Increased risks of early sexual initiators: time makes a difference.

BACKGROUND: Years since onset of sexual intercourse (YSSI) is a rarely used variable when studying adolescents- sexual outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of YSSI on the adverse sexual outcomes of early sexual initiators.METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2002 Swiss Multicenter Adolescent Survey on Health database, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey including 7429 adolescents in post mandatory school aged 16-20 years. Only adolescents reporting sexual intercourse (SI) were included (N=4388; 45% females) and divided by age of onset of SI (early initiators, age<16: N=1469, 44% females; and late initiators, age?16: N=2919, 46% females). Analyses were done separately by gender. Groups were compared for personal characteristics at the bivariate level. We analyzed three sexual outcomes (?4 sexual partners, pregnancy and non-use of condom at last SI) controlling for all significant personal variables with two logistic regressions first using age, then YSSI as one of the confounding variables. Results are given as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) using lSI as the reference category.RESULTS: After adjusting for YSSI instead of age, negative sexual outcomes among early initiators were no longer significant, except for multiple sexual partners among females, although at a much lower level. Early initiators were less likely to report non-use of condom at last SI when adjusting for YSSI (females: aOR=0.59 [0.44-0.79]; p<0.001; males aOR=0.71 [0.50-1.00]; p=0.053).CONCLUSION: YSSI is an important explanatory variable when studying adolescents- sexuality and needs to be included in future research on adolescents- sexual health.

Evaluation de la satisfaction des infirmiers(-ères): développement et validation d'un nouvel outil d'analyse [Evaluation of satisfaction of nurses: development and validation of a new analysis tool]

A new device for the analyses of nurses' satisfaction has been developed and validated on two types of general and intensive treatments at the University Hospital in Vaudois, Switzerland. A questionnaire has been elaborated for identifying the variables linked with characteristics of the nurse's work, as well as personal variables of the employer which could have an influence on the level of satisfaction. In identifying the sources of satisfaction and dissatisfaction, it has been possible to propose recommendations and corrective measures in order to improve the level of global satisfaction of the nursing team.

Increased risks of early sexual initiators: time makes a difference

BACKGROUND: Years since onset of sexual intercourse (YSSI) is a rarely used variable when studying adolescents- sexual outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of YSSI on the adverse sexual outcomes of early sexual initiators. METHODS: Data were drawn from the 2002 Swiss Multicenter Adolescent Survey on Health database, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey including 7429 adolescents in post mandatory school aged 16-20 years. Only adolescents reporting sexual intercourse (SI) were included (N=4388; 45% females) and divided by age of onset of SI (early initiators, age<16: N=1469, 44% females; and late initiators, age≥16: N=2919, 46% females). Analyses were done separately by gender. Groups were compared for personal characteristics at the bivariate level. We analyzed three sexual outcomes (≥4 sexual partners, pregnancy and non-use of condom at last SI) controlling for all significant personal variables with two logistic regressions first using age, then YSSI as one of the confounding variables. Results are given as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) using lSI as the reference category. RESULTS: After adjusting for YSSI instead of age, negative sexual outcomes among early initiators were no longer significant, except for multiple sexual partners among females, although at a much lower level. Early initiators were less likely to report non-use of condom at last SI when adjusting for YSSI (females: aOR=0.59 [0.44-0.79]; p<0.001; males aOR=0.71 [0.50-1.00]; p=0.053). CONCLUSION: YSSI is an important explanatory variable when studying adolescents- sexuality and needs to be included in future research on adolescents- sexual health.

Evaluación de actividades de formación.

