability) and validity through evidence of internal structure (exploratory factor analysis). The aim of this work was to contribute new psychometric studies to the scale using a heterogeneous sample of Argentinean (N = 499). The temporal stability of the scores was estimated through the test-retest method and an internal structure validity study was performed by confirmatory factor analysis. On the other hand, external validity was provided through convergence studies, contrast studies of groups divided by sex and age, and a test criterion analysis through multiple regression with recreational activities. The results suggest that the IPIP-NEO scores are stable, with adequate reliability indices and evidence of external validity, indicating that it can be used in Argentine samples. The development of a local scale and new studies of external validity with clinical and labor implications are planned.

Propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Desviación de la Norma en jóvenes / Psychometric properties of the Normative Deviance Scale in youths

Antecedente: La conducta antisocial refiere al conjunto de actos que violan las normas establecidas para la convivencia de una sociedad. Entre las medidas de autoinforme para valorar esta conducta se encuentra la Escala de Desviación de la Norma (EDN). Objetivo: Considerando que en el contexto argentino no se encontraron estudios sobre las propiedades psicométricas de la escala, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar sus propiedades psicométricas en una muestra de jóvenes argentinos. Método: Para este fin, se conformó una muestra de 794 participantes con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y 25 años. Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio, se analizó el índice de confiabilidad compuesta y se estudió la validez convergente, discriminante y concurrente (utilizando una escala de autocontrol). Además, se analizó la invarianza del modelo de medida. Resultados: Entre los principales resultados se confirmó la estructura factorial original de la escala sin equivalencia factorial entre los grupos evaluados considerando el sexo, y se encontraron adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para la mayoría de las dimensiones que componen el instrumento. Discusión: Se discuten los hallazgos, limitaciones y futuras líneas de investigación.

Background: Antisocial behavior refers to a set of acts that violate the rules established for the coexistence of society. One of the self-report measures to assess this type of behavior is the normative deviance scale (NDS). Objective: Considering that in the Argentine context no studies on the psychometric properties of the scale were found, the present study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the scale in a sample of Argentine youths. Method: To this end, a sample of 794 participants aged between 18 and 25 years was collected. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed; the composite reliability was calculated; and the convergent, discriminant and concurrent validity was assessed (using a self-control scale). In addition, the invariance of the factorial structure of the scale was analyzed. Results: The results confirmed the original factorial structure of the scale with no factorial equivalence across the assessed groups regarding the sex. Also, the results showed adequate psychometric properties for most dimensions which make up the instrument. Conclusions: Findings, limitations and further lines of research are discussed.

The Effects of an Appropriate Behavior Program on Elementary School Children Social Skills Development in Physical Education.

The purpose of this study was to see the effects of an appropriate behavior development program in relation to the improvement of fair play and social skills behaviors of elementary school children during the physical education class. The participants of this study were 204 students from 5th and 6th grade from seven different public schools in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. Data was collected through a questionnaire to measure students' pre and post appropriate behaviors when winning, appropriate behaviors when loosing, appropriate behaviors during the game, fair play skills and social skills, during the physical education class. Results from this study revealed that participants improved their behaviors with the implementation of the intervention (appropriate behavior program), generating positive changes in students' attitudes and social skills during physical education class. In relation to children gender, girls had better scores than boys in relation to appropriate behaviors when losing. Further, when comparing students' age, those from 10 to 11 years old scored higher in fair play behaviors and social skills. In conclusion, the intervention program was effective to improve the behaviors of the school children, generating positive changes in their attitudes and social skills during physical education.

