This study, presented in article format, contributed to the development of the science and practice of positive psychology / psychofortology, specifically in the South African multi-cultural context, through (i) a first phase exploration of the validity of several scales, mainly developed in a 'western' context, for applicability of measurement of facets of psychological well-being in the South African (multicultural) context (manuscript I), (ii) an exploration of patterns of psychological wellbeing and satisfaction with life in cultural context (manuscript 2), and (iii) a review of the state of the art of the applicability of knowledge (theory and experimental findings) from the domain of positive psychology, for use in practice to enhance the quality of life for people (manuscript 3). For purposes of this study "cultural context" referred to relatively individualist and relatively collectivist cultural orientations as manifested in shared patterns of behavioural readiness, assumptions, attitudes, beliefs, self-definitions, norms, values, historical background and language groupings. The aim of the first study I article was to do a first phase screening of psychometric properties of several scales measuring facets of psychological wellbeing in a South African context. Most of these scales were developed in a western context, and measure facets of cognitive, affective, conative, social, and spiritual psychological well-being. Data were gathered in two projects including 731 participants from different cultural contexts in the North West Province. The FORTproject (FORT = Clarifying the nature of psychological strengths; -=strength) included a convenience sample of 384 mainly white students and adults from the Potchefstroom area, and a convenience sample of 130 mainly black students from the Mafikeng area. The POWIRS-project (POWIRS = Profiles of Obese Women with the Insulin Resistance Syndrome) included 102 black and 1 15 white adult women. Reliability and validity of scales for use in a South African context were reported. Results indicated that the reliability and validity of scales varied from acceptable to totally unacceptable for use in specific subgroups. It was concluded that the most promising scales for use in all groups were the Affectometer 2 (AFM), the Fortitude Questionnaire (FORQ) (except the FORQ-S), the Cognitive Appraisal Questionnaire (CAQ), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) (the latter measuring pathology), and to some extent the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC). This second study I article explored the patterns of psychological well-being and satisfaction with life in relatively more individualist and relatively more collectivist cultural contexts in South Africa. Secondary factor analyses were conducted on data obtained in four cross-sectional studies, comprising 1,909 participants. Questionnaires varied in studies, and measured facets of affective, cognitive, physical, spiritual, interpersonal and social well-being. Similarities and differences in patterns of psychological well-being and satisfaction with life were found. Satisfaction with life clusters with intra-psychological well-being in relatively more individualist cultural groups, and with inter-personal factors in relatively more collectivist African groups. Implications for models of psychological well-being and interventions to enhance psychological well-being were indicated. The aim of the third study I article was to review and evaluate the practical applicability of scientific knowledge from the domain of positive psychology / psychofortology, with specific reference to assessment, interventions, lifespan development and application in various contexts. It was shown that knowledge in the scientific domain of positive psychology has great relevance for, and application possibilities on individual, community and public policy levels. Applications were found as far as evaluation (assessment) and interventions are concerned in various life contexts (such as education, psychotherapy, health promotion, work), and in various phases of life (from childhood through adolescence and adulthood to old age). Several specific, empirically validated, strategies for enhancement of facets of psychological well-being were highlighted. It was pointed out that an advantage of positive psychology is that it has the theory, research evidence, and techniques to bring benefit to many people on the total mental health continuum, and not only, but also, to the minority who have a problem or are at risk of developing problems. A main conclusion across the different studies reported in this thesis (articles 1-3), was that cultural contexts and variables certainly need to be taken into account in research and practice of positive psychology. Despite the major developments in the scientific domain of positive psychology / psychofortology, its theories and applications have mainly been developed and explored in a western context, and further research is necessary, specifically in the African context. Several recommendations for future research were made. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

This research was aimed at validating the PHQ–9 in an African context. This study forms part of the project of Psychosocial Health and Biomarkers in an African context (FORT3, Wissing, 2008). The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ–9) is a nine–item depression scale that has the potential of being a dual–purpose instrument to establish the diagnosis of a depressive disorder, as well as the grade of symptom severity (Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams, 2001). The PHQ–9 was administered with criterion related measures to a multicultural convenience sample of 2214 participants from the North West Province of South Africa, including two groups of adolescents (n1 = 1480 and n2 = 559) and an availability sample of adults (n3 = 185). Instruments to determine criterion validity were the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), designed to detect symptoms of mental disorders; the Mental Health Continuum - Short Form for Adults (MHC–SF) which measures the degree of emotional, social and psychological well–being; and the New General Self–Efficacy Scale (NGSE) designed to measure an individual’s general self–efficacy. Descriptive statistics for the PHQ–9 including its reliability in the various groups is reported. The