Social Representations of the Professional Practice of Psychologistsin Institutionalized Childhood

Background: The psychologist’s practice in the vulnerable childhood field shows modifications in accordance with the specific normative which affect the social thinking of the professional work. Objective: To analyze the social representations about the professional practice of psychologists in the field of institutionalized children, from their perspective and the members of the technical teams. Method: Qualitative approach, phenomenological design. The instruments used were hierarchical evocations test and semi structured interview. Participate 31 professionals: 12 psychologists, 7 social workers, 6 graduates in childhood and 6 lawyers from Alternative Care Center, Mendoza. Results: It was possible to establish the representational structure of psychologists work and that of each group. Convergence was found regarding specific characteristics such absence of clinical intervention, the non-role specific tasks and teamwork. There was no convergence regarding the role because the other professional maintain unsatisfied expectations about the fulfillment of the clinical usual tasks. Conclusions: The psychologists of institutionalized children role describes a specific field of disciplinary practice that stressed and renews the traditional one, expanding the representation of its functions in the regulations and in the collective.Antecedentes: el ejercicio del psicólogo en materia de infancias vulnerables muestra modificaciones conforme al marco normativo del trabajo que afectan el pensamiento social del quehacer profesional. Objetivo: analizar las representaciones sociales del ejercicio profesional del psicólogo/a del ámbito de la niñez institucionalizada, desde su perspectiva y de los miembros de los equipos técnicos. Método: enfoque cualitativo con diseño fenomenológico. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el test de evocaciones jerarquizadas y la entrevista semiestructurada. Participaron 31 profesionales: 12 psicólogos/as, 7 trabajadoras sociales, 6 licenciadas en niñez y 6 abogados, que forman el 70% de los graduados de la Dirección de Cuidados Alternativos, de la provincia de Mendoza. Resultados: se pudo establecer la estructura representacional que los psicólogos/as tienen sobre su labor y la de cada grupo de profesionales. Se encontró convergencia en las características específicas del trabajo, como la ausencia de intervención clínica, la realización de tareas no específicas del rol y el abordaje en equipo. No hubo convergencia respecto al rol, ya que los técnicos de otras profesiones mantienen expectativas insatisfechas sobre el cumplimiento de las tareas clínicas clásicas. Conclusiones: el rol del psicólogo/a de infancias vulneradas describe un campo específico del hacer disciplinar que tensiona y renueva la práctica tradicional ampliando la representación de sus funciones en la normativa y en el colectivo.Background: The psychologist’s practice in the vulnerable childhood field shows modifications in accordance with the specific normative which affect the social thinking of the professional work. Objective: To analyze the social representations about the professional practice of psychologists in the field of institutionalized children, from their perspective and the members of the technical teams. Method: Qualitative approach, phenomenological design. The instruments used were hierarchical evocations test and semi structured interview. Participate 31 professionals: 12 psychologists, 7 social workers, 6 graduates in childhood and 6 lawyers from Alternative Care Center, Mendoza. Results: It was possible to establish the representational structure of psychologists work and that of each group. Convergence was found regarding specific characteristics such absence of clinical intervention, the non-role specific tasks and teamwork. There was no convergence regarding the role because the other professional maintain unsatisfied expectations about the fulfillment of the clinical usual tasks. Conclusions: The psychologists of institutionalized children role describes a specific field of disciplinary practice that stressed and renews the traditional one, expanding the representation of its functions in the regulations and in the collective

Older Siblings’ Perspectives on ASD Diagnosis in Younger Siblings: A Phenomenological Approach