Elaboración de la versión breve del Cuestionario de Personalidad IPIP-Revisado: Control del sesgo de aquiescencia / Elaboração da versão breve do Inventário de Personalidade IPIPRevisado: controle do viés de aquiescência / Development of a Brief Version of the Personality Inventory IPIPRevised: Control of the Acquiescence Response Bias

Resumen En los últimos años se han desarrollado medidas breves de los cinco factores de personalidad, sin embargo, la ganancia práctica de tiempo provista por las formas breves puede implicar propiedades psicométricas más débiles de los instrumentos. En la construcción de escalas breves, para mantener propiedades psicométricas adecuadas se debe emplear criterios teóricos y empíricos en la selección de los ítems y minimizar los sesgos de respuesta, como el de la aquiescencia (AC), que hace referencia a la tendencia de las personas a estar de acuerdo con afirmaciones positivas independientemente del contenido de la afirmación. Teniendo esto en cuenta, el objetivo principal del presente estudio fue desarrollar un instrumento breve (30 ítems), de dominio público, para medir los cinco factores de personalidad en población latina, controlando el sesgo de respuesta AC. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 910 participantes, 543 de sexo femenino (59.6 %) y 367 de sexo masculino (40.3 %), con edades comprendidas entre los 15 y los 80 años (M = 29.52; DT = 12.25), pertenecientes a la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina. Para el proceso de validación se propuso realizar un estudio de convergencia con las cinco escalas del NEO-FFI, un análisis de diferencia de grupos según el sexo y la edad de los participantes, y un estudio de validez predictiva respecto a algunas actividades recreacionales (uso de drogas, irresponsabilidad, amistad, erudición/creatividad y comunicación). Los resultados indican que el IPIP-R-30 presenta una estructura factorial de cinco factores, índices de confiabilidad adecuados tanto de consistencia interna como de estabilidad temporal, evidencia de validez convergente con las escalas del NEO-FFI, evidencia de diferencia de grupos según sexo y edad, y validez predictiva de la frecuencia de diferentes categorías de actividades específicas. De esta manera, se puede concluir que el IPIP-R-30 constituye una herramienta válida de evaluación de los rasgos de personalidad en nuestro medio, con puntuaciones libres del sesgo de AC.

Resumo Nos últimos anos, têm sido desenvolvidas medidas breves dos cinco fatores de personalidade; contudo, o ganho prático de tempo previsto pelas formas breves pode implicar propriedades psicométricas mais fracas dos instrumentos. Na construção de escalas breves, para manter propriedades psicométricas adequadas, devem ser empregados critérios teóricos e empíricos na seleção dos itens, e devem ser minimizados os vieses de resposta, como o da aquiescência (AC). Esse conceito faz referência à tendência das pessoas que estão de acordo com afirmações positivas, independentemente do conteúdo da afirmação. Nesse sentido, o objetivo principal deste estudo foi desenvolver um instrumento breve (30 itens), de domínio público, para medir os cinco fatores de personalidade em população latina, controlando o viés de resposta AC. A amostra esteve composta por 910 participantes, 543 de sexo feminino (59.6 %) e 367 de sexo masculino (40.3 %), entre 15 e 80 anos de idade (M = 29.52; DP = 12.25), pertencentes à cidade de Córdoba, Argentina. Para o processo de validação, foi proposto realizar um estudo de convergência com as cinco escalas do NEO-FFI, uma análise de diferença de grupos segundo o sexo e idade dos participantes, e um estudo de validade preditiva a respeito de atividades recreativas (uso de drogas, irresponsabilidade, amizade, erudição/ criatividade e comunicação). Os resultados indicam que o IPIP-R-30 apresenta uma estrutura fatorial de cinco fatores, índices de confiabilidade adequados tanto de consistência interna quanto de estabilidade temporal, evidência de validade convergente com as escalas do NEO-FFI, evidência de diferença de grupos segundo sexo e idade, e validade preditiva da frequência de diferentes categorias de atividades específicas. Dessa maneira, pode-se concluir que o IPIP-R-30 constitui uma ferramenta válida de avaliação dos traços de personalidade em nosso meio, com pontuações livros do viés de AC.