1) Estudiar las principales características personales y profesionales de los profesores. 2) Conocer la valoración que estos docentes hacen de los diferentes aspectos de los cursos y cursillos realizados. 3) Valorar la incidencia de las actividades de formación realizadas en la práctica docente. 4) Incorporar al diseño de evaluación de las actividades del CEP de Oviedo los análisis realizados. 5) Proporcionar a los órganos personales y colegiados del CEP elementos de análisis que colaboren en la evaluación de los planes de actuación y en el rediseño de los programas de formación. 497 profesores que al finalizar sus actividades de formación habían respondido al cuestionario. Las actividades evaluadas, en un total de 27, se realizaron en el curso 1986-87. Se elabora un diseño de evaluación de la actividad del CEP de Oviedo. Las variables analizadas han sido: variables personales y profesionales; variables de la valoración de la actividad de formación (información, materiales e infraestructura, metodología, temática y tiempo, monitor y organización y valoración personal); variables de aplicación a la práctica docente y de profundización en las actividades realizadas (aspectos de la práctica docente que pueden mejorarse como consecuencia de la actividad, aplicaciones prácticas y profundización en la temática tratada). 'Cuestionario sobre actividades de perfeccionamiento' de González Granda, 1986. 1) Características personales y profesionales: en las actividades del CEP de Oviedo durante su primer curso de funcionamiento han participado profesores pertenecientes a todos los grupos de edad, experiencia docente, titulación, especialidad y situación administrativa. Se ha logrado cumplir el objetivo propuesto de llegar al máximo número posible de profesores y a los distintos grupos. 2) Valoración de las actividades: en general la información recibida sobre las actividades resultó ser satisfactoria en lo que se refiere a profesorado, programa, calendario y horario; los materiales empleados han sido suficientes en cantidad y calidad; la metodología utilizada se mantiene en equilibrio entre la teoría y la práctica; la temática tratada parece la adecuada; la utilización de recursos se considera buena; la asistencia a las actividades de formación ha sido satisfactoria. 3) Incidencia en la práctica docente: en general, se ha obtenido 'alguna mejora'. Los responsables de elaborar y aprobar los planes de actuación en el CEP de Oviedo deberían tener una información puntual de la participación de los distintos grupos de profesorado, así como velar porque esta participación se mantenga y mejore en los aspectos que se considere necesario. Los objetivos de incidencia en la práctica docente deben estar claramente definidos.

Evaluación institucional de actividades regladas de formación.

1) Estudiar las principales características personales y profesionales de los profesores. 2) Conocer la valoración que éstos hacen de los diferentes aspectos de los cursos y cursillos realizados. 3) Valorar la incidencia que las actividades de formación realizadas tienen en la práctica docente de los profesores asistentes a ellas. 4) Incorporar al diseño de evaluación de actividades del CEP de Oviedo los análisis realizados. 5) Proporcionar a los órganos personales y colegiados del CEP elementos de análisis que colaboren en la evaluación de los planes de actuación y en el diseño de los programas de formación. 655 profesores que al finalizar sus actividades de formación, respondieron al cuestionario. Las actividades evaluadas, en un total de 31, habían sido realizadas durante el curso 1988-89. Las variables analizadas han sido: variables personales y profesionales; variables de valoración de la actividad de formación realizada (información, materiales e infraestructura, metodología, temática y tiempo, monitores y organización y valoración personal); variables de aplicación a la práctica docente (aspectos de la práctica docente que pueden mejorarse como consecuencia de la actividad, aplicaciones prácticas y profundización en la temática tratada). 'Cuestionario sobre actividades de perfeccionamiento' de González Granda, 1986. 1) Variables personales y profesionales: predominio de mujeres; participación de profesores pertenecientes a todos los tramos de edad; el grupo más numeroso lleva ejerciendo su profesión entre 11 y 20 años; la mayoría eran profesores de EGB 2) Variables de valoración de la actividad: la mayoría consideró adecuada la información recibida sobre profesorado, programa, calendario y horario; los locales e infraestructura se consideraron buenos; los materiales fueron suficientes en cantidad y calidad; la metodología se consideró en equilibrio entre teoría y práctica; la utilización de recursos y materiales mereció una mejor calificación para los profesores de la enseñanza privada que para los de la pública; se consideró como buena la organización en general. 3) Incidencia en la propia práctica docente: la mejora más significativa hace referencia al bloque temático en el que estaban recogidos el 'conocimiento de la materia' y todo lo referente a la actuación docente; los aspectos referidos a la evaluación o a las actividades de recuperación han tenido muy poca incidencia; son los profesores de EGB los que han experimentado una mayor mejora en los aspectos relacionados con la práctica docente; la mayoría de los encuestados manifiestan la necesidad de continuar profundizando en la temática iniciada.

