Psychology, Community & Health (E-Journal - PsychOpen)
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A Origem dos Maus-Tratos: Revisão Sobre a Evolução Histórica das Perceções de Criança e Maus-Tratos
Full text linkAim: In this paper we developed, based on a bibliographical review, an historical perspective on the evolution of the perspectives on child maltreatment and children. We firstly address the concept of maltreatment, then passing through Antiquity and the Middle Ages, where children were subject to constant abuse, being prevalent the physical abuse, sexual abuse and child labour; then progressing to the Modern Age, where the child is seen as having specific characteristics and needing special care. We briefly address the types of maltreatment nowadays and cultural variations. Conclusion: It is crucial to understand the impact that maltreatment has had throughout history and still has nowadays, being essential to consider these aspects in interventions to be developed in this area, taking into particular consideration the wide range of cultural variations increasingly present and evident.Objetivo: Neste trabalho elabora-se, com base em revisão bibliográfica, a evolução histórica das perceções acerca de maus-tratos e de criança. Começa-se por abordar o constructo de maus-tratos, passando seguidamente pela Antiguidade e Idade Média, onde as crianças eram sujeitas a constantes maus-tratos, sendo prevalentes os maus-tratos físicos, abuso sexual e o trabalho infantil, progredindo até à Idade Moderna, onde a criança passa a ser vista como um ser com características particulares e merecedor de cuidados especiais. Aborda-se de forma breve as tipologias de maus-tratos na atualidade e as variações culturais. Conclusão: Torna-se fulcral compreender o impacto que os maus-tratos têm vindo ao longo da histórico e que continuam a ter na atualidade, sendo fundamental a considerar estes aspetos nas intervenções a serem desenvolvidas nesta área, tendo em particular consideração o amplo leque de variações culturais cada vez mais presentes e evidentes
Religious and Political Conservatism and Beliefs About Same-Sex Parenting in Portugal
Full text linkAim: During the last decade, there have been political changes regarding the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) individuals in Portugal, such as the right to marry. However, parenting by same-sex couples is not legally allowed. The purpose of this study was to assess Portuguese heterosexuals’ beliefs about same-sex parenting, and the role of religious and political conservatism in shaping these beliefs. Method: A total of 993 participants, aged between 18 and 69 years (M = 34; SD = 11), responded to one of three questionnaires that included a case vignette depicting a different-sex, a female same-sex, or a male same-sex couple wishing to adopt a child. Participants were then asked to evaluate whether the couple would be suitable to adopt a child, and whether they anticipated any social and emotional problems with the child. Results: Participants consistently anticipated more children’s social and emotional problems if they were adopted by a same-sex couple. Men evaluated same-sex couples less favourably than women, and even less so the male same-sex couple. Conclusion: It was found that both religious conservatism and right-wing political leaning were associated with more sexual prejudicial beliefs regarding same-sex couples
The Importance of the Instructions in the Use of Draw-and-Write Techniques for Understanding Children’s Health and Illness Concepts
Full text linkAim: The present study aims to test whether different instructions, when using draw-and-write data collection techniques, can be especially suited for understanding specific aspects of children’s conceptions about health and illness. Method: This is a mixed-method study and participants were 209 schoolchildren, aged 10 to 12 years, who were asked to draw-and-write following one of two different instructions (A or B) that were related to the concepts of health and illness. Texts were examined through content analysis based on a previously validated coding system (inter-rater agreement of 93%). Results: Findings suggest that the instruction “what does it mean to you to be sick and what does it mean to you to be healthy?” allows a more direct access to experiences and feelings, and that the instruction “draw and write about what a sick person is and what a healthy person is” is more adequate to elicit children’s knowledge and perceptions. Conclusion: The study suggests that to elicit children’s concepts of health and illness, relevant for health education and health promotion interventions, the draw-and-write instructions should be phrased in impersonal general terms. In contrast, for clinical interventions, the instruction should be targeted to the child’s direct experience of being ill
Autobiographical Memories in Older Adults