Abstract In recent years, brief measures of the five personality factors have been developed; however, the practical gain of time provided by the brief versions may imply weaker psychometric properties of the instruments. To maintain adequate psychometric properties in the construction of brief scales, theoretical and empirical criteria should be used in the selection of items, and response biases such as acquiescence (AC) should be minimized. The term AC refers to people's tendency to agree with positive statements, regardless of their content. The main purpose of the present study is to develop a brief public domain instrument (30 items) to measure the five personality factors in the Latin American population, controlling the AC response bias. The sample consisted of 910 participants, 543 women (59.6 %) and 367 men (40.3 %), age range 15-80 years (M = 29.52; DT = 12.25) from the city of Córdoba, Argentina. For the validation process, a convergence study with the five NEO-FFI scales, an analysis of group differences according to the participants' sex and age, and a predictive validity study regarding recreational activities (drug use, irresponsibility, friendship, erudition/creativity, and communication) were performed. The results indicate that the IPIP-R-30 presents a five-factor factorial structure, adequate reliability indices of both internal consistency and temporal stability, evidence of convergent validity with the NEO-FFI scales, evidence of group differences as regards sex and age, and frequency predictive validity of different categories of specific activities. Thus, it can be concluded that the IPP-R-30 is a valid tool for assessing personality factors in our environment, with scores free of AC bias.

Validación del Inventario de Fobia y Ansiedad Social- Forma Breve para universitarios argentinos / Validação do Inventário de Fobia e Ansiedade Social- Forma Breve para universitários argentinos / Validation of the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory- Brief Form for Argentinean college

Las problemáticas que afectan la capacidad de las personas para desempeñarse adecuadamente en las interacciones sociales, tales como el trastorno de ansiedad social (Social Anxiety Disorder, SAD), constituyen un ámbito de estudio que ha cobrado gran interés, debido a la importancia que las relaciones sociales tienen en todas las áreas de desempeño de los seres humanos. Sin embargo, se observa una escasez generalizada de estudios sobre ansiedad social en países latinoamericanos, en parte, debido a la ausencia de instrumentos construidos o adaptados a la población general o a conjuntos específicos. En función de ello, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas del Inventario de Fobia y Ansiedad Social- Forma Breve (SPAI- B) para su utilización en estudiantes universitarios argentinos. Los resultados evidenciaron propiedades psicométricas adecuadas de validez y confiabilidad y se aportó evidencia de validez de grupos contrastados y convergente. Se discuten las limitaciones del estudio y nuevas líneas de investigación. (AU)

As problemáticas que afetam a capacidade das pessoas para terem um desempenho adequado nas interações sociais, como o transtorno de ansiedade social (Social Anxiet Disorder, SAD), constituem um âmbito de estudo que ganhou grande interesse devido à importância que as relações sociais têm em todas as áreas de desempenho dos seres humanos. No entanto, há um déficit generalizado de estudos sobre ansiedade social em países latino-americanos, devido a uma ausência de instrumentos construídos ou adaptados à população geral ou grupos específicos. Com base nisso, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar as propriedades psicométricas do Inventario de Fobia e Ansiedade Social - Forma Breve (SPAI- B) para sua utilização com estudantes universitários argentinos. Os resultados mostraram propriedades psicométricas adequadas de validade e fidedignidade e gerou evidência de validade de grupos contrastados e validade convergente. As limitações do estudo e novas linhas de pesquisa são discutidas. (AU)

The problems that affect people's ability to perform adequately in social interactions, such as Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), constitute an area of study that has gained great interest, due to the importance that social relations have in all areas of performance of human beings. However, there is a general scarcity of studies on social anxiety in Latin American countries, partly because of the absence of instruments built or adapted to the general population or specific groups. Due to this, the objective of the present investigation was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Social Phobia and Anxiety Inventory-Short form (SPAI - B) to be used in Argentine college students. The results showed appropriate validity and reliability psychometric properties and it also has been provided evidence of contrasting groups and convergent validity. The limitations of the study and new lines of research are discussed. (AU)

Personality traits associated with eating disorders and obesity in young Argentineans.