Estudo de variáveis organizacionais e psicológicas relacionadas a acidentes de trabalho em uma indústria de construção naval

O objetivo principal deste trabalho consiste na exploração de parâmetros de variáveis organizacionais e psico-sociais relacionadas aos acidentes de trabalho de uma indústria de construção naval do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, através da aplicação de modelos matemáticos inspirados na Teoria das filas. A primeira parte compreende uma revisão das principais pesquisas 8 estudos relacionando diversas variáveis psicológicas, sociais sociológicas, fisiológicas físicas e organizacionais a ocorrência de acidentas de trabalho. A segunda parte do trabalho consiste na análise de 9.657 acidentes ocorri dos em uma indústria de construção naval no ano de 1974 quando são evidenciados os parâmetros que regem as distribuições do numero de acidentes sofridos por operário e do intervalo entre acidentes consecutivos são ainda propostas as equações que deveriam ser empregadas para a previsão das duas variáveis dependentes consideradas. Ao final são apresentadas algumas sugestões e conclusões onde a mais importante refere-se à invariância dos parâmetros quando se consideram diferentes características pessoais dos sujeitos. Tal fato é interpretado como produto do grau de periculosidade muito e levado da organização que esconde ria as influências das variáveis pessoais na ocorrência de acidentes de trabalho.

Cultura e clima organizacionais: um estudo multicasos em indústrias de laticínios do estado do Rio Grande do Norte

The objective of this study is to investigate if exist relationship between organizational culture and the organizational climate, having as research s locus three dairy industries in the Rio Grande do Norte State. As such, an exploratory-descriptive and conclusive-causal study, with a sample composed of 211 employees of all firms hierarchical levels was undertaken. By way the data collection, the employees personal characteristics, the predominant organizational culture profile and the predominant organizational climate in the industries researched were identified. In order to analyse the organizational culture, the Competing Value Model (CAMERON; QUINN, 2006), with adaptations by Santos (1998, 2000), was used. In order to analyse the organizational climate, the Organizational Climate Measurement Scale, proposed by Martins (et al., 2004, 2008), with modifications, was used. The data were submitted to quantitative statistical analyses, firstly to the set of firms and afterwards to the firms alone, that permitted arrival to the following conclusions: the cultural profiles was met in a balanced way in the researched organizations, with emphasis to clan culture and market culture profiles; the researched organizations have a good organizational climate, based in the Martins (2008) classification, with emphasis to boss and organization s support and physical comfort , being these factors coherent whit the clan culture profile; the personal variables are correlated with the cultural profiles and with the organizational climate factors, however, each organization show its singular form of relation; and the cultural profiles showed influence on organizational climate factors. Thus, the results permitted to conclude that there are relations between the cultural profiles and the organizational climate factors in the researched organizations

Análisis bibliométrico sobre la relación entre factores personales y profesionales en el baloncesto femenino

[ES] Tradicionalmente, las investigaciones realizadas desde la psicología del deporte se interesan por variables personales que optimizan el rendimiento. No obstante, es sabido que el contexto deportivo influye tanto en el rendimiento profesional como personal. El objeto de esta investigación fue revisar la bibliografía publicada en relación a la influencia bidireccional de variables personales, contextuales y de rendimiento, en la faceta profesional y personal de jugadoras de baloncesto profesional. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que la práctica totalidad de las investigaciones revisadas se interesan por la influencia de las variables psicológicas en el rendimiento de la deportista. Únicamente hemos encontrado dos estudios que aluden a la influencia del contexto como factor que afecta tanto en la faceta profesional como personal de las deportistas. [EN] Traditionally, sport psychology research is interested in personal variables that optimize the performance. Nevertheless, it is known that the sports context influences as much the professional performance as personal. The aim of this research is to review all published bibliography on mutual relations between personal, contextual and performance variables over both the personal and the professional life of elite women basketball playersl. Results show that practically all reviewed research has been interested in the influence of psychological variables on the sport performance. Only we have found two studies that allude to the influence of the context as factor that affects so much the professional as personal facet of the sportswomen.