PHQ–9 manifested a Cronbach Alph are liability index of 0.86. Criterion–related validity was supported by significant correlations between the PHQ–9 and criterion measures. Confirmatory factor analysis for the PHQ–9 yielded a one–factor solution in all groups. The percentage variance explained ranged between 34.71% and 46.62%. Exploratory factor analyses yielded two factors in all groups with the second factor comprised of no more than 2 items and thus interpreted as a minor factor. The construct validity obtained in this research indicates that the PHQ–9 may be a valid measure to identify depression in a South African context. Based on the psychometric properties found in this study, it can be concluded that the PHQ–9 is a valid measure of depression in two of the samples selected for this study. Future studies may further validate this instrument in specific language and cultural groups, and explore the cross–cultural measurement equivalence. / Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This research was aimed at validating the PHQ–9 in an African context. This study forms part of the project of Psychosocial Health and Biomarkers in an African context (FORT3, Wissing, 2008). The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ–9) is a nine–item depression scale that has the potential of being a dual–purpose instrument to establish the diagnosis of a depressive disorder, as well as the grade of symptom severity (Kroenke, Spitzer & Williams, 2001). The PHQ–9 was administered with criterion related measures to a multicultural convenience sample of 2214 participants from the North West Province of South Africa, including two groups of adolescents (n1 = 1480 and n2 = 559) and an availability sample of adults (n3 = 185). Instruments to determine criterion validity were the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), designed to detect symptoms of mental disorders; the Mental Health Continuum - Short Form for Adults (MHC–SF) which measures the degree of emotional, social and psychological well–being; and the New General Self–Efficacy Scale (NGSE) designed to measure an individual’s general self–efficacy. Descriptive statistics for the PHQ–9 including its reliability in the various groups is reported. The PHQ–9 manifested a Cronbach Alph are liability index of 0.86. Criterion–related validity was supported by significant correlations between the PHQ–9 and criterion measures. Confirmatory factor analysis for the PHQ–9 yielded a one–factor solution in all groups. The percentage variance explained ranged between 34.71% and 46.62%. Exploratory factor analyses yielded two factors in all groups with the second factor comprised of no more than 2 items and thus interpreted as a minor factor. The construct validity obtained in this research indicates that the PHQ–9 may be a valid measure to identify depression in a South African context. Based on the psychometric properties found in this study, it can be concluded that the PHQ–9 is a valid measure of depression in two of the samples selected for this study. Future studies may further validate this instrument in specific language and cultural groups, and explore the cross–cultural measurement equivalence. / Thesis (M.A. (Research Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

I syfte att undersöka psykometriska egenskaper hos Affektiv självskattningsskala (AS-18) fyllde 88 patienter med diagnos bipolär typ I (N=46) eller typ II (N=42) i självskattningsskalorna AS-18 och MADRS-S vid två tillfällen med en dags mellanrum. Principalkomponentsanalys för AS-18 genomfördes med extrahering av två komponenter. Items laddade i de delskalor de tillhörde. Intern konsistens mättes med Cronbachs alfa och överensstämmelse med Cohens kappa. Test-retest-reliabiliteten beräknades. Grupperna bipolär typ I och typ II skiljde sig inte åt, vid rutinuppföljningsbesök, vad gäller skattning av mani eller depression. Studien gällande AS-18 visade att faktorstrukturen från tidigare studier kunde bekräftas, att test-retest-reliabiliteten var hög och att AS-18 är användbar även för patienter med bipolär typ II-diagnos. Skalan hade sammanfattningsvis goda psykometriska egenskaper. / <p>Psykoterapeutexamensarbete (PTU)</p>

Selection and selection procedures play a key role in the ability of organisations to compete successfully in the complex global and local environment. South Africa is experiencing a serious artisinal and technical skill shortage. Given the unemployment issues and the quest for people to fill the skill shortage gap it is important for organizations to find possible solutions to ensure that they stay competitive and effective in the labour market. Research suggests that at least 12 500 artisans need to be produced each year from 2006 to 2010 to meet the demand for skilled workers. To address above mentioned challenge organizations have to develop strategies to assist them to select individuals with the best chance to succeed in training. Unfortunately, the solution is not simple as organisations have a multitude of influences and pressures which affect their decisions regarding selection procedures. Selection of individuals is becoming an increasingly complex science as organisations have to select a capable and representative workforce. They must thus select candidates that are most likely to benefit from what is offered educationally, meet the requirements stipulated in South Africa's Labour legislation, and will perform most successfully in the specific trade. Bad practice can lead to costly litigation. The objectives of this mini-dissertation were to assess the empirical validity of the Technical Test Battery (TTB), as ability test and the Learning Potential Computerised Adaptive Test (LPCAT) as learning potential test as predictors of academic success of first year apprentice electrician students at a South African technical college serving a mining community. The study explored the current local employment issues that affect selection for training in the technical fields. The difference between the measurement of cognitive ability and learning potential were examined and the nature of the constructs of cognitive ability and that of learning potential were discussed. In the empirical study one of the objectives was to determine whether there was a relationship between the TTB and the LPCAT as two different predictors of the academic success of first yar apprentice electrician students. The difference