PURPOSE: Few studies have been conducted on Latin American population to explore how facets of personality, eating disorders, and obesity are related. The main purpose of this study was to explore the personality traits among patients diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (n = 23), bulimia nervosa (n = 32), and obesity (n = 16), in comparison to control group (n = 82). METHODS: A total of 153 individuals participated in the study, 125 were female (81.7%) and 28 were male (18.3%). Participants' ages ranged between 18 and 37 years (mean 24.21, SD 4.84) and they were all native Spanish speakers, living in the city of Córdoba, Argentina. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 and the IPIP-NEO Personality Inventory. RESULTS: In this study, the subjects diagnosed with anorexia in comparison to control group showed high and significant scores in neuroticism and openness to experience and low scores on agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion. For their part, the subjects diagnosed with bulimia, in comparison to the control group, had higher and significant scores on neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness. Lastly, the patients with obesity in comparison to the control group presented high and significant scores on neuroticism and low and significant scores on agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness to experience. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from this study support previous research devoted to the study of eating disorders and obesity. This situation favors the valid and relevant nature of the study of personality traits as factors that contribute to explaining behavior disorders associated with eating pathologies. This is a preliminary and necessary step for future research to examine the risky combination of personality traits and anorexia, bulimia, and obesity in the local context using a larger and more generalized sample.

Classical test theory and item response theory produced differences on estimation of reliable clinical index in World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0.

OBJECTIVE: World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 is currently one of the most used instruments in disability assessment. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinically reliable change of WHODAS 2.0 by applying both Classical Test Theory (CTT) and the Item Response Theory (IRT). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The sample consisted of 179 patients with dual pathology. The standard error of measurement (SEM) was estimated using the CTT and the rating testlet model. RESULTS: Reliability estimated by Cronbach's alpha provided acceptable values for all domains. The Rasch analysis revealed an adequate capacity to discriminate between people with high and low disability in terms of total scores but not in terms of domains. The SEM varies according to the baseline scores, failing to detect clinically reliable change in patients with lower scores. Kappa coefficients are low for the most of dimensions (except participation) and adequate for total scores. CONCLUSION: The use of total WHODAS 2.0 scores may be useful from a clinical perspective; however, more evidence is required for domain scores to support its usefulness. The decision to use the CTT or the IRT impacts in terms of calculating clinically reliable change.

Development of an Item Bank for the Assessment of Knowledge on Biology in Argentine University Students.

The calibration of item banks provides the basis for computerized adaptive testing that ensures high diagnostic precision and minimizes participants' test burden. This study aims to develop a bank of items to measure the level of Knowledge on Biology using the Rasch model. The sample consisted of 1219 participants that studied in different faculties of the National University of Cordoba (mean age = 21.85 years, SD = 4.66; 66.9% are women). The items were organized in different forms and into separate subtests, with some common items across subtests. The students were told they had to answer 60 questions of knowledge on biology. Evaluation of Rasch model fit (Zstd >|2.0|), differential item functioning, dimensionality, local independence, item and person separation (>2.0), and reliability (>.80) resulted in a bank of 180 items with good psychometric properties. The bank provides items with a wide range of content coverage and may serve as a sound basis for computerized adaptive testing applications. The contribution of this work is significant in the field of educational assessment in Argentina.

Adaptación de tres variables contextuales en estudiantes universitarios argentinos / Adaptação de três variáveis contextuais em estudantes universitários argentinos / Adaptation of three contextual variables in Argentine university students

Una de las dificultades que han presentado los estudios destinados a identificar las causas de deserción universitaria, es la falta de consideración de variables sociales/contextuales que, según se ha demostrado en la literatura, se relacionan con el proceso de progresión de la carrera. Para la evaluación de dichas variables, el primer paso consiste en la adaptación de pruebas que permitan su medición. Por lo cual, el objetivo del presente trabajo consistió en la adaptación de las escalas de Apertura a la Diversidad, Percepción de Prejuicios y Discriminación y Experiencias Académicas. En este estudio participaron 1295 estudiantes que se encontraban cursando diferentes carreras en la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina). Los resultados indicaron valores satisfactorios de consistencia interna (ρ>.80) y se logró replicar la estructura interna de cada instrumento mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio. El estudio de validez indicó que las correlaciones observadas entre las diferentes escalas fueron las esperadas a nivel teórico. Se destacan limitaciones y se sugieren nuevas líneas de estudio. (AU)

