Patrones de conducta y personalidad antisocial en adolescentes: estudio transcultural:El Salvador,México y España

Tesis doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Psicología, Departamento de Psicología Biológica y de la Salud , Fecha de lectura:25 de septiembre de 200

Bayesian estimation and testing of a beta factor model for bounded continuous variables

The particularities of bounded data are often overlooked. This type of data is likely to display a pattern of skewness because of the existence of an upper and lower limit that cannot be exceeded. In the context of factor analysis, when variables are skewed in opposite directions, using normal-theory factor analysis might lead to over-factoring. We propose a Bayesian beta factor model to analyze doubly bounded data. A simulation study was conducted to evaluate the performance of the normal and beta factor models in the presence of skewed variables. Two Bayesian approaches to model evaluation methods are considered, posterior predictive checking and three information criterion measures (DIC, WAIC, and LOO). The number of estimated factors based on the Bayesian methods is compared for the normal and beta factor models. An application of the model using real data is also presented. We found that the beta factor model constitutes a suitable alternative to analyze data with a pattern of mixed skewness. Posterior predictive checking appears to be a viable option to select the optimal number of factors in Bayesian factor analysisThis work was supported by Grant PGC2018-093838-B-I00 from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universitie

Cannabis and public health: a study assessing regular cannabis users through health indicators

Background and Objective: An increasing number of countries are deciding to regulate the medicinal and/or recreational use of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.). However, there is a lack of information on the impact of regular consumption of this substance on public health. In this study, for the first time, regular cannabis consumers in Spain were assessed using health indicators, comparing these data with the general population. Methods: Various items of the Enquesta de Salut de Catalunya (ESCA) and other items related to cannabis use were selected to build a survey and administer it to a representative sample of regular cannabis users in Catalonia. Results: Most of the indicators did not show any deterioration in the health of regular cannabis users compared with the general population. It was observed that users suffered from more sleep problems and about 40% of the sample would like to discontinue cannabis use, suggesting a dependence pattern. About 30% of the sample was able to discontinue the use of prescription medications because of cannabis. Social support and sleep problems, and not cannabis use, were predictors of depression and well-being scores. Conclusions: It seems that regular cannabis use, despite contributing to problems related to sleep quality or dependence, does not have a negative impact on public health in a manner detectable using health indicator

La psicopatía: aspectos legales y neurocientíficos

Psychopathy is characterised by emotional disturbances that affect interpersonal behaviour and decision-making. The objective of this paper is to review the most recent contributions to the field of neuroscienceof psychopathy and the implications that this disorder has on the criminal legal field. In regards to this lastaspect, we evaluate the issue of psychopaths’ accountability and the incidence of psychopathy in manyother penal institutions. In terms of the contributions of neuroscience, we will focus on the orbitofrontal(ofPFC) and ventromedial (vmPFC) regions of the frontal lobes and on the amygdala. Data spanningfrom the nineteenth century to the present indicate that damage to the ofPFC and vmPFC is the basis ofbehaviours that have been referred to as pseudopsychopathic. The earlier during brain development thedamage occurs, the more likely these behaviours will resemble those of psychopaths. The damage to theamygdala is rather related to impairments in the ability to distinguish facial expressions of fear and thecapacity to feel emotions. Damage to ofPFC, vmPFC, and amygdala are highly relevant to the expressionof pseudopsychopathic behavioursLa psicopatía se caracteriza por alteraciones emocionales que afectan a la conducta interpersonal y la toma de decisiones. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar las contribuciones más recientes al campo dela neurociencia de la psicopatía y las implicaciones que tiene este desorden en el ámbito legal criminal.En relación a este último aspecto, analizamos la cuestión de la responsabilidad de los psicópatas y laincidencia de la psicopatía en muchas otras instituciones penales. En relación a las contribuciones de laneurociencia, nos centraremos en las contribuciones de las regiones orbitofrontal (CPFof) y ventromedial(CPFvm) de los lóbulos frontales y en la amígdala. Los datos que cubren desde el siglo XIX a la actual-idad indican que el da˜no a la CPFof y la CPFvm se encuentra en la base de las conductas que han sidodenominadas pseudopsicopáticas. Cuanto más temprano ocurra el da˜no en el cerebro más probable esque estas conductas se parezcan a las de los psicópatas. El da˜no a la amígdala está más bien relacionadocon alteraciones en la capacidad de distinguir las expresiones faciales de miedo y con la capacidad desentir emociones. El da˜no a la CPFof, la CPFvm y la amígdala es muy relevante para la expresión de lasconductas pseudopsicopáticasThis study was conducted as part of the research project “Anti-social personality disorder, psychopathy, and criminal reiteration [Trastorno antisocial de la personalidad, psicopatía y reiteracióndelictiva]” (CEMU-2013.23), from the Autónoma University of Madri

Is Homicide Followed by Suicide a Phenomenon in Itself? A Comparison of Homicide and Homicide–Suicide in Spain