in the empirical (predictive) validity of the two psychometric selection instruments, if only one of the tests as opposed to if both were used in combination, were examined. Another objective was to determine if there were any differences regarding the scores on the TTB and LPCAT of students from the designated group as opposed to that of students from non-designated groups. Finally this study explored whether the TTB and LPCAT were valid predictors to be used as selection instruments for apprentice electrician students in the South African context The research method consisted of a literature review and an empirical study. The empirical validity of the two predictor tests was validated in terms of the accuracy with which the selection instruments predicted the students' future performance. This research can be categorized as descriptive quantitative research. The TTB and LPCAT scores of a sample of 89 selected apprentice electricians were compared with the number of attempts they used to pass a phase test. Data was analysed by means of descriptive statistics. Pearsons Product Moment Correlation Coefficient, t-tests, ANOVAs as well as discriminant analysis were also used to reach the research objective. Statistically significant relationships were found between the predictor and criterion variables. The results confirm that the TTB and LPCAT are indeed empirical valid tests that can be used in the selection of apprentice electricians. / Thesis (M.A. (Industrial Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

[pt] De 2010 a 2012, a cidade do Rio de Janeiro iniciou um projeto de grande escala para avaliar o desenvolvimento de crianças matriculadas em creches e pré-escolas públicas. A avaliação do desenvolvimento infantil foi realizada anualmente, com uma média de 60 mil crianças em cerca de 80 por cento das creches e pré-escolas públicas da cidade. Depois de receber treinamento específico, os profissionais de cada instituição (por exemplo, professoras e crecheiras) aplicaram os questionários que compõe o sistema Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3 e ASQ:SE) para detectar possíveis condições de risco em relação aos principais marcadores do desenvolvimento infantil. Entretanto, no contexto brasileiro, há uma ausência de estudos que tenham investigado as propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira do ASQ:SE. Além disso, poucos estudos discutiram os resultados do ASQ:BR e ASQ:SE com respeito a avaliações longitudinais, diferenças de performance em função do gênero e visando incorporação dos resultados estatísticos em políticas públicas. Dito isto, a presente tese teve os seguintes objetivos: (1) investigar as principais propriedades psicométricas do ASQ:SE usando metodologia de Teoria Clássica dos Testes (TCT) e da Teoria da Resposta do Item (TRI) e (2) apresentar uma visão geral do desenvolvimento infantil em serviços de creche usando, para isso, os dados que foram coletados longitudinalmente por este projeto. Assim, esta tese compreende cinco artigos nos quais foram realizados os seguintes estudos. Inicialmente, com base na TCT, a estrutura fatorial do ASQ:SE foi investigada, a fidedignidade foi calculada usando o alfa de Cronbach, e pontos de corte preliminares foram calculados com base em médias e desvios-padrão. O segundo artigo ampliou a investigação da estrutura de fatorial do ASQ:SE e no terceiro artigo, um modelo de multidimensional da TRI foi usado para duas finalidades: (i) confirmar a dimensionalidade de todas as escalas do ASQ:SE e (ii) verificar as características de seus itens. No quarto e quinto artigo, o foco foi parcialmente alterado das propriedades psicométricas para os resultados preliminares de uma avaliação longitudinal de crianças que foram avaliadas ao longo de dois ou três anos consecutivos. Os resultados gerais evidenciam a validade, confiabilidade e utilidade do ASQ:SE e sugerem que crianças que estão matriculadas em creches públicas do Brasil/Rio de Janeiro, apesar da adversidade ambiental, não estão em risco de atrasos sérios no desenvolvimento. / [en] From 2010 to 2012, the city of Rio de Janeiro initiated a large-scale project to evaluate the development of children who were enrolled in daycare centers and public preschools. The evaluation of child development was performed annually, with an average of 60,000 children in more or less 80 percent of the daycare centers and public preschools in the city. After receiving specific training, professionals at each institution (e.g., teachers and caregivers) applied the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE) to screen for risk factors (e.g., developmental delays) with regard to the major markers and milestones of child development. However, in the Brazilian context, there is a lack of studies that have investigated the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the ASQ:SE. Moreover, a dearth of studies has discussed the results of both the ASQ:BR and ASQ:SE with regard to longitudinal assessments, gender differences, and incorporation of the statistical results into public policies. That said, the present thesis had the following objectives: (1) to investigate the main psychometric properties of the ASQ:SE using both Classical Test Theory (CTT) methodology and Item Response Theory (IRT) and (2) to present an overview of child development in daycare services using the data that were gathered from this longitudinal project. Thus, this thesis comprises five articles in which the following studies were conducted. Initially, based on CTT, the factor structure of the ASQ:SE was estimated using Cronbach s, and preliminary cutoff points were computed, based on means and standard deviations. The second article extended investigation of the factor structure of the ASQ:SE and in the third article, a multidimensional IRT model was used for two purposes: (i) to confirm the dimensionality of all scales of the ASQ:SE and (ii) to verify its item characteristics. In the fourth and fifth article, the focus partially shifted from psychometric properties to the preliminary results of a longitudinal evaluation of children who were assessed over two or three consecutive years. The overall results provide evidence of the validity, reliability, and utility of the ASQ:SE and suggest that children who are enrolled in Brazilian/Rio de Janeiro s public daycare centers, despite environmental adversity, are not at risk of serious developmental delays.

