RCAAP Repository

Abstract The simultaneous occurrence of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems characterizes a risk to the child’s development in clinical terms and requires more studies. The objective was to correlate, from the evaluation of the biological mothers, child social skills, resources of the family environment and parenting practices for a group of boys who presented both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, in comparison to a paired group of children without behavior problems. A case-control design was adopted, with 36 biological mothers of boys who were distributed in two groups, G1 - 18 boys identified with behavior problems (clinical) and G2 - 18 boys identified without behavior problems (nonclinical). The mothers completed instruments regarding parental practices, environment resources and child behaviors. In the clinical group, a significantly greater use of negative practices (especially “hitting”) was identified, as well as a deficit of positive practices and a lack of resources of the family environment. Correlations showed that, in the nonclinical group, positive practices were associated with skilled behaviors, whereas negative practices were associated with problem behaviors - although this did not happened in the clinical group. This suggests a lack of consistence in the application of these practices in this group. These data contribute to planning guidance practices for parents.

Abstract Working memory refers to all the systems and processes linked to the maintenance and active retention of information relevant to the performance and execution of complex cognitive tasks. Individual differences in working memory have been shown to explain differences in other cognitive abilities, such as comprehension and reasoning. The purpose of the present work was to study the relationship between verbal working memory, verbal reasoning and text comprehension, for which a verbal working memory battery was designed and validated: The verbal Computerized Working Memory Battery (Batería Informatizada de Memoria de Trabajo Verbal [BIMeT-V]). Results showed that the tests administered presented a very good reliability due to internal consistency and, in terms of validity, two latent factors saturated the tests: one of storage and one of storage and concurrent processing of verbal information. Likewise, verbal reasoning skills and the ability to comprehend expository texts are supported by working memory’s concurrent storage and processing of verbal information, and to a lesser extent, or with a lesser role, the verbal information storage component.

Abstract We aimed to investigate the experience of primiparous mothers with established careers in relation to motherhood and their work, from pregnancy to the end of maternity leave. Three public employees participated, answering interviews. Qualitative content analysis showed that the experiences of participants were similar in several aspects. Repercussions of work in the experience of motherhood were identified from pregnancy, considering concerns regarding changes and reconciliation of maternal and professional demands. Feelings of insecurity and ambivalence were also present when babies entered daycare center and women returned to work. Since the pregnancy, changes aiming at managing the demands of work and motherhood were identified. Family, social and organizational support received by the participants contributed to this management. Nevertheless, a sense of overload by the accumulation of activities after the baby’s entrance in daycare center and the mother’s return to work were evidenced, which corroborates literature on the subject.

Abstract Emotion regulation is an important aspect for the adaptation of human beings that influences their development and mental health. In actuality, it is an important challenge to have culturally valid instruments that allow to evaluate this construct. In this study, an analysis of the psychometric properties of the Children’s Emotion Regulation Processes Survey (CERP) in a sample of Chilean preschoolers is presented. CERP is a third-party report questionnaire that assesses the strategies of emotion regulation in children, providing a vision based on development. The instrument was applied to mothers and fathers of 483 children, between the ages of 4 and 6 that attended preschool. Factorial structure, internal consistency and the relation with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) as indicator of convergent validity was analyzed. The results showed a four factor structure, coherent with the empirical evidence. Also, all of the factors presented adequate reliability indexes and correlation with the internalization and externalization scales of CBCL. It is concluded that CERP exhibits positive reliability and validity indicators to be used in this population.

Abstract According to an emergent group of researchers, systemic, relational and evolutionary thought is needed to understand the development of organisms’ characteristics and competences. In this paper, we first introduce the prevalent view on the biological basis of behavior, based on the New Synthesis of Modern Biology. Next, we present the critical view of those who defend Extended Evolutionary Synthesis. The existing debate between the different perspectives is illustrated by studies on infants’ sensorial capacities, attachment, and neonatal imitation. Possible interpretations, based on the theoretical approaches presented, lead to a reflection on the innate/acquired dichotomy: from the prevailing view, this dichotomy is overcome because the interaction between the innate and the acquired is being considered to explain the characteristics of living beings. A further reflection on the developmental processes involved in the emergence of behavior, on the concepts of what is learning and what is innate leads to the dissolution of this dichotomy.

