Psychology, Community & Health (E-Journal - PsychOpen)
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Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the ISB - Burnout Syndrome Inventory
Full text linkAim: Burnout is a dysfunctional reaction to chronic occupational stress. The present study analysis the psychometric qualities of the Burnout Syndrome Inventory (ISB) through Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Method: Empiric study in a multi-centre and multi-occupational sample (n = 701) using the ISB. The Part I assesses antecedent factors: Positive Organizational Conditions (PC) and Negative Organizational Conditions (NC). The Part II assesses the syndrome: Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Dehumanization (DE), Emotional Distancing (ED) and Personal Accomplishment (PA). Results: The highest means occurred in the positive scales CP (M = 23.29, SD = 5.89) and PA (M = 14.84, SD = 4.71). Negative conditions showed the greatest variability (SD = 6.03). Reliability indexes were reasonable, with the lowest rate at .77 for DE and the highest rate .91 for PA. The CFA revealed RMSEA = .057 and CFI = .90 with all scales regressions showing significant values (β = .73 until β = .92). Conclusion: The ISB showed a plausible instrument to evaluate burnout. The two sectors maintained the initial model and confirmed the theoretical presupposition. This instrument makes possible a more comprehensive idea of the labour context, and one or another part may be used separately according to the needs and the aims of the assessor
Terminal Illness: Contructing Family Integrity in the Elderly Caregiver
Full text linkObjetivos: Cuidar de uma pessoa no fim da vida é um evento cada vez mais comum e constitui um desafio a nível físico, emocional, relacional e desenvolvimental. A integridade familiar, processo emocional caraterizado por sentimentos de conexão, continuidade e pertença na família, constitui um desafio normal no desenvolvimento das pessoas idosas, influenciado por fatores do sistema familiar. Este estudo explora as experiências de pessoas idosas cuidadoras principais de familiares com doença terminal e analisa a sua influência na construção da integridade familiar. Método: Foi administrada uma entrevista semiestruturada 10 cuidadoras familiares (65 a 80 anos). Resultados: Os resultados indicam que a prestação de cuidados familiares a pessoas com doença terminal constitui uma oportunidade de manifestação de apoio/responsabilidade familiar. Emergem especificidades relacionadas com o ato de cuidar que contribuem para o desenvolvimento da integridade familiar, nomeadamente: i) sentimentos de utilidade que alimentam o dever cumprido; ii) transmissão de um legado familiar simbólico (pautado pela ajuda ao próximo); iii) divisão de tarefas e responsabilidade familiar que garantem a perceção do apoio recebido e a libertação do ato de cuidar. Conclusão: Conclusão este estudo contribui para a valorização do cuidador familiar idoso e do sistema familiar como um todo, enaltecendo as alterações na configuração e dinâmica familiar.Objectives: Caring for a person at the end of life is an increasingly common, as well as a physically, emotionally, relationally and developmentally challenging event. The family integrity, as an emotional process characterized by feelings of connection, continuity and belonging in the family, is a normal developmental challenge for the elderly, being heavily influenced by family system factors. This study explores the experiences of elderly caregivers of a relative with terminal illness and analyses its influence on the construction of family integrity. Method: A semi-structured interview was administered to 10 relative caregivers (65-80 years). Results: Results indicate that taking care of relatives with terminal illness is an opportunity to express support and responsibility. Specific aspects related to the act of caring that contribute to the development of family integrity, arise, namely: i) feelings of usefulness that nurture the accomplished duty; ii) transmission of a symbolic family legacy (marked by service to others); iii) division of family tasks and responsibility that enhance the perception of the support received and the release of caring. Conclusion: This study contributes to the appreciation of the elderly relative caregiver and of the family system as a wholeenhancingthe family configuration and dynamics
Cross-Cultural Differences in Adjustment to Aging: A Comparison Between Mexico and Portugal
