Prevenção seletiva da ansiedade e promoção da resiliência: resultados de um programa de resiliência e prevenção da ansiedade com meninas em risco

Introduction: Research has shown that the number of children and adolescents experiencing emotional difficulties such as anxiety is escalating, especially for those groups at risk. Living in an orphanage has been considered a risk factor for delays in an individuals’ social, emotional and behavioral development. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Spanish version of the FRIENDS program, a CBT-based resilience program, with 57 girls from low socioeconomic status (SES) background that were living in an orphanage. Method: Participants received the program for 10 consecutive weeks, and pre- and post-test measures were collected.  Measures evaluated participants’ anxiety symptoms, level of self-concept, hope, coping skills, and psychosocial difficulties. Social validity was also assessed. Results: Results showed positive changes, including a decrease in anxiety symptoms and psychosocial difficulties, as well as an increase in their proactive coping skills. Several subscales and items of the self-concept and hope outcome measures also reported statistically significant improvements. Conclusions: Participants and parents/caregivers reported that the program was both enjoyable and useful. Implications of the findings and directions for further research are discussed.Introducción: Las investigaciones han demostrado que el número de niños y adolescentes que experimentan dificultades emocionales como la ansiedad va en aumento, sobre todo para los grupos en situación de riesgo. Vivir en un orfanato se ha considerado un factor de riesgo de retraso en el desarrollo social, emocional y conductual de un individuo.   Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio era evaluar la eficacia de la versión en español del programa friends, un programa de resiliencia basado en la tcc, con 57 niñas de bajo nivel socioeconómico (nse) que estaban viviendo en un orfanato.   Método: Las participantes recibieron el programa durante diez semanas consecutivas y se recogieron las medidas previas y posteriores a la prueba. Las medidas evaluaban los síntomas de ansiedad, el nivel de autoconcepto, la esperanza, la capacidad de afrontamiento y las dificultades psicosociales de las participantes. También se evaluó la validez social.   Resultados: Los resultados mostraron cambios positivos, incluyendo una disminución en los síntomas de ansiedad y las dificultades psicosociales, así como un aumento en su capacidad proactiva de afrontamiento. Varias subescalas y elementos de las medidas de resultado para autoconcepto y esperanza también reportaron mejorías estadísticamente significativas.   Conclusiones: Las participantes y los padres/cuidadores informaron que el programa era agradable y útil. Se discuten las implicaciones de los hallazgos y las direcciones para futuras investigaciones.Introdução: as pesquisas têm demonstrado que o número de crianças adolescentes que experimentam dificuldades emocionais como a ansiedade vem aumentando, principalmente para os grupos em situação de risco. Viver num orfanato é considerado um fator de risco de atraso no desenvolvimento social, emocional e comportamental de um indivíduo. Objetivos: o objetivo deste estudo para avaliar a eficácia da versão em espanhol do programa friends, um programa de resiliência baseado na Terapia Cognitivo-comportamental, com 57 meninas de baixo nível socioeconômico que estavam morando num orfanato. Método: as participantes receberam o programa durante dez semanas consecutivas e foram coletadas medidas prévias e posteriores à prova. As medidas avaliavam os sintomas de ansiedade, o nível de autoconceito, a esperança, a capacidade de enfrentamento e as dificuldades psicossociais das participantes. Também foi avaliada a validade social. Resultados: os resultados mostraram mudanças positivas, o que inclui uma diminuição nos sintomas de ansiedade e das dificuldades psicossociais, bem como um aumento em sua capacidade proativa de enfrentamento. Várias subescalas e elementos das medidas de resultado para autoconceito e esperança também relataram melhoras estatisticamente significativas. Conclusões: as participantes e os pais/cuidadores informaram que o programa era agradável e útil. Discutem-se as implicações dos achados e as direções para futuras pesquisas

Resiliencia en adolescentes: el papel de la conectividad con la escuela y familia