Uma das dificuldades que têm apresentado os estudos destinados a identificar as causas de desistência universitária é a falta de consideração de variáveis sociais/contextuais que, segundo se demonstrou na literatura, relacionam-se com o processo de progressão da carreira. Para a avaliação dessas variáveis, o primeiro passo consiste na adaptação de provas que permitam sua medida. Pelo qual, o objetivo do presente trabalho consistiu na adaptação das escalas de Abertura à Diversidade, Percepção de Preconceitos e Discriminação e Experiências Acadêmicas. Neste estudo, participaram 1295 estudantes que se encontravam cursando diferentes carreiras na Universidade Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina). Os resultados indicaram valores satisfatórios de consistência interna (ρ>.80) e conseguiu-se replicar a estrutura interna da cada instrumento mediante análise fatorial confirmatório. O estudo de validade indicou que as correlações observadas entre as diferentes escalas foram as esperadas a nível teórico. Destacam-se, ainda, as limitações e sugerem-se novas linhas de estudo. (AU)

One of the difficulties presented by studies aimed at identifying the causes of university failure is the lack of consideration of social/contextual variables that, as literature has shown, are related to the process of career progression. To evaluate these variables, the first step is the adaptation of tests that allow their measurement. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Openness to Diversity, Perception of Prejudice and Discrimination, and Academic Experiences scales. This study involved 1,295 students attending different colleges at the National University of Cordoba (Argentina). The results indicated satisfactory values of internal consistency (ρ>.80) and it was possible to replicate the internal structure of each instrument through a confirmatory factor analysis. The validity study indicated that the correlations observed between the different scales were as expected at the theoretical level. The limitations are highlighted and new lines of study are suggested. (AU)

Escala de Apoyo Parental: Nuevos estudios de estructura interna y su relación con variables socioeconómicas / Parental Support Scale: New studies of internal structure and its relationship with socioeconomic variables

En la literatura se destacan numerosas variables que contribuyen a predecir el rendimiento académico. En tal sentido, el apoyo parentales considerado como una causa distal temprana del mismo. Sin embargo, existen resultados contradictorios en cuanto a su contribución, debido a los diferentes modos de operacionalizar dicho constructo. El objetivo del trabajo que se informa consistió en continuar los estudios de adaptación de la Escala de Apoyo Parental, iniciados por Aparicio y Cupani (2008). Específicamente se obtuvo evidencia de estructura interna y se exploró la contribución explicativa que realiza el apoyo parental en el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes, considerando el tipo de institución a la que asisten (pública o privada) y el nivel socioeconómico de sus padres. Los resultados indican que se logró replicar la estructura original de cuatro factores de la Escala de Apoyo Parental (Sehee & Hsiu-Zu, 2005). El estudio de consistencia interna indicó valores aceptables para tres de las cuatro escalas definidas teóricamente. Tanto en instituciones educativas públicas como privadas se observó que la percepción de apoyo parental se incrementa cuando el desempeño de los alumnos es bajo. Particularmente, la aspiración educacional de los padres y la supervisión que realizan sobre sus hijos contribuyeron a explicar el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes, en colegios públicos y privados, respectivamente. Con respecto al nivel socioeconómico, las familias de nivel medio-alto participan más activamente en la educación de sus hijos. Se discuten los resultados, se sugieren posibles estrategias de intervención y se destacan las limitaciones del estudio realizado.

