Abstract Purpose Head and neck cancers can significantly affect health-related quality of life (QoL). Using a novel approach, the present study validated a Taiwanese version of the revised European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Head and Neck Module (QLQ-HN43). Methods The present study was a cross-sectional study with the data collected from November 2021 to March 2022, and included 290 participants (82.7% males, mean age = 58.9 years [SD = 11.03]) from a medical center. Internal consistency was examined using Cronbach’s α. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted testing different models. Two generic QoL measures (the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Brief version [WHOQOL-BREF] and EuroQol Five-Dimension [EQ-5D]), were used to assess concurrent validity. Known-groups validity was used to indicate how the QLQ-HN43 could differentiate individuals with mild-to-moderate problems from those with severe problems associated with QoL. Results Internal consistency was acceptable for QLQ-HN43 subscales (.68 < α < .94). CFA results showed appropriate fit indices, particularly for each individual model and the incorporated model containing both QLQ-HN43 and WHOQOL-BREF. The concurrent validity of the QLQ-HN43 was supported by the significant correlations with WHOQOL-BREF (r=-.111 to − .508; p-values<.05) and EQ-5D utility in CFA findings (r=.276 to .655; p-values<.01). Significant differences were found between those at the initial stages of the disease and those at the advanced stage, supporting known-group validity. Conclusion The QLQ-HN43 scale has acceptable psychometric properties for Taiwanese individuals with head or neck cancers. The feasibility of incorporating EQ-5D with the QLQ-HN43 needs further investigation.
Abstract Objective To examine the reliability and validity of a Chinese version of PERMA-Profiler for left-behind children in rural China, and to provide a reliable tool for measuring their well-being. Methods Brislin’s model was used to form a Chinese version of the PERMA-Profiler through translation, backward translation and cross-cultural adaptation. A survey was then conducted on 802 left-behind children selected using convenience sampling from rural schools in Hunan Province, China. Evidence of reliability of the test scores was evaluated by its internal consistency and test–retest reliability, validity of the test scores was evaluated by its internal structure and relations to other variables. Results The Chinese version of PERMA-Profiler included a total of 15 items in 5 dimensions. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the total score of the scale was .888; the Cronbach’s α coefficients of all dimensions ranged from .78 to .80; its test–retest reliability was .85. The results of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) show that the fitting indexes of the model met the standard. The evidence based on relations to other variables show a significant positive correlation between the scale and the gold standard, indicating good validity of the scale. Conclusion The Chinese version of PERMA-Profiler has good reliability and validity, and can be used for evaluating Chinese left-behind children’s well-being.
BACKGROUND: Network analysis has emerged as a powerful approach for examining the complex interrelationships among psychiatric symptoms. In the context of depression, this method allows for identifying the most central symptoms that sustain the overall clinical picture, offering new possibilities for targeted interventions. Depression is a prevalent mental disorder that significantly affects university students, especially those belonging to sexual minorities. Understanding the interplay between depressive symptoms can inform more effective interventions by targeting the symptoms most central to the disorder. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the interrelationship between depressive symptoms between groups of heterosexual and sexual minority students through network analysis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, depressive symptoms were evaluated through the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) among 1,271 university students. A network analysis was then conducted to identify the most influential symptoms and their associated patterns, based on centrality indices. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that sexual minority students reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to their heterosexual students. In the network of heterosexual students, suicidal ideation showed the highest centrality, whereas feelings of guilt emerged as the most central symptom among sexual minority students. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest group-specific patterns of symptom centrality, with different symptoms appearing more central within each group. These patterns inform assessment and monitoring priorities in university settings.
BACKGROUND: Resilience is understood as a person’s ability to adapt positively in the face of adversity, overcome difficult situations, and, in many cases, emerge stronger from them. The objective of this study was to conduct a transcultural validation of the Engineering, Ecological and Adaptive Resilience Scale in health sciences students from eight Latin American countries. METHODS: A total of 18,528 students participated in instrumental cross-sectional design. Internal structure was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis, reliability was estimated using the omega coefficient, factorial invariance by sex and country was examined, sex differences were analyzed, and percentile norms were established. RESULTS: The three-dimensional structure of the EEA Resilience Scale showed adequate fit indices in all countries and in the total sample, although Ecuador, Panama, and Peru exhibited Root Mean Square Error of Approximation values slightly above expected thresholds. Reliability was satisfactory, except in El Salvador. Strict invariance by sex and country was confirmed. Country and sex differences showed trivial effect sizes. Percentile-based norms were proposed at five levels. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the findings indicate that the EEA Resilience Scale is a valid, reliable, and transculturally robust measure for assessing resilience. The scope of the study is discussed.