Punishment goals of crime victims

Research on subjective punishment goals has focused on the perspective of third-party observers of criminal offenses and neglected the perspective of victims. This study investigates punishment goals among 174 adult crime victims (rape and nonsexual assault) for each participant’s real criminal case. Scales measuring support for punishment goals are constructed by factor analysis of an 18-item list. Results show that 5 highly supported goals can be distinguished: retaliation, recognition of victim status, confirmation of societal values, victim security, and societal security. Analysis of relations between punishment goal scales and personal variables, situational variables, and demanded punishment severity corroborates the view that the punishment goals revealed can be classified according to the two independent dichotomies of moral versus instrumental goals, and micro versus macro goals.

Assessment methodology applied to demand measures to change urban mobility behavior

In order to minimize car-based trips, transport planners have been particularly interested in understanding the factors that explain modal choices. Transport modelling literature has been increasingly aware that socioeconomic attributes and quantitative variables are not sufficient to characterize travelers and forecast their travel behavior. Recent studies have also recognized that users’ social interactions and land use patterns influence travel behavior, especially when changes to transport systems are introduced; but links between international and Spanish perspectives are rarely dealt with. The overall objective of the thesis is to develop a stepped methodology that integrate diverse perspectives to evaluate the willingness to change patterns of urban mobility in Madrid, based on four steps: (1st) analysis of causal relationships between both objective and subjective personal variables, and travel behavior to capture pro-car and pro-public transport intentions; (2nd) exploring the potential influence of individual trip characteristics and social influence variables on transport mode choice; (3rd) identifying built environment dimensions on travel behavior; and (4th) exploring the potential influence on transport mode choice of extrinsic characteristics of individual trip using panel data, land use variables using spatial characteristics and social influence variables. The data used for this thesis have been collected from a two panel smartphone-based survey (n=255 and 190 respondents, respectively) carried out in Madrid. Although the steps above are mainly methodological, the application to the area of Madrid allows deriving important results that can be directly used to forecast travel demand and to evaluate the benefits of specific policies that might be implemented in the area. The results demonstrated, respectively: (1st) transport policy actions are more likely to be effective when pro-car intention has been disrupted first; (2nd) the consideration of “helped” and “voluntary” users as tested here could have a positive and negative impact, respectively, on the use of public transport; (3rd) the importance of density, design, diversity and accessibility underlying dimensions responsible for land use variables; and (4th) there are clearly different types of combinations of social interactions, land use and time frame on travel behavior studies. Finally, with the objective to study the impact of demand measures to change urban mobility behavior, those previous results have been considered in a unique way, a hybrid discrete choice model has been used on a 5th step. Then it can be concluded that urban mobility behavior is not only ruled by the maximum utility criterion, but also by a strong psychological-environment concept, developed without the mediation of cognitive processes during choice, i.e., many people using public transport on their way to work do not do it for utilitarian reasons, but because no other choice is available. Regarding built environment dimensions, the more diversity place of residence, the more difficult the use of public transport or walking.

Análisis cualitativo de la relación entrenador-deportista en etapas de formación en baloncesto = Qualitative analysis of the coach-athlete relationship in youth basketball