Abstract This paper is a review of literature that aimed to describe the main results of scientific studies on the age of criminal majority in Brazil published in three electronic databases: SciELO, LILACS and the Regional Portal of the VHL. From the 57 articles initially found, after screening for the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 were effectively analyzed. These were submitted to thematic content analysis. It was identified that the premises of the irregular situation doctrine, although overcome in terms of legislation, remain rooted in institutionalized practices, discourses and representations about adolescents in conflict with the law. However, in the evolution of laws in the world, the tendency seems to be to maintain the age of criminal majority, rather than reduce it. It was concluded that the evidence found, although limited to the criteria of this study, refuted the hypothesis that simply reducing the legal age would be effective in confronting juvenile criminality in the country.

Abstract The influence of gender on intimate partner violence (IPV) has been predominantly studied in opposite sex relationships. This article presents the results of a systematic literature review in which the aim was to understand how gender may affect not only the violence in same-sex IPV but also, and mostly, each element of the couple and third-party responses. The search was conducted in four electronic databases: B-on, PubMed, Sage and PsycINFO. From the analysis of seven articles selected, four major domains were identified in which gender affects these relationships: normalizing violence; difficulty in recognizing violence; difficulty in seeking help; and social isolation. It was concluded that gender, or gender role expectations, cannot be ignored while studying this phenomenon. More than influencing violence per se, gender shapes the way each element of the couple perceives their experiences and third-party perceptions (e.g., family, friends, justice system, and victims support services professionals), preventing an adequate social response to this form of violence.

Abstract The present article aims to propose a theoretical discussion regarding the role of lying based upon the Evolutionary Psychology perspective by shedding a new light on the main studies conducted in this area. In order to do so, this article addresses the phylogenies and ontogenies of the capability to lie, both suggesting that the rise of lying as a pro-social deed is intimately related with Homo sapiens incredibly broad and complex communication skills. Like so, the paper continues on expatiating on the underlying cognitive and neuronal mechanisms of lying and lying recognition, as well as the differences amongst genders concerning the ability to recognize deceit. Broadly, the present theoretic study may elucidate the current state of knowledge regarding the topic, thus signaling necessary and more promising paths for future studies to follow with the purpose of contributing to fields where the act of uttering lies is highly present, such as the judicial context.

Abstract The objective of this systematic literature review was to investigate the variables that would improve well-being in retirement by analyzing relevant empirical studies. In the literature search, six keywords (retirement, positive psychology, well-being, satisfaction, happiness and quality of life) were used in six international academic portals. This search identified 403 articles, and those meeting the pre-established inclusion criteria were extracted. The 55 articles selected were analyzed based on nine categories: language, year, journal, country, objective, dependent variable, instruments, independent variables and results. The studies had a longitudinal, transversal design or reported on instrument creation and validation. The literature review pointed out a large number of variables, confirming the multidimensionality of the constructs. Aspects highlighted include health, economic situation, gender, marital status, interpersonal relationships, whether retirement was voluntary, retirement duration and leisure activities. A compilation of variables and an agenda for future studies are proposed based on the results of this review.

Abstract This research evaluated the combined effects of instructions (through health education manual) and self-monitoring (using record forms) in occurrence of adherence to treatment by adolescents diagnosed with Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Four adolescents participated in the research, which had four stages: 1. Initial assessment; 2. Intervention, including Condition 1, with exposure to the manual followed by the self-monitoring record forms, and Condition 2, with a reversal order of these instruments; 3. Feedback; and 4. Follow-up. The data obtained with 24h recall and self-monitoring record forms were quantified, allowing the calculation of the Treatment Adherence Index. Three participants showed an increase in this index after the use of self-monitoring records, regardless the exposition order of the instruments. The results of this research suggest that self-monitoring can assist in the installation of adherence behaviors, while manuals with instructions can help to maintain those behaviors, which would justify the combined use of these instruments.