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is aneurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced social interaction, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and a narrow focus on specific interests. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the experience of receiving an ASD diagnosis from the perspective of older siblings when the younger sibling has this condition. Method: This is a qualitative study with a phenomenological design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 10 participants selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria established in the research. Data analysis was performed using axial coding. Results: Four main categories were identified: 1) beliefs about the ASD diagnosis, 2) emotional understanding, 3) feelings regarding the diagnosis, and 4) social approach to the diagnosis. The integration of the «parentified child» role within the family dynamic highlights the need for support and recognition for these siblings, who assume additional responsibilities in caring for their sibling with ASD. Conclusions: Older siblings tend to take on roles typically assigned to parents, but they do so from a proactive perspective. This study emphasizes the importance of promoting diversity inclusion within the family context.Antecedentes: el Trastorno del Espectro del Autismo (TEA) es un trastorno del neurodesarrollo caracterizado por una disminución en la interacción social, dificultades en la comunicación, comportamientos repetitivos y un enfoque limitado en intereses específicos. Objetivo: el objetivo de este estudio fue describir la experiencia del diagnóstico de TEA desde la perspectiva de los hermanos mayores, cuando el hermano menor presenta dicha condición. Método: se trata de un estudio cualitativo con diseño fenomenológico. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a una muestra por conveniencia de 10 participantes, seleccionados según los criterios de inclusión y exclusión establecidos en la investigación. El análisis de los datos se llevó a cabo mediante codificación axial. Resultados: se identificaron cuatro categorías principales: 1) creencias respecto al diagnóstico de TEA, 2) entendimiento emocional, 3) sentimientos respecto al diagnóstico y 4) abordaje social del diagnóstico. La integración del rol de «hijo parentalizado» dentro de la dinámica familiar evidencia la necesidad de apoyo y reconocimiento hacia estos hermanos, quienes asumen responsabilidades adicionales al cuidar a su hermano con TEA. Conclusiones: los hermanos mayores tienden a asumir roles normalmente destinados a los padres, pero lo hacen desde una perspectiva proactiva. Este estudio resalta la importancia de promover la inclusión de la diversidad en el contexto familiar.Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is aneurodevelopmental disorder characterized by reduced social interaction, communication difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and a narrow focus on specific interests. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the experience of receiving an ASD diagnosis from the perspective of older siblings when the younger sibling has this condition. Method: This is a qualitative study with a phenomenological design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 10 participants selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria established in the research. Data analysis was performed using axial coding. Results: Four main categories were identified: 1) beliefs about the ASD diagnosis, 2) emotional understanding, 3) feelings regarding the diagnosis, and 4) social approach to the diagnosis. The integration of the «parentified child» role within the family dynamic highlights the need for support and recognition for these siblings, who assume additional responsibilities in caring for their sibling with ASD. Conclusions: Older siblings tend to take on roles typically assigned to parents, but they do so from a proactive perspective. This study emphasizes the importance of promoting diversity inclusion within the family context

Power spectral analysis of occipital area during eyes-closed and eyes-open

Background: Power spectral analysis of the occipital cortex is essential for characterizing brain activity during attentional and relaxed states. Objectives: This study aims to develop a predictive model capable of distinguishing between eyes-closed (EC) and eyes-open (EO) states using only two electrodes (O1 and O2), through analysis of power spectral density (PSD) and an interhemispheric asymmetry index. Method: EEG recordings from 33 seventh- and eighth-grade students were processed using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and analyzed with a logistic regression model employing a Cauchit link function. Results: The model yielded an AUC of 84.2%, with satisfactory precision and sensitivity. While the asymmetry index alone was not highly predictive, it significantly improved performance when combined with frequency-band features. Conclusions: This minimal EEG setup demonstrates reliable performance in distinguishing ocular states in non-clinical environments. The approach suggests potential applications in educational and field contexts, emphasizing the value of low-cost EEG solutions in cognitive monitoring.Antecedentes: el análisis espectral de potencia de la corteza occipital es fundamental para caracterizar la actividad cerebral en estados de atención y relajación. Objetivos: este estudio tiene como propósito desarrollar un modelo predictivo capaz de distinguir entre los estados de ojos cerrados (EC) y ojos abiertos (EO) utilizando solo dos electrodos (O1 y O2), a partir del análisis de la densidad espectral de potencia (PSD) y un índice de asimetría interhemisférica. Método: se procesaron registros de EEG de 33 estudiantes de séptimo y octavo grado mediante la Transformada Rápida de Fourier (FFT), y se analizaron utilizando un modelo de regresión logística con función de enlace tipo Cauchit. Resultados: el modelo alcanzó un AUC de 84.2%, con niveles satisfactorios de precisión y sensibilidad. Si bien el índice de asimetría por sí solo no resultó altamente predictivo, su incorporación junto con las bandas de frecuencia mejoró significativamente el rendimiento. Conclusiones: esta configuración mínima de EEG demuestra un desempeño confiable para diferenciar estados oculares en entornos no clínicos. El enfoque sugiere aplicaciones potenciales en contextos educativos y de campo, destacando el valor de soluciones EEG de bajo costo para el monitoreo cognitivo.Background: Power spectral analysis of the occipital cortex is essential for characterizing brain activity during attentional and relaxed states. Objectives: This study aims to develop a predictive model capable of distinguishing between eyes-closed (EC) and eyes-open (EO) states using only two electrodes (O1 and O2), through analysis of power spectral density (PSD) and an interhemispheric asymmetry index. Method: EEG recordings from 33 seventh- and eighth-grade students were processed using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and analyzed with a logistic regression model employing a Cauchit link function. Results: The model yielded an AUC of 84.2%, with satisfactory precision and sensitivity. While the asymmetry index alone was not highly predictive, it significantly improved performance when combined with frequency-band features. Conclusions: This minimal EEG setup demonstrates reliable performance in distinguishing ocular states in non-clinical environments. The approach suggests potential applications in educational and field contexts, emphasizing the value of low-cost EEG solutions in cognitive monitoring