La relación entrenador-deportista estudia, dentro del ámbito de la psicología social en el deporte, la interacción de los comportamientos, sentimientos y emociones de ambos miembros de la pareja. Se entiende como un proceso en el que antecedentes como la edad, el género o las características esperadas en el otro condicionan el desarrollo de diferentes componentes, los cuales determinan la calidad de la relación, obteniéndose diferentes resultados tanto a nivel deportivo como personal. En la presente tesis se han estudiado 12 relaciones positivas entrenador-deportista en categorías de formación en baloncesto con el objetivo de conocer los condicionantes, componentes, estrategias y resultados de relaciones efectivas. Para ello, se ha realizado un estudio cualitativo, cuya muestra (N=24) se ha seleccionado de manera deliberada discriminando variables como el nivel deportivo del equipo, las características del entrenador, la duración y la calidad de la relación. Las 12 díadas participaban en el máximo nivel de su categoría, tenían una duración mínima de dos temporadas y fueron calificadas como positivas por los entrenadores principales. La investigación se ha llevado a cabo desde la perspectiva holística del fenómeno, teniendo en cuenta tanto el punto de vista del entrenador como el del jugador. Para la recogida de datos se utilizó la entrevista semiestructurada y en profundidad. Los resultados señalan la necesidad de desarrollar estrategias que promuevan y mantengan relaciones de calidad en baloncesto, ya que éstas tienen un alto impacto en el progreso deportivo y personal de los jugadores jóvenes en baloncesto. Entre los condicionantes de la relación entrenador-deportista se ha percibido que las expectativas formadas en los primeros contactos pueden determinar la calidad de la relación. Por otro lado, los componentes dan lugar a resultados como el crecimiento a nivel personal por parte de los jugadores o un mayor rendimiento deportivo, producido en gran medida por la satisfacción y el bienestar psicológico tanto del entrenador como del jugador. Por último, los resultados indican la importancia de adecuar el comportamiento del entrenador a las características propias de los jugadores en cada categoría de formación. ABSTRACT The coach-athlete relationship studies, within the field of social psychology in sport, the interaction of behavior, feelings and emotions in both partners. It is understood as a process in which antecedents such as age, gender or expectations develop different components. The quality of the relationship is determined by these three elements, leading to different results in sport performance as in personal variables. This thesis examined 12 positive coach-athlete rapports in youth basketball teams in order to better understand the determinants, components, strategies and outcomes of effective relationships. A qualitative study has been carried out. The sample (N = 24) is selected deliberately discriminating variables such as the team’s sportive level, coach characteristics, duration and quality of the relationship. Twelve dyads participated at the highest level in its category, had a minimum of two seasons and were rated as positive by head coaches. The research was conducted from a holistic perspective of the phenomenon, taking into account the point of view of both the coach and the player. Indepth semi-structured interview was used for data collection. The results report the need to develop strategies to promote and maintain high quality relationships in basketball, because they have an important impact in sport and personal development of young basketball players. Expectations raised through different impression cues in the first contacts can determine the quality of the relationship. On the other hand, the components lead to results such as players’ personal growth or sport performance, largely produced by the satisfaction and psychological well being of both the coach and the player. Finally, the results indicate the importance of adapting the coach’s behavior to the characteristics of the different stages of young athletes’ development.

Ansiedade em face da morte em Agentes Funerários

Ao pensar na morte há um reconhecimento da vulnerabilidade humana e da própria fragilidade da vida. A morte é universal, mas experienciada de uma forma individualizada por cada um de nós, a partir da personalidade, experiências de vida, variáveis pessoais, idade, sexo, religião. Vivenciar a morte e o morrer poderá conduzir a sensações de medo e ansiedade. Os agentes funerários que lidam diariamente com a morte e com o “luto” (do corpo morto e dos familiares em relação ao ente querido que perderam) poderão estar expostos a sentimentos de ansiedade depressiva pela ativação diária do confronto com a própria morte, ou com a morte de pessoas a quem estão intimamente ligados. É objetivo deste estudo avaliar os níveis de ansiedade em face da morte em agentes funerários, e ainda explorar a eventual associação entre fatores sociodemográficos e profissionais selecionados e esta variável. A amostra é composta por 60 sujeitos de uma empresa funerária em Portugal. Os instrumentos psicométricos utilizados foram a Escala de Ansiedade face à Morte (DAQ), e um questionário sociodemográfico desenhado para o presente estudo. Os resultados globais mostram que os Agentes Funerários apresentam níveis de ansiedade face à morte estatisticamente significativos (M = 35,88; DP = 9,02). O género, a idade, religião, anos de experiência, estado civil, terem filhos, ter morrido alguém próximo ou significativo, especificidade de trabalho: ser comercial ou operacional o número de contatos, não marcam significativamente a forma como os sujeitos em estudo percecionam a sua ansiedade em face da morte. Os níveis de ansiedade aumentam entre aqueles que não tiveram formação específica para lidar com estas situações. / When thinking about death there is recognition of human vulnerability and fragility of life itself. Death is universal but experienced individually by each of us, through personality, life experiences, personal variables, age, sex, religion. Experiencing death and dying can lead to feelings of fear and anxiety. Funeral Agents who daily deal with death and with the "mourning" (the dead body and the family of the deceased) may be exposed to feelings of depressive anxiety activated by the daily confrontation with death itself or death of people who are close to them. The aim of this study is to assess the levels of anxiety in Funeral Agents when facing death, and also explore the eventual association of social-demographic and professional factors with this variable. The sample consisted of 60 subjects of a Portuguese Funeral company. The instruments used were the Death Anxiety Questionnaire (DAQ) and a socialdemographic questionnaire designed for the present study. The overall results show that Funeral Agents present anxiety levels statistically significant when facing death (M = 35.88, SD = 9.02). Gender, age, religion, years of experience, marital status, having children, the death of someone close or important, and the specificity of the job (commercial or operational agent), the number of contacts, show no statistically significant association with anxiety when facing death. However, the levels of anxiety increase among those who had had no specific formation to deal with these situations.