Le plongeur subit de nombreuses contraintes issues du milieu dans lequel il évolue. La narcose à l’azote par ses effets sur la performance cognitive en fait partie. Elle est impliquée dans de nombreux accidents de plongée sous-marine. Il est donc nécessaire de développer un outil fiable pour évaluer la performance cognitive sous l’eau de manière quantitative, reproductible et indépendante de la subjectivité du plongeur. Ensuite, après validation de cet outil (fréquence critique de fusion du scintillement - CFFF) préciser le rôle des facteurs modulateurs de la narcose en particulier celui de l’oxygène. Nos investigations sont réalisées chez des volontaires sains sélectionnés spécifiquement pour obtenir une population homogène (genre, âge, BMI, condition physique et expérience en plongée). L’analyse de la performance cérébrale est réalisée au moyen de tests psychométriques, d’échelles visuelles analogique et de la CFFF dans différentes conditions (normobarie, plongées simulées et réelles à 30 mètres de profondeur pendant 20 minutes) et avec différents gaz (air et Nitrox 40%). L’effet propre de l’oxygène est appréhendé par l’utilisation de la spectroscopie proche de l’infrarouge (NIRS).Nos mesures confirment d’une part la dégradation progressive de la performance cognitive tant par les tests psychométriques que par la CFFF avec un bon degré de corrélation (Pearson de 0,86 à 0,93) entre eux et d’autre part l’incapacité du plongeur à s’auto- évaluer. L’évolution de la performance cognitive est caractérisée par une amélioration lors de l’arrivée en profondeur d’autant plus marquée que la quantité d’oxygène dans le mélange respiré est importante, suivie par une dégradation qui persiste au moins jusqu’à 30 minutes après le retour en surface, surtout en respiration d’air. L’utilisation de l’imagerie fonctionnelle cérébrale (NIRS) permet d’associer l’amélioration des performances cognitives à une activation cérébrale dépendante de l’oxygène. L’oxygène semble donc être un élément important de la modulation des symptômes de la narcose à l’azote. De manière très cohérente avec la théorie neurochimique de la narcose nous suggérons que l’effet net sur la performance cérébrale dépend d’une balance entre les effets activateurs de l’oxygène et les effets inhibiteurs de l’azote. / During a dive subjects undergo many environmental stressors. Nitrogen narcosis through its effects on cognitive performance is one of them. Narcosis is indeed involved in many scuba diving accidents. It is therefore mandatory to develop a quantitative, reliable, reproducible tool to evaluate underwater diver’s cognitive performance. This tool should not be dependent on diver’s subjectivity. Once this tool (critical flicker fusion frequency - CFFF) is validated, we could then clarify the role of narcosis modulating factors in particular that of oxygen.Our investigations were performed in healthy volunteers specifically selected in a large group of recreational diver to obtain a standard population (gender, age, BMI, fitness and experience in diving). Cerebral performance analysis is carried out using psychometric tests, visual analogic scale and CFFF in different conditions (normobaria, simulated and open-water dives to a depth of 30 meters of fresh or salt water for 20 minutes) and with different gases (air and EANx 40%). The specific effect of oxygen is apprehended by use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).On one hand, our measurements confirm the gradual deterioration of cognitive performance by both psychometric tests and CFFF, which share a good degree of correlation (Pearson from 0.86 to 0.93) and on the other hand diver’s inability to assess themselves.The evolution of cognitive performance is characterized by an improvement when arriving at depth followed by a progressive impairment that persists for at least 30 minutes after surfacing.The more oxygen in the breathing mixture, the better improvement in the early part of the dive and the less impairment in the following measurements are observed. Brain functional imaging (NIRS) allows us to pair the observed cognitive performance improvement with oxygen-dependent brain activation.It seems that Oxygen is an important modulator of the symptoms of nitrogen narcosis. In accordance with the neurochemical theory of narcosis we suggest that the net effect on cerebral performance depends on a balance between the activating effects of oxygen and the inhibitory effects of nitrogen.