¿Can emotional regulation strategies explain resilience?

Background: Health sciences students face high levels of stress due to responsibilities such as patient care and treatment management. This emotional burden can affect their physical and mental health, making emotional regulation strategies essential for coping with stress and fostering resilience. Objective: To identify which cognitive emotional regulation strategies can predict resilience in university students enrolled in health sciences programs in Metropolitan Lima. Method: The Cognitive Emotional Regulation Questionnaire - 18 (CERQ-18) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) were applied to 448 students of psychology, dentistry, obstetrics, nursing, medicine, nutrition and medical technology courses, aged between 16 and 47 years (M = 22.01). Results: The strategy of refocus on planning was found to be the strongest predictor of resilience. Conclusion: Promoting emotional regulation strategies that enhance resilience may improve the processing of stressors and support better adaptation to the demands of clinical practice and personal responsibilities.Antecedentes: los estudiantes de ciencias de la salud enfrentan altos niveles de estrés debido a sus responsabilidades, como el cuidado de pacientes y el manejo de tratamientos. Esta carga emocional puede afectar su salud física y mental, por lo que las estrategias de regulación emocional son clave para afrontar el estrés y fomentar la resiliencia. Objetivo: identificar qué estrategias cognitivas de regulación emocional pueden predecir la resiliencia en universitarios de carreras de ciencias de la salud de la ciudad de Lima Metropolitana. Método: se aplicaron el Cuestionario de Regulación Emocional Cognitiva – 18 (CERQ-18) y la Escala de Resiliencia de Connor-Davidson (CD-RISC-10) en 448 estudiantes de carreras de psicología, odontología, obstetricia, enfermería, medicina, nutrición y tecnología médica, con edades entre 16 a 47 años (M = 22.01). Resultados: se evidenció que la estrategia focalización en los planes predijo, en mayor medida, la aparición de la resiliencia. Conclusión: promover estrategias de regulación emocional que impulsen los niveles de resiliencia, favorecería al procesamiento de factores estresantes y una mayor adaptación ante las exigencias de la práctica clínica y responsabilidades personales.Background: Health sciences students face high levels of stress due to responsibilities such as patient care and treatment management. This emotional burden can affect their physical and mental health, making emotional regulation strategies essential for coping with stress and fostering resilience. Objective: To identify which cognitive emotional regulation strategies can predict resilience in university students enrolled in health sciences programs in Metropolitan Lima. Method: The Cognitive Emotional Regulation Questionnaire - 18 (CERQ-18) and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) were applied to 448 students of psychology, dentistry, obstetrics, nursing, medicine, nutrition and medical technology courses, aged between 16 and 47 years (M = 22.01). Results: The strategy of refocus on planning was found to be the strongest predictor of resilience. Conclusion: Promoting emotional regulation strategies that enhance resilience may improve the processing of stressors and support better adaptation to the demands of clinical practice and personal responsibilities