Full text linkObjetivo: Os autores pretendem rever os principais aspetos no estudo das memórias autobiográficas em adultos idosos. Método: Neste trabalho foi efetuada, através da PsycINFO, uma pesquisa da literatura publicada de 1 de Janeiro de 2000 a 30 de Abril de 2013, utilizando como palavras-chave: "autobiographical memory", "aging" e "older adults". Um total de 59 artigos foram revistos, dos quais 18 foram incluídos na seleção final. Resultados: A revisão dos diferentes estudos permitiu observar que existe um declínio da memória episódica. Este efeito não se observou em relação à memória semântica. Os adultos idosos quando comparados com adultos mais jovens, evocam um maior número de memórias de valência positiva. Conclusão: A qualidade de vida do adulto idoso tem sido objeto de interesse por parte da sociedade atual. Neste sentido, o estudo das funções cognitivas em geral e da memória em particular pode dar um contributo importante, tendo em vista uma melhor compreensão do adulto idoso e dos processos mnésicos a si inerentes, nomeadamente na preservação da memória semântica.Aim: The authors intend to review the main aspects in the study of autobiographical memories in older adults. Method: In this work a research of the literature published from 1st of January 2000 to 30th of April 2013, was performed through PsycINFO, using as keywords: "autobiographical memory", "aging" and "older adults." A total of 59 articles were reviewed, which 18 were included in the final selection. Results: A review of different studies allowed checking that there is a decline in episodic memory, whereas the same is not true in relation to semantic memory. Oder adults when compared with younger adults recall a greater number of memories with positive valence. Conclusion: The quality of life of the older adult has been focus of interest from the society. In this sense, psychology can give an important contribution towards a better understanding of the older adult and mnesic processes inherent to itself, namely the preservation of semantic memory
Avaliação da Preocupação com a Forma Corporal: Um Desafio
Full text linkAim: Through literature review, to present a theoretical approach on the “body image” highlighting the “body shape concern” and the psychometric properties of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Method: Bibliographic survey of the studies published between 1987 and 2012 that were fully available in the Pubmed, Bireme and Scielo databases. The search and selection of the papers was made between January and March 2013. Results: Initially, 95 papers were reviewed, however, only 40 papers and one book were included in this study. Some studies evaluated individuals’ body shape concern and subsequently reported that measured the body image concern, however, the body shape concern is just an aspect of body image. There are significant differences between genders regarding body concerns and these should be considered when choosing an instrument. There are several instruments to evaluate different aspects related to body image. The BSQ is the most used instrument to assess individuals’ body shape concern. The psychometric properties of BSQ are not consensual in the literature when applied to different samples. The need of further studies is suggested in an attempt to get a more stable factorial structure of the BSQ. Conclusion: This study aimed to alert professionals to the importance of analyzing the theoretical concept related to the different aspects that compose the construct of body image, considering the individuals’ gender and the psychometric properties of the measuring instruments.Objetivo: Apresentar, por meio de revisão de literatura, uma abordagem teórica sobre o constructo “imagem corporal” destacando a vertente da “preocupação com a forma corporal” e as propriedades psicométricas da escala Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Método: Foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico dos estudos publicados no período de 1987 a 2012 que estavam disponíveis na íntegra nas bases de dados Pubmed, Bireme e Scielo. A procura e seleção dos artigos foi realizada entre Janeiro e Março de 2013. Resultados: Inicialmente foram revistos 95 artigos, sendo que fizeram parte deste estudo 40 trabalhos e um livro. Alguns estudos avaliam a preocupação com a forma corporal dos indivíduos e posteriormente relatam que aferiram a preocupação com imagem corporal, entretanto, a preocupação com a forma corporal é apenas um aspeto inerente à imagem corporal. Observam-se diferenças expressivas entre os sexos quanto às preocupações com o corpo, e a escolha do instrumento deve considerar esse fato. Existem vários instrumentos para avaliar diferentes aspetos relacionados com a imagem corporal. O instrumento mais utilizado é o BSQ, que avalia a preocupação dos indivíduos com a forma corporal. As propriedades psicométricas do BSQ não são consensuais na literatura quando aplicado a amostras distintas. Sugere-se a necessidade de realização de mais estudos na tentativa de se obter uma estrutura fatorial mais estável do BSQ. Conclusão: Este estudo procurou alertar profissionais para a importância de se analisar o conceito teórico relacionado com os diferentes aspetos que compõem o constructo “imagem corporal”, considerando a variável sexo e as propriedades psicométricas dos instrumentos de medida
Psychological Variables Associated With Health-Related Quality-of-Life in Uruguayan Women Surgically Intervened for Breast Cancer
Full text linkAim: This study described demographic, clinical, psychological and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) characteristics in women surgically intervened for breast cancer, and the present study was conducted to examine the association between these characteristics. Method: Uruguayan women (N = 116) diagnosed and surgically intervened for breast cancer were assessed on demographic, clinical and psychological indicators and HRQOL, by self-report questionnaires (i.e., BDI-II, PSS, Brief-COPE, and SF-36). Study was conducted adopting a non-experimental, cross-sectional methodology. After studying associations between variables assessed, hierarchical regression analyses were performed to identify HRQOL predictors. Results: HRQOL Physical Health Component (SF-36) was predicted by perceived stress and depression, above and beyond demographic and clinical factors. And HRQOL Mental Health Component (SF-36) was predicted by education, time elapsed since diagnosis of breast cancer, time hospitalized during the past year, perceived stress and depression. Conclusion: Results suggest that psychological variables may have a significant role for HRQOL prediction, and need to be taken into account along with demographic and clinical markers in order to explain HRQOL outcomes in women with breast cancer
Predictors of Burnout Syndrome in Dentistry Students
Full text linkAim: To estimate the contribution of social support and demographic factors in the development of burnout syndrome in dentistry students. Method: A total of 169 Brazilian students participated via internet. For identification of the syndrome, we used the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-SS). Social support was assessed by the Satisfaction with Social Support Scale (ESSS). The validity and reliability of the instruments were estimated. To check the effect of variables on burnout syndrome, linear regression using structural equation modelling (SEM) was performed to estimate causal trajectories (β). Results: The participants’ mean average age was 21.6 (SD = 3.3) years, 64.5% were female and 59.2% were enrolled in private schools. An appropriate adjustment of the instruments’ factor models to sample was observed (MBI-SS: χ²/df = 2.173, CFI = .943; GFI = .888; RMSEA = .084; ESSS: χ²/df = 2.378, CFI = .904; GFI = .888; RMSEA = .091). The reliability of the scales was adequate (MBI-SS: α = .799-.903; ESSS: α = .653-.799). The model explained 33% of the variation of burnout with a significant contribution of social support (ESSS) (β = -.136, p = .042), gender (β = -.186, p = .005), housing (β = .124, p = .050), student performance in the course (β = -.293, p ≤ .001) and the thought of quitting the course (β = .333, p ≤ .001). Conclusion: Social support and demographic variables may play an important role in the burnout syndrome and therefore should be considered when implementing preventive actions and/or interventions (self-help or guided) in college students
Síndrome de Burnout em Cirurgiões-Dentistas com Diferentes Atuações Profissionais
Full text linkObjective: To compare the mean scores of the three dimensions of Burnout (Exhaustion, Disengagement/cynicism and Professional efficacy) in dentists with different professional occupations. Method: The sample was composed by 284 undergraduate dental students, 70 dentistry faculty and 60 dentists working in the public health service. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used. Psychometric characteristics of the MBI in the different samples were tested. Mean scores were compared using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA). Results: The MBI showed adequate reliability and validity in different samples. The students had a significantly higher mean score on exhaustion than the faculty and the dentists of the public service (p < 0.001). Faculty presented the lowest levels of disengagement/cynicism (p < 0.001). The professional efficacy of students was significantly lower than that of the faculty (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There are differences in the incidence of the Burnout Syndrome amongst students and dentistry professionals. This should be considered for future studies aiming to minimize the effects of the syndrome in dentists.Objetivo: Comparar os valores médios de Exaustão, Descrença e Eficácia/Realização Profissional em profissionais da Odontologia com diferentes atuações profissionais. Método: A amostra foi constituída por 284 estudantes e 70 professores de graduação em Odontologia e 60 cirurgiões-dentistas atuantes no