Cultura e clima organizacionais: um estudo multicasos em indústrias de laticínios do estado do Rio Grande do Norte

The objective of this study is to investigate if exist relationship between organizational culture and the organizational climate, having as research s locus three dairy industries in the Rio Grande do Norte State. As such, an exploratory-descriptive and conclusive-causal study, with a sample composed of 211 employees of all firms hierarchical levels was undertaken. By way the data collection, the employees personal characteristics, the predominant organizational culture profile and the predominant organizational climate in the industries researched were identified. In order to analyse the organizational culture, the Competing Value Model (CAMERON; QUINN, 2006), with adaptations by Santos (1998, 2000), was used. In order to analyse the organizational climate, the Organizational Climate Measurement Scale, proposed by Martins (et al., 2004, 2008), with modifications, was used. The data were submitted to quantitative statistical analyses, firstly to the set of firms and afterwards to the firms alone, that permitted arrival to the following conclusions: the cultural profiles was met in a balanced way in the researched organizations, with emphasis to clan culture and market culture profiles; the researched organizations have a good organizational climate, based in the Martins (2008) classification, with emphasis to boss and organization s support and physical comfort , being these factors coherent whit the clan culture profile; the personal variables are correlated with the cultural profiles and with the organizational climate factors, however, each organization show its singular form of relation; and the cultural profiles showed influence on organizational climate factors. Thus, the results permitted to conclude that there are relations between the cultural profiles and the organizational climate factors in the researched organizations

Predictors of stress and depressive mood in portuguese middle-aged women

This cross-sectional study investigates the predictors of psychological symptoms-stress and depressive mood-in a sample of middle-aged women. A community sample of 1,003 women filled in the questionnaires and instruments, which included the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales and the Life Events Survey; sociodemographic, health, and menopause-related and lifestyle information was also collected. Structural equation modeling was used to build the model that had stress and depressive mood as dependent variables. Health status (both physical and psychological), recent life events, income and menopausal phase were significantly associated with the frequency of stress and depressive symptoms. Additionally, educational level and parity were also significant predictors of depressive mood. This study emphasizes that psychological symptoms occurrence in midlife depends not only on personal variables (such as health and menopausal status) but also on contextual ones (including recent stressful events) that can be a strong influence on how middle-aged women feel.

Cultura e clima organizacionais: um estudo multicasos em indústrias de laticínios do estado do Rio Grande do Norte

The objective of this study is to investigate if exist relationship between organizational culture and the organizational climate, having as research s locus three dairy industries in the Rio Grande do Norte State. As such, an exploratory-descriptive and conclusive-causal study, with a sample composed of 211 employees of all firms hierarchical levels was undertaken. By way the data collection, the employees personal characteristics, the predominant organizational culture profile and the predominant organizational climate in the industries researched were identified. In order to analyse the organizational culture, the Competing Value Model (CAMERON; QUINN, 2006), with adaptations by Santos (1998, 2000), was used. In order to analyse the organizational climate, the Organizational Climate Measurement Scale, proposed by Martins (et al., 2004, 2008), with modifications, was used. The data were submitted to quantitative statistical analyses, firstly to the set of firms and afterwards to the firms alone, that permitted arrival to the following conclusions: the cultural profiles was met in a balanced way in the researched organizations, with emphasis to clan culture and market culture profiles; the researched organizations have a good organizational climate, based in the Martins (2008) classification, with emphasis to boss and organization s support and physical comfort , being these factors coherent whit the clan culture profile; the personal variables are correlated with the cultural profiles and with the organizational climate factors, however, each organization show its singular form of relation; and the cultural profiles showed influence on organizational climate factors. Thus, the results permitted to conclude that there are relations between the cultural profiles and the organizational climate factors in the researched organizations