Factor Structure of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) in a Sample from Mexico

The aim of this study was to analyze the cultural adaptation of the European Spanish version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS; Cohen, Kamarak, & Mermelstein, 1983), for its use in Mexican samples. Using a random sample of students, internal consistency was analyzed and the factor structure of the Spanish version of the PSS was compared with the factor structure found in the English version. Internal consistency was adequate (= .83) and confirmatory factor analysis corroborated the factor structure. Factor 1 explained 42.8% of the variance and Factor 2 accounted for 53.2%. The goodness-of fit measures also revealed an adequate fit. The cultural adaptation of the PSS was also evaluated with satisfactory results.El estudio tiene como propósito valorar la adaptación cultural realizada a la versión española de la Escala de Estrés Percibido (Cohen, Kamarak y Mermelstein, 1983), para ser utilizada en muestras de México. Se analizó la consistencia interna y la estructura factorial de la versión en español del PSS y se comparó con la estructura factorial encontrada para la versión en inglés, utilizando una muestra aleatoria de estudiantes. Los resultados indican una adecuada consistencia interna (= .83) y se confirma la estructura factorial al utilizarse análisis factorial confirmatorio; con el Factor 1 explicando un 42.8% de la varianza y el Factor 2, un 53.2%, así como estadísticos de ajuste aceptables en el AFC. Asimismo, se evaluó, con resultados satisfactorios, la adaptación cultural realizada para el PSS

DIFERENCIAS EN ESTRÉS PERCIBIDO, SALUD MENTAL Y FÍSICA DE ACUERDO AL TIPO DE RELACIÓN HUMANO-PERRO / DIFFERENCES IN PERCEIVED STRESS, MENTAL HEALTH, AND PHYSICAL HEALTH ACCORDING TO TYPES OF HUMAN-PET DOG RELATIONSHIPS

This study was carried out in order to assess whether the levelsof perceived stress and health differed depending on typesof human-pet dog relationships, and to evaluate the correlationbetween perceived stress and health and the frequencywith which activities are carried out with the dogs. Self-reportquestionnaires were filled out by 247 volunteers owning atleast one dog. The results show lower levels of perceived stressand higher levels of mental health in those individuals whoconsider the dog a member of the family. Furthermore, significantcorrelations were found between dog-training activitiesand stress and mental health, between playing with the dogand vitality and mental health, and between walking the dogand vitality. The conclusion was that those individuals whoconsider their dogs as members of the family and carry outmore activities with them have better physical and mentalhealth, as well as lower levels of perceived stress

Variação diurna do cortisol e sua relação com o estresse: otimismo e estratégias de enfrentamento em mulheres com câncer de mama

O ritmo diurno do cortisol vem sendo visto alterado nos pacientes com câncer. Fatores como o avanço da doença e os níveis de estresse estão sendo considerados para explicar essa condição; contudo, os resultados não são claros. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e determinar se existem diferenças nos níveis de cortisol em mulheres com câncer de mama de diferentes estágios, bem como analisar estratégias de enfrentamento. Foram coletadas amostras de cortisol salival durante dois dias e aplicados questionários psicológicos de estresse percebido, otimismo disposicional e estratégias de enfrentamento a 17 mulheres com câncer de mama em estágio I, II e III. Os resultados mostram que as pacientes com esse câncer nos três estágios apresentam um ritmo diurno de cortisol normal e não se diferenciam significativamente na variável de otimismo. A respeito das variáveis psicológicas, só diferem na variável de otimismo. As estratégias de enfrentamento -espírito de luta e evitação cognitiva- são as variáveis que têm mais influência nos níveis de cortisol e explicam 55% da variação. Discutem-se as implicações desses resultados.El ritmo diurno del cortisol se ha visto alterado en los pacientes con cáncer. Factores como el avance de la enfermedad y los niveles de estrés se han considerado para explicar esta condición; sin embargo, los resultados no son claros. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar y determinar si existen diferencias en los niveles de cortisol en mujeres con cáncer de mama en diferentes estadios, y analizar la relación entre los niveles de cortisol y el estrés, el optimismo y las estrategias de afrontamiento. Se recolectaron muestras de cortisol salival durante dos días, y se aplicaron cuestionarios psicológicos de estrés percibido (PSS), optimismo disposicional (LOT-R) y estrategias de afrontamiento (MAC) a 17 mujeres con cáncer de mama en estadio I, II y III. Los resultados muestran que las pacientes con cáncer de mama en los tres estadios presentan un ritmo diurno de cortisol normal y no difieren significativamente en los niveles de cortisol. Respecto a las variables psicológicas, solo difieren en la variable de optimismo. Las estrategias de afrontamiento espíritu de lucha y evitación cognitiva son las variables que tienen más influencia en los niveles de cortisol, y explican un 55% de la varianza. Se discuten las implicaciones de estos resultados.Diurnal cortisol rhythm has been altered in patients with cancer. Factors such as disease progression and stress levels are regarded as possible causes to explain this condition, however results are not clear. The aim of this study was to assess and determine whether there are differences in cortisol levels in women with breast cancer in different stages and analyze the relationship between cortisol levels and stress, optimism and coping strategies. Salivary cortisol samples were collected for two days and psychological questionnaires of perceived stress (PSS), dispositional optimism (LOT-R) and coping strategies (MAC) were administered to 17 breast cancer women in stage I, II and III of the disease. The results show that patients with breast cancer in the three stages have a normal diurnal cortisol rhythm and do not differ significantly in cortisol levels. Regarding the psychological variables, they differ only in optimism. Coping strategies such as fighting spirit and cognitive avoidance are the variables that have more influence on cortisol levels, explaining 55% of variance. The implications of these results are discussed