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 containment measures have led to an increase in emotional and behavioral problems (EBP) in children. Studies show positive effects of interventions with teacher training in reducing EBP in children. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to implement and verify the effects of an online ABA-based teacher training program on prosocial behaviors and EBP in students returning to in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Participants included 345 parents/caregivers of 2nd and 3rd grade elementary school students and their 37 teachers, divided into a control group (CG) and an intervention group (IG). Teachers in the IG received online ABA-based training focused on EBP and prosocial behaviors contents, while those in the CG were exposed to reading strategies contents. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) (parents and teachers), sociodemographic and socioeconomic questionnaires, and checklists to monitor strategies used by teachers were used. RESULTS: The results showed that parents in the IG perceived a decrease in EBP, with statistically significant results in conduct problems (p=0.046) and hyperactivity (p=0.039), while teachers perceived a reduction in hyperactivity (p=0.007) and emotional problems (p=0.043) in the post-intervention (Time 2). The greater the use of ABA-based strategies by teachers, the lower the occurrence of EBPs among students (r=-0.31). No significant reductions in EBP were observed in the CG. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that online ABA-based teacher training is a low-cost intervention that has produced positive effects in promoting students' mental health, including reducing EBP and improving students' prosocial behavior.
Abstract Background The “pulling-together effect” has been widely studied in the context of large-scale crises, such as wars, natural disasters, epidemics, and pandemics. This study was conducted from November 2020 to June 2021 and suggests a possible association with this effect, as this period may represent one of the most intense phases of the pulling-together effect ever studied in the context of global catastrophes. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the association between life-threatening behavior and satisfaction with social relationships in online psychotherapy patients, which may be related to the pulling-together effect and the COVID-19 pandemic. Method The clinical sample was composed mostly of females (80%), aged from 21 to 30 years. Patients were selected from the psychotherapy services of five major hospitals in Porto Alegre, a state capital in southern Brazil. Results Preliminary results indicated that 41 individuals (44%) had some form of life-threatening behavior, and 62 (66%) rated their satisfaction with personal relationships as satisfactory or indifferent. After adjustment for other variables—gender, skin-color, and marital status—satisfaction with social relationships showed a protective effect, reducing life-threatening behavior by 29% (95%CI: 0.59–0.86, p < 0.001). Conclusions Our results suggest that satisfaction with social relationships was protective against suicidal behavior in the early stages of the pandemic. In this sample, we identified a possible association with the pulling-together effect.
BACKGROUND: This study looks at how men of different ages represent their bodies through verbal and visual modalities and explores their aspirations for their bodies in the future. Drawing on the perspective of social representations, it highlights how culture, tradition, and personal experience shape perceptions of the body. Understanding these representations is important, as they influence how people think about and relate to their bodies. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to map out everyday beliefs and social representations about the body produced by young and middle-aged men and observe their connections with health and well-being. The study also examines how men anticipate bodily changes over the life course, and which physical attributes are considered most ideal and valued. METHODS: Using a mixed-method approach, the study explores bodily representations through word associations, and drawing techniques. A total of 112 men from Brazil aged 18 to 50 participated in this study. Group 1 consists of 68 men aged 18 to 25 and Group 2 consists of 44 men aged 26 to 50. The software Evoc (2000) was used to analyse data from the word association, while content and image analysis techniques were applied to examine textual and visual data from the image-based tasks. RESULTS: The results show patterns in body-representations as well as unique and diverse perspectives on body, well-being, and health. They also highlight both adherence to norms and conventions and ongoing shifts in traditional views about the male body. CONCLUSION: Different age groups integrate cultural norms and personal life experiences in distinct ways. The study contributes to the literature on age-related differences in men’s body-representations and explores their possible implications for health related behaviour, and body maintenance protocols.
OBJECTIVE: Our study investigates the cross-cultural validation of the Intercultural Scale on Conceptions of Disability (ISCD), which measures how disability is perceived across three dimensions: biological, social, and metaphysical. METHODS: The research involved 5,544 undergraduate and graduate students from Brazil, Portugal, and Spain. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate the scale’s three-factor structure in each country. Measurement invariance was also tested to ensure that the scale measures conceptions of disability equivalently across all cultural contexts. RESULTS: The dates showed that the ISCD's three-factor structure demonstrated a good fit in all locations, confirming the multidimensional nature of disability conceptions. Additionally, measurement invariance was established, indicating that the instrument's parameters were consistent across countries. Significant differences were found between countries in all three conceptions. The study also provides normative data for interpreting the ISCD scores, which is crucial for future research and applications in diverse contexts. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the ISCD is a valid instrument for assessing disability conceptions across different cultures, offering valuable insights for developing inclusive policies and interventions that consider the social and cultural dimensions of disability.