Habilidades intelectuales en población adolescente: antes y después del confinamiento por COVID-19

Confinement as preventive strategy during pandemia by COVID-19 helped contain the propagation of the virus, however, the health measure had an impact on various areas of adolescent. The present work was aimed at comparing the intellectual ability of a pre-pandemics sample with a post-pandemics sample of adolescents. The study was comparative and field. The pre-pandemics sample formed by 610 students, 43.8% were the first high school, 33.4% the second and 22.7% the third; the average ages was 12.80 years (De = .947), 54.9% of the sample was identified as a man and 45.1% women. The post-pandemics sample formed made up of 533 students, of which 44.1% studied the first high school, 29.1% the second and 26.8% the third. The average ages was 12.52 years (De = .823), 55% of the sample was identified as a man and 45% women. Data collection was performed using Raven\u27s Advanced Progressive Matrices. The dice with the SPSS 25 program were analyzed. A significant interaction was found between the time of evaluation and school grade. It is concluded that confinement had a different impact according to age.Antecedentes: el confinamiento durante la pandemia por COVID-19 ayudó a contener la propagación del virus, no obstante, la medida impactó en diversas áreas del desarrollo de las y los adolescentes. Objetivo: el objetivo fue comparar la habilidad intelectual de una muestra prepandémica con una muestra pospandémica de adolescentes mexicanos. Método: el estudio fue de tipo comparativo no experimental. La muestra prepandémica estuvo formada por 114 alumnos, con media de edad de 12.93 años (DE = 1.002), el 53.5% hombres y el 46.5% mujeres. La segunda muestra estuvo conformada por 128 estudiantes, con una media de edad de 12.66 años (DE = .835), el 57.8% hombres y el 42.2% mujeres. Se aplicaron individualmente la prueba de Matrices Progresivas Avanzadas de Raven. Se realizó ANOVA de dos y tres vías. Resultado: se encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la habilidad intelectual de adolescentes entre la muestra prepandémica y pospandémica; no obstante, fue independiente del grado escolar y el sexo. Conclusión: las diferencias entre las muestras se explican a través de características contextuales, así como del desarrollo evolutivo del adolescenteEl confinamiento durante la pandemia por COVID-19 ayudó a contener la propagación del virus, no obstante, la medida impactó en diversas áreas de las y los adolescentes. El objetivo fue comparar la habilidad intelectual de una muestra prepandemia con una muestra pospandemia de adolescentes. El estudio fue de campo de tipo comparativo. La muestra estuvo conformada por estudiantes prepandemia y pospandemia. La primera formada por 610 alumnos, 43.8% cursaban el primero de secundaria, 33.4% el segundo y 22.7% el tercero; edad media 12.80 años (DE = .947), el 54.9% de la muestra fue identificado como hombre y el 45.1% mujeres. La segunda conformada por 533 estudiantes, de los cuales el 44.1% cursaban el primero de secundaria, 29.1% el segundo y 26.8% el tercero; edad media de 12.52 años (DE = .823), el 55% de la muestra fue identificado como hombre y el 45% mujeres. Se aplicaron Matrices Progresivas Avanzadas de Raven y los datos se analizaron con el programa SPSS 25. Se encontró una interacción significativa entre el momento de la evaluación y el grado escolar. Se concluye que el confinamiento impactó de diferente manera de acuerdo con la edad

Editorial

It is a pleasure to share with the national and international academic community Volume 31, N.° 1 of Liberabit, Revista Peruana de Psicología, which is comprised of nine empirical research articles and one theoretical research article.Es muy grato compartir con la comunidad académica nacional e internacional el Volumen 31, N.° 1 de Liberabit, Revista Peruana de Psicología, el cual está conformado por nueve artículos de investigación empírica y uno de investigación teórica.It is a pleasure to share with the national and international academic community Volume 31, N.° 1 of Liberabit, Revista Peruana de Psicología, which is comprised of nine empirical research articles and one theoretical research article