serviço público de saúde. Utilizou-se o Inventário de Burnout de Maslach (MBI). As características psicométricas do MBI nas diferentes amostras foram testadas. Os valores médios foram comparados por meio de Análise de Variância Multivariada (MANOVA). Resultados: O MBI apresentou adequada confiabilidade e validade nas diferentes amostras. Os estudantes apresentaram valores médios de Exaustão significativamente maiores que os professores e os dentistas do Serviço Público (p < 0,001). A Descrença foi significativamente menor entre os docentes (p < 0,001). A Eficácia/Realização Profissional dos estudantes foi significativamente menor do que a dos professores (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Existem diferenças entre os profissionais da Odontologia quanto à Síndrome de Burnout, o que deve ser considerado para a realização de futuros estudos visando minimizar os efeitos da síndrome nos cirurgiões-dentistas
Intensity of Treatment and Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Cancer
Full text linkObjetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivos apresentar a versão portuguesa da Escala de Classificação da Intensidade do Tratamento 3.0, uma medida objetiva para avaliar a intensidade do tratamento no cancro pediátrico, e comparar a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde (QdVrS) em crianças/adolescentes com diferentes níveis de intensidade do tratamento. Método: A amostra foi constituída por 129 crianças/adolescentes com cancro (98 em tratamento e 31 fora de tratamento). A intensidade do tratamento foi classificada pelos médicos oncologistas pediátricos com a Escala de Classificação da Intensidade do Tratamento 3.0 e a QdVrS foi avaliada pelas crianças/adolescentes através do DISABKIDS Chronic Generic Measure (DCGM-12). Resultados: As análises do coeficiente de Kappa revelaram excelentes índices de fiabilidade interavaliadores. Verificou-se a existência de diferenças estatisticamente significativas na QdVrS de acordo com o nível de intensidade do tratamento. Comparações post-hoc revelaram níveis de QdVrS superiores em crianças/adolescentes com tratamentos de intensidade 2 comparativamente aos de intensidade 3 e 4. Conclusão: Os dados evidenciam a importância de intervenções para melhorar a QdVrS junto de potenciais grupos de risco, definidas de acordo com a intensidade do tratamento.Aim: This study’s objectives were to present the Portuguese version of the Intensity of Treatment Rating Scale 3.0, an objective measure to assess the intensity of the treatment in paediatric cancer, and to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children/adolescents with different levels of treatment intensity. Method: The sample consisted of 129 children/adolescents with cancer (98 on-treatment and 31 off-treatment). The intensity of treatment was rated by paediatric oncologist physicians with the Intensity of Treatment Rating Scale 3.0 and HRQoL was assessed by children/adolescents with the DISABKIDS Chronic Generic Measure (DCGM-12). Results: The Kappa coefficient analysis revealed excellent levels of inter-ratter reliability. Statistically significant differences in HRQoL associated with the level of treatment intensity were found. Post-hoc comparisons revealed that children/adolescents with level 2 treatment intensity had higher HRQoL when compared with children/adolescents with levels 3 and 4. Conclusion: The data shows the importance of interventions aiming at the improvement of HRQoL on potential risk groups, defined according to the treatment intensity
No full textAim: The present study aimed to evaluate the change in quality of life 12 months following liver transplantation in patients with Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy (FAP). Method: In this study 150 transplant candidates, attending the outpatient clinic of a Liver Transplantation Centre in Lisbon, were assessed between March 1, 2006 and December 1, 2007. From these, 84 were transplanted, and 62 finished the study; 20 with FAP and 42 with Liver Disease (LD). These patients were assessed before, and 12 months after, transplantation. The patients that remained waiting for transplantation originated the control group. First, transplanted (study group) and non-transplanted (control group) patients were compared regardless of their diagnosis, and then only FAP patients were compared between both groups. Results: 12 months after transplantation the score on the Quality of Life’s Physical and Mental Component of the SF-36 was significantly higher in transplanted versus non-transplanted patients (concerning the whole group FAP and LD patients). However, significant differences were only found for the Quality of Life’s Physical Component subscale between both FAP groups (study and control group). Conclusion: In sum, liver transplantation does not have a significant impact in FAP patients’ Mental Quality of Life score. One possible reason to this is the fail in acquiring adaptive coping strategies after transplantation