The phenomenon of homicide followed by suicide (HS) has a low prevalence worldwide, although the literature has identified that these cases represent a significant percentage in homicide subtypes such as intimate partner homicide or filicide. In the present study, HS (n = 41) and homicides in which the perpetrator did not commit suicide after the event (n = 556) are compared. The information was extracted from police reports of homicides committed in Spain between 2010 and 2012 and belonging to the jurisdictions of the National Police and Civil Guard. The results showed that out of the total number of homicides analyzed, HS accounted for 4.9%, which implies a rate of 0.05 per 100,000 inhabitants. The findings of the study show that the profile of a HS victim of a 52-year-old Spanish woman. The perpetrator is of Spanish origin, 50 years old, unemployed, or retired, with a mental disorder, and with substance use being uncommon at the time of the event. HS events take place at the perpetrator’s home, are related to interpersonal conflicts, involve a single perpetrator, several victims, and are mainly committed with a firearm. The findings are mostly consistent with previous studies and the prevalence of HS in the couple setting is highlighted (56.5%). However, the importance of studying cases outside of this setting is emphasized since it has been found that 30.5% of cases involve other family relationships and 13% occurred outside the domestic sphere.2019-2

Psychological variables implied in the therapeutic effect of ayahuasca: A contextual approach

Ayahuasca is a psychedelic decoction originating from Amazonia. The ayahuasca-induced introspective experience has been shown to have potential benefits in the treatment of several pathologies, to protect mental health and to improve neuropsychological functions and creativity, and boost mindfulness. The underlying psychological processes related to the use of ayahuasca in a psychotherapeutic context are not yet well described in the scientific literature, but there is some evidence to suggest that psychological variables described in psychotherapies could be useful in explaining the therapeutic effects of the brew. In this study we explore the link between ayahuasca use and Decentering, Values and Self, comparing subjects without experience of ayahuasca (n = 41) with subjects with experience (n = 81). Results confirm that ayahuasca users scored higher than non-users in Decentering and Positive self, but not in Valued living, Life fulfillment, Self in social relations, Self in close relations and General self. Scores in Decentering were higher in the more experienced subjects (more than 15 occasions) than in those with less experience (less than 15 occasions). Our results show that psychological process variables may explain the outcomes in ayahuasca psychotherapy. The introduction of these variables is warranted in future ayahuasca therapeutic studie

Online, social media and mobile technologies for psychosis treatment: a systematic review on novel user-led interventions

Internet and mobile-based interventions provide a unique opportunity to deliver cost-effective, accessible, time-unlimited support to people with psychosis. The aims of this study were to systematically compile and analyze the evidence on the acceptability, feasibility, safety and benefits of online and mobile-based interventio is for psychosis. Methods: Systematic review of peer-reviewed studies examining the usability, acceptability, feasibility, safety or efficacy of user-led, Internet or mobile-based interventions, with at least 80% of participants diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Results: Of 38 potentially relevant articles, 12 were eligible for inclusion. Interventions included web-based psycho-education; web-based psycho-education plus moderated forums for patients and supporters; integrated web-based therapy, social networking and peer and expert moderation; web-based CBT; personalized advice based on clinical monitoring; and text messaging interventions. Results showed that 74–86% of patients used the web-based interventions efficiently, 75–92% perceived them as positive and useful, and 70–86% completed or were engaged with the interventions over the follow-up. Preliminary evidence indicated that online and mobile-based interventions show promise in improving positive psychotic symptoms, hospital admissions, socialization, social connectedness, depression and medication adherence. Conclusions: Internet and mobile-based interventions for psychosis seem to be acceptable and feasible and have the potential to improve clinical and social outcomes. The heterogeneity, poor quality and early state of current research precludes any definite conclusions. Future research should investigate the efficacy of online and mobile interventions through controlled, well-powered studies, which investigate intervention and patient factors associated with take-up and intervention effects

Exploring the risk of resulting in homicide and suicide in Spanish missing person cases

The study explores in depth the relationship between missing persons’ psychosocial and criminological characteristics/circumstances and violent-fatal outcomes (suicide and homicide). A relational analytical explicative study of 929 cases and controls was designed using a retrospective and stratified design. Data gathering was conducted through the content analysis of judicial and police information, as well as the development of psychological autopsy techniques and semi-structured interviews with the persons involved in the missing person cases including offenders in prison. Bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques were utilised for analyses. The findings showed that there are different risk and protective factors which can distinguish between good state of health, suicide, and homicide outcomes. This research entails implications for prevention and police risk assessment system

Is it possible to estimate Spanish missing person's forced and fatal outcomes cases using socio-demographic data? Gender, age and nationality

Although research on missing persons has globally increased during the past few years, most of the studies conducted have focused on the description of socio-demographic and situational factors associated with this phenomenon. The aim of this study is to explore in-depth the relation between missing person’s socio-demographic factors and missing person’s typology and outcomes. A full 1-year sample of police recorded missing persons (n = 24,284) was extracted from the Spanish ‘Missing Persons and Unidentified Human Remains (PDyRH)’ system and a multivariate statistical approach was used. The findings of this research show that, although nationality and gender are mainly important from a descriptive level, age is the socio-demographic variable that better classifies the typology and outcome of missing person cases. These findings suggest that age is a modulating variable of this phenomenon. Thus, there is a need for the conduction of research for each specific age group focused on identifying psychosocial, criminological and geographical risk factors which could explain missing person case outcomes from a multifaceted approach. Considering previous research in the field, the findings of this research are mostly consistent with these previous studies and entail different implications, both at prevention level and in the scope of police investigations