Determinants of the optimal selection of vascular access devices: A systematic review underpinned by the COM-B behavioural model.

BACKGROUND: Optimal selection of vascular access devices is based on multiple factors and is the first strategy to reduce vascular access device-related complications. This process is dependent on behavioural and human factors. The COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour) model was used as a theoretical framework to organize the findings of this systematic review. METHODS/AIMS: To synthesize the evidence on determinants shaping the optimal selection of vascular access devices, using the COM-B behavioural model as the theoretical framework. DESIGN: Systematic review of studies which explore decision-making at the time of selecting vascular access devices. DATA SOURCES: The Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and EbscoHost databases were interrogated to extract manuscripts published up to 31 December 2021, in English or Spanish. RESULTS: Among 16 studies included in the review, 8/16 (50%) focused on physical capability, 8/16 (50%) psychological capability, 15/16 (94%) physical opportunity, 12/16 (75%) social opportunity, 1/16 (6%) reflective motivation and 0/16 (0%) automatic motivation. This distribution represents a large gap in terms of interpersonal and motivational influences and cultural and social environments. Specialist teams (teams created for the insertion or maintenance of vascular access devices) are core for the optimal selection of vascular access devices (75% physical capability, 62% psychological capability, 80% physical opportunity and 100% social opportunity). CONCLUSION: Specialist teams predominantly lead all actions undertaken towards the optimal selection of vascular access devices. These actions primarily centre on assessing opportunity and capability, often overlooking motivational influences and social environments. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: A more implementation-focused professional approach could decrease inequity among patients and complications associated with vascular access devices. IMPACT: Optimal selection of vascular access devices is the primary strategy in mitigating complications associated with these devices. There is a significant disparity between interpersonal and motivational influences and the cultural and social environments. Furthermore, specialized teams play a pivotal role in facilitating the optimal selection of vascular access devices. The study can benefit institutions concerned about vascular access devices and their complications. REPORTING METHOD: This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No Patient or Public Contribution. WHAT DOES THIS ARTICLE CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: Optimal selection of vascular devices remains a growing yet unresolved issue with costly clinical and patient experience impact. Interventions to improve the optimal selection of vascular devices have focused on training, education, algorithms and implementation of specialist vascular teams; alas, these approaches do not seem to have substantially addressed the problem. Specialist vascular teams should evolve and pivot towards leading the implementation of quality improvement interventions, optimizing resource use and enhancing their role.

Psychological Flexibility, Chronic Pain, and Health.

Psychological flexibility is a model of human performance and well-being. It essentially entails an approach to life circumstances that includes openness, awareness, and engagement. It has roots in behavior analysis, and it is linked to a philosophy of science called functional contextualism and to a specific therapy approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. One of the earliest and most developed research areas in which this model and therapy have been applied is chronic pain. This review describes psychological flexibility and its facets in more detail, sets them in a context of relevant psychological models, and examines related assessment and treatment methods. It also examines evidence, current challenges, and future directions. It is proposed that psychological flexibility, or an expanded model very much like it, could provide a basis for integrating current research and treatment approaches in chronic pain and health generally. This, in turn, could produce improved treatments for people with chronic pain and other conditions.

The effect of happiness-based education on women's success of water pipe smoking cessation and happiness: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: Water pipe smoking by women threatens their health. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures to reduce this unhealthy behavior. This study aimed to determine the effect of happiness-based education on women's success of water pipe smoking cessation and happiness. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on female water pipe smokers in Iran, from September to January 2021. The participants (n = 68) were selected using convenience sampling and assigned to the intervention and control groups (34 subjects per group) by blocked randomization. The intervention group received a happiness-based education for one month (eight sessions) based on the Fordyce happiness program. The control group did not receive any special education. Data were collected using the Water Pipe Dependence Scale and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire before and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests by SPSS software version 22. RESULTS: Two months after the intervention, the mean change in the happiness score was significantly higher in the intervention group (2.32 ± 2.31) than that in the control group (-0.29 ± 1.81) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean change in the score of water pipe dependence was significantly different between the intervention (-1.44 ± 1.4) and control (0.38 ± 0.85) groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results showed that education based on Fordyce happiness program can increase the success of water pipe smoking cessation and happiness in women. Therefore, it is recommended to use similar interventions in women's health promotion programs.