Traços de insensibilidade (callous) e afetividade restrita (unemotional) estão associados à característica essencial de comportamento antissocial na infância e adolescência. O Inventory of callous-unemotional traits (ICU), traduzido como Inventário de traços de insensibilidade e afetividade restrita, é um instrumento de autorrelato, com 24 itens, que mensura esses traços. No entanto, o ICU ainda não foi adaptado para o português falado no Brasil. O presente estudo tem por objetivo realizar a adaptação transcultural do ICU e verificar as evidências de validação psicométricas para adolescentes brasileiros. O estudo foi dividido em duas etapas: a primeira, de tradução, retradução, avaliação por comitê de especialistas e avaliação da clareza, da versão pré-final traduzida; e a segunda, a avaliação das evidências das seguintes propriedades psicométricas da versão final: validade de constructo, por meio da análise fatorial confirmatória (AFC) e exploratória (AFE); consistência interna via confiabilidade intra e interavaliadores; e validade de convergência através da correlação com o Questionário de Capacidades e Dificuldades – versão criança (SDQ-C). A amostra foi composta por adolescentes, entre 10 a 17 anos, de ambos os sexos, matriculados em quatro escolas da rede pública de ensino fundamental. A AFC foi embasada em oito modelos de estrutura fatorial, conforme estudos prévios de validação do ICU. O instrumento foi aplicado novamente em 40 alunos sorteados, com intervalo de 15 dias, para verificar a confiabilidade intra-avaliadores (teste-reteste). A pesquisa foi aprovada em Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa (CAEE nº 19651113.5.0000.5338). Após as considerações do comitê de especialistas e a aprovação do autor do ICU, 40 alunos avaliaram a clareza da versão pré-final e os termos considerados de menor entendimento foram adequados, concluindo-se, então, a etapa de adaptação transcultural. A versão final do ICU foi aplicada em 1307 estudantes, sendo 673(51,5%) do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 12,7(DP=1,68) anos. Os modelos fatoriais com melhores ajustes foram: o bifatorial adaptado de dois fatores de Hawes et al. (2014), e o bifatorial de três fatores de Waller et al. (2015). Os resultados das cargas fatoriais após AFE foi aceitável para ambos os modelos, sendo a versão breve (ICU-B) com um fator geral de 12 itens e dois fatores definidos como: insensibilidade (callous – 7 itens) e indiferença (uncaring – 5 itens). A versão do ICU com 18 itens também permaneceu com um fator geral e os três fatores definidos como: insensibilidade (callous – 9 itens), indiferença (uncaring – 4 itens) e afetividade restrita (unemotional – 5 itens). A consistência interna intra-avaliadores foi satisfatória, com coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC) >0,700, em ambos os modelos. A confiabiliadade interavaliadores foi considerada moderada, no fator geral, para o ICU com 12 itens (alfa Cronbach = 0,616) e o modelo ICU de 18 itens foi satisfatória (α= 0,700). Houve convergência do ICU com o SDQ-C, sendo as correlações significativas negativas (r >0,300) entre o domínio pró-social e correlação significativa positiva com o domínio conduta e hiperatividade. Após a realização da adaptação transcultural e a avaliação das evidências de validação psicométricas do ICU para adolescentes brasileiros, obteve-se dois modelos com bons ajustes: com 12 itens (ICU-B) e com 18 itens (ICU). O constructo, conforme foi determinado após as evidências de validação, poderá favorecer a detecção precoce de características psicopatológicas em adolescentes brasileiros e contribuir para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas no tema. / Callous and unemotional traits are associated with the essential characteristics of antisocial behavior in infancy and adolescence. The Inventory of Callous-unemotional traits (ICU) is a self-report instrument, with 24 items that measure those traits. However, ICU has not being adapted for brazilian portuguese yet. The aim of this study is to perform cross-cultural adaptation of the ICU and verify the psychometric evidences for Brazilian adolescents. This study was divided in two stages: the first part in translation, backtranslation, consideration of the committee of experts and clarity evaluation, of the prefinal translated version. The second stage is evidence evaluations of the following psychometric propriety of the final version: construct validity throughout confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA); internal consistency via inter and intra-rater reliability; and convergence validation through the correlation with the Strengths and Difficulty Questionnaire– child version (SDQ-C). The sample was made up of teenagers between 10 and 17 years old, both sex, enrolled in four public primary schools. The CFA was based in eight factor structure models, according to previous studies of ICU validation. The instrument was applied again in 40 students randomly selected, with an interval of 15 days to verify intra-rater reliability (test-retest). The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee (CAEE nº 19651113.5.0000.5338). After the committee’s considerations and the approval of ICU’s author, 40 students evaluated the clarity of the pre-final version and adapted the terms that were less comprehensible, concluding then the