[Abstract] The sense of connectedness with family and school is an element associated with the psychosocial development in adolescents, being a factor that can influence the way they respond against adversity and adjust to change. This study aimed to establish the predictive value of intrafamilial relationships and connectedness with school, teachers, and between students on resilience in Mexican high school adolescents. The sample consisted of 645 students (50.7% female), with an age range of 12 to 16 years old (M = 13.35, SD = 0.99), from a public high school of México. Participants answered the Intrafamilial Relations Assessment Scale, the subscales of social connectedness with school and students of the MDS3 School Climate Survey, and the revised Resilience Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents. The results indicated moderate positive associations between the study variables and resilience. The higher coefficients were found between intrafamilial relationships and resilience. In the predictive analysis, intrafamilial relationship, connectedness with school and between students, conserved its significance for predicting resilience, with family relationships maintaining the highest coefficient. Results suggest that the family environment is the main factor that shapes how adolescents cope with adversity. Limitations and practical implications are discussed. We conclude it is important to generate strategies that promote a higher adolescent connectedness with key environments for the development of protective factors such as resilience.[Resumen] El sentido de conexión con la familia y escuela es un elemento asociado con el desarrollo psicosocial de los adolescentes, siendo un factor que puede influir en su manera de responder a la adversidad y ajustarse a los cambios. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo establecer el valor predictivo de las relaciones intrafamiliares y la conexión con la escuela, los maestros y los estudiantes sobre la resiliencia en los adolescentes de secundaria. La muestra estuvo conformada por 645 estudiantes (50.7% mujeres), con un rango de edad de 12 a 16 años (M = 13.35, DT = 0.99), de una escuela secundaria pública de México. Los participantes respondieron la Escala de Evaluación de Relaciones Intrafamiliares, las subescalas de conexión social con la escuela y los estudiantes de la Encuesta de Clima Escolar MDS3 y el Cuestionario de Resiliencia para Niños y Adolescentes revisado. Los resultados indicaron correlaciones positivas moderadas entre las variables de estudio y la resiliencia, siendo la más elevada la correlación entre relaciones intrafamiliares y resiliencia. En el análisis predictivo, la relación intrafamiliar, la conexión con la escuela y entre estudiantes, conservaron la significancia para predecir la resiliencia, manteniendo las relaciones familiares los coeficientes más altos. Los resultados sugieren que el entorno familiar es el factor principal que determina cómo los adolescentes afrontan la adversidad. Se discuten las limitaciones y las implicaciones prácticas. Concluimos que es importante generar estrategias que promuevan una mayor conexión del adolescente con los entornos que influyen en el desarrollo de factores protectores como la resiliencia

Propiedades Psicométricas de la Versión Corta del Inventario de Inteligencia Emocional (EQi-SF) en Población Mexicana

Emotional intelligence is considered a protective factor against a variety of psychosocial problems. Due the relevance of this construct, a variety of instruments have been designed for its evaluation, among which the EQi-SF stands out; The objective of this work was to identify the psychometric properties of the EQi-SF in the Mexican population. The study was carried out in a sample of 829 high school graduates in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. The 28-item version of the EQi-SF was applied with a 5-point Likert structure that evaluates 4 factors: Intrapersonal Competence, Interpersonal Competence, Stress Management and Adaptability. Factorial analyzes were carried out, from which a four-dimensional factorial structure with adequate fit indices was corroborated, as well as acceptable to good reliability levels. The results are contrasted in the light of previous studies and implications and recommendations are discussed.La inteligencia emocional es considerada como un factor protector contra una variedad de problemáticas psicosociales. Debido a la relevancia de este constructo se han diseñado una variedad de instrumentos para su evaluación, entre los que destaca el EQi-SF; el objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar las propiedades psicométricas del EQi-SF en población mexicana. El estudio se llevó a cabo en una muestra de 829 bachilleres en el estado de Jalisco, México. Se aplicó la versión de 28 ítems del EQi-SF con una estructura Likert de 5 puntos que evalúa 4 factores: Competencia Intrapersonal, Competencia Interpersonal, Manejo del Estrés y Adaptabilidad. Se llevaron a cabo análisis factoriales, a partir de los cuales se corrobora una estructura factorial de cuatro dimensiones con índices de ajuste adecuados, así como niveles de confiabilidad de aceptables a buenos. Se contrastan los resultados a la luz de estudios previos y se discuten implicaciones y recomendaciones

Funcionamiento familiar y su relación con la exposición a la violencia en adolescentes mexicanos