Analysis of the B-YAACQ in Alcohol Consumers Using Item Response Theory

Background: The B-YAACQ is an instrument with a dichotomous response format that assesses alcohol consumption consequences. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate its psychometric properties and potential utility as a polytomous measure. Method: A sample of 691 Peruvian university students who reported alcohol use in the past twelve, six, three, or one month was collected. Analyses included: (1) a nonparametric item response theory (IRT) model using kernel smoothing (KS-IRT); (2) a graded response model (GRM) accounting for differential item functioning (DIF) by participant gender; and (3) a predictive model of alcohol consequences based on depression scores in a risk subgroup (n = 414). Results: The KS-IRT model supported a three-category response format as optimal. The GRM revealed high discrimination parameters for all items (a > 1.4). DIF analysis identified non-invariance in items 1, 14, and 19. Finally, depression significantly predicted alcohol-related consequences. Conclusion: The B-YAACQ demonstrates a unidimensional structure with favorable psychometric properties.Antecedentes: el B-YAACQ es un instrumento con opción de respuesta dicotómica que mide las consecuencias de consumo de alcohol. Objetivo: evaluar sus propiedades psicométricas y su posible empleo como medida politómica. Método: se recolectó una muestra de 691 universitarios peruanos que declaran haber consumido alcohol durante los últimos doce, seis, tres meses o en el último mes. Se desarrolló (1) un modelo de teoría de respuesta al ítem (TRI) no paramétrico con un procedimiento kernel smoothing (KS-TRI) y, posteriormente, (2) un modelo TRI de respuesta graduada (MRG) con tratamiento del funcionamiento diferencial del ítem (DIF) según el género de los participantes. Adicionalmente, se planteó (3) un modelo predictivo de las consecuencias del consumo de alcohol a partir de una medida de depresión en un grupo de riesgo (n = 414). Resultados: el modelo no paramétrico KS-TRI reflejó como más adecuada la opción de respuesta con tres categorías. En el modelo de respuesta graduada se hallaron parámetros elevados de discriminación en todos los ítems (a > 1.4). El tratamiento del DIF evidenció la no invarianza en los ítems 1, 14 y 19. Finalmente, se encontró que la depresión predice las consecuencias de consumo de alcohol. Conclusión: el B-YAACQ refleja una estructura unidimensional con características psicométricas favorables.Background: The B-YAACQ is an instrument with a dichotomous response format that assesses alcohol consumption consequences. Objective: The study aimed to evaluate its psychometric properties and potential utility as a polytomous measure. Method: A sample of 691 Peruvian university students who reported alcohol use in the past twelve, six, three, or one month was collected. Analyses included: (1) a nonparametric item response theory (IRT) model using kernel smoothing (KS-IRT); (2) a graded response model (GRM) accounting for differential item functioning (DIF) by participant gender; and (3) a predictive model of alcohol consequences based on depression scores in a risk subgroup (n = 414). Results: The KS-IRT model supported a three-category response format as optimal. The GRM revealed high discrimination parameters for all items (a > 1.4). DIF analysis identified non-invariance in items 1, 14, and 19. Finally, depression significantly predicted alcohol-related consequences. Conclusion: The B-YAACQ demonstrates a unidimensional structure with favorable psychometric properties

Assessment Tool for Targeted Parents of Parental Alienation (PA): Construction and Validation