Differences between clicker and voice when used as event markers in shaping novel behaviors in dog training

Abstract The principles of operant conditioning are often applied in canine training. Their correct application requires a good timing, well-defined criteria and a proper rate of reinforcement. Few studies have compared the types of markers of canine training events; the most used are the clicker and the voice. Objective: to compare the number of reinforcers required to shape seven new behaviors in two canine subjects, contrasting the use of the clicker and the voice as markers of events. Results: there is evidence of equivalence in the number of reinforcers needed to achieve the behavior to shape with the use of the clicker and the use of the voice. Conclusions: at least in this study, the timing and the shaping are not affected by the type of marker of events used. Resumen Los principios del condicionamiento operante son frecuentemente aplicados en entrenamiento canino. Para su correcta aplicación se requiere un buen timing, criterios bien definidos y una correcta tasa de reforzamiento. Pocos estudios han comparado los tipos de marcadores de eventos en entrenamiento canino, los más usados son el clicker y la voz. Objetivo: comparar el número de reforzadores requeridos al moldear siete conductas nuevas en dos sujetos caninos, comparando el uso del clicker y de la voz como marcadores de eventos. Resultados: indicaron equivalencia en el número de reforzadores necesarios para alcanzar la conducta a moldear con uso del clicker y el uso de la voz. Conclusiones: al menos en este estudio, el timing y el moldeamiento no se ven afectados por el tipo de marcador de eventos usado

Diferenças na utilização entre o clicker e a voz quando usados no moldado de novos comportamentos no adestramento do cão

The principles of operant conditioning are often applied in canine training. Their correct application requires a good timing, well-defined criteria and a proper rate of reinforcement. Few studies have compared the types of markers of canine training events; the most used are the clicker and the voice. Objective: to compare the number of reinforcers required to shape seven new behaviors in two canine subjects, contrasting the use of the clicker and the voice as markers of events. Results: there is evidence of equivalence in the number of reinforcers needed to achieve the behavior to shape with the use of the clicker and the use of the voice. Conclusions: at least in this study, the timing and the shaping are not affected by the type of marker of events used.Los principios del condicionamiento operante son frecuentemente aplicados en entrenamiento canino. Para su correcta aplicación se requiere un buen timing, criterios bien definidos y una correcta tasa de reforzamiento. Pocos estudios han comparado los tipos de marcadores de eventos en entrenamiento canino, los más usados son el clicker y la voz. Objetivo: comparar el número de reforzadores requeridos al moldear siete conductas nuevas en dos sujetos caninos, comparando el uso del clicker y de la voz como marcadores de eventos. Resultados: indicaron equivalencia en el número de reforzadores necesarios para alcanzar la conducta a moldear con uso del clicker y el uso de la voz. Conclusiones: al menos en este estudio, el timing y el moldeamiento no se ven afectados por el tipo de marcador de eventos usado.Os princípios do condicionamento operante são frequentemente aplicados em adestramento canino. Para a sua adequada aplicação requere-se um bom timing, critérios bem definidos e uma correta medida de reforçamento. Poucos estudos têm comparado os tipos de marcadores de eventos no adestramento canino; os mais comumente usados são o clicker e a voz. Objetivo: comparar o numero de reforçadores requeridos ao moldar sete novas condutas em dois sujeitos caninos, contrastando o uso do clicker e da voz como marcadores de eventos. Resultados: evidencia-se equivalência no numero de reforçadores que se precisam para atingir a conduta a moldar tanto quando é usado o clicker que quando é usada a voz. Conclusões: pelo menos neste estudo, o timing e o moldado não se vem afetados pelo tipo de marcador de eventualidades usado