Abstract This study aimed to gather psychometric evidence of the Scale of Positive and Negative Affects (EAPN-10) within the Brazilian context. Three studies were performed (N = 911). Study 1 considered 296 undergraduate students (MAge = 23.8; 59.1% females), who answered the EAPN-10 and a demographic questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure [positive affects (α = .82) and negative affects (α = .81)], explaining 59.7% of the total variance. Study 2 took into account the participation of 313 undergraduate students (MAge = 23.3; 57.2% females), who answered the same instruments. Confirmatory factor analysis corroborated the two-factor structure (e.g., CFI = .92), which was invariant across males and females (e.g., ΔCFI < .01), with alphas greater than .70. Finally, Study 3's participants were 302 university students (MAge = 23.1; 54.3% females), who answered the aforementioned instruments as well as measures of vitality, positivity, optimism, anxiety, depression and stress. Supporting their criterion validity, positive affects (α = .83) were positively correlated with well-being indicators, and negative affects (α = .80) were positively correlated with indicators of psychological discomfort. In conclusion, the EAPN-10 is a psychometrically adequate measure that can be employed to assess people's affects and their correlates within the Brazilian context.

Abstract This study aimed to describe the prevalence of intimate partner violence in a community sample, as well as identify associations between these behaviors and socioeconomic factors. Given the predominance of these studies in high-income countries, more investigations are needed in low- and middle-income countries. The prevalence of types of intimate partner violence was investigated in a probabilistic sample of 532 women between 18 and 60 years. A sociodemographic questionnaire and The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) were used. Considering recent episodes, the rates of women victimized by their partners were: 48.31%, 10.81% and 7.79%, for psychological, physical and sexual violence, respectively. The rates of these modalities of violence perpetrated by the women were 51.89%, 13.73% and 4.47%, respectively. Logistic regressions indicated that higher educational and socioeconomic levels are associated with a lower likelihood of women being victims or perpetrators of violence. According to the literature, these factors represent nonlinear influences on violence between partners, however, are important for developing intervention strategies for this problem.

Abstract The present study investigated the justifications' effects, presented in children's stories, on the installment and maintenance of targeted behaviors: to copy, to answer and to present the exercise and competitive activities. Four children were exposed to three phases. In Phase 1, baseline, the registration of the target behaviors' events was made. Phase 2 was constituted of six steps. In each step, at the beginning, the experimenter would read a children's story with Type 5 justification that indicated the advantages of studying mathematics in the Steps 1, 2 and 5, and portuguese in the Steps 3, 4 and 6. Then, the teacher would write the exercise on the board and would request the students to copy, to answer and to present the exercise finished. Afterwards, the registration of the target behaviors' events was made for 30 minutes. In Phase 3 (Follow-up), fulfilled two months after Phase 2, it wasn't presented stories with justifications. The registration of targeted behaviors was made. In Phase 2, it occurred higher duration of activities to copy and to answer the exercise and lower duration of competitive activities. In Phase 3, occurred the opposite. It's suggested that, besides justifications, other variables contributed to maintain the observed behaviors.

Abstract The presence of psychologists in Brazilian social welfare has been increasing and the reality of psychology in this context is still surrounded by doubts and questions about the roles and identity of this professional in a social context of poverty and material needs. This article analyzes the psychologists' work in the social welfare context considering the working conditions of these professionals. Participants of the study were 1,100 psychologists of all Brazilian regions, who answered an online questionnaire covering sociodemographic and work issues. The main results indicate that social welfare psychologists are poorly remunerated, have extensive workloads and are not technically prepared to deal with the issues that arise in the institutions they work. It was also found that the technical references are vague and only highlight ways, not prescribing specific activities. Therefore, the professionals must use their own resources to achieve the National Social Assistance Policy goals, adopting a creative and inventive approach.

Abstract The study aimed to describe the profile of psychologists from public and private health services of the Federal District, Brazil; to describe the professional practices, the theoretical-methodological frameworks adopted, expectations and perceptions of health work, as well as aspects that facilitate and hinder team integration. The instrument was a self-administered online questionnaire. The data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistical techniques and content analysis of the qualitative data. The participants were 96 psychologists (91.6% women). The ages ranged from 24 to 54 years (M=35.5) and the majority (88.4%) were working in public health services. Individual psychological consultations and guidance for relatives/caregivers were the practices highlighted as being frequent in the professional quotidian. Diversified psychological practices were observed among the participants who were researchers, had graduate degrees and supervised undergraduate students and/or residents. Regarding aspects that facilitated team integration, the most frequent categories were: activities or care in multi/interdisciplinary team and regular team meetings. Regarding hindering aspects, work overload and personal and interpersonal characteristics of the professionals prevailed. The study highlights the strengthening of health psychology in the Federal District, especially in the services of the Brazilian National Health System, being incipient in private establishments.