Understanding Patient Beliefs in Using Technology to Manage Diabetes: Path Analysis Model From a National Web-Based Sample.

BACKGROUND:  With 425 million individuals globally living with diabetes, it is critical to support the self-management of this life-threatening condition. However, adherence and engagement with existing technologies are inadequate and need further research. OBJECTIVE:  The objective of our study was to develop an integrated belief model that helps identify the significant constructs in predicting intention to use a diabetes self-management device for the detection of hypoglycemia. METHODS:  Adults with type 1 diabetes living in the United States were recruited through Qualtrics to take a web-based questionnaire that assessed their preferences for a device that monitors their tremors and alerts them of the onset of hypoglycemia. As part of this questionnaire, a section focused on eliciting their response to behavioral constructs from the Health Belief Model, Technology Acceptance Model, and others. RESULTS:  A total of 212 eligible participants responded to the Qualtrics survey. Intention to use a device for the self-management of diabetes was well predicted (R2=0.65; F12,199=27.19; P<.001) by 4 main constructs. The most significant constructs were perceived usefulness (ß=.33; P<.001) and perceived health threat (ß=.55; P<.001) followed by cues to action (ß=.17; P<.001) and a negative effect from resistance to change (ß=-.19; P<.001). Older age (ß=.025; P<.001) led to an increase in their perceived health threat. CONCLUSIONS: For individuals to use such a device, they need to perceive it as useful, perceive diabetes as life-threatening, regularly remember to perform actions to manage their condition, and exhibit less resistance to change. The model predicted the intention to use a diabetes self-management device as well, with several constructs found to be significant. This mental modeling approach can be complemented in future work by field-testing with physical prototype devices and assessing their interaction with the device longitudinally.

Testing a Model for the Monitoring of Worked-out Algebra-Problem Examples: From Behaviours to Outcomes on a Math Task / La validación de un modelo para el control de la comprensión de problemas de álgebra resueltos: de los comportamientos a los resultados en una tarea de matemáticas

This study aimed at testing an extension of a theoretical model for the metacognitive monitoring mechanism implied in the detection of inconsistencies when the information provided includes abstract symbols in addition to plain text. Ninety-four postgraduates of STEM specialities were asked to read a worked-out algebra-problem example and to report any incoherence, inconsistency, or error detected in the statement or in the solving procedure. A set of model-inspired indexes was defined to describe participants’ behaviour along the task. The Read & Answer software was used to record online individual processing data and participants’ reports. Results supported model predictions. Indexes correctly predicted participants’ outcomes in the task with high accuracy. Specific students’ behaviours could be associated to observed task outcomes with sufficient reliability within the limitations of the study. In addition, algebra processing was compared with plain text processing.

Este estudio tiene como objetivo probar una extensión de un modelo teórico para el mecanismo de control metacognitivo que sirve para la detección de inconsistencias cuando la información proporcionada incluye símbolos abstractos además de texto natural. Se pidió a 94 postgraduados de especialidades STEM que leyeran un ejemplo resuelto de un problema de álgebra y que informaran sobre cualquier incoherencia, inconsistencia o error detectado en el enunciado o en el procedimiento de resolución. A partir de un modelo teórico se definió un conjunto de índices para describir el comportamiento de los participantes a lo largo de la tarea. Se utilizó el software Read & Answer para registrar online los datos de procesamiento individual y los informes de los participantes. Los resultados confirman las predicciones del modelo. Los índices predicen correctamente los resultados de los participantes en la tarea con gran precisión. Los comportamientos específicos de los alumnos podrían asociarse a los resultados observados de la tarea con suficiente confiabilidad dentro de las limitaciones del estudio. Además se ha comparado el procesamiento del álgebra con el procesamiento del texto natural.

The Psychological Models of Health-related Behavior in Understanding Sugars Intake in Adults: A Review.

Free sugars intake plays a major role in dental caries formation and other general health issues such as obesity. Therefore, interventions, which assist individuals or populations in the control of their free sugars intake, are of central importance in caries prevention strategies. There is good evidence that behavioral interventions benefit from a foundation in conceptual theories of behavior change founded on empirical data. In this review, we discuss the future application of seven theories, including six common psychological theories in predicting and developing interventions to reduce free sugars intake related to dental caries among adults. For each model, we summarize its key features and the data derived from its application in general and oral health settings and make recommendations for future research. We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Global Health, PubMed, and Embase databases to identify items dealing with dental caries, adults, sugars intake, and six psychological theories. These included the Transtheoretical Model of Change, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model, PRIME Theory, and Behavior Change Wheel theories. We searched literature published in the last 10 years, and priority was given to systematic reviews and randomized control trials. Although there is extensive literature on the application of the six psychological theories, there is a gap in knowledge about their effectiveness in reducing free sugars intake related to dental caries among adults. There is a need for better-designed trials of interventions based on the clear operationalization of psychological constructs to reduce sugars intake among the adult population.

The role of psychological and social factors in the relationship between attachment and suicide: A systematic review.

Insecure attachment is widely accepted to be a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviour. To increase our understanding of this distal association, the current systematic review aimed to evaluate empirical evidence that has investigated the role of psychosocial mechanisms within this relationship. Sixteen original research articles were identified, with the majority carrying out mediational analyses to test their hypotheses. Substantial heterogeneity was found across studies with regards to their theoretical approach to assessing attachment, suicide-related outcomes, sample population, statistical analyses, and the psychological factors under investigation. Nevertheless, this emergent evidence base indicates that a range of predisposing, precipitating, and crisis-state factors may mediate the association between attachment security and suicidality. Studies that investigated moderating factors did not report significant findings, and the mediating role for psychiatric diagnoses remains unclear. Furthermore, this emerging research base is limited by an over-reliance on cross-sectional designs and self-reported data. Longitudinal and experimental designs are required to verify causal pathways and to investigate whether trait vulnerabilities interact with acute stressors to increase suicide risk. Finally, disorganized attachment has been overlooked so far and should be given greater consideration going forward.

Preditores de aceitação da vacina contra influenza: tradução para o português e validação de um questionário / Predictores de la aceptación de la vacuna contra la gripe: traducción para el portugués y validación de un cuestionario / Predictors of influenza vaccine uptake: translation into Portuguese and validation of a questionnaire

Resumo: A dificuldade de alcançar coberturas ideais para a vacina contra influenza no Brasil e a crescente onda do movimento antivacina no mundo apontam a necessidade de aprofundar a compreensão dos determinantes individuais de adesão a essa vacina. O Modelo de Crenças em Saúde, um modelo teórico que objetiva explicar e predizer o comportamento em relação à saúde, sugere que crenças individuais influenciam a adoção de comportamentos relacionados a essa área. Este trabalho teve como objetivo a adaptação transcultural de um instrumento para avaliar os preditores de aceitação da vacina da influenza em adultos no Brasil. Realizaram-se a tradução, a retrotradução, a validade de face e um inquérito para validade de construto. Também foram analisados os fatores associados à adesão à vacina da influenza em 2017. Um instrumento, originalmente com sete domínios, foi identificado e selecionado. Na análise fatorial, quatro dos sete construtos do modelo teórico foram validados: Suscetibilidade, Barreiras, Estímulos para a ação e Motivação para a saúde. No inquérito das 396 pessoas, 59,3% relataram vacinação contra influenza na última campanha de 2017. Sexo feminino, idade > 50 anos, gestante, vacina na rede privada, vacinação contra a hepatite B e influenza antes de 2017 mostraram-se como fatores associados à vacinação em 2017. No modelo logístico final, a percepção de Barreiras apresentou-se como um forte Estímulo para não vacinação, ao passo que Estímulos para a ação atuou aumentando a chance de vacinação.

Resumen: La dificultad de alcanzar coberturas ideales para la vacuna contra la gripe en Brasil y la creciente ola del movimiento antivacunas en el mundo apunta la necesidad de profundizar la comprensión de los determinantes individuales de adhesión a esa vacuna. El Modelo de Creencias en Salud, un modelo teórico que tiene como objetivo explicar y predecir el comportamiento en relación con la salud, sugiere que las creencias individuales influencian la adopción de comportamientos relacionados con esa área. El objetivo de este trabajo es la adaptación transcultural de un instrumento para evaluar los predictores de aceptación de la vacuna de la gripe en adultos en Brasil. Se realizó la traducción, retrotraducción, validez de la presentación, así como una encuesta para la validez del constructo. También se analizaron los factores asociados con la adhesión a la vacuna de la gripe en 2017. Un instrumento, originalmente con siete dominios, fue identificado y seleccionado. En el análisis factorial, cuatro de los siete constructos del modelo teórico fueron evaluados: Susceptibilidad, Barreras, Estímulos para la acción y Motivación para la salud. En el cuestionario a las 396 personas, 59,3% informaron haber sido vacunadas contra la gripe en la última campaña de 2017. Sexo femenino, edad > 50 años, embarazada, vacunada en la red privada, vacunación contra la hepatitis B y gripe antes de 2017 se mostraron como factores asociados a la vacunación en 2017. En el modelo logístico final, la percepción de Barreras se presentó como un fuerte Estímulo para la no vacunación, al paso que Estímulos para la acción actuó aumentando la oportunidad de vacunación.

Abstract: The difficulty in achieving ideal coverage rates with the influenza vaccine in Brazil and the growing wave of antivaccine movements in the world point to the need for a more in-depth understanding of the individual determinants of to this vaccine uptake. The Health Belief Model, a theoretical model that aims to explain and predict health-related behaviors, suggests that individual beliefs influence the adoption of health-related behaviors. The objective of this study was a cross-cultural adaptation of an instrument to assess predictors of influenza vaccine uptake in Brazilian adults. The authors conducted translation, back-translation, face validity, and a survey for construct validity. They also analyzed the factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake in 2017. An instrument originally with seven domains was identified and selected. In the factor analysis, four of the model's seven constructs were validated: Susceptibility, Barriers, Cues to action, and Self-efficacy. In the survey with 396 persons, 59.3% reported having received the influenza vaccine in the last campaign in 2017. Female sex, age > 50 years, pregnancy, vaccination in private healthcare services, hepatitis B vaccination, and influenza vaccination prior to 2017 were associated with vaccination in 2017. In the final logistic regression model, perceived Barriers appeared as a strong factor for non-vaccination, while Cues to action increased the odds of vaccination.

Predictors of Playing Augmented Reality Mobile Games While Walking Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior: Web-Based Survey.

BACKGROUND: There has been a sharp increase in the number of pedestrians injured while using a mobile phone, but little research has been conducted to explain how and why people use mobile devices while walking. Therefore, we conducted a survey study to explicate the motivations of mobile phone use while walking. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the critical predictors of behavioral intention to play a popular mobile game, Pokemon Go, while walking, based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB). In addition to the three components of TPB, automaticity, immersion, and enjoyment were added to the model. This study is a theory-based investigation that explores the underlying mechanisms of mobile phone use while walking focusing on a mobile game behavior. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a university (study 1; N=262) and Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) (study 2; N=197) in the United States. Participants completed a Web-based questionnaire, which included measures of attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), automaticity, immersion, and enjoyment. Participants also answered questions regarding demographic items. RESULTS: Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine hypotheses. The model we tested explained about 41% (study 1) and 63% (study 2) of people's intention to play Pokemon Go while walking. The following 3 TPB variables were significant predictors of intention to play Pokemon Go while walking in study 1 and study 2: attitude (P<.001), subjective norms (P<.001), and PBC (P=.007 in study 1; P<.001 in study 2). Automaticity tendency (P<.001), immersion (P=.02), and enjoyment (P=.04) were significant predictors in study 1, whereas enjoyment was the only significant predictor in study 2 (P=.01). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study demonstrated the utility of TPB in predicting a new behavioral domain-mobile use while walking. To sum up, younger users who are habitual, impulsive, and less immersed players are more likely to intend to play a mobile game while walking.

Type 1 diabetes in very young children: a model of parent and child influences on management and outcomes.

The incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in very young children (YC-T1D) is increasing globally. Managing YC-T1D is challenging from both a medical and psychosocial perspective during this vulnerable developmental period when complete dependence upon parental caretaking is normative and child behavior is unpredictable. The consequences of suboptimal glycemic control during this age range are substantial since these children will have T1D for many years and they are prone to adverse neuropsychological sequelae. Poor adaptation to T1D during these early years may engender a persistent trajectory of negative outcomes that can be very resistant to change. The empirical research on the YC-T1D population (age <6 yr) has indicated multiple mechanisms through which parent characteristics, parent coping skills, and child characteristics interact to yield a pattern of T1D management behaviors that affect T1D outcomes. However, this research has not yet led to a well-conceived conceptual model for identifying and understanding these mechanisms or for specifying research gaps and future research directions. The aim of this review is to propose such a conceptual model linking parent characteristics, parent coping, and child characteristics to T1D management behaviors and outcomes. This article reviews the literature focusing on research pertinent to YC-T1D and elements of our proposed model, identifies and discusses gaps in the literature, offers directions for future research, and considers a range of possible interventions targeting the unique needs of this special population.

Psychologic theories in functional neurologic disorders.

In this chapter we review key psychologic theories that have been mooted as possible explanations for the etiology of functional neurologic symptoms, conversion disorder, and hysteria. We cover Freudian psychoanalysis and later object relations and attachment theories, social theories, illness behavior, classic and operant conditioning, social learning theory, self-regulation theory, cognitive-behavioral theories, and mindfulness. Dissociation and modern cognitive neuroscience theories are covered in other chapters in this series and, although of central importance, are omitted from this chapter. Our aim is an overview with the emphasis on breadth of coverage rather than depth.

Exploring commitment, professional identity, and support for student nurses.

Problems with the recruitment and retention of nurses globally mean that insight into the factors that might increase retention in qualified staff and students is crucial. Despite clear links between work commitment and retention, there is little research exploring commitment in student nurses and midwives. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study designed to provide insight into commitment using semi-structured interviews conducted with nine pre-registration students and a qualitative survey completed by 171 pre-registration students. Thematic analysis of the data emphasised the impact of placement experiences on commitment via interpersonal relationships. Students typically emphasised their professional identity as the basis for commitment, although many participants also highlighted a lack of acceptance by qualified practitioners, which reduced it. There was evidence that suggested that practitioner workload may impact the student experience due to challenges in making sufficient time to provide support. Implications for retention strategies are discussed.

Modeling intention to participate in face-to-face and online lung cancer support groups.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer patients and survivors are significantly less likely to use support groups than those with other cancers. In this study, we evaluated the utility and specificity of the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations for modeling intention to participate in face-to-face (F2F) and online lung cancer support groups. METHODS: Adults diagnosed with lung cancer (n = 230) completed measures assessing predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with intention to use support services. RESULTS: Intention to join a F2F support group (found among 36.4% of survivors) was associated with positive attitude about F2F support groups, fewer perceived time constraints, less travel time from the clinic, and not having enough social support. Intention to join an online support group (34% of survivors) was associated with having more positive attitudes about online support, greater use of avoidance coping strategies, more comfort using computers, and fewer perceived time constraints. Demographics, medical history, health status, and psychological status were not associated with intention to join either type of group. CONCLUSIONS: Reducing barriers to participation and addressing attitudes about support services may be the most effective ways to increase utilization of lung cancer support services.