Differences in stress and happiness between owners who perceive their dogs as well behaved or poorly behaved when they are left alone

This study was performed to identify differences between a group of 36 dog owners who reported separation-related behavioral problems in their dogs and a group of 40 dog owners who perceived their dogs as well behaved in their absence. The variables compared between these groups were attachment, trainability, human-dog relationship, owner-dog compatibility, happiness, and stress. Dogs whose owners perceived that they were well behaved when left alone had more years within the household and higher scores in trainability; these owners also reported a better relationship with the dog and lower attachment scores than the group that perceived separation-related problems in their dogs. In addition, those owners who saw their dogs as well behaved when left alone showed higher perceived happiness and lower perceived stress. The equivalence in compatibility and the differences found in the mentioned variables suggest that owners and their dogs are compatible in activity preferences and in emotional variables such as anxiety or stress. It is possible that humans with higher levels of stress do not have a relaxed relationship with their dogs, which may contribute to their annoyance about their dogs’ behavior, and they spend less time with them. This could explain why they perceived their dogs as having separation-related behavioral problems. A dog’s behavior could be a source of stress for the owner affecting the owner’s perceived happiness

Dog-Owner Compatibility Index of Activity Preferences

Findings in human-animal interaction often includes the benefits of the relationship; however, pet relinquishment persists as a core issue within the field. Considering mismatches could be an explanation about relinquishment, this study was performed with the aim to design and to evaluate psychometric properties of the dog-owner compatibility index of activity preferences, in its Spanish and English versions. This is a measurement of dog-owner compatibility through shared behaviors. Surveys of 627 pet dog owners in Mexico and 61 pet dog owners in the United States were utilized. The results demonstrated strong psychometric properties in Spanish version. Factor analysis suggests a two-factor structure; evidence of convergent validity was obtained comparing index scores with Mexican version of Monash dog owner relationship scale and internal consistency with a Cronbach’s alpha that showed a coefficient of .82 to complete index. Results also showed evidence of reliability in English version with a Cronbach’s alpha of .83. Due to its shortness and simple scoring, the index could be used by researchers, rescue associations, and adoptions centers

Characterization of Patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the General Hospital of Mexicali

Background: Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a progressive autoimmune polyradiculoneuropathy characterized by symmetrical flaccid paralysis accompanied by areflexia, hyporeflexia or hyperreflexia on rare occasions. Worldwide, it remains the first cause of flaccid paralysis. It is usually associated with infectious disease history; however, there are various clinical variants, each with a different outcome. Prognosis is usually good, although 20% of patients could suffer a severe clinical variant of Guillain-Barré Syndrome and 5% will die despite treatment. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, including the records of hospitalized patients with Guillain- Barré Syndrome at Mexicali’s General Hospital within a five-year period. Results: In a five-year span there were 64 patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, most of the patients were men (70.3%), with age ranging 1 to 76 years. A total of 8 (12.5%) patients died, from which 7 (87.5%) required mechanical ventilation during hospitalization. Immunoglobulin therapy was provided to 56 (87.5%) patients, and 6 (10.7%) of them perished due to acute kidney injury. Conclusion: Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a common disease among male population, with no dominating onset age, however, leaning for the young and elder. Most of the patients that were hospitalized at the General Hospital of Mexicali had a history of previous infection (gastrointestinal, respiratory, or other infectious diseases). The need for mechanical ventilation represents a higher severity index, nonetheless, this does not mean that assisted ventilation is directly associated with mortality. As for treatment, immunoglobulin is the most common choice for therapy, though some of the patients died from acute kidney injury