One of the main purposes in literature related to the field of education has been to identify the variables that contribute to predict academic performance. Particularly, parental support is considered as a distal factor that operates early over time (Byrnes & Miller, 2007). Nevertheless, studies have not identified how parental support triggers the students' academic performance due to the different ways in which this construct has been operationalized. Since in our context it is available an adapted Scale of Parent Support (Aparicio & Cupani, 2008), the present work aims to continue the psychometric studies of the instrument. Specifically, a study of internal structure (confirmatory factor analysis) was developed and explanatory contributions to the academic performance of students were investigated, considering the socioeconomic status of parents and type of institution attended by the students. In this article, participants were 403 adolescents (male and female). They were attending to the third year of high school, in public and private schools of the city of Córdoba (Argentina), and they were between ages 13 to 17 (M = 14.27; SD = .93). The instruments were a questionnaire on socioeconomic status (Comisión de Enlace Institucional, 2006) and a Scale of Parental Support (Aparicio & Cupani, 2008). The students' academic performance was operationalized by the average achieved in the Mathematics during the two semesters of the school year. The results replicated the original four-factor structure of the Scale of Parental Support (Sehee & Hsiu-Zu, 2005). The analysis showed satisfactory internal consistency values for three of the four scales theoretically defined (Communication: .82; Supervision: .77; Parent Educational Aspiration: .77, and Involvement: .61). Both in public and in private schools, it was observed that the perception of parental support increases when student's performance is low. In particular, the educational aspirations of parents and the supervision of their children help to explain the academic performance of students in public and private schools, respectively. With regard to socioeconomic status, it was observed that the families of medium-high status participated more actively in the education of their children. Note that one of the limitations is the way in which the academic performance is measured in Argentina. Indeed, qualifications came from informal assessments designed by the teachers, so that they can be influenced by the particular guidelines of each institution and/or the educational framework of each teacher. Whereas the variables involved in student learning are numerous -among them, not only parental support perceived by students but other propensity factors (personality traits, skills, self-efficacy beliefs, for example) and even the characteristics of the institution-, the results of this study allow an approximation of how the support received by the parents, particularly the Monitoring and Aspiration, contribute to the academic performance of students. These observations have an impact on education because they might be useful to develop programs to maintain and enhance parental involvement in the education of their children. For example, it would be important to work with parents before the school year to encourage communication and participation in their children's educational process.

Adaptación de dos medidas de apoyo social en estudiantes universitarios argentinos

El soporte social constituye un importante constructo en el ámbito educativo, el cual influye en términos comportamentales, cognitivos y afectivos. Aunque en la literatura internacional existen numerosos instrumentos que permiten evaluar dicho constructo, en Argentina no se dispone de escalas que permitan evaluar el apoyo percibido por los estudiantes. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo consistió en adaptar las escalas de Apoyo Social para Niños y Adolescentes (Malecki, Demaray & Elliot, 2003) y Soporte Académico (Lent et al., 2005) en estudiantes universitarios. Para ello, en este estudio participaron 551 estudiantes de diferentes carreras dictadas en la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (Argentina). Para ambos instrumentos, los resultados indicaron valores satisfactorios de consistencia interna (confiabilidad compuesta,ρ> .70) y, además, se logró replicar la estructura original de cada medida mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio. Se destacan las limitaciones y se sugieren nuevas líneas de estudio.

Social support is an important construct in education which influences behavioral, cognitive and affective terms. Although there are numerous instruments to assess this construct, in Argentina there are no published scales to assess perceived support by students. Therefore, our aim was to adapt Social Support for Children and Adolescents (Malecki, Demaray & Elliot, 2003) and Academic Support (Lent et al., 2005) scales in college students. For this projectIn this regard, data from 551 students of different degrees from the National University of Cordoba (Argentina) was collected. For both instruments, results showed satisfactory internal consistency values (composite reliability,ρ> .70) and the original structure was replicated for each measure using confirmatory factor analysis. Limitations and new lines of research are suggested.

Confirmatory factor analysis of the Spanish version of the Gamblers' Beliefs Questionnaire in a sample of Argentinean gamblers.