Psicopatologia descritiva: aspectos históricos e conceituais / Descriptive psychopathology: historical and conceptual aspects / Psychopathologie descriptive: aspects historiques et conceptuels / Psicopatologia descriptiva: aspectos históricos y conceptuales

Este artigo oferece uma análise conceitual e histórica da psicopatologia descritiva. A primeira seção a define como um sistema cognitivo constituído por termos, suposições e regras para a sua aplicação. Traça as implicações conceituais dessa definição e as relaciona à prática clínica. A segunda seção contém uma avaliação do trabalho histórico sobre a psicopatologia descritiva e oferece uma hipótese para explicar o seu desenvolvimento durante o século XIX. Sugere-se que o trabalho envolvido no teste de hipóteses deve ser realizado por psiquiatras com formação em história e enquanto uma especialidade separada. Conclui-se que a calibração histórica dos sintomas psiquiátricos deve ser considerada como uma etapa essencial na construção de uma psicopatologia descritiva viável.(AU)

This article consists of a historical and conceptual analysis of descriptive psychopathology. The first section defines this field as a cognitive system consisting of terms, suppositions and rules for application. The section conceptual implications of this definition are outlined and related to clinical practice. The second section consists of an updated evaluation of the historical work carried out in descriptive psychopathology and presents a new hypothesis to explain how it developed during the 19th century. The author suggests that the testing of hypotheses should be conducted by psychiatrists with training in history, and seen as a separate specialty. We conclude that investigation into the history of the psychiatric symptoms of patients should be considered an essential stage in the construction of a feasible descriptive psychopathology.(AU)

Cet article propose une analyse conceptuelle et historique de la psychopathologie descriptive. La première section la définit comme un système cognitif composé de termes, de suppositions et de règles pour son application. Elle expose les implications conceptuelles de cette définition et les relie à la pratique clinique. La deuxième section contient une évaluation de l'ouvrage historique sur la psychopathologie descriptive et offre une hypothèse qui explique son développement au cours du XIXe siècle. L'article suggère que le travail impliqué dans le test des hypothèses doit être effectué par des psychiatres qualifié en histoire et en tant que spécialité distincte. Il s'ensuit que l'histoire de l'étalonnage des symptômes psychiatriques doit être considérée comme une étape essentielle de la construction d'une psychopathologie descriptive viable.(AU)

Este artículo ofrece um anális conceptual e histórico de la psicopatologia descriptiva. En La primera parte se la define como um sistema cognitivo constituido por términos, suposiciones y reglas para su aplicación. Se delinea las implicaciones conceptuales de esa definición y se las relaciona con la práctica clínica. La segunda parte contiene una evaluación del trabajo histórico sobre la psicopatologia descriptiva y ofrece una hipótesis para explicar su desarrollo durante el siglo XIX. Se sugiere que el trabajo supuesto en el testeo de hipótesis debe ser realizado por psiquiatras con formación en historia como una especialidad distinta. Se concluye que calibrar históricamente los síntomas psiquiátricos debe ser considerado como una etapa esencial en la construcción de una psicopatologia descriptíva viable.(AU)

Psicopatologia descritiva: aspectos históricos e conceituais / Descriptive psychopathology: historical and conceptual aspects / Psychopathologie descriptive: aspects historiques et conceptuels / Psicopatologia descriptiva: aspectos históricos y conceptuales

Este artigo oferece uma análise conceitual e histórica da psicopatologia descritiva. A primeira seção a define como um sistema cognitivo constituído por termos, suposições e regras para a sua aplicação. Traça as implicações conceituais dessa definição e as relaciona à prática clínica. A segunda seção contém uma avaliação do trabalho histórico sobre a psicopatologia descritiva e oferece uma hipótese para explicar o seu desenvolvimento durante o século XIX. Sugere-se que o trabalho envolvido no teste de hipóteses deve ser realizado por psiquiatras com formação em história e enquanto uma especialidade separada. Conclui-se que a calibração histórica dos sintomas psiquiátricos deve ser considerada como uma etapa essencial na construção de uma psicopatologia descritiva viável.

This article consists of a historical and conceptual analysis of descriptive psychopathology. The first section defines this field as a cognitive system consisting of terms, suppositions and rules for application. The section conceptual implications of this definition are outlined and related to clinical practice. The second section consists of an updated evaluation of the historical work carried out in descriptive psychopathology and presents a new hypothesis to explain how it developed during the 19th century. The author suggests that the testing of hypotheses should be conducted by psychiatrists with training in history, and seen as a separate specialty. We conclude that investigation into the history of the psychiatric symptoms of patients should be considered an essential stage in the construction of a feasible descriptive psychopathology.

Cet article propose une analyse conceptuelle et historique de la psychopathologie descriptive. La première section la définit comme un système cognitif composé de termes, de suppositions et de règles pour son application. Elle expose les implications conceptuelles de cette définition et les relie à la pratique clinique. La deuxième section contient une évaluation de l'ouvrage historique sur la psychopathologie descriptive et offre une hypothèse qui explique son développement au cours du XIXe siècle. L'article suggère que le travail impliqué dans le test des hypothèses doit être effectué par des psychiatres qualifié en histoire et en tant que spécialité distincte. Il s'ensuit que l'histoire de l'étalonnage des symptômes psychiatriques doit être considérée comme une étape essentielle de la construction d'une psychopathologie descriptive viable.

Este artículo ofrece um anális conceptual e histórico de la psicopatologia descriptiva. En La primera parte se la define como um sistema cognitivo constituido por términos, suposiciones y reglas para su aplicación. Se delinea las implicaciones conceptuales de esa definición y se las relaciona con la práctica clínica. La segunda parte contiene una evaluación del trabajo histórico sobre la psicopatologia descriptiva y ofrece una hipótesis para explicar su desarrollo durante el siglo XIX. Se sugiere que el trabajo supuesto en el testeo de hipótesis debe ser realizado por psiquiatras con formación en historia como una especialidad distinta. Se concluye que calibrar históricamente los síntomas psiquiátricos debe ser considerado como una etapa esencial en la construcción de una psicopatologia descriptíva viable.

El modelo de la complejidad frente a los modelos psicológicos tradicionales de la ansiedad ante la muerte / The model of complexity against common psychological anxiety towards death models

El tema de la ansiedad ante la muerte ha sido objeto de investigación desde diferentes perspectivas psicológicas, hace parte de muchos cursos de tanatología para estudiantes del área de la salud y, también, de algunos cursos para operadores encargados de trabajar con pacientes terminales. La ansiedad ante la muerte es un fenómeno complejo que involucra las capacidades de afrontamiento del individuo pero a su vez implica la confrontación de la experiencia vital, la integración de la misma, la resolución de expectativas, el duelo, en un momento que se torna implacable. En la presente revisión sobre la ansiedad ante la muerte, se analizan algunos de los modelos psicológicos individualistas, vinculares y psicosociales. Se discuten los alcances y limitaciones de la perspectiva explicativa unidireccional de la ansiedad ante la muerte desde la cual se la aprecia como un evento generador de defensa psicológica y de reacciones de evitación, ya sea mediante la postergación, la atribución externa, la búsqueda de la plenitud en la individuación dejando de lado las contradicciones, ambigüedades, borrosidades y ambivalencias que dicho fenómeno psicológico tiene, lo cual deriva variadas implicaciones para su comprensión e intervención no sólo dentro de la institución sanitaria sino desde el ámbito social y comunitario.

Anxiety towards death has been a subject of investigation since different psychological perspectives. It takes part in tanatology courses directed for health careers students and for health professional attending terminal patients. Anxiety towards death is a complex phenomenon which involves the individual coping skills but also the confrontation of the individual´s whole life experience, the integration of it and the expectations and living resolutions, the mourning into a implacable time. This checking is about anxiety towards death psychological models, such as: Psychosocial, individualists and bonding ones. Linear explanations, limits and scopes on anxiety towards death are retaken, especially when it is seen like a psychological defense, avoiding reaction,deferrings,external attribution, individualistic plenty seeking, leaving away the contradictions, ambiguities,blurrings this phenomenon has and the implications to understand and intervene it.

Estudio de la estructura latente del síndrome maníaco mediante técnicas de escalamiento multidimensional / The study of the latent structure of the manic syndrome using multidimensional scaling techniques

Introducción y objetivo: Hasta este momento, algunos reportes sobre las dimensiones que conforman el síndrome maniaco sugieren que la importancia de los síntomas afectivos resulta controvertida. El objetivo del presente estudio fue investigar la estructura de variables latentes del síndrome maniaco utilizando métodos de análisis factorial para variables ordinales y escalamiento multidimensional. Método: Se estudiaron 404 pacientes admitidos consecutivamente y que cumplieron criterios DSM-IV para trastorno bipolar, episodio maniaco, hipomaniaco o mixto, usando la escala EMUN. Se efectuaron análisis factoriales para variables ordinales y análisis mediante escalamiento multidimensional. Resultados: El análisis factorial evidenció cuatro factores clínicamente interpretables: activación, cognoscitivo, afectivo y depresivo. La activación resultó ser el dominio más importante. El escalamiento multidimensional confirmó que la activación es un factor identificable y que es el elemento constitutivo central del síndrome. Los síntomas afectivos resultaron ser componentes secundarios del síndrome. La hipersexualidad parece ser un síntoma aislado que probablemente sea el reflejo de otras dimensiones latentes. Conclusión: La manía es la expresión de cuatro dimensiones. El dominio nuclear del síndrome es la activación. Aunque los síntomas depresivos no son el componente principal, es esencial su evaluación durante el abordaje de pacientes con episodios maniacos, hipomaniacos o mixtos...

Introduction and Objective: To date, some reports about dimensions of mania suggest that the importance of affective symptoms is controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the latent structure of the manic syndrome by using classical methods of factor analysis for ordinal variables and multidimensional scaling. Method: 404 consecutively admitted patients with DSM-IV criteria for bipolar disorder, manic, hypomanic or mixed were analyzed using the EMUN scale. Factor analysis for ordinal variables and multidimendional scaling were carried out. Results: Factor analysis evidenced four clinically interpretable factors (activation, cognitive, affective, depression) with activation being the most important domain. Multidimensional scaling confirmed activation as an identifiable factor that is a central constituent of the syndrome, and affective symptoms as a secondary component. Hipersexuality seems to be an isolated symptom, probably reflecting other latent dimensions. Conclusion: Mania is the expression of four dimensions. The core domain of the syndrome is activation. Although depressive symptoms are not the main component, its evaluation during manic, hypomanic or mixed states is essential...

Modelo matemático para o estudo da propagação de informações por campanhas educativas e rumores / Mathematical model to study the spread of information from educative campaigns and rumors

Formulamos um modelo matemático determinístico baseado no princípio de ação de massas, em analogia aos trabalhos que estudam a dinâmica de doenças infecciosas em Epidemiologia. Analisamos a dinâmica do espalhamento de rumores levando em conta a simetria no número de contatos diretos entre suscetíveis e infectados pelo rumor e estudamos as implicações de uma campanha publicitária educativa na dinâmica do modelo. Posteriormente, propomos uma simplificação do modelo e desconsideramos o contato entre os indivíduos suscetíveis e infectados supostamente mais resistentes às novidades. Discutimos suas implicações no espalhamento do rumor e a conexão com os parâmetros que descrevem o comportamento social.

We have developed a deterministic mathematical model based on the mass-action principle, in analogy to the works that study the dynamics of infectious diseases in Epidemiology. We analyzed the dynamic of rumors spreading, taking into account the symmetry of contacts among susceptible and infectious individuals and studied the implications of an educative broadcasting advertising in the model. Afterwards, we proposed a simplification ot the model excluding the contact among susceptible and infected individuals supposedly more resistant to novelities. Their implications to the spread of rumor and its connection with parameters describing social behavior are discussed.