Full text linkObjective: To compare Adjustment to Aging (AtA) and Satisfaction with Life in a Mexican and a Portuguese older sample. Method: A total of 723 (n = 340 Mexican and n = 383 Portuguese) older adults were included and assessed with the AtA Scale (ATAS) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWL). Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Portuguese participants were significantly older than Mexicans (mean age 85.19 and 71.36 years old, respectively) and showed higher education level (p < .001). No significant differences on gender and marital status were found. Results: Mexicans considered all aspects of AtA absolutely more important than their Portuguese counterparts (p < .001). For Mexicans, being cherished by their family (82.1%), being healthy, without pain or disease (75.9%), having spiritual religious and existential values (75%) and having fun and laughter (75%) were the most important for AtA, compared to having curiosity and an interest in learning (22.5%), creating and being creative (20.1%) and leaving a mark and seed for the future (18.0%) for Portuguese participants. Mexicans also reported a higher SWL than Portuguese participants. Mean scores were 6.10 (SD = 0.76) and 3.66 (SD = 1.47) respectively (p < .001). AtA and SWL were correlated in the Mexican sample (p = .001), but not in the Portuguese (p = .100). Discussion: Differences on AtA between Mexican and Portuguese older adults should be explained considering their cultural and social context, and their socio-demographic characteristics. The enhancement of AtA, and its relevance to improve well-being and longevity can become a significant resource or health care interventions
The Factorial Structure of the SCARED-R in a Portuguese Community Sample
Full text linkAim: To evaluate the three-, four-, five- and nine-factor structures of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders - revised version (SCARED-R) in a Portuguese sample. We further aimed at assessing the gender and age patterns of anxiety symptoms. Method: The Portuguese version of the SCARED-R was administered to a community sample of 1,314 children, aged 10-13 years. Confirmatory factorial analysis and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were employed. Results: The five-, four- and three-factor models presented an acceptable fit to the data. An unacceptable fit to the data was obtained for the one-factor model. The refined nine-factor model presented good fit to the data after the removal of items with low factorial weights. Based on theoretical considerations, this nine-factor model was considered the best model for assessing children’s anxiety symptoms. A hierarchical structure with a second-order factor called "General Anxiety" was proposed. Adequate internal consistency and criterion related validity were demonstrated. Effects of gender and age on the anxiety scores were found. Conclusion: The SCARED-R is a reliable tool for screening anxiety symptoms, and can be initially administered to identify children at high risk for specific DSM-IV defined anxiety disorders
The Relationship Between Depressive Symptomatology and the Recall of Autobiographical Memories in Elderly People
Full text linkObjetivo: É evidente o envelhecimento da população e a prevalência elevada da depressão nos idosos. Propõe-se, nesta investigação, compreender a relação entre a sintomatologia depressiva e a evocação de memórias autobiográficas nos idosos, pois estudos nesta área têm mostrado que a sobregeneralização das memórias autobiográficas apresenta-se como uma característica estável que funciona como marcador e preditor da depressão. Método: A amostra é constituída por 50 idosos, com idades entre os 65 e os 92 anos. Foram divididos por dois grupos: Sem Sintomatologia Depressiva (n = 32) e Com Sintomatologia Depressiva (n = 18). Aplicou-se um questionário sociodemográfico, o Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), o Inventário da Depressão de Beck (BDI), o Inventário de Ansiedade Estado e Traço (STAI) e a Tarefa de Memória Autobiográfica. Resultados: Constata-se a inexistência de uma sobregeneralização das memórias autobiográficas nas pessoas com sintomatologia depressiva. Os idosos sem sintomatologia depressiva não diferem significativamente dos idosos com sintomatologia depressiva na evocação de memórias autobiográficas específicas, categóricas e alargadas, de valência emocional positiva e negativa e nos tempos de latência. Conclusão: Levanta-se a hipótese da inexistência de diferenças significativas poderem ser explicadas pela severidade ligeira dos sintomas depressivos apresentados pela maioria dos idosos com sintomatologia depressiva. Sugere-se a expansão do conhecimento nesta área que permita a prevenção e o desenvolvimento de intervenções mais adequadas aos idosos.Aim: The continuous progression of population aging and the high prevalence of depression in the elderly are evident. This investigation aimed to study the