Abstract Teachers, among others, are responsible for improving the quality of education. In order to understand the teacher's professional role within the context of contemporary society, one must analyze the impacts of political, economic, social and cultural problems on education. The present study's objective is to identify and discuss the social representations made by students' parents/guardians in relation to being a teacher nowadays. The study enjoyed the participation of 181 parents/guardians of elementary school students from the city of Mossoró/RN. They responded to the TALP after being presented with the stimulus phrase being a teacher today. Prototypical analysis (EVOC), analysis of similarity (IRAMUTEQ) and thematic analysis of content were performed. The terms most frequently evoked were patience, educator, love, and teach. The parents/guardians' social representations have a multidimensional character that is structured into two main: one involving an image of the teacher that is rooted in the notion of a vocation; and the other, in the professional as an educator. The thematic analysis also indicated a representation of teachers that is related to a work context involved challenges, precarious working conditions, social disfavor and violence. One thus observes a twofold representation of the teacher, as an individual with a vocation and as a professional, an employee of the educational system, a fact that could be related to the low attractiveness of a career in teaching.

Abstract Objective: It is known that alcohol use has increased both nationally and internationally. The present study was designed to evaluate the extent to wich sociodemographic characteristics, school performance, pattern of consumption and emotional health can predict the variable of interest, recent alcohol use, defined as the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the past 30 days, among adolescents from public schools in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre/Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil. Methods: This was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study of 124 students, 70 girls and 54 boys, aged 11 to 18 years. Participants were assessed in the classroom and completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Youth Self Report, and a questionnaire on drug use. Results: The variable with the greatest impact on recent alcohol use was total internalizing problems, anxiety/depression, and female sex. First alcohol use at 15 years or younger as well as school failure were also able to predict alcohol use. Conclusion: the data confirm the multidimensionality of the phenomenon that should be considered in prevention campaigns.

Abstract The present study aimed to understand how the gender category emerges in studies about adoption in the Brazilian context. The guiding question was: How do researches in the context of adoption, regarding children, parents and professionals, address gender issues? An integrative literature review was conducted on the databases LILACS, SciELO and PePISC with the descriptors adoption, gender and parentality, published between 2007 and 2017. Seventeen articles had been recovered and three categories were constituted: (a) Exercise of maternity in the context of adoption; (b) (In)visibility of paternity in the discussion about adoptive parenting; (c) Homoparentality: meanings of reproductive technology and adoption. The studies brought to light reflections about adoptive parenting and adoptive homoparentality, as well as highlighting the way these couples exercise their parental roles. It is concluded that understanding how parental roles are exercised in these different realities makes it possible to understand different family arrangements, opening more space for families by adoption. It is recommended to expand the gender discussions in order to provide questions and tensions for this scenario, dialoguing with different developmental and clinical perspectives.

Abstract Response styles are systematic ways of responding to self-report items that may impact the validity and the precision of scores from instruments. One of these biases is extreme responding (ER), which occurs when a person tends to use only extreme rating categories from a response scale (e.g., totally disagree or totally agree), irrespective of item content. Many different methods were developed that aim to identify and control extreme responses to provide a more accurate assessment of an individual's trait. The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review of these main techniques for statistical control of extreme responses in psychometric instruments of self-report. We identified several analytical approaches, which we organized into seven clusters, from simple count of the numbers of extreme response to the use of modern statistics methods, as Item Response Theory uni and multidimensional. Advantages and limitations of each method are discussed. We also present a general diagram that summarizes the distinct available methods we found.

Abstract School deficit is considered a risk factor for the development of antisocial behavior. This study assessed the efficacy of individual program on academic skills for adolescents admitted to juvenile detention. The sample consisted of 18 adolescents, nine who received the intervention (experimental group) and nine in the control group. The schooling activities were developed in a range of 12 to 18 weeks with two to four hours per week and efficacy was measured by School Performance Test (SPT) that evaluates writing, reading and arithmetics. The results of the comparison between pretest and post-test showed a statistically significant increase in the experimental group's math skills (Z = -2.673, p = .008) and overall score (Z = -2.549, p = .012). Calculated via the STP the average educational lag at the time of the pretest was 8.3 years for the experimental group and 8.9 years for the control group. Subsequent to the intervention, the average lag dropped to 7.3 years for the experimental group and remained to 8.6 years for the control group. This intervention proved to be a promising technique to reduce academic deficits in adolescents from juvenile detention.