Abstract Generative artificial intelligence (G-AI) has transformed children’s digital environments through tools that alter self-image using idealized filters and avatars. Early exposure to these technologies poses psychological risks, particularly regarding body perception during sensitive developmental stages. Objective To analyze the psychological effects of exposure to Generative Artificial Intelligence self-images on the body image development of Mexican children aged 6 to 12 years. Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational study was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 302 children. Standardized scales were used to assess body satisfaction, G-AI exposure, and parental mediation. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, and multiple linear regression were performed. Results A significant negative correlation was found between G-AI use and body satisfaction (r = -0.42, p < .001), while parental mediation showed a positive association (r = 0.31, p < .01). Multiple regression analysis confirmed both G-AI exposure and parental mediation as significant predictors of body satisfaction (adjusted R2 = 0.18). Three user profiles were identified based on exposure level, body esteem, and adult supervision. Conclusion Frequent use of G-AI can negatively impact children's body image, especially without parental mediation, highlighting the need for preventive educational and family-based strategies. Graphical Abstract Conceptual model illustrating the relationship between exposure to generative AI, parental mediation, and body image satisfaction in children. Arrows represent hypothesized directions based on theoretical models (Bandura 1986; Vygotsky 1978).
Toxic personality traits, which encompass behaviours and attitudes that negatively impact interpersonal relationships and personal well-being, have gained increasing attention in psychological research. However, a significant gap remains in developing reliable and culturally relevant measures to assess these traits. This study addressed a research gap by developing a new measure for determining toxic personality traits, the Toxic Personality Scale (TPS), and evaluating its reliability and validity across two samples of young Turkish adults. To develop the scale, two studies were conducted. Study 1 included 389 undergraduate students (78.66
Although there are a limited number of studies investigating the relationship between smartphones, internet addiction, and theory of mind (ToM) in adolescents, the effect of screen exposure on ToM is not well understood. This study aims to examine whether the components of ToM in adolescents are affected by screen exposure. The study sample comprised 293 students (164 females and 129 males) aged between 14 and 17 years. Data collection instruments included a Sociodemographic Data Form and an 11-item screen exposure instrument designed by the researchers. Additionally, the students were administered valid and reliable Turkish adaptations of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version (SAS-SV), the Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form (YIAT-SF), the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET), and the Dokuz-Eylül Theory of Mind Scale (DEToMS). Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 software package. The statistical analyses employed included independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, and mediation analysis using Model 4 of the PROCESS macro. A significant but weak negative relationships was found between screen exposure and ToM components (for RMET r = -0.14, for DEToMS r = -0.19). There was a significant negative relationship between smartphone addiction and internet addiction and the ability to read minds from eyes (r = -0.017 and r = -0.015, respectively), but no significant relationship was found with other ToM skills. Screen time was found to mediate the relationship between social cognition and both smartphone and internet addiction. However, the indirect effect of screen time on smartphone addiction (18
School victimization during adolescence is a multidimensional phenomenon that affects psychological well-being and social development. Understanding its underlying factors is essential for designing effective preventive strategies. This study aims to analyze school victimization in adolescents from a psychosocial perspective, proposing an explanatory model that integrates individual variables (psychological distress, life satisfaction, and resilience) and social variables (community social support). The total of participants was 1,687 adolescents (46
The current literature lacks measurement tools that cover all subtypes of specific phobias. This study aimed to adapt the Phobic Stimuli Response Scales (PSRS) into Turkish and evaluate its psychometric properties. 399 university students (308 females, 77.2
BACKGROUND: Suicide among university students is a serious public health concern, often exacerbated by academic pressure, mental health stigma, and limited institutional support. Understanding contextual factors is key to developing effective prevention strategies. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behavior among college students with suicidal ideation and to identify the social actors involved in help-seeking. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was adopted, integrating qualitative and quantitative data to obtain a comprehensive understanding of help-seeking behavior. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with 20 students and 12 course coordinators, and a focus group with 6 administrative staff members. Quantitative data were obtained from a questionnaire completed by 22 mental health professionals, which included both multiple-choice and open-ended questions. The integration of findings occurred during the interpretation phase, allowing the quantitative results to complement and expand the qualitative analysis. Content Analysis and simple descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Seventeen barriers and twelve facilitators of professional help-seeking were identified and organized across individual, interpersonal, organizational, and social levels. The main barriers included low perceived need for professional care, self-stigma, emotional avoidance, insufficient social support, and institutional fragility. Facilitators comprised mental health literacy, encouragement from close individuals, previous positive experiences with therapy, financial aid for mental health treatment, and having accessible on-campus services. Professors, peers, and administrative staff emerged as key social actors in referring students to support services, highlighting the relevance of peer and faculty networks in suicide prevention. CONCLUSION: Low perceived need, self-stigma, and institutional barriers significantly hinder help-seeking among university students with suicidal ideation. Conversely, mental health literacy, social support, and institutional engagement foster professional help-seeking and trust in mental health care. These findings underscore the need for integrated, context-sensitive university strategies that combine psychoeducational interventions, gatekeeper training, and structural support to promote a culture of early intervention and belonging. The study contributes to suicide prevention efforts in higher education by emphasizing that collective, equity-oriented approaches are more recommended than exclusively individual interventions.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed individuals to potentially traumatic events, which can lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, only a portion of exposed people develop this disorder. This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional relationship between vulnerability factors and protective factors that can mitigate or exacerbate the development or severity of PTSD-related COVID-19 in the academic community. Members of the Brazilian academic community completed an online survey that included sociodemographic questions, the Traumatic Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic Questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5, the Three-Item Loneliness Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and the Life Orientation Test-Revised. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the associations between vulnerability and protective factors and PTSD. Logistic regression (p < 0.05) revealed that compared with professors/faculty members, undergraduates were 1.84 times more likely to develop PTSD. Additionally, each unit increase in the Fear of COVID-19 Scale score or the Three-Item Loneliness Scale score increased the likelihood of being in the group with a probable PTSD diagnosis by 25
BACKGROUND: Performance appraisal (PA) plays a crucial role in human resource management by guiding professional development and informing decisions on promotions, compensation, and training. Employee satisfaction with the PA process is essential, as it affects motivation, engagement, and productivity. to effectively assess satisfaction with PA remain scarce. MAIN BODY: The Satisfaction Questionnaire for Performance Appraisal Evaluation (SQPAE) was developed to assess three core dimensions of satisfaction with PA: (a) the procedures involved, (b) the perceived effectiveness of the process, and (c) the feedback received. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a reliable instrument for assessing employee satisfaction with PA and to identify its key contributing factors. METHODS: The research comprised four studies.Study 1 focused on item development and expert validation. Study 2 applied exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to identify the structure and psychometric properties of the instrument. Study 3 confirmed the structure through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in an independent sample. Study 4 examined how the SQPAE components and different appraisal sources influence employee satisfaction. Data were collected via surveys in private-sector organisations, and statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS and AMOS. RESULTS: The SQPAE demonstrated high reliability and validity. Feedback emerged as the strongest predictor of satisfaction with appraisal outcomes. Additionally, evaluations conducted by supervisors and peers were positively associated with satisfaction, while evaluations by subordinates showed a negative association. CONCLUSION: The SQPAE is a valid and reliable tool for assessing employee satisfaction with PA and offers a robust alternative to existing instruments. It can support organisations in improving PA processes to enhance employee engagement and performance. Future studies should examine its applicability across different organisational settings, hierarchical levels, and sectors.
BACKGROUND:One of the main developmental tasks in adolescence is preparing for adult roles, especially those related to work and family life, a process that is guided by future expectations that influence goal setting, planning, and behaviors adopted during this transition phase. However, adolescents living in situations of social vulnerability faced increased risks during the COVID-19 pandemic while having limited access to reliable information, compromising their future expectations and life projects. OBJECTIVE:This study investigated the relationship between exposure to COVID-19-related risks, knowledge regarding prevention and transmission, and the commitment to life projects (LP) among adolescents in diverse vulnerable contexts. METHODS:A total of 107 Brazilian adolescents from child protection institutions, public schools in high-risk areas, juvenile justice facilities, and services for homeless youth participated in the study. They completed the COVID-19 Exposure and Demographic Questionnaire, the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards COVID-19 Questionnaire, and the Life Project Scale. Data were analyzed using latent profile analysis and moderation models. RESULTS:Participants showed above-average exposure to COVID-19 compared to the general population and reported high levels of disbelief in vaccine efficacy. Life project engagement was heterogeneous across the sample, with three latent profiles identified. Greater knowledge about COVID-19 was positively associated with LP engagement, particularly among those who had lost a family member to the virus. CONCLUSION:Ensuring access to reliable information and psychosocial support is essential for fostering both engagement and continuity in life projects among vulnerable adolescents during health crises.