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive distortions are related to gambling frequency and gambling severity. Having a culturally sensitive measure to assess cognitive distortions will facilitate the early detection of people who might be at risk of developing problematic gambling behaviors. The Gamblers' Beliefs Questionnaire was translated into Spanish (GBQ-S) but no previous study explored the structure of the GBQ-S in a non-US sample with different levels of gambling involvement. AIM: The present study examined the factor structure of the GBQ-S in a community sample of gamblers from Argentina. It also analyzed the association between cognitive distortions and type of gambling activity and frequency of gambling behaviors and the predictive utility of the GBQ-S on gambling severity. PARTICIPANTS: 508 youth and adults completed the GBQ-S. RESULTS: The CFA showed an overall acceptable fit to the data confirming the proposed two-factor model. Scores of the two GBQ sub-scales were positively and significantly correlated with scores on gambling severity. Cognitive distortions have a significant effect on gambling severity after controlling for frequency of engagement in gambling activities. Luck and perseverance, but not illusion of control, was positively related to gambling severity. DISCUSSION: scores measured by the GBQ-S exhibit adequate psychometric properties for the accurate assessment of cognitive distortions across adults and youth from the general community of Argentina.

Personality and Alcohol Expectancies Discriminate Alcohol Consumption Patterns in Female College Students.

AIMS: To characterize patterns of alcohol use in a sample of Argentinean female college students according to personality traits and alcohol expectancies. METHODS: Data from 298 female college students (M age = 18.27 years; SD = 1.37 years) from the city of Cordoba, Argentina were analysed using multinomial regression. RESULTS: Three drinking categories were identified, abstainers, moderate drinkers and regular drinkers with heavy episodic drinking, and these were differentiated by three personality traits [extraversion, disinhibition (DIS) and experience seeking (ES)] and three alcohol expectancies dimensions (sociability, risk/aggression and negative mood). Regular drinkers with heavy episodic drinking and moderate drinkers had, compared to abstainers, higher scores in extroversion and alcohol expectancies for social facilitation, and lower scores in alcohol expectancies for risk and aggression. Regular drinkers with heavy episodic drinking exhibited, compared to moderate drinkers, higher scores in ES, DIS, extroversion, alcohol expectancies for social facilitation and negative mood alcohol expectancies; as well as lower scores in risk and aggression alcohol expectancies. CONCLUSION: College women in Argentina with problematic alcohol drinking can be distinguished from those drinking moderately.

Rasgos complejos y rendimiento académico: contribución de los rasgos de personalidad, creencias de autoeficacia e intereses / Traços complexos e rendimento acadêmico: contribuição dos traços de personalidade, crenças de autoeficácia e interesses / Complex traits and academic performance: Contribution of personality traits, self-efficacy, and interests

El objetivo de este trabajo consistió en explorar la contribución de las facetas de personalidad, creencias de autoeficacia e intereses que caracterizan a los estudiantes adolescentes con alto y bajo rendimiento académico en diferentes áreas del conocimiento. Mediante la implementación de un análisis discriminante, los resultados de este estudio indican que las tres medidas consideradas contribuyen de manera significativa a explicar, según el dominio, entre un 23

del rendimiento académico. Se espera quela información aportada ayude a investigadores y profesionales del ámbito educativo a comprender cuál es el patrón psicológico que facilita el éxito académico...

The objective of this study was to explore the contributions of personality traits, self-efficacy, and interests to the high and low academic performance of adolescent students in different areas of knowledge. Through the implementation of a discriminant analysis, the results of the study show that the three measurements underconsideration contribute significantly to the explanation of 23

of academic performance, depending on the domain. The information gathered is expected to help researchers andprofessionals in the field of education understand the psychological pattern that facilitates academic success...

The objective of this study was to explore the contributions of personality traits, self-efficacy, and interests to the high and low academic performance of adolescent students in different areas of knowledge. Through the implementation of a discriminant analysis, the results of the study show that the three measurements under consideration contribute significantly to the explanation of 23% to 50% of academic performance, depending on the domain. The information gathered is expected to help researchers and professionals in the field of education understand the psychological pattern that facilitates academic success...

O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em explorar a contribuição das facetas de personalidade, crenças de autoeficácia e interesses que caracterizam os estudantes adolescentes com alto e baixo rendimento acadêmico em diferentes áreas do conhecimento. Mediante a implantação de uma análise discriminante, os resultados deste estudo indicam que as três medidas consideradas contribuem de maneira significativa a explicar, segundo o domínio, entre 23

do rendimento acadêmico. Espera-se que a informação fornecida ajude pesquisadores e profissionais do âmbito educativo a compreender qual é o padrão psicológico que facilita o sucesso acadêmico...

O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em explorar a contribuição das facetas de personalidade, crenças de autoeficácia e interesses que caracterizam os estudantes adolescentes com alto e baixo rendimento acadêmico em diferentes áreas do conhecimento. Mediante a implantação de uma análise discriminante, os resultados deste estudo indicam que as três medidas consideradas contribuem de maneira significativa a explicar, segundo o domínio, entre 23% e 50% do rendimento acadêmico. Espera-se que a informação fornecida ajude pesquisadores e profissionais do âmbito educativo a compreender qual é o padrão psicológico que facilita o sucesso acadêmico...

Análisis factorial confirmatorio del NEO-FFI utilizando parcelización de ítems y método bootstrap / Análise fatorial confirmatória do NEO-FFI utilizando parcelização de itens e método bootstrap / Confirmatory factor analysis of NEO-FFI using item parceling and bootstrap method

La teoría de los cinco grandes factores (FFM) constituye actualmente uno de los modelos teóricos de mayor aceptación en el estudio de la personalidad. En argentina se cuenta con la versión española de un instrumento que permite medir los 5 grandes factores, el NEO-PIR y su versión abreviada, el NEO-FFI. El presente trabajo se propuso realizar un análisis factorial confirmatorio en una muestra de 396 estudiantes universitarios argentinos a los fines de evaluar la estructura factorial del NEO-FFI. Asimismo se complementó el análisis con métodos de parcelización de ítems y con bootstrap. Se observó que el modelo construido con parcelas estadísticas y que contempla a los factores como oblicuos, si bien presentaron los mejores índices de ajuste en comparación al resto de los modelos evaluados, no fueron óptimas. Finalmente se sugieren estudios adicionales para mejorar el funcionamiento de algunos ítems, especialmente los del factor Amabilidad.

A teoria dos cinco grandes fatores (FFM) constitui atualmente um dos modelos teóricos de maior aceitação no estudo da personalidade. Na Argentina, se usa a versão espanhola de um instrumento que permite medir os 5 grandes fatores, o NEOPIR e sua versão abreviada, o NEO-FFI. O presente trabalho se propôs a realizar uma análise fatorial confirmatória em uma amostra de 396 estudantes universitários argentinos para avaliar a estrutura fatorial do NEO-FFI. A análise foi complementada com métodos de parcelização de itens e com bootstrap. Observou-se que o modelo construído com parcelas estatísticas e que contempla os fatores como oblíquos, embora tenha apresentado os melhores índices de ajuste em comparação ao resto dos modelos avaliados, não foram ótimas. Finalmente, são sugeridos estudos adicionais para melhorar o funcionamento de alguns itens, especialmente os do fator Amabilidade.

The Five Factor Model represents currently one of the biggest developments in the study of the personality. In Argentina, there is the spanish version of an instrument which allows assess the five big factors, the NEO-PIR and his abbreviated version, the NEO-FFI. The present study has proposed to carry out a confirmatory factor analysis on a sample of 396 argentine university students to evaluate the factor structure of the NEO-FFI. Also the analysis was complemented with item parceling methods and bootstrap. It was observed that the model built with statistics parcels and that considers the factors as oblique, although having higher rates of adjustment, these are not optimal. Finally, further studies are suggested to improve the performance of some items, especially those of the Amiability factor.