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation­ship between family functioning and exposure to vi­olence among Mexican adolescents. The design of this study was transversal, descriptive, and correla­tional. Participants were 133 high school students, ages 15 to 18. Two instruments were administered: La Escala de Evaluación de la Cohesión y Adapta­bilidad Familiar, in English The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale, (FACES IV-Esp) by Rivero, Martínez-Pampliega and Olson (2010), and Cuestionario de Exposición a la Violencia, in English Exposure to Violence Questionnaire, by Orue and Calvete (2010). Results showed statistically signifi­cant gender differences related to observing violence in the streets, and victimization in the school and in the street. Gender differences were also significant in family functioning variables such as: flexibility, co­hesion, satisfaction, and family communication. Re­sults from the correlational analysis suggested that the higher the flexibility, cohesion, satisfaction and family communication, the lower the violence obser­vation at school and at home, and the lower victimi­zation at home. Predictive validity was also observed for family cohesion over victimization at home. As a conclusion, it is important to strengthen family ties and to promote a positive and balanced family func­tioning, with the purpose of families being a protec­tive factor against violence exposure.ResumenLa presente investigación tuvo como objetivo estudiar la relación entre el funcionamiento familiar y la exposición a la violencia en adolescentes mexicanos. Se propuso un diseño transversal, descriptivo y correlacional. La muestra estuvo conformada por 133 estudiantes de bachillerato con edades entre los 15 a 19 años de edad. Como instrumentos se utilizaron dos cuestionarios: La Escala de Evaluación de la Cohesión y Adaptabilidad Familiar (FACES IV-Esp) de Rivero, Martínez-Pampliega y Olson (2010) y el Cuestionario de Exposición a la Violencia (CEV) de Orue y Calvete (2010). Los resultados muestran diferencias de género en cuanto a la observación de la violencia en la calle y la victimización en la escuela y en la calle. Se muestran también diferencias de género en variables del funcionamiento familiar tales como: flexibilidad, cohesión, satisfacción y comunicación familiar. Los resultados del análisis de correlación sugieren que a mayor flexibilidad, cohesión, satisfacción y comunicación familiar menor observación de violencia en la escuela y en la casa, y menor victimización en casa. Se observó también una predicción significativa de la cohesión familiar sobre la victimización en casa. Finalmente, se concluye la importancia de fortalecer los vínculos familiares y de fomentar un funcionamiento familiar positivo y balanceado. Esto con el objetivo de que la familia ejerza un efecto protector ante la exposición a la violencia. AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the relation­ship between family functioning and exposure to vi­olence among Mexican adolescents. The design of this study was transversal, descriptive, and correla­tional. Participants were 133 high school students, ages 15 to 18. Two instruments were administered: La Escala de Evaluación de la Cohesión y Adapta­bilidad Familiar, in English The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale, (FACES IV-Esp) by Rivero, Martínez-Pampliega and Olson (2010), and Cuestionario de Exposición a la Violencia, in English Exposure to Violence Questionnaire, by Orue and Calvete (2010). Results showed statistically signifi­cant gender differences related to observing violence in the streets, and victimization in the school and in the street. Gender differences were also significant in family functioning variables such as: flexibility, co­hesion, satisfaction, and family communication. Re­sults from the correlational analysis suggested that the higher the flexibility, cohesion, satisfaction and family communication, the lower the violence obser­vation at school and at home, and the lower victimi­zation at home. Predictive validity was also observed for family cohesion over victimization at home. As a conclusion, it is important to strengthen family ties and to promote a positive and balanced family func­tioning, with the purpose of families being a protec­tive factor against violence exposure.

Time course study of oxidative and nitrosative stress and antioxidant enzymes in K(2)Cr(2)O(7)-induced nephrotoxicity

BACKGROUND: Potassium dichromate (K(2)Cr(2)O(7))-induced nephrotoxicity is associated with oxidative and nitrosative stress. In this study we investigated the relation between the time course of the oxidative and nitrosative stress with kidney damage and alterations in the following antioxidant enzymes: Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD), Mn-SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), and catalase (CAT). METHODS: Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats by a single injection of K(2)Cr(2)O(7). Groups of animals were sacrificed on days 1,2,3,4,6,8,10, and 12. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated by histological studies and by measuring creatinine clearance, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and urinary excretion of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and total protein. Oxidative and nitrosative stress were measured by immunohistochemical localization of protein carbonyls and 3-nitrotyrosine, respectively. Cu, Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, and CAT were studied by immunohistochemical localization. The activity of total SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR was also measured as well as serum and kidney content of chromium and urinary excretion of NO(2 )(-)/NO(3)(-). Data were compared by two-way analysis of variance followed by a post hoc test. RESULTS: Serum and kidney chromium content increased reaching the highest value on day 1. Nephrotoxicity was made evident by the decrease in creatinine clearance (days 1–4) and by the increase in serum creatinine (days 1–4), BUN (days 1–6), urinary excretion of NAG (days 1–4), and total protein (day 1–6) and by the structural damage to the proximal tubules (days 1–6). Oxidative and nitrosative stress were clearly evident on days 1–8. Urinary excretion of NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(- )decreased on days 2–6. Mn-SOD and Cu, Zn-SOD, estimated by immunohistochemistry, and total SOD activity remained unchanged. Activity of GPx decreased on days 3–12 and those of GR and CAT on days 2–10. Similar findings were observed by immunohistochemistry of CAT. CONCLUSION: These data show the association between oxidative and nitrosative stress with functional and structural renal damage induced by K(2)Cr(2)O(7). Renal antioxidant enzymes were regulated differentially and were not closely associated with oxidative or nitrosative stress or with kidney damage. In addition, the decrease in the urinary excretion of NO(2)(-)/NO(3)(- )was associated with the renal nitrosative stress suggesting that nitric oxide was derived to the formation of reactive nitrogen species involved in protein nitration

S-allylmercaptocysteine scavenges hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen in vitro and attenuates gentamicin-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress and renal damage in vivo

BACKGROUND: Oxidative and nitrosative stress have been involved in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. The purpose of this work was to study the effect of S-allylmercaptocysteine, a garlic derived compound, on gentamicin-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress and nephrotoxicity. In addition, the in vitro reactive oxygen species scavenging properties of S-allylmercaptocysteine were studied. RESULTS: S-allylmercaptocysteine was able to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen in vitro. In rats treated with gentamicin (70 mg/Kg body weight, subcutaneously, every 12 h, for 4 days), renal oxidative stress was made evident by the increase in protein carbonyl content and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, and the nitrosative stress was made evident by the increase in 3-nitrotyrosine. In addition, gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity was evident by the: (1) decrease in creatinine clearance and in activity of circulating glutathione peroxidase, and (2) increase in urinary excretion of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, and (3) necrosis of proximal tubular cells. Gentamicin-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress and nephrotoxicity were attenuated by S-allylmercaptocysteine treatment (100 mg/Kg body weight, intragastrically, 24 h before the first dose of gentamicin and 50 mg/Kg body weight, intragastrically, every 12 h, for 4 days along gentamicin-treatment). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, S-allylmercaptocysteine is able to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen in vitro and to ameliorate the gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative and nitrosative stress in vivo

Actividades extraescolares y pertenencia al grupo como factor protector en la adolescencia

Resumen basado en el de la publicaciónTítulo, resumen y palabras clave en inglés y españolEn la transición a la vida adulta, la familia y la escuela juegan un papel protector decisivo para proteger al adolescente de comportamientos que podrían acarrearle problemas de salud mental. No obstante, hay otros grupos sociales y actividades estructuradas que han funcionado como actividades educativas además de como factores protectores. Se investiga la relación entre la pertenencia a diferentes tipos de grupos sociales y los indicadores positivos y negativos de salud mental de adolescentes mexicanos. Los participantes fueron 840 adolescentes mexicanos entre los 12 y los 17 años. Los resultados indican que la pertenencia a grupos artísticos y scouts correlacionan significativamente con elevados niveles de inteligencia emocional. Pertenecer a grupos deportivos y artísticos correlacionaba significativamente con elevados niveles de resiliencia. No se dieron resultados estadísticamente significativos en ansiedad, depresión o conductas problemáticas. Se necesita continuar investigando, sobre todo en las posibles variables predictoras y moderadoras.ES

Competencias socioemocionales y percepción de la comunidad ante la conducta agresiva en adolescentes que viven en entornos de riesgo

According to international statistics, Latin America young people are shown concerned by the violence climate in their communities. This paper seeks to identify the role of socioemotional competences as a protection factor against aggressive behaviors in young people. 970 middle school students which inhabit in a context of psychosocial risk were inquired. The results showed that risk perception seems to have bigger impact in men, keeping its predictive level, even when it controls socioemotional capabilities, unlike women. These findings are discussed at the light of other studies in which vulnerability of male sector against communitarian violence is highlighted. Likewise, anger management’s role, interpersonal capabilities and the formation of a positive mood with the aim of suggesting social actions targeted towards violence reduction are pointed out.ResumenSegún las encuestas internacionales, los jóvenes de América latina se muestran preocupados por el clima de violencia en sus comunidades. Este trabajo busca identificar el rol de las competencias socioemocionales como factor de protección ante las conductas agresivas en los jóvenes. Se encuestaron a 970 estudiantes de secundaria que residen en contextos considerados como de riesgo psicosocial. Los resultados apuntan a que la percepción del riesgo parece tener un mayor impacto en los varones, manteniendo su nivel predictivo incluso al controlar las competencias socioemocionales, no así con las mujeres. Estos hallazgos se discuten a la luz de otros estudios en los que se señala la vulnerabilidad del sector masculino ante la violencia comunitaria. Así mismo se destaca el rol del manejo del enojo, las competencias interpersonales y la generación de un estado de ánimo positivo con la finalidad de sugerir acciones sociales destinadas a la reducción de la violencia.  AbstractAccording to international statistics, Latin America young people are shown concerned by the violence climate in their communities. This paper seeks to identify the role of socioemotional competences as a protection factor against aggressive behaviors in young people. 970 middle school students which inhabit in a context of psychosocial risk were inquired. The results showed that risk perception seems to have bigger impact in men, keeping its predictive level, even when it controls socioemotional capabilities, unlike women. These findings are discussed at the light of other studies in which vulnerability of male sector against communitarian violence is highlighted. Likewise, anger management’s role, interpersonal capabilities and the formation of a positive mood with the aim of suggesting social actions targeted towards violence reduction are pointed out

Competencias socioemocionales y percepción de la comunidad ante la conducta agresiva en adolescentes que viven en entornos de riesgo [Socioemotional competences & perception of the community vs the aggressive behavior in adolescents living in risky enviro

According to international statistics, Latin America young people are shown concerned by the violence climate in their communities. This paper seeks to identify the role of socioemotional competences as a protection factor against aggressive behaviors in young people. 970 middle school students which inhabit in a context of psychosocial risk were inquired. The results showed that risk perception seems to have bigger impact in men, keeping its predictive level, even when it controls socioemotional capabilities, unlike women. These findings are discussed at the light of other studies in which vulnerability of male sector against communitarian violence is highlighted. Likewise, anger management’s role, interpersonal capabilities and the formation of a positive mood with the aim of suggesting social actions targeted towards violence reduction are pointed out.ResumenSegún las encuestas internacionales, los jóvenes de América latina se muestran preocupados por el clima de violencia en sus comunidades. Este trabajo busca identificar el rol de las competencias socioemocionales como factor de protección ante las conductas agresivas en los jóvenes. Se encuestaron a 970 estudiantes de secundaria que residen en contextos considerados como de riesgo psicosocial. Los resultados apuntan a que la percepción del riesgo parece tener un mayor impacto en los varones, manteniendo su nivel predictivo incluso al controlar las competencias socioemocionales, no así con las mujeres. Estos hallazgos se discuten a la luz de otros estudios en los que se señala la vulnerabilidad del sector masculino ante la violencia comunitaria. Así mismo se destaca el rol del manejo del enojo, las competencias interpersonales y la generación de un estado de ánimo positivo con la finalidad de sugerir acciones sociales destinadas a la reducción de la violencia.  AbstractAccording to international statistics, Latin America young people are shown concerned by the violence climate in their communities. This paper seeks to identify the role of socioemotional competences as a protection factor against aggressive behaviors in young people. 970 middle school students which inhabit in a context of psychosocial risk were inquired. The results showed that risk perception seems to have bigger impact in men, keeping its predictive level, even when it controls socioemotional capabilities, unlike women. These findings are discussed at the light of other studies in which vulnerability of male sector against communitarian violence is highlighted. Likewise, anger management’s role, interpersonal capabilities and the formation of a positive mood with the aim of suggesting social actions targeted towards violence reduction are pointed out

Social and emotional skills as predictors of prosocial behavior and positive school climate in adolescence

La escuela, como uno de los principales escenarios de la vida cotidiana de los jóvenes, ejerce una importante influencia en su desarrollo. Este trabajo busca identificar la relación existente entre las competencias socioemocionales, las conductas prosociales y el clima escolar. Se aplica el Inventario de competencias socioemocionales (EQi-YV), el cuestionario de conductas positivas y la subescala de relaciones de la Escala de Clima Escolar (CES). Los resultados muestran que las competencias socioemocionales predicen el desarrollo de conductas prosociales y mejoran la percepción del clima escolar.School is one of the main contexts exerting a strong influence on adolescent development. The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between social and emotional skills, prosocial behaviors, and the school climate. The measures of the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQi-YV), the Positive Behavior Questionnaire, and the School Climate Perception Questionnaire were administered. Results showed that social and emotional skills predict the development of prosocial behaviors and improve the perception of school climate