This study validates the Spanish version of the Brief-COPE in the Colombian context. This tool assesses 14 different coping strategies, including positive coping, planning, emotional support, instrumental support, substance use, and religion, among others. The structural validations of this tool in Latin America, Europe, North America, and Asia yielded heterogeneous results, with validations in Latin America often having limitations in their data analysis methodologies and sample size. This study aims to address these limitations and provide methodologically sound evidence on the structural validity, reliability, and convergent and divergent validity of the instrument for adults in Colombia. A total of 762 participants completed the Brief-COPE along with the ERQ, the Wellbeing Index, the HSCL-25, the PCL-C, and the Kessler 6. Categorical Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was employed to assess the fit of 12 different theory and data-driven models. After identifying the best-fitting model, reliability, divergent, and convergent validity were assessed for the resulting factors. The best-fitting CFA model for the Brief-COPE had 11 factors: active coping, social support, acceptance, venting, self-distraction, behavioral disengagement, denial, self-blame, humor, religion, and substance use. Substance use, active coping, religion, social support, humor, self-blame, denial, and behavioral disengagement demonstrated good reliability (Omega > = .7), whereas the remaining subscales demonstrated insufficient reliability (Omega > .6 and Omega < .7). Maladaptive coping strategies were found to positively correlate with distress measures, while adaptive strategies exhibited negative correlations, as expected. However, social support and humor presented significant positive associations with PCL-C and HSCL. This study provides evidence supporting an 11-factor structure for the Brief-COPE in Colombian adults, with most factors demonstrating satisfactory reliability. Researchers should use caution when interpreting subscales with lower reliability. The results also underscore the influence of cultural context on coping patterns, given the heterogeneous factor structures found in other validations. Future studies should recruit more diverse samples to enhance generalizability and further investigate the predictive validity of this adapted tool.
The intimate partner violence (IPV) among lesbian women is an invisible problem in Brazil due to discrimination and social stigma. Most national studies focus on understanding violence in relationships between women and men, leaving a gap in research addressing this type of violence and its consequences for lesbian women. This study aims to identify the main types of IPV experienced by Brazilian lesbian women, compare mental health indicators, perceptions of social support, and minority stress levels between lesbian women with and without a history of IPV, and examine predictors of victimization in intimate relationships. Descriptive analyses, t-tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed. A total of 550 lesbian women participated, with a mean age of 25.31 years old (SD = 5.83). Women with a history of IPV have worse mental health outcomes and lower perceptions of social support networks. In addition, concealment of sexuality, experiences of stigma, age, and social support were identified as predictors of IPV. The findings of this study highlight how IPV can further jeopardize the mental health of Brazilian lesbian women, exacerbating symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Discriminatory and stigmatizing acts amplify the effects of IPV, as violence is perpetrated on both social and individual levels.
The increasing proportion of older adults globally poses challenges to mental well-being, as aging is often accompanied by a decline in positive emotional experiences (PEE) and life satisfaction (LS). While previous studies have explored the relationship between basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS) and mental health in older adults, the role of life satisfaction as a mediating factor in the relationship between BPNS and daily emotional well-being remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the relationship between BPNS and PEE among older adults and to examine the mediating role of LS. By employing the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) through a mobile application, the study provides real-time data on the emotional experiences of older adults. The study recruited 33 older adults (mean age = 63.24 years, SD = 5.92) who reported their daily emotional states through a mobile application three times a day for nine days. A total of 811 valid records were collected. Positive emotional experiences were assessed at the experience level, while BPNS and LS were assessed at the individual level. Data were analyzed using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM) to examine the mediating effect of LS between BPNS and PEE. Results revealed that LS significantly mediated the relationship between BPNS and PEE. Older adults with higher BPNS reported higher LS, which in turn enhanced their daily PEE. This finding supports the hypothesis that BPNS positively influences PEE through improved LS. The study highlights the importance of fostering BPNS to improve LS and daily positive emotions among older adults. The use of mobile applications to capture dynamic emotional states offers a practical and scalable approach for psychological research, particularly in aging populations. Further interventions could focus on enhancing BPNS to promote emotional well-being in older adults.