cross-cultural adaptation step. The final version of ICU was applied in 1307 students, being 673(51,5%) male, with mean of 12,7(SD= 1,68) years old. The factorial models with best adjustments were bifactors adapted of two factors by Hawes et al. (2014), and bifactor of three factors by Waller et al. (2015). The factor loading results after EFA were acceptable for both models, being the brief version (ICU-B) with a general factor of 12 items and two factors defined as: callous (7 items) and uncaring (5 items). The ICU version with 18 items also remained with a general factor and three factors defined as: callous (9 items), uncaring (4 items) and unemotional (5 items). Intra-rater consistency was satisfactory, with intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) >0,700 in both models. Interrater reliability was considered moderated, in general factor, for the ICU with 12 items (alfa Cronbach = 0,616) and the ICU model of 18 items was satisfactory (α=0,700). There was convergence between ICU and SDQ-C, being the negative significant correlation (r >0,300) between pro-social dominance and positive significant correlation with conduct dominance and hyperactivity. After the ICU’s cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric validation evidences adapted for Brazilian adolescents, two models were obtained with good adjustments: ICU-B (12 items) and ICU (18 items). The construct as determined by validation evidences might help in earlier detection of psychopathologic characteristics in brazilian adolescents and contribute to the development of researches in this subject. / Rasgos de insensibilidad (callous) y afectividad restricta (unemotional) se asocian a la característica esencial del comportamiento antisocial en la niñez y adolescencia. El Inventory of callous-unemotional traits (ICU), traducido como inventario de trazos de insensibilidad y afectividad restricta, es un instrumento de auto-relato, con 24 ítems, que mensura estos trazos. Sin embargo, el ICU todavía no fue adaptado para el portugués hablado en Brasil. El presente estudio tiene por objetivo realizar la adaptación transcultural del ICU y verificar las evidencias de validación psicométricas para adolescentes brasileños. El estudio se divide en dos etapas: la primera, de traducción, re-traducción, evaluación por comité de expertos y evaluación de claridad, de la versión pre-final traducida; y la segunda, la evaluación de las evidencias de las siguientes propiedades psicométricas de la versión final: validad del constructo, por medio del análisis factorial confirmatorio (AFC) y exploratorio (AFE); consistencia interna vía fiabilidad intra e inter-evaluadores; y validad de convergencia a través de la correlación con el cuestionario de capacidades y dificultades – versión para niños (SDQ-C). La muestra es compuesta por adolescentes, entre 10 a 17 años, de ambos los sexos, matriculados en cuatro escuelas públicas de enseñanza primaria. La AFC fue embazada en ocho modelos de estructura factorial, según estudios previos de evaluación del ICU. El instrumento se aplicó nuevamente en 40 alumnos sorteados, con intervalo de 15 días para verificar la fiabilidad intra-evaluadores (teste-reteste). La investigación fue aprobada en el Comité de Ética en Investigación (CAEE nº 19651113.5.0000.5338). Después de las consideraciones del comité de expertos y la aprobación del autor del ICU, 40 alumnos evaluaron la claridad de la versión pre-final y se adecuaron los términos considerados de menor entendimiento, concluyendo, de esa forma, la etapa de la adaptación transcultural. La versión final del ICU se aplicó en 1307 estudiantes, siendo 673(51,5%) del sexo masculino, con edad media de 12,7(DP= 1,68) años. Los modelos factoriales con mejores ajustes fueron: el bi-factorial adaptado de dos factores de Hawes et al. (2014), y el bi-factorial de tres factores de Waller et al. (2015). Los resultados de las cargas factoriales tras el AFE fue aceptable para ambos los modelos, siendo la versión breve (ICU-B) con un factor general de 12 ítems y dos factores definidos como: insensibilidad (callous - 7 ítems) y indiferencia (uncaring - 5 ítems). La versión del ICU con 18 ítems también se quedó con un factor general y tres factores definidos como: insensibilidad (callous – 9 ítems), indiferencia (uncaring – 4 ítems) y afectividad restricta (unemotional – 5 ítems). La consistencia interna intra-evaluadores fue satisfactoria, con coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC) >0,700 en ambos modelos, la fiabilidad inter-evaluadores se consideró moderada, el factor general para el ICU con 12 ítems (alfa Cronbach =0,616) e o modelo ICU de 18 ítems fue satisfactoria (=0,700). Hubo convergencia del ICU con el SDQ-C, siendo las correlaciones significativas negativas (r>0,300) entre el dominio pro-social y correlación significativa positiva con el dominio conducta e hiperactividad. Después de la realización de la adaptación transcultural y la evaluación de las evidencias de validación psicométricas del ICU para adolescentes brasileños, se obtuvo dos modelos con buenos ajustes: con 12 ítems (ICU-B) y con 18 ítems (ICU). El constructo conforme determinado tras las evidencias de validación podrá favorecer la detección precoz de características psicopatológicas en adolescentes brasileños y contribuir para el desarrollo de investigaciones en el tema.

INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes candidatos à cirurgia frequentemente experimentam estresse, condição que os torna suscetíveis a desfechos desfavoráveis como exacerbação de dor, maior consumo de analgésicos e anestésicos, aumento no tempo de hospitalização, maior risco de infecção pós- operatória e aumento no risco de cronificação da dor pós-operatória. Embora seja conhecido que a carga de estresse emocional negativa aumente a morbimortalidade perioperatória, faltam instrumentos práticos desenvolvidos para captar as emoções vinculadas a este contexto. OBJETIVOS: Desenvolver um instrumento breve para medir o estresse psicológico pré-operatório (B-MEPS), tornando possível identificar pacientes mais vulneráveis e assim otimizar medidas de controle. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Neste estudo transversal foram incluídos 863 pacientes (643 mulheres) agendados para cirurgia eletiva. Idade entre 18 a 60 anos, classificados de acordo com o estado físico da Sociedade Americana da Anestesiologia (ASA) nas classes I-III. Os seguintes instrumentos foram aplicados: o Inventário de Ansiedade Traço-Estado (IDATE), a Escala de Depressão de Montgomery-Asberg, o Self-Reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20) e o Questionário de Expectativa de Futuro (FSPQ). A fim de selecionar os itens mais discriminativos em relação ao estresse, realizou-se uma análise exploratória usando cada um dos instrumentos. Os critérios utilizados no processo de seleção dos itens, por meio da análise discriminante, foram os candidatos à cirurgia por patologia oncológica ou terem reportado dor pós-operatória moderada a intensa [escore na Escala Análogo-Visual (EAV) > 30 mm]. Neste processo foram selecionados 24 itens, os quais foram ajustados utilizando o modelo de crédito parcial generalizado (GPCM), que é um modelo da Teoria de Resposta ao Item (TRI). A partir do GPCM foram selecionados 16 itens. A validade de face foi realizada por um Comitê de especialistas em medicina perioperatória. Os escores do B-MEPS foram correlacionados com o nível de dor reportado na EAV, na maior parte do tempo das primeiras 24 h do período pós-operatório e com o consumo de morfina pós-operatória quantificado em mg/dia. Esta versão refinada do B-MEPS foi aplicada a 40 pacientes (20 mulheres), ASA II-III, candidatos à cirurgia eletiva. Os escores da B-MEPS foram correlacionados com questões cuja valência semântica apresenta situações que expressam a interferência do estresse na vida diária. RESULTADOS: Inicialmente 24 itens com diferentes números de categorias ordinais foram selecionados a partir dos quatros instrumentos. No processo da GPCM, que objetivou dentre outras finalidades maximizar a confiabilidade, foi realizada a eliminação sequencial de itens internamente inconsistentes. Este processo foi finalizado quando não se observou melhora no nível de consistência nos 16 itens remanescentes, cujo coeficiente alfa de Cronbach foi de 0,83. A TRI propôs modificações nos itens de resposta pelas características das categorias nas Curvas de Resposta ao Item. A curva que avalia a relação entre a localização do conteúdo de traços latentes dos itens sugere que estes apresentam melhor desempenho para identificar níveis de estresse mais levados. O desempenho do conjunto final de itens foi correlacionado com variáveis clínicas relacionadas ao estresse emocional perioperatório como dor (r = 0,23, P < 0,01) e consumo de morfina (r = 0,17, P < 0,01). Um Comitê de experts em medicina perioperatória (N = 30) avaliou a clareza dos itens do B-MEPS usando uma escala análogo-visual de zero a 10. A média global do conjunto de itens foi 8.53 (1,54) e por sugestão deste Comitê o item 16 foi eliminado por falta de clareza. Dois itens do SRQ-20, que apresentavam possibilidade respostas dicotômicas, passaram a ter três possibilidades de respostas. Os escores da versão final preliminar do B-MEPS foram correlacionados com questões cuja valência semântica apresenta situações que expressam a interferência do estresse na vida diária, respondidas por pacientes candidatos à cirurgia eletiva, visando uma validação concorrente preliminar. CONCLUSÃO: Nosso estudo permitiu construir o B-MEPS, que é o resultado do refinamento do conjunto de itens selecionados a partir de instrumentos clássicos para avaliar a carga emocional negativa, a partir da TRI. O conjunto de itens remanescentes apresentou satisfatório nível de consistência interna e o seu escore está correlacionado ao nível de dor. A validação de face e uma pré-validação concorrente preliminar foram realizadas. Este estudo, portanto, concretiza a validação preliminar do B-MEPS como um instrumento útil para ser validado em futuro estudo prospectivo, com o intuito de avaliar a capacidade do B-MEPS predizer desfechos clínicos e orientar o planejamento de intervenções que possam para maximizar o cuidado perioperatório. Embora, este instrumento ainda possa sofrer pequenos ajustes ou adições de algum item após nova analise de TRI prevista após estudo prospectivo com grande numero de pacientes. / INTRODUCTION: Patients who are candidates for