relationship between depressive symptomatology and the recall of autobiographical memories in the elderly, because studies in this field have shown that overgeneralization of autobiographical memories was presented as a stable feature that works both as a marker and predictor of depression. Method: The sample is composed of 50 elderly, aged between 65 and 92 years. They were divided into two groups: Without Depressive Symptomatology (n = 32) and With Depressive Symptomatology (n = 18). A sociodemographic questionnaire, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Autobiographical Memory Test were applied. Results: The absence of an overgeneralization of autobiographical memories in people with depressive symptomatology was observed. Older people without depressive symptomatology did not differ significantly from the elderly with depressive symptomatology in the evocation of specific, categorical and extended autobiographical memories, positive and negative emotional valence and latency times. Conclusion: The hypothesis that the inexistence of differences can be explained by the slight severity of depressive symptoms for most seniors with depressive symptomatology was raised. We suggest that more knowledge in this field will allow the increment of the prevention and the development of interventions more adequate to the elderly
Introduction to the Special Thematic Section on "Aging and Health in Different Sociocultural Contexts"
Full text linkNo abstract available
Daily Living Functioning, Social Engagement and Wellness of Older Adults
Full text linkAim: The present study aim to investigate the contributing role of daily living functioning and social engagement in enhancing wellness and various dimensions of wellness in older adults. Method: A correlational research was designed. Socio-demographic data was collected. Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Lubben Social Network Scale, and Perceived Wellness Survey were administered on a sample of 112 participants, including 56 men and 56 women. Results: A correlation analysis found positive correlations between daily living functioning, social engagement and wellness of older adults. The results of regression analysis concluded that both the daily living functioning and social engagement predicted wellness and domains of wellness as well. Conclusion: The obtained results indicate that older adults who are self-reliant lead a more satisfied life in old age and demonstrate to be more adjusted to the effects of aging
Missing Children: A Systematic Review
Full text linkObjetivo: O desaparecimento de uma criança pode ser caracterizado por uma perda ambígua em que a criança está ausente fisicamente mas presente psicologicamente. No contexto da literatura atual não é ainda claro como é que indivíduos e famílias se adaptam a este evento adverso, verificando-se um escasso investimento na investigação sobre este tema. Deste modo, realizou-se uma revisão sistemática com o objetivo de identificar as áreas sobre as quais incidem os estudos existentes sobre crianças desaparecidas, com maior foco na compreensão da sua vivência e impacto na família. Método: No presente estudo realizou-se uma revisão sistemática dos estudos empíricos relacionados com a temática do desaparecimento de uma criança. Resultados: Foram incluídos na revisão 37 estudos analisados a partir de uma análise qualitativa, surgindo quatro temáticas: programas de prevenção de rapto; características do desaparecimento; implicações no reconhecimento de pessoas desaparecidas; impacto psicossocial do desaparecimento. Conclusão: A revisão permitiu concluir que a investigação sobre crianças desaparecidas é escassa e apresenta uma grande dispersão de temas. Verificou-se a necessidade de examinar as características e o impacto dos diversos tipos de desaparecimento. A intensidade deste fenómeno não normativo justifica a necessidade de investigações que possam informar práticas de prevenção e de intervenção empiricamente sustentadas.Aim: A child’s disappearance can be characterized by an ambiguous loss, where the child is physically absent but psychologically present. Research on this phenomenon is scarce and currently it is not clear how individuals and families adapt to this event. Thus, we carried out a systematic review to identify the studies about child disappearance, with greater focus on understanding its impact on the family. Method: This systematic review aims at empirical studies related to the topic of a child’s disappearance. Results: Thirty-seven studies were analysed qualitatively and four thematic categories where established: kidnapping prevention programmes; disappearance characteristics; missing person’s recognition implications; psychosocial impact of the disappearance. Conclusion: This review concluded that studies evaluating the individual and family impact of the disappearance are still scarce and heterogeneous. There is a need to examine the characteristics and the impact of different types of disappearance. The intensity of this non-normative phenomenon justifies the need for further research that can inform empirically supported prevention and intervention practices
Analysing the Experience of Motherhood Among Adolescents Living With HIV
Full text linkAim: Adolescent motherhood is considered a condition of vulnerability that can be further complicated by the presence of HIV infection, but little is known about how adolescent mothers experience this process. The aim of this study was to analyse the experience of motherhood among adolescents living with HIV. Method: Seven mothers (15-21 years) recruited in specialized services in Porto Alegre/Brazil, whose babies’ ages ranged from four to six months, were interviewed. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: The qualitative content analysis of the interviews revealed a positive vision of motherhood, related to satisfaction with the maternal role and personal fulfilment. Pregnancy and motherhood served to these adolescents as an encouragement for self-care. The mothers’ difficulties were related to HIV and to the repercussions of this clinical condition, especially feelings of frustration and incompleteness of motherhood on the impossibility of breastfeeding, as well as fear facing the risk of MTCT. Conclusion: Future research of longitudinal design and with larger samples will be important to extend the knowledge of the specificities of this experience over time for young people of different ages and social backgrounds
Satisfação com o Suporte Social e Perda de Peso — Estudo Transversal
Full text linkAim: As a potential moderator and mediator of the effectiveness of interventions for successful weight losses (SWL), which is rarely assessed in this context, we aimed to examine the relation between the percentage of weight loss and psychological and socio-demographic variables, including satisfaction with social support, in people who accomplished a SWL. Method: A total of 105 adults with a SWL (that is, a loss equal or superior to 7% of the initial weight, sustained for at least 12 months) filled the Satisfaction with Social Support Scale and a questionnaire, in order to collect socio-demographic, psychological health status and life style information. Results: The structural model with the dimensions of satisfaction with family support and intimacy present a good adjustment (χ2/gl = 1,343; CFI = 0,943; GFI = 0,924; RMSEA = 0,057, p < 0,001; C.I. 90% = ]0,000; 0,093[); satisfaction with family support (β = 0,193; p = 0,081) and the presence of a sexual-affective relationship (β = -0,184; p = 0,082) were the only variables to marginally predict the percentage of lost weight. Conclusion: The participants who were more satisfied with family support (at least one year after the SWL) lost a greater percentage of weight; therefore, satisfaction with family social support might be a relevant variable in the weight loss process. However, the nature of the study (type of study and sample) demands further research to corroborate this results.Objetivo: Potencial moderador e mediador da eficácia nas intervenções para perda de peso bem-sucedida (PPBS), o suporte social é poucas vezes avaliado neste contexto. Pretende-se averiguar a relação entre a percentagem de peso perdido e variáveis sociodemográficas e psicológicas, incluindo satisfação com o suporte social, em pessoas que realizaram uma PPBS. Método: No total, 105 adultos com PPBS (ou seja, perda igual ou superior a 7% do peso inicial, com manutenção mínima de 12 meses) preencheram a Escala de Satisfação com o Suporte Social e um questionário para recolha de informação sociodemográfica, estado de saúde psicológica e estilos de vida. Resultados: O modelo estrutural com as dimensões de satisfação com a família e intimidade apresentou um bom ajustamento (χ2/gl = 1,343; CFI = 0,943; GFI = 0,924; RMSEA = 0,057, p < 0,001; C.I. 90% = ]0,000; 0,093[); a satisfação com o suporte familiar (β = 0,193; p = 0,081) e a existência de uma relação afetivo-sexual (β = -0,184; p = 0,082) foram as únicas variáveis a predizer marginalmente a percentagem de peso perdido. Conclusão: Participantes mais satisfeitos com o suporte familiar (no mínimo, um ano após a PPBS) perderam uma maior percentagem de peso; assim, a satisfação com suporte social da família poderá ser uma variável relevante no processo de perda de peso. Todavia, a natureza do estudo (tipo de estudo e de amostra) torna necessária mais investigação na área para confirmar este resultado