Background: This study is a first approach to the assessment of parental alienation from the perspective of alienated (targeted) parents. Parental alienation is a phenomenon that occurs during or after separation or divorce when one parent use strategies to hinder the relationship between their children and the other parent resulting in children hating and rejecting to the targeted parent with no reason (in absence of violence or negligence exerted by the alienated parent). Objective: The Aim of this study was to build an instrument that identifies cases and measures parental alienation from the perspective of alienated (targeted) parents. Method: A quantitative methodology with instrumental design was used and 291 parents from Arica in Chile participated. A factor analysis was performed with Maximum Likelihood extraction method, Varimax rotation and reliability analysis. Results: An assessment tool of 20 ítems ordered in three factors was obtained identifying controlling and violent behaviors by the ex-partner, alienating behaviours perpetrated by the alienating parent and alienating behaviours perpetrated by the alienated child. The assessment tool showed a McDonald´s omega = .939. The three factors showed high scores as well. Conclusion: The results suggest that the AP-Alienated Scale has values that make it valid and reliable. Also, parental alienation is a form of family violence.Antecedentes: este estudio es una primera aproximación a la evaluación de la Alienación Parental (AP) desde la perspectiva de padres y madres alienados. La AP es un fenómeno que se observa en los procesos de separación o divorcio y ocurre cuando uno de los progenitores interviene para que los hijos rechacen u odien al otro progenitor en ausencia de violencia o negligencia ejercida por el progenitor alienado. Objetivo: construir un instrumento que permita identificar casos y medir la AP desde la perspectiva de los padres y madres alienados. Método: se utilizó una metodología cuantitativa con diseño instrumental exploratorio y participaron 291 padres y madres separados o divorciados de la ciudad de Arica, Chile. Se realizó un análisis factorial exploratorio con método de extracción de máxima similitud con rotación Varimax y análisis de confiabilidad, obteniendo el coeficiente de omega de McDonalds. Resultados: se obtuvo una escala de 20 ítems ordenados en tres factores que identifican conductas de control y violencia por parte de la expareja, conductas específicamente alienantes por parte de la expareja y conductas alienantes por parte del hijo(a). La escala total mostró un coeficiente omega de McDonalds = .939, y cada factor también mostró ser altamente confiable. Conclusión: la escala AP-alienados sugiere ser válida y confiable evidenciando que la alienación parental se manifiesta como una forma de violencia doméstica.Background: This study is a first approach to the assessment of parental alienation from the perspective of alienated (targeted) parents. Parental alienation is a phenomenon that occurs during or after separation or divorce when one parent use strategies to hinder the relationship between their children and the other parent resulting in children hating and rejecting to the targeted parent with no reason (in absence of violence or negligence exerted by the alienated parent). Objective: The Aim of this study was to build an instrument that identifies cases and measures parental alienation from the perspective of alienated (targeted) parents. Method: A quantitative methodology with instrumental design was used and 291 parents from Arica in Chile participated. A factor analysis was performed with Maximum Likelihood extraction method, Varimax rotation and reliability analysis. Results: An assessment tool of 20 ítems ordered in three factors was obtained identifying controlling and violent behaviors by the ex-partner, alienating behaviours perpetrated by the alienating parent and alienating behaviours perpetrated by the alienated child. The assessment tool showed a McDonald´s omega = .939. The three factors showed high scores as well. Conclusion: The results suggest that the AP-Alienated Scale has values that make it valid and reliable. Also, parental alienation is a form of family violence

A Friendly Guide to Psychometrics: Exploratory Factor Analysis

Backgrounds: One of the most important procedures for the analysis of the internal structure of a psychological assessment instrument is exploratory factor analysis. However, its use is often based on procedures that have already been surpassed, both at the theoretical and methodological level, and whose application in these conditions would represent a serious threat to the scientific validity of the findings presented. State of art: The conceptual and methodological bases of exploratory factor analysis are presented in a user-friendly way to the novice reader in psychometric topics, from the selection of the appropriate correlation matrix to the naming of the factors, in order to guide him in the decision-making process. Conclusion: Decision-making within each analysis can lead to results that are more or less reliable from a psychometric point of view, so it is essential to carry out an analysis plan that takes into account all the characteristics of the instrument to be studied.Antecedentes: uno de los procedimientos más destacados para el análisis de la estructura interna de un instrumento de evaluación psicológica es el análisis factorial exploratorio. No obstante, su uso muchas veces se sustenta en procedimientos que ya fueron superados, tanto a nivel teórico como metodológico, y cuya aplicación en esas condiciones representaría una seria amenaza para la validez científica de los hallazgos presentados. Estado del arte: se presenta de forma amigable al lector neófito en temas de psicometría las bases conceptuales y metodológicas del análisis factorial exploratorio, desde la selección de la matriz de correlaciones apropiada hasta la denominación de los factores, a fin de orientarlo en el proceso de toma de decisiones. Conclusiones: la toma de decisiones dentro de cada análisis puede conducir a resultados más o menos confiables desde el punto de vista psicométrico, por lo que es fundamental realizar un plan de análisis que contemple todas las características del instrumento que se estudiará.Backgrounds: One of the most important procedures for the analysis of the internal structure of a psychological assessment instrument is exploratory factor analysis. However, its use is often based on procedures that have already been surpassed, both at the theoretical and methodological level, and whose application in these conditions would represent a serious threat to the scientific validity of the findings presented. State of art: The conceptual and methodological bases of exploratory factor analysis are presented in a user-friendly way to the novice reader in psychometric topics, from the selection of the appropriate correlation matrix to the naming of the factors, in order to guide him in the decision-making process. Conclusion: Decision-making within each analysis can lead to results that are more or less reliable from a psychometric point of view, so it is essential to carry out an analysis plan that takes into account all the characteristics of the instrument to be studied

Aged Caregivers in COVID-19: Geriatric Depression and Anxiety Prevalence Related to Psychosocial Characteristics

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected aged family caregivers’ access to support resources, increasing the burden of care due to psychological distress. Objective: To describe the prevalence of geriatric depression and anxiety in older adult family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with psychosocial characteristics. Method: Cross-sectional study including 180 family caregivers replying to an online sociodemographic data questionnaire, GAD-7 and GDS-VE scales. Results: Caregivers’ median age was 66 years, 81% female, 71% employed, 57% parents or brothers/sisters and lived with the relative. The prevalence of geriatric depression and anxiety was 46% and 71%, respectively. Anxiety levels were associated with cohabitation with the patient (OR 2.44). A trend between female sex and the presence of anxiety (OR 2.41) was observed. An association was also found between cohabitation with the patient and depression (OR 1.92). Cohabitation with the patient significantly increased the risk of depression (OR 2.22). Conclusions: Cohabitation with the patient was associated with depression and onset of anxiety symptoms, remarkably in femalcaregivers.Antecedentes: el COVID-19 afectó el acceso de los cuidadores familiares adultos mayores a los recursos de apoyo, aumentando la sobrecarga debida al estrés por la situación de cuidado. Objetivo: describir la prevalencia de depresión geriátrica y ansiedad en adultos mayores cuidadores durante el COVID-19 y su asociación con características psicosociales.  Método: estudio transversal sobre 180 cuidadores familiares. Se administró un cuestionario sociodemográfico y las escalas GAD-7 y GDS-VE. Resultados: la edad media de los cuidadores fue de 66 años, 81% mujeres, 71% trabajaba, 57% padres o hermanos/as y vivía con el familiar. La prevalencia de depresión y ansiedad geriátrica fue de 46% y 71%, respectivamente. Los niveles de ansiedad se asociaron con la cohabitación con el paciente (OR 2.44). Se observó una tendencia entre el sexo femenino y la presencia de ansiedad (OR 2.41). También se encontró una asociación entre la cohabitación con el paciente y la depresión (OR 1.92). La cohabitación con el paciente aumentó significativamente el riesgo de depresión (OR 2.22). Conclusiones: la convivencia con el paciente se asoció con el riesgo de depresión y la aparición de síntomas de ansiedad, más marcadamente en cuidadoras.Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected aged family caregivers’ access to support resources, increasing the burden of care due to psychological distress. Objective: To describe the prevalence of geriatric depression and anxiety in older adult family caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic and its association with psychosocial characteristics. Method: Cross-sectional study including 180 family caregivers replying to an online sociodemographic data questionnaire, GAD-7 and GDS-VE scales. Results: Caregivers’ median age was 66 years, 81% female, 71% employed, 57% parents or brothers/sisters and lived with the relative. The prevalence of geriatric depression and anxiety was 46% and 71%, respectively. Anxiety levels were associated with cohabitation with the patient (OR 2.44). A trend between female sex and the presence of anxiety (OR 2.41) was observed. An association was also found between cohabitation with the patient and depression (OR 1.92). Cohabitation with the patient significantly increased the risk of depression (OR 2.22). Conclusions: Cohabitation with the patient was associated with depression and onset of anxiety symptoms, remarkably in femalcaregivers