Respuesta autonómica cardiovascular al estrés mental inducido por la prueba de cálculo aritmético / Autonomic cardiovascular response to mental stress induced by the arithmetic computation test

Introducción: El estrés mental agudo, así como los estados de ansiedad inducidos para influenciar la reactividad psicofisiológica en jóvenes sanos, aportan cambios en los patrones nerviosos que pueden ser medidos mediante la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca. Objetivo: Determinar las diferencias en los parámetros lineales del balance autonómico cardiovascular en individuos jóvenes en estado basal y durante la prueba de cálculo aritmético. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental, sin grupo control de tipo antes y después, en el Laboratorio de Ciencias Básicas Biomédicas de la Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de Santiago de Cuba. Población y muestra de 10 sujetos. Se registró el trazado electrocardiográfico (5 min) durante el reposo y luego durante la prueba de cálculo aritmético. Resultados: Existieron diferencias significativas entre ambos estados en las variables frecuencia cardiaca (p = 0,005); mínima (p = 0,007); máxima (p = 0,005); intervalo RR (p = 0,005); stress index (p = 0,028); índice simpático (p = 0,005); bajas frecuencias (p = 0,005); relación LF/HF (p = 0,005); RMSSD (p = 0,007); NN50 (p = 0,008); pNN50 (p = 0,005); índice parasimpático (p = 0,005) y altas frecuencias (p = 0,005). El estrés mental provocó una disminución parasimpática y un predominio simpático uniforme en todos los sujetos participantes en el estudio. Conclusiones: Durante el estrés mental inducido por la prueba de cálculo aritmético la dinámica lineal de la respuesta autonómica cardiovascular experimenta un aumento en la actividad simpática y una disminución del tono parasimpático, traduciendo una respuesta adaptativa en la regulación de la función cardiovascular por el sistema nervioso autónomo(AU)

Introduction: Acute mental stress and states of anxiety induced to influence psychophysiological reactivity in healthy young people, result in changes in nervous patterns which may be measured in terms of heart rate variability. Objective: Determine the differences in linear parameters for autonomic cardiovascular balance in young individuals at baseline and during the arithmetic computation test. Methods: A non-observational quasi-experimental before-after study without a control group was conducted at the Basic Biomedical Sciences Laboratory of the University of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba. The study population and sample was 10 subjects. The electrocardiographic tracing (5 min) was recorded at rest and then during the arithmetic computation test. Results: Significant differences were found between the two states as to the variables heart rate (p = 0.005), minimum (p = 0.007), maximum (p = 0.005), RR interval (p = 0.005), stress index (p = 0.028), sympathetic index (p = 0.005), low frequencies (p = 0.005), LF/HF ratio (p = 0.005), RMSSD (p = 0.007), NN50 (p = 0.008), pNN50 (p = 0.005), parasympathetic index (p = 0.005) and high frequencies (p = 0.005). Mental stress caused a parasympathetic reduction and uniform sympathetic predominance in all the subjects participating in the study. Conclusions: During the mental stress induced by the arithmetic computation test, the linear dynamic of the autonomic cardiovascular response experiences an increase in sympathetic activity and a reduction in parasympathetic tone, displaying an adaptive response in cardiovascular function regulation by the autonomous nervous system(AU)

Screening for anxiety and depression: reassessing the utility of the Zung scales.

BACKGROUND: While the gold standard for the diagnosis of mental disorders remains the structured clinical interview, self-report measures continue to play an important role in screening and measuring progress, as well as being frequently employed in research studies. Two widely-used self-report measures in the area of depression and anxiety are Zung's Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). However, considerable confusion exists in their application, with clinical cut-offs often applied incorrectly. This study re-examines the credentials of the Zung scales by comparing them with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) in terms of their ability to predict clinical diagnoses of anxiety and depression made using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). METHOD: A total sample of 376 adults, of whom 87 reported being in receipt of psychological treatment, completed the two-page version of the PHQ relating to depression and anxiety, together with the SDS, the SAS and the DASS. RESULTS: Overall, although the respective DASS scales emerged as marginally stronger predictors of PHQ diagnoses of anxiety and depression, the Zung indices performed more than acceptably in comparison. The DASS also had an advantage in discriminative ability. Using the current recommended cut-offs for all scales, the DASS has the edge on specificity, while the Zung scales are superior in terms of sensitivity. There are grounds to consider making the Zung cut-offs more conservative, and doing this would produce comparable numbers of 'Misses' and 'False Positives' to those obtained with the DASS. CONCLUSIONS: Given these promising results, further research is justified to assess the Zung scales ability against full clinical diagnoses and to further explore optimum cut-off levels.

La relación entre las dimensiones del perfeccionismo y la ansiedad frente a los exámenes en estudiantes de Psicología argentinos / The relationship between the dimensions of perfectionism and test anxiety in Argentine psychology students

Si bien el perfeccionismo (en sus dimensiones positivas y negativas) y la ansiedad frente a los exámenes se han estudiado por separado en el contexto universitario, ha sido relativamente escaso el aporte conjunto realizado al respecto en la bibliografía actual a pesar de existir evidentes vínculos conceptuales entre ambos. Teniendo en cuenta la existencia de medidas validadas y fiables en Argentina acerca de ambos constructos, se procedió a investigar dicha relación en una muestra de 102 estudiantes (86 mujeres) a través de un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple. Los resultados indicaron que la dimensión negativa del perfeccionismo, operacionalizada como discrepancia, obtuvo una capacidad predictiva del 38% en la variabilidad de la ansiedad frente a los exámenes. Las dimensiones positivas de perfeccionismo, a su vez, no demostraron capacidad explicativa. Estos resultados son discutidos en términos conceptuales y se sugieren aplicaciones clínicas de los mismos

Perfectionism (adaptive and maladaptive) and test anxiety have been studied separately in the university realm, and there is a paucity of published research examining their relationship, despite evident conceptual links. Since valid and reliable instruments for assessing both constructs are available in Argentina, the relationship between perfectionism and test anxiety was investigated in a sample of 102 students (86 females) through multiple linear regression analysis. Results indicated that the negative dimension of perfectionism, operationalised as a discrepancy, yielded a predictive capacity of 38% in the variability of test anxiety. However, the positive dimensions of perfectionism showed no explanatory power. These results are discussed in terms of their conceptual and clinical implications

El cuidado de enfermeria ante los procesos quirúrgicos estéticos / Nursing care to the aesthetic surgical procedures

Introducción: El cuidado de enfermería dado en diferentes situaciones no puede estar ajeno al auge de las cirugías estéticas y su relación con la construcción social y cultural del significado del cuerpo, y las respuestas humanas de las personas que deben ser intervenidas. Desde algunas perspectivas sociológicas se describe la influencia de los paradigmas estéticos sobre los ideales y las prácticas de transformación actuales que se realizan los individuos para alcanzar la belleza que se instaura en la sociedad actual. Objetivo: Fundamentar las intervenciones de enfermería para el manejo de los síntomas desagradables en el posoperatorio de cirugías estéticas, de igual forma determinar las causas para realizarse los procedimientos. Método: Revisión bibliográfica y documental en bases de datos SciELO, Scopus, SCience Direct; se utilizan palabras claves como: cirugía, estética, educativo, ansiedad, dolor, cirugía plástica, cuidados, proceso quirúrgico, posoperatorio, preoperatorio, educación, guía de atención, síntomas desagradables, enfermería. Conclusiones: La cirugía estética es un campo emergente y poco abordado por parte de los profesionales de enfermería; entre las causas los estereotipos, el uso y la percepción que se tiene del cuerpo nunca se ha mantenido al margen de la propia condición corporal. La educación preoperatoria herramienta de enfermería para ayudar al afrontamiento del proceso en el posoperatorio; así como el apoyo social y familiar en esta persona es determinante, aumenta el afrontamiento y disminuye niveles de ansiedad y de igual forma brindar un proceso educativo a la familia (AU)

Introduction: Nursing care given in different situations, you cannot be oblivious to the rise of cosmetic surgery and its relation to the social and cultural construction of the meaning of the body, and the human responses of individuals to be tapped. Since some sociological perspectives influence the aesthetic paradigms on the ideals and practices of current transformation that individuals are made to achieve the beauty that is established in today's society is described. Objective: To base nursing interventions to manage unpleasant symptoms in the postoperative cosmetic surgeries, similarly determine the reasons for the procedures performed. Methods: Literature review and documentary databases Scielo, Scopus, Science Direct data; surgery, aesthetic, educational, anxiety, pain, plastic surgery, care, surgical procedure, postoperative, preoperative, education, care guide, unpleasant symptoms, nursing: key words are used. Conclusions: Cosmetic surgery is an emerging field and little touched by nurses; between cause’s stereotypes, the use and perception of the body has never been kept out of the BCS itself. Education preoperative nursing tool to aid the coping process in the postoperative period; as well as social and family support is crucial in this person, increases coping and decreases anxiety levels and likewise provide an educational process for the family (AU)

Sensitivity to change and concurrent validity of direct behavior ratings for academic anxiety.

Multitiered frameworks of service delivery have traditionally underserved students with mental health needs. Whereas research has supported the assessment and intervention of social and academic behavior across tiers, evidence is limited with regard to mental health concerns including internalizing behaviors (e.g., anxiety and depression). In particular, there is a notable shortage of brief anxiety assessment tools to be used for progress monitoring purposes. Moreover, traditional omnibus rating scale approaches may fail to capture contextually dependent anxiety. The purpose of the present investigation is to examine the sensitivity to change and concurrent validity of Direct Behavior Ratings (DBR; Chafouleas, Riley-Tillman, & Christ, 2009; Chafouleas, Riley-Tillman, & Sugai, 2007) of anxiety and traditional rating scales in measuring academic anxiety directly before, during, and after a potentially anxiety provoking stimulus. Research was conducted with 115 undergraduate students in a Southeastern university. Results indicated significant relationships between DBRs and pre- and postmeasures of anxiety. Change metrics suggested an overall lack of correspondence between DBR and the criterion measure, with DBR scales detecting greater change both across the testing situation and participants. The use of DBR for anxiety is considered within a multitiered, problem-solving framework. Feasibility and limitations associated with implementation are discussed.

Support groups and cardiac rehabilitation: effects of partner participation on anxiety and depression

This study analyzes the effect on levels of patient anxiety and depression of a partner joining a cardiac rehabilitation program support group, also taking into account the sex of the patient. The study was undertaken using a two-group comparison design with pre-and post-test measures in non-equivalent groups. The sample comprised patients in the cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) at the Ramón y Cajal Hospital, Madrid (Spain). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed direct effects of sex and partner participation in support groups on the anxiety trait. Similarly, interaction effects were observed between the sex variable and partner participation. These results indicate the pertinence of designing separate groups for patients and partners (AU)

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Fisicoculturismo: diferencias de sexo en el estado de ánimo y la ansiedad precompetitiva / Bodybuilding: gender differences in mood and pre-competition anxiety

El trabajo pretende analizar aspectos diferenciales basados en el sexo y presentes en los momentos previos de una competición de fisicoculturismo. Han participado un total de 52 hombres y 40 mujeres fisicoculturistas competidores, con una edad media de 29.16 años (DE = 5.61) y con 8.03 años (DE = 4.79) de entrenamiento como tiempo medio. Se ha valorado, durante el pesaje antes de la competición, los niveles de ansiedad mediante el Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) de Martens, Vealy y Burton (1990) y el estado de ánimo mediante el Profile of Mood States (POMS) de (McNair, Lorr, y Droplemann, 1971). En los resultados al CSAI-2, las mujeres han mostrado una mayor autoconfianza (t = 3.57, p = .001), una menor ansiedad-somática (t = 2.86, p = .005) y no se han diferenciado de los hombres en ansiedad-cognitiva (t = .43, p = .67). Por su parte, en la escala POMS, los hombres han mostrado puntuaciones superiores en las subescalas de tensión-ansiedad (t = 2.74, p = .007), en la de depresión-melancolía (t = 2.906, p = .005), en la de cólera-hostilidad (t = 3.23, p = .002), en la de fatiga (t = 3.78, p < .001) y en la de confusión (t = 4.35, p < .001) pero no en la subescala de vigor, donde las mujeres han indicado unas puntuaciones superiores a los hombres (t = 3.68, p < .001). De cara al futuro, habría que ampliar los trabajos con este grupo de población deportista y solventar las iniciales y aparentes contradicciones con los resultados encontrados en mujeres de otras disciplinas deportivas (AU)

This study sets out to analyse gender-related distinguishing aspects present during moments prior to a bodybuilding competition. A total of 92 competitive bodybuilders (52 men and 40 women) took part in the study. The average age of the participants was 29.16 years (SD = 5.61) and they had trained for an average of 8.03 years (SD = 4.79). During the pre-competition weigh-in of the participants, we measured their anxiety levels using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 questionnaire (CSAI-2) by Martens, Vealy and Burton (1990) and their mood using the Profile of Mood States questionnaire (POMS) by McNair, Lorr and Droplemann (1971). In the results of the CSAI-2, women showed higher levels of self-confidence (t = 3.57, p = .001) and lower levels of somatic anxiety (t = 2.86, p = .005). There were no differences between men and women in cognitive anxiety scores (t = .430, p = .67). In the results of the POMS questionnaire, men obtained higher scores in the tension-anxiety (t = 2.74, p = .007), depression-dejection (t = 2.91, p = .005), anger-hostility (t = 3.23, p = .002), fatigue (t = 3.79, p < .001) and confusion subscales (t = 4.35, p < .001). However, women achieved higher scores in the vigour subscale (t = 3.68, p < .001). In the future, further studies with this population of athletes will be needed. In addition, seeming initial contradictions with results obtained by women from other disciplines must be addressed (AU)

What friends tell you about justice: The influence of peer communication on applicant reactions / Lo que te dicen los amigos sobre la justicia: influencia de la comunicación entre iguales en la reacción de los aspirantes

This study examined the influence of peer communication concerning a selection procedure on the levels of anxiety among applicants taking a test and test motivation regarding a similar selection procedure, through the formation of interpersonal and distributive justice expectations. The hypotheses were addressed in a randomized four-group experiment. The results of the mediated hierarchical regression analyses showed significant mediating effects. Specifically, peer communication about interpersonal justice shaped applicants’ interpersonal justice expectations, which in turn related negatively to applicants’ levels of test anxiety. Peer communication about distributive justice shaped applicants’ distributive justice expectations, which in turn related positively to applicants’ test motivation(AU)

Este estudio examinó la influencia de la comunicación entre iguales en un proceso de selección sobre los niveles de ansiedad en aspirantes que realizan un test y su motivación para realizarlo en un proceso de selección similar, a través de la formación de expectativas de justicia distributiva e interpersonal. Las hipótesis se pusieron a prueba mediante un diseño aleatorizado de cuatro grupos. Los resultados de los análisis de regresión jerárquica mediada mostraron efectos mediadores significativos. Especialmente la comunicación entre iguales sobre la justicia interpersonal configuró las expectativas sobre justicia interpersonal de los solicitantes, las cuales a su vez se relacionaron negativamente con los niveles de ansiedad de exámenes de los solicitantes. La comunicación entre iguales acerca de la justicia distributiva configuró las expectativas de justicia distributiva, que a su vez se relacionaron positivamente con la motivación para realizar exámenes de los solicitantes(AU)

Text anxiety in adolescents: the role of self-criticism and acceptance and mindfulness skills

The current study sets out to explore test anxiety in adolescent students. The effect of sociodemographic variables on test anxiety was controlled for and the relationship between test anxiety and other psychological constructs, such as self-criticism, social anxiety, acceptance and mindfulness, was examined. In addition, the predictive effect/power of these variables was analyzed and a comparative study between high and low test anxiety adolescents was conducted. Participants in this study were 449 high school students, 211 boys and 238 girls, with a mean age of 16.28 years. These participants completed a battery of self-report questionnaires composed by the Portuguese versions of Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI), Child Acceptance and Mindfulness Measure (CAMM), Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS), and the Social Anxiety and Avoidance Scale for Adolescents (SAASA). Results showed that gender, self-criticism and competencies for acceptance and mindfulness had a significant and an independent contribution on the prediction of test anxiety. The comparative study revealed that adolescents with high test anxiety score significantly higher in negative forms of self-criticism, social anxiety and lower in self-reassurance, acceptance and mindfulness, when compared to those with low test anxiety. Despite its exploratory nature, the current study adds to the existing knowledge on the influence of psychological processes, such as self-criticism and acceptance, on test anxiety. These findings might constitute a relevant contribution to psychological intervention with adolescents (AU)

Este estudio se propone explorar la ansiedad ante los exámenes en adolescentes. El efecto de las variables sociodemográficas fue controlado y se examinó la relación entre esta forma de ansiedad y la autocrítica, la ansiedad social, la aceptación y la conciencia plena. Además, se analizó el poder predictivo de estas variables y se realizó un estudio comparativo entre adolescentes con ansiedad ante los exámenes alta y baja. Participaron 449 alumnos de Educación Secundaria, 211 varones y 238 mujeres, con una edad media de 16.28 años. Los instrumentos de medida utilizados han sido: Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI), Child Acceptance and Mindfulness Measure (CAMM), Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS) y la Escala de Ansiedad y Evitación de Situaciones Sociales para Adolescentes (EAESSA). Los resultados mostraron que el género, la autocrítica y las competencias para la aceptación y atención plena tuvieron un efecto significativo y una contribución independiente sobre la predicción de la ansiedad ante los exámenes. El estudio comparativo reveló que los adolescentes con alta ansiedad ante los exámenes puntúan significativamente más alto en las formas negativas de autocrítica y de ansiedad social, y muestran niveles más bajos de autoconfianza, aceptación y conciencia plena, comparados con aquellos adolescentes con bajos niveles de ansiedad ante los exámenes. A pesar de su naturaleza exploratoria, este estudio completa los conocimientos existentes sobre la influencia de procesos psicológicos, como la autocrítica y la aceptación, en la ansiedad ante los exámenes. Estos hallazgos podrían así constituir una contribución relevante para la intervención psicológica con adolescentes (AU)

Screening utility of the social anxiety screening scale in Spanish speaking adolescents

The aim of this study was to analyse the screening utility of the Social Anxiety Screening Scale (SASS/EDAS) in a sample of 227 adolescents with social anxiety disorder and 156 without it (14-17 years). Results showed that the EDAS subscales (Avoidance, Distress and Interference) scores were reliable in terms of internal consistency (α > .80). All the subscales discriminated between adolescents with and without the disorder. They also showed a positive and significant correlation with other empirically validated measures of social anxiety. The three subscales indicated relevant sensitivity (69.16-84.14%), specificity (63.46-66.03%) and areas under the curve (.74-.81%). Binary logistic regression analyses indicated the adequate predictive utility of EDAS subscales, with the Distress subscale as the best diagnostic predictor. The data provide empirical evidence of the usefulness of EDAS as a screener for adolescent social anxiety disorder in terms of reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, diagnostic accuracy and clinical usefulness (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la precisión diagnóstica y utilidad clínica de la Escala para la detección de ansiedad social (EDAS) en una muestra de 227 adolescentes con el trastorno de ansiedad social y 156 sin el trastorno (14-17 años). Los resultados muestran que las puntuaciones en las subescalas de la EDAS (Evitación, Malestar e Interferencia) fueron fiables en términos de consistencia interna (α > .80). Todas las subescalas discriminaron entre adolescentes con y sin el trastorno. También correlacionaron positiva y significativamente con otras medidas de ansiedad social validadas empíricamente. Las tres subescalas indicaron una sensibilidad (69.16-84.14%), especificidad (63.46- 66.03%) y área bajo la curva (.74-.81%) adecuadas. Los análisis de regresión logística binaria determinaron la utilidad predictiva de las tres subescalas de la EDAS, si bien la subescala Malestar se mostró como el mejor predictor del diagnóstico. Los datos aportan evidencia empírica de la utilidad de la EDAS como herramienta de detección para el trastorno de ansiedad social en la adolescencia en términos de fiabilidad, validez convergente y discriminante, precisión diagnóstica y utilidad clínica (AU)

Ansiedad ante los exámenes y estilos de afrontamiento ante el estrés académico en estudiantes universitarios / Test anxiety and coping styles with academic stress in university students

Los estudios sobre las relaciones entre el afrontamiento y la ansiedad ante exámenes han brindado generalmente resultados dispares. Con el fin de contribuir a clarificar dichas relaciones, en el presente trabajo se exploraron las diferencias respecto de los estilos de afrontamiento ante el estrés académico en 816 estudiantes universitarios con baja, moderada y alta ansiedad ante los exámenes. Adicionalmente, se examinaron las relaciones entre cada estilo de afrontamiento y las cuatro dimensiones de la ansiedad. El análisis multivariante de la varianza (MANOVA) brindó diferencias significativas en los estilos de afrontamiento de acuerdo al nivel de ansiedad, los estudiantes más ansiosos se caracterizan por los estilos de autoculpa y rumiación autofocalizada y los menos ansiosos por aproximación y acomodación. Las correlaciones parciales entre cada dimensión y el afrontamiento indicaron que la preocupación se asocia positivamente a la aproximación, un estilo de afrontamiento más adaptativo que favorece la preparación y el estudio, en tanto que la interferencia y la falta de confianza se vinculan a estilos más disfuncionales. Se discuten los resultados en relación a la teoría de la reducción de la eficiencia en el procesamiento y se comentan algunas implicancias para el tratamiento de la ansiedad ante exámenes (AU)

The studies of the relationship between test anxiety and ways of coping generally have provided mixed results. In order to clarify these relationships, in this paper was explored the differences in coping styles with academic stress in 816 college students with low, moderate and high test anxiety. Additionally, was examined the relationships between each coping style and the four dimensions of test anxiety. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) provided significant differences in coping styles according to the anxiety level; more anxious students are characterized by selfblame and self focused rumination coping styles and less anxious by approach and accommodation coping styles. Partial correlations between each dimension and coping indicated that worry was positively associated with approach, a more adaptive coping style that contribute to preparation and study, while interference and lack of confidence are linked to dysfunctional styles. Results are discussed in the framework of the processing efficiency theory and are discussed the implications for test anxiety treatment (AU)

Tratamiento de la ansiedad en pacientes prequirúrgicos / Treatment of anxiety in preoperative patients

La ansiedad en pacientes que tienen que someterse a una operación quirúrgica conlleva un estado emocional negativo y genera una activación fisiológica en la preparación del organismo para afrontar el peligro percibido en dicha operación que puede perjudicar el correcto desarrollo del procedimiento quirúrgico. Este trabajo pretende determinar qué estrategias son las adecuadas en el ámbito hospitalario para disminuir los niveles de ansiedad en los pacientes prequirúrgicos. A partir de los datos consultados se puede concluir que para evitar niveles de ansiedad perjudiciales se requiere un trato personalizado, un modelo de comunicación adecuando entre el personal sanitario y los pacientes, enseñar al enfermo el manejo de un locus de control interno y entender la infraestructura y la rutina hospitalaria a partir de las necesidades de los usuarios, sin menoscabo de los requerimientos que se determinen para el correcto funcionamiento del centro de salud (AU)

Anxiety in patients who undergo a surgical procedure entails negative emotional states and generates physiological activity that prepares the body to cope with the perceived danger: this can affect the smooth development of the surgical procedure. This study aims to determine what actions are appropriate to reduce levels of anxiety in preoperative patients. From the data consulted we conclude that personalized treatment is required to prevent harmful levels of anxiety; a good model of communication between medical staff and patients; teaching the patient the management of an internal locus of control, and understand hospital infrastructure and routine from the viewpoint of patients' needs, without compromising the proper functioning of the health center (AU)

Actualización psicométrica y funcionamiento diferencial de los ítems en el State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) / Psychometric revision and differential item functioning in the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)

La ansiedad es uno de los problemas psicológicos con mayor prevalencia. Entre los instrumentos para medirla se encuentra el State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Este cuestionario mide ansiedad rasgo (factor de personalidad que predispone a sufrir o no ansiedad) y ansiedad estado (los factores ambientales que protegen o generan ansiedad). La adaptación española del cuestionario se realizó en 1982, por ello el objetivo del estudio es realizar una revisión del STAI. Para ello, se reunió una muestra de 1.036 adultos. Se realizó un análisis de fiabilidad mediante alfa de Cronbach (0,90 para ansiedad rasgo y 0,94 para ansiedad estado). También se realizó una reducción factorial con unos resultados similares a los de la adaptación original. Además, se comprobó si existía funcionamiento diferencial de ítem por sexo y únicamente una de las 40 preguntas mostró problemas. Por último se realizó comparaciones t-Student con los valores de la adaptación; mientras el rasgo varía en 1 punto, el estado tiene diferencias de hasta 6 puntos. En estos resultados de forma general se observa que el STAI mantiene unas adecuadas propiedades métricas y que, además, ha sido sensible al aumento de estímulos ambientales que producen estrés (AU)

One of the psychological problems with highest prevalence is anxiety. The State Trait Anxiety Inventory is one of the instruments to measure it. This questionnaire assesses Trait Anxiety (understood as a personality factor that predisposes one to suffer from anxiety) and State Anxiety (refers to environment factors that protect from or generate anxiety). The questionnaire was adapted in Spain in 1982. Therefore, the goal of the study is to review the current psychometric properties of the STAI. A total of 1036 adults took part in the study. Cronbach’s alpha reliability was .90 for Trait and .94 for State Anxiety. Factor analysis showed similar results compared with the original data. Moreover, differential item functioning (DIF) was carried out to explore sex bias. Only one of the 40 items showed DIF problems. Lastly, a t-Test was run, comparing the original and current values; whereas Trait Anxiety varied in 1 point, State Anxiety had differences of up to 6 points. In general, this result shows that the STAI has maintained adequate psychometric properties and has also been sensitive to increased environmental stimuli that produce stress (AU)

Composición factorial de la versión española de la Spence Children Anxiety Scale (SCAS) / Factor structure of the Spanish version of the Spence Children Anxiety Scale (SCAS)

Se presenta la versión española de la Spence Children Anxiety Scale (SCAS), un instrumento infantojuvenil que evalúa los trastornos de ansiedad tal como se establecen en el DSM-IV. Las puntuaciones de la SCAS se sometieron a análisis factorial confirmatorio en una muestra de 1.671 escolares de entre 10 y 17 años. Los resultados han apoyado la estructura propuesta de seis escalas interrelacionadas entre sí. Dicha estructura presenta invarianza factorial completa (excepto para las medias) en chicos y chicas y en distintos grupos de edad. En general, las chicas han puntuado algo más alto que los chicos. Las relaciones de las puntuaciones de la SCAS con la edad son inexistentes o muy bajas y negativas. El problema de ansiedad menos acusado ha sido el de ataques de pánico y agorafobia. Los problemas que más frecuentemente presentan puntuaciones altas extremas son el trastorno obsesivo-compulsivo y la fobia social. Se concluye que la versión española de la SCAS puede utilizarse con confianza en la evaluación de los problemas de ansiedad infanto-juveniles (AU)

This paper presents the Spanish version of the Spence Children Anxiety Scale (SCAS), a rating scale for children and adolescents assessing anxiety disorders as they appear in the DSM-IV. SCAS scores were subjected to confirmatory factor analyses in a sample of 1671 children 10 to 17 years old. Results supported the proposed structure of six interrelated scales. This structure is completely invariant (except for means) in boys and girls and across age groups. Overall, girls scored slightly higher than boys. The relationship of SCAS scores with the child’s age was nonexistent or very low and negative. The least frequent anxiety problems among children and adolescents were panic attacks and agoraphobia. Problems that most frequently presented extreme high scores were obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobia. It is concluded that the Spanish version of the SCAS can confidently be used in the assessment of anxiety disorders in children (AU)

Influencia de la visita puerperal temprana en la detección y evolución de la depresión posparto / Influence of early postpartum home visits on the detection and clinical course of postpartum depression

Objetivos. Nos proponemos determinar y valorar la influencia de la visita puerperal temprana (VPT) domiciliaria en la disminución de la incidencia de depresión posparto en nuestro medio. Material y métodos. Cuatrocientos treinta pacientes con embarazo y partos sin complicaciones que se aleatorizan en dos grupos homogéneos (grupo con VPT y grupo control). Se utilizó la hospital anxiety and depresión scale para valorar la depresión posparto a los 7 y 30 días. Resultados. Se observó un score positivo para depresión puerperal a los 7 días del parto en un 10,2%. En el grupo de VPT se observó una disminución de incidencia de la depresión puerperal (0,9%) frente al grupo control (3,7%). Conclusión. La incidencia de depresión posparto en nuestra área es similar a la esperada. La visita puerperal temprana parece ser útil en la detección de patología psiquiátrica y disminuye la evolución de los síntomas(AU)

Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of early postpartum home visits in reducing the incidence of puerperal depression in our environment. Material and methods. A total of 430 patients with uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery were randomized to two homogeneous groups (one group receiving an early postpartum home visit and a control group). The hospital anxiety and depression scale was used to assess puerperal depression at 7 and 30 days. Results. At 7 days, 10.2% of the patients had a positive score for puerperal depression. At 30 days, the incidence of puerperal depression was lower in the group receiving an early home visit (0.9%) than in the control group (3.7%). Conclusion. The incidence of postpartum depression in our setting was similar to the expected incidence. Early postpartum home visits seem to be useful in detecting this disorder and in reducing symptoms(AU)

Brief version of the fear of negative evaluation scale - straightforward items (BFNE-S): psychometric properties in a spanish population

The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Brief version of the Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale - Straightforward Items (BFNE-S) in a non-clinical Spanish population. Rodebaugh et al. (2004) recommended the use of this scale composed of 8 straightforwardly-worded items, instead of the 12-item version of the BFNE. The sample consisted of 542 undergraduate students, 71.3% of whom were women and 28.7% were men; the mean age was 21.71 (4.78) years. Exploratory factor analysis produced one factor which accounted for 51.28% of variance. The internal consistency of the scale was α = .89. The BFNE-S correlated with the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (r = .44), the Personal Report of Confidence as Speaker – Modified (r = .44), the Public Speaking Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (r = -.38) and both subscales of the Self-Statements during Public Speaking (SSPS-P r = -.22; SSPS-N r = .53). ANOVAs revealed significant differences in the BFNE-S amongst a non-clinical population, persons suffering from specific social phobia, non-generalized social phobia and generalized social phobia (AU)

El objetivo del presente estudio fue comprobar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala compuesta por los ítems directos de la Escala de Miedo a la Evaluación Negativa versión breve (BFNE-S) en población no clínica española. Rodebaugh et al. (2004) recomendaron utilizar esta escala formada por 8 ítems directos, en lugar de la versión del BFNE de 12 ítems. La muestra estuvo formada por 542 estudiantes universitarios. El 71,3% de la muestra fueron mujeres, el 28,7% varones y la media de edad fue 21.71 (4.78). El análisis factorial exploratorio extrajo un solo factor que explicó el 51,28% de la varianza. La consistencia interna de la escala fue α = 0,89. El BFNE-S correlacionó con la Escala de Evitación y Malestar Social (r = 0,44), el Cuestionario de Confianza para Hablar en Público – Modificado (r = 0,44), el Cuestionario de Autoeficacia al Intervenir en Público (r = -0,38) y ambas subescalas del Cuestionario de Autoverbalizaciones durante la situación de hablar en público (SSPS-P r = -0,22; SSPS-N r = 0,53). Se realizó un ANOVA en el que se observaron diferencias significativas en el BFNE-S entre población no clínica, personas con fobia social específica, fobia social no generalizada y fobia social generalizada (AU)

Evaluation of family functioning and anxiety-depression parameters in mothers of children with asthma

Background Psychological problems are more commonly observed in mothers of children with asthma when compared to the general population. Smoking in the house and parental cooperation are the other factors which influence psychological status in mothers of children with asthma. In our study, we aimed to investigate family functioning and frequency of psychological symptoms in mothers of children with asthma. Methods The study group consisted of 160 mothers of 4–15 year old children with asthma and the control group consisted of 90 mothers of healthy children. Beck's inventory, continuous anxiety inventory and family assessment device were administered to each group of mothers. Results indicated that levels of depression and anxiety symptoms were higher and perception of family functioning was less healthy in mothers of children with asthma compared to those in the control group (p<0.0001). Smoking status at home and level of communication with the father were found to have a significant impact on the evaluation scale in mothers in the case group. Discussion Psychiatric symptoms observed in mothers of asthmatic children might be associated to influencing the functioning of the entire family rather that of the mother alone. Therefore, evaluation of family functioning in mothers of children with asthma might be beneficial in terms of follow-up and control of disease

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Test Anxiety Scale: reliability among Ethiopian students.

Sarason's Test Anxiety Scale, translated into an Ethiopian language, was administered to 391 students in Grade 8 and to 422 students in preparatory school (Grades 11 and 12). In the first sample, 32 items loaded above the 0.3 criterion of acceptable item-remainder correlations and Cronbach alpha of .84. In the second sample, Cronbach alpha was .84 for the 34 items, but only 19 items had acceptable item-remainder correlations. The internal consistency reliabilities were comparable with those reported in the literature. However, the results of confirmatory factor analyses with extraction of four factors did not confirm the item loadings on factors as reported in the literature. Younger students (Grade 8) were found to have higher mean Test Anxiety than Grades 11 and 12 students. The Amharik version of the Test Anxiety Scale as a whole could be considered reliable and useful for Ethiopian students.

Diagnostic properties of a symptoms scale for diagnosing reflux esophagitis.

OBJECTIVE: To the objective of the study was to determine accuracy and predictive values of a symptoms scale for diagnosing reflux esophagitis (RE). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Standard criterion study. All recruited patients from two centers in Chile underwent both digestive endoscopy (reference standard) and a symptoms scale known to be valid and reliable for diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease. The RE variable was dealt with dichotomously. A receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of the scale were calculated. RESULTS: Two hundred and thirty eight (238) subjects (57.6% female), with an average age of 44.2+/-13.0 years were included. Of these, 57.1% presented with RE. With a cut-off score of six, association was confirmed between the symptoms scale and RE with an odds ratio of 7.26 and a correct classification i.e. diagnostic accuracy of 73.1%. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, positive and negative likelihood ratios, of 74.3%, 71.6%, 77.7%, 67.6%, 2.61, and 0.36 respectively, were obtained. CONCLUSION: A seven-item symptoms scale when compared to endoscopy as gold standard was useful for diagnosing RE. Using a cutoff of six points, the diagnostic accuracy of the scale was 73.1%.