Why Do People Watch Pornography? Cross-Cultural Validation of the Pornography Use Motivations Scale (PUMS) and Its Short Form (PUMS-8).

Motivations for pornography use may vary across gender identities, sexual orientations, and geographical regions, warranting examination to promote individual and public health. The aims of this study were to validate the Pornography Use Motivations Scale (PUMS) in a diverse, multicultural sample, and develop a short form (PUMS-8) that can assess a wide range of pornography use motivations. Using data from 42 countries (N = 75,117; Mage = 32.07; SDage = 12.37), enabled us to thoroughly evaluate the dimensionality, validity, and reliability of the Pornography Use Motivations Scale (PUMS), leading to the development of the more concise PUMS-8 short scale. Additionally, language-, nationality-, gender-, and sexual-orientation-based measurement invariance tests were conducted to test the comparability across groups. Both the PUMS and the PUMS-8 assess eight pornography use motivations, and both demonstrated excellent psychometric properties. Sexual Pleasure emerged as the most frequent motivation for pornography use across countries, genders, and sexual orientations, while differences were observed concerning other motivations (e.g. self-exploration was more prevalent among gender-diverse individuals than men or women). The motivational background of pornography use showed high similarity in the examined countries. Both the PUMS and the PUMS-8 are reliable and valid measurement tools to assess different types of motivations for pornography use across countries, genders, and sexual orientations. Both scales are recommended for use in research and clinical settings.

The short version of the Sexual Distress Scale (SDS-3): Measurement invariance across countries, gender identities, and sexual orientations.

Background: The three-item Sexual Distress Scale (SDS-3) has been frequently used to assess distress related to sexuality in public health surveys and research on sexual wellbeing. However, its psychometric properties and measurement invariance across cultural, gender and sexual subgroups have not yet been examined. This multinational study aimed to validate the SDS-3 and test its psychometric properties, including measurement invariance across language, country, gender identity, and sexual orientation groups. Methods: We used global survey data from 82,243 individuals (Mean age=32.39 years; 40.3 % men, 57.0 % women, 2.8 % non-binary, and 0.6 % other genders) participating in the International Sexual Survey (ISS; https://internationalsexsurvey.org/) across 42 countries and 26 languages. Participants completed the SDS-3, as well as questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics, including gender identity and sexual orientation. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a unidimensional factor structure for the SDS-3, and multi-group CFA (MGCFA) suggested that this factor structure was invariant across countries, languages, gender identities, and sexual orientations. Cronbach's α for the unidimensional score was 0.83 (range between 0.76 and 0.89), and McDonald's ω was 0.84 (range between 0.76 and 0.90). Participants who did not experience sexual problems had significantly lower SDS-3 total scores (M = 2.99; SD=2.54) compared to those who reported sexual problems (M = 5.60; SD=3.00), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.01 [95 % CI=-1.03, -0.98]; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The SDS-3 has a unidimensional factor structure and appears to be valid and reliable for measuring sexual distress among individuals from different countries, gender identities, and sexual orientations.

Cross-cultural validation and measurement invariance of anxiety and depression symptoms: A study of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) in 42 countries.

BACKGROUND: Depression and anxiety are among the most prevalent mental health issues experienced worldwide. However, whereas cross-cultural studies utilize psychometrically valid and reliable scales, fewer can meaningfully compare these conditions across different groups. To address this gap, the current study aimed to psychometrically assess the Brief Symptomatology Index (BSI) in 42 countries. METHODS: Using data from the International Sex Survey (N = 82,243; Mage = 32.39; SDage = 12.52; women: n = 46,874; 57 %), we examined the reliability of depression and anxiety symptom scores of the BSI-18, as well as evaluated evidence of construct, invariance, and criterion-related validity in predicting clinically relevant variables across countries, languages, genders, and sexual orientations. RESULTS: Results corroborated an invariant, two-factor structure across all groups tested, exhibiting excellent reliability estimates for both subscales. The 'caseness' criterion effectively discriminated among those at low and high risk of depression and anxiety, yielding differential effects on the clinical criteria examined. LIMITATIONS: The predictive validation was not made against a clinical diagnosis, and the full BSI-18 scale was not examined (excluding the somatization sub-dimension), limiting the validation scope of the BSI-18. Finally, the study was conducted online, mainly by advertisements through social media, ultimately skewing our sample towards women, younger, and highly educated populations. CONCLUSIONS: The results support that the BSI-12 is a valid and reliable assessment tool for assessing depression and anxiety symptoms across countries, languages, genders, and sexual orientations. Further, its caseness criterion can discriminate well between participants at high and low risk of depression and anxiety.

Cross-Cultural Adult ADHD Assessment in 42 Countries Using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener.

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed adult ADHD symptoms in a cross-cultural context, including investigating the occurrence and potential correlates of adult ADHD and psychometric examination of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener. METHOD: Our analysis is based on a large-scale research project involving 42 countries (International Sex Survey, N=72,627, 57% women, Mage=32.84; SDage=12.57). RESULTS: The ASRS Screener demonstrated good reliability and validity, along with partial invariance across different languages, countries, and genders. The occurrence of being at risk for adult ADHD was relatively high (21.4% for women, 18.1% for men). The highest scores were obtained in the US, Canada, and other English-speaking Western countries, with significantly lower scores among East Asian and non-English-speaking European countries. Moreover, ADHD symptom severity and occurrence were especially high among gender-diverse individuals. Significant associations between adult ADHD symptoms and age, mental and sexual health, and socioeconomic status were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Present results show significant cross-cultural variability in adult ADHD occurrence as well as highlight important factors related to adult ADHD. Moreover, the importance of further research on adult ADHD in previously understudied populations (non-Western countries) and minority groups (gender-diverse individuals) is stressed. Lastly, the present analysis is consistent with previous evidence showing low specificity of adult ADHD screening instruments and contributes to the current discussion on accurate adult ADHD screening and diagnosis.

Psychometric properties of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) across cross-cultural subgroups, genders, and sexual orientations: Findings from the International Sex Survey (ISS).

INTRODUCTION: Despite being a widely used screening questionnaire, there is no consensus on the most appropriate measurement model for the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Furthermore, there have been limited studies on its measurement invariance across cross-cultural subgroups, genders, and sexual orientations. AIMS: The present study aimed to examine the fit of different measurement models for the AUDIT and its measurement invariance across a wide range of subgroups by country, language, gender, and sexual orientation. METHODS: Responses concerning past-year alcohol use from the participants of the cross-sectional International Sex Survey were considered (N = 62,943; Mage: 32.73; SD = 12.59). Confirmatory factor analysis, as well as measurement invariance tests were performed for 21 countries, 14 languages, three genders, and four sexual-orientation subgroups that met the minimum sample size requirement for inclusion in these analyses. RESULTS: A two-factor model with factors describing 'alcohol use' (items 1-3) and 'alcohol problems' (items 4-10) showed the best model fit across countries, languages, genders, and sexual orientations. For the former two, scalar and latent mean levels of invariance were reached considering different criteria. For gender and sexual orientation, a latent mean level of invariance was reached. CONCLUSIONS: In line with the two-factor model, the calculation of separate alcohol-use and alcohol-problem scores is recommended when using the AUDIT. The high levels of measurement invariance achieved for the AUDIT support its use in cross-cultural research, capable also of meaningful comparisons among genders and sexual orientations.

The eleven-item Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST-11): Cross-cultural psychometric evaluation across 42 countries.

The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) is an instrument to screen substance-use-related health risks. However, little is known whether the ASSIST could be further shortened while remaining psychometrically sound across different countries, languages, gender identities, and sexual-orientation-based groups. The study aimed to validate a shortened 11-item ASSIST (ASSIST-11). Using the International Sex Survey data, 82,243 participants (M age = 32.39 years) across 42 countries and 26 languages completed questions from the ASSIST-11 regarding gender identity, sexual orientation, and other information. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multigroup CFA (MGCFA) evaluated the ASSIST-11's structure and tested measurement invariance across groups. Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω were used to examine the internal consistency. Cohen's d and independent t-tests were used to examine known-group validity. The ASSIST-11 was unidimensional across countries, languages, age groups, gender identities (i.e., men, women, and gender-diverse individuals), and sexual orientations (i.e., heterosexual and sexual minority individuals). Cronbach's α was 0.63 and McDonald's ω was 0.68 for the ASSIST-11. Known-group validity was supported by Cohen's d (range between 0.23 and 0.40) with significant differences (p-values<0.001). The ASSIST-11 is a modified instrument with a unidimensional factor structure across different languages, age groups, countries, gender identities, and sexual orientations. The low internal consistency of the ASSIST-11 might be acceptable as it assesses a broad concept (i.e., use of several different substances). Healthcare providers and researchers may use the ASSIST-11 to quickly assess substance-use information from general populations and evaluate the need to follow up with more detailed questions about substance use.

Compulsive sexual behavior disorder in 42 countries: Insights from the International Sex Survey and introduction of standardized assessment tools.

Background and aims: Despite its inclusion in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, there is a virtual paucity of high-quality scientific evidence about compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD), especially in underrepresented and underserved populations. Therefore, we comprehensively examined CSBD across 42 countries, genders, and sexual orientations, and validated the original (CSBD-19) and short (CSBD-7) versions of the Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder Scale to provide standardized, state-of-the-art screening tools for research and clinical practice. Method: Using data from the International Sex Survey (N = 82,243; Mage = 32.39 years, SD = 12.52), we evaluated the psychometric properties of the CSBD-19 and CSBD-7 and compared CSBD across 42 countries, three genders, eight sexual orientations, and individuals with low vs. high risk of experiencing CSBD. Results: A total of 4.8% of the participants were at high risk of experiencing CSBD. Country- and gender-based differences were observed, while no sexual-orientation-based differences were present in CSBD levels. Only 14% of individuals with CSBD have ever sought treatment for this disorder, with an additional 33% not having sought treatment because of various reasons. Both versions of the scale demonstrated excellent validity and reliability. Discussion and conclusions: This study contributes to a better understanding of CSBD in underrepresented and underserved populations and facilitates its identification in diverse populations by providing freely accessible ICD-11-based screening tools in 26 languages. The findings may also serve as a crucial building block to stimulate research into evidence-based, culturally sensitive prevention and intervention strategies for CSBD that are currently missing from the literature.

Propiedades psicométricas de una tarea computarizada Stroop emocional caras y palabras

Objetivo: Determinar las propiedades psicométricas de una tarea computarizada de Stroop de reconocimiento emocional de caras y palabras en población colombiana. Método: La investigación fue de naturaleza cuantitativa, con un diseño de investigación instrumental de tipo psicométrico y de desarrollo tecnológico. La muestra se seleccionó por conveniencia, estuvo conformada por 1172 participantes (56,6 % mujeres, 43,4 % hombres), con edades entre 18 a 25 años quienes ingresaban a un dominio para contestar la tarea después de leer y aceptar el consentimiento. Resultados: Los resultados obtenidos demuestran una consistencia interna favorable con un KR-20=0,853 y un coeficiente Omega de McDonald=0,859, una validez de constructo, a partir de un análisis factorial exploratorio y análisis factorial confirmatorio, que presenta una estructura de seis factores y explica un 50,32 % de la varianza; además, de una validez convergente con un coeficiente de correlación Spearman positivo de 0,522 %; los índices de confiabilidad y validez obtenidos en el presente estudio hacen de esta versión computarizada una prueba que puede ser usada en el ámbito de la evaluación de procesos de atención, memoria de trabajo e inhibición en población adulta colombiana no clínica. Conclusiones: En conclusión, se observó efectivamente que la configuración del instrumento psicológico en un software informático optimiza la recolección de datos, pues hay más precisión en la medición de latencias de respuestas, así mismo facilita el análisis de los datos.

Objective: To determine the psychometric properties of a computerized Stroop task of emotional recognition of faces and words in a Colombian population. Method: The research was quantitative in nature with an instrumental design of a psychometric type and technological development. The sample was selected for convenience. It was made up of 1172 participants (56,6 % women, 43 % men) between 18 and 25 years of age. They entered a domain to answer the task after reading and giving consent. Results: The results showed a favorable internal consistency with a KR-20=0,853 and a McDonald's Omega coefficient=0,859. A construct validity was obtained from an exploratory factor analysis and a confirmatory factor analysis which presents a structure of six factors and explains 50,32 % of variance. In addition, it presents a convergent validity with a positive Spearman correlation coefficient of 0,522. The reliability and validity indices obtained in the present study make this computerized version a test that can be used in the field of evaluation of processes of attention, working memory and inhibition in non-clinical Colombian adult population. Discussions: In conclusion, it was effectively observed that the configuration of the psychological instrument in computer software optimizes data collection since there is more precision in the measurement of response latencies, as well as facilitating data analysis.

Objetivo: Determinar as propriedades psicométricas de uma tarefa Stroop computadorizada de reconhecimento emocional de rostos e palavras em uma população colombiana. Metologia: A pesquisa era de natureza quantitativa, com um projeto de pesquisa instrumental de tipo psicométrico e de desenvolvimento tecnológico. A amostra foi selecionada por conveniência e consistiu de 1172 participantes (56,6 % mulheres, 43,4 % homens), com idades entre 18 e 25 anos, que entraram em um domínio para responder à tarefa após a leitura e aceitação do termo de consentimento. Resultados: Os resultados obtidos mostram uma consistência interna favorável com um coeficiente KR-20=0,853 e McDonald's Omega = 0,859, A validade da construção foi obtida a partir de uma análise exploratória de fatores e análise confirmativa de Fatores, que apresenta uma estrutura de seis fatores e explica 50,32 % da variação, e validade convergente com um coeficiente de correlação Spearman positivo de 0,522. Os índices de confiabilidade e validade obtidos no presente estudo fazem desta versão computadorizada um teste que pode ser usado na avaliação da atenção, memória de trabalho e processos de inibição na população adulta colombiana não-clínica. Conclusões: Em conclusão, foi realmente observado que a configuração do instrumento psicológico em um software de computador otimiza a coleta de dados, pois há maior precisão na medição das latências de resposta, além de facilitar a análise dos dados.

Atención y memoria en estudiantes de básica primaria de instituciones públicas rurales de Boyacá, Colombia / Attention and Memory in Elementary School Students From Rural Public Schools in Boyacá, Colombia

Resumen La atención y la memoria son procesos estrechamente relacionados y paralelos en el desarrollo infantil. El objetivo del estudio fue establecer la relación entre procesos de atención y memoria en infantes de escuelas rurales respecto a la edad, el sexo y el nivel educativo. Se seleccionaron 50 estudiantes por muestreo aleatorio, dentro de un estudio descriptivo correlacional. Se utilizó la batería de Evaluación Neuropsicológica Infantil. Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas con respecto a la edad para las sub-pruebas de memoria y atención visual. En la variable sexo, no se encontraron diferencias significativas. Con relación al nivel de escolaridad las diferencias fueron para subpruebas de atención y memoria excepto en memoria lógica. En conclusión, se observó un menor rendimiento al compararlos con baremos de población urbana.

Abstract Attention and memory are closely related and parallel processes in child development. This study aimed to establish the relationship between attention and memory processes in children from rural schools with respect to age, gender, and educational level. Fifty students were selected by random sampling within a descriptive correlational study. The Neuropsychological Assessment of Children test battery was used. The results showed significant differences with respect to age for the memory and visual attention subtests. In the gender variable, no significant differences were found. Regarding the level of schooling, significant differences were found for the attention and memory subtests except in logical memory. In conclusion, lower performance was observed when compared to urban population scales.

Atención Selectiva y sostenida de trabajadores en dos jornadas del día / Selective and sustained attention of workers of two different shifts in the day

Resumen Aun cuando se ha reconocido la importancia del proceso psicológico de la atención por contribuir a la capacidad productiva y la consecución de resultados eficientes y eficaces durante el desarrollo de diversas tareas cotidianas, no ha sido suficientemente estudiado en trabajadores de empresas u organizaciones. Esta investigación buscó identificar cómo es la atención selectiva y sostenida de los trabajadores en dos jornadas diferentes del día (mañana y tarde); adicionalmente, se exploró si variables como la edad, escolaridad y género afectan el desempeño. Se aplicó el programa computarizado Vienna Test System subprueba cognitron forma S1 a 184 trabajadores de una universidad. Los datos fueron analizados mediante un modelo de regresión y prueba t para muestras independientes. Los hallazgos mostraron que la atención selectiva es mayor en horas de la mañana, mientras que la atención sostenida se mantiene a lo largo del día. En cuanto a las otras variables analizadas, se evidenció que la edad fue la única predictora del rendimiento, por cuanto a menor edad mejores desempeños. Estos resultados aportan para la planeación de actividades en el ámbito laboral y complementa los estudios en el área de los procesos psicológicos básicos.

Abstract Although the importance of the psychological process of attention and how it to contributes productive capacity and achieving efficient and effective results during the development of daily tasks has been recognized, it has not been sufficiently studied in workers of companies or organizations. This research sought to identify what selective and sustained attention is like in the workers to two different shifts in the day (morning and afternoon); Additional variables such as age, schooling and gender were investigated to see if they affected performance. We applied the computer program Vienna Test System sub-test cognition form S1 to 184 university workers. Data was analyzed using a regression model and t-test for independent samples. The findings showed that selective attention is greater in the morning, while sustained attention is maintained throughout the day. As for the other variables analyzed, it was evidenced that age was the only predictor of performance, as workers of a younger age performed better. These results contribute to the planning of activities in the workplace and complements the studies in the area of the basic psychological processes.

Factores que influyen en el uso del preservativo en mujeres en edad reproductiva de Tunja, Colombia / Factors influencing condom use in reproductive age woman from Tunja, Colombia

Se realizó un estudio transversal cuyo objetivo principal fue el de identificar predictores psicológicos del uso de preservativo en una muestra de 381 mujeres en edad reproductiva de la ciudad de Tunja, Colombia. Se administró un instrumento que evalúa conocimientos, motivos, situaciones sociales y estados biológicos relacionados con el uso del preservativo en la primera relación sexual y a lo largo de la vida sexual activa. Para el tratamiento de los datos se obtuvieron estadísticas descriptivas y se utilizaron el x² de Pearson y un análisis de regresión logística multivariado (método hacia atrás con Wald). El análisis con el x² de Pearson arrojó diferencias entre quienes utilizaron y no utilizaron preservativo en su primera relación (x² [1] = 25.000; p = 0.000), así como entre quienes lo utilizaron consistente e inconsistentemente a lo largo de su vida sexual activa (x² [3] = 21.907; p = 0.000). El análisis de regresión logística multivariado aportó como predictor del uso del preservativo a lo largo de la vida sexual activa al motivo "porque yo no sabía utilizarlo" (x² [2] = 6.786; p = 0.034). Se discute sobre la importancia de diseñar programas para la prevención de la infección por VIH que pongan especial atención en la variable motivos que subyacen al uso de preservativo, así como en la necesidad de entrenar a las mujeres en edad reproductiva en competencias relacionadas con la negociación y el uso consistente y eficiente del preservativo.

A cross-sectional study was performed with the purpose of identifying psychological predictors of condom use behaviors in a sample of 381 women in reproductive age from Tunja, Colombia. An instrument that evaluates knowledge, motives, social situations, and biological states related to condom use behaviors in the first sexual encounter, and throughout active sexual life was administered. For data processing descriptive statistics were obtained. Additionally, Pearson’s x² test and a multivariate logistic regression analysis were used. Pearson’s x² test showed differences between women who used and did not use condom in their first sexual intercourse (x² [1] = 25.000; p = 0.000), and also showed differences between those who consistently or inconsistently used it throughout their active sexual life (x² [3] = 21.907; p = 0.000). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that condom use behavior throughout these women’s active sexual life was predicted by the motive "Because I didn’t know how to use it" (x² [2] = 6.786; p = 0.034). A discussion is presented about the importance of designing prevention programs for VHI infection that pay special attention to the motives underlying the use of condom, as well as the need to educate women in developing skills both for negotiation and for a consistent and effective use of condom.