surgery often undergo stress, a condition that makes them susceptible to unfavorable outcomes, such as exacerbated pain, greater consumption of analgesic and anesthetics, longer stay in hospital, greater risk of postoperative infection and increased risk of chronification of postoperative pain. Although it is known that the amount of negative emotional stress increases perioperative morbidity and mortality, not many practical instruments have been developed to pick up the emotions connected to this context.. OBJECTIVES: To develop a brief instrument to measure preoperative emotional stress (B-MEPS), enabling the identification of more vulnerable patients and thus optimizing control measures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 843 patients were included (643 women) scheduled for elective surgery, age between 18 and 60 years, classified according to the physical status of the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) in classes I-III. The following instruments were applied: the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale, the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20 and the Questionnaire on Expectations for the Future (FSPQ) Future self-perception questionnaire. In order to select the most discriminative items regarding stress, an exploratory analysis was performed using each of the instruments, The criteria used in the process of selecting the items, by means of discriminant analysis, are that they were candidates for surgery due to an oncological pathology, or that they had reported moderate to intense postoperative pain [score on the Analogue-Visual Scale AVS > 30 mm]. In this process 24 items were selected which were adjusted using the generalized partial credit model (GPCM), which is a model of the Theory of Response to Item (TRI). Sixteen items were selected based on the GPCM. The face validity was performed by a Committee of specialists in perioperative medicine. The B-MEPS scores were correlated with the level of pain reported in the AVS, mostly in the first 24 hours of the postoperative period, and with the consumption of morphine postoperatively, quantified as mg/day. This refined version of B-MEPS was applied to 40 ASA II-III patients (20 women) who were candidates for elective surgery. The B-MEPS scores were correlated with questions whose semantic valence present situations that express the interference of stress in everyday life. RESULTS: Initially, 24 items with different numbers of ordinal categories were selected based on the four instruments. In the GPCM process which, among other goals included maximizing reliability, the sequential elimination of internally inconsistent items was performed. This process was finalized, when no improvement was found in the level of consistency in the 16 remaining items, whose Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was 0.83. The TRI proposed modifications in the response items due to the characteristics of the categories in the Curves of Response to the Item. The curve that evaluates the relationship between the location of the content of latent traits of the items suggests that these present a better performance to identify higher levels of stress. The performance of the final set of items was correlated with clinical variables related to perioperative emotional stress, such as pain (r = 0.23, P < 0.01) and consumption of morphine (r = 0.17, P < 0.01). A Committee of experts in perioperative medicine (N=30) evaluated the clarity of the items of B-MEPS using an analogue-visual scale from zero to 10.. The global mean of the set of items was 8.53 (1,54) and per suggestion of this Committee, item 16 was eliminated due to lack of clarity. Two items of the SRQ-20, which presented the possibility of dichotomous answers acquired three possible answers. The scores of the preliminary final version of B-MEPS were correlated with questions whose semantic valence presents situations that express the interference of stress in everyday life, answered by patients who were candidates to elective surgery, aiming at a preliminary concurrent validation. CONCLUSION: Our study allowed constructing B-MEPS, which is the result of the refinement of the set of items selected from classical instruments to evaluate the negative emotional load based on TRI. The set of remaining items presented a satisfactory level of internal consistency and its score is correlated with the level of pain. Face validation and a preliminary concurrent pre-validation were performed. This study, thus, materializes the preliminary validation of B-MEPS as a useful instrument to be validated in a future prospective study, aiming at evaluating the capacity of B-MEPS to predict clinical outcomes and guide the planning of interventions that can maximize perioperative care. However, this instrument may still undergo small adjustments or additions of some item after a new TRI analysis foreseen after a prospective study with a large number of patients.

Le brillant est un attribut de l'apparence visuelle. Il s'agit d'une construction du système visuel, basée sur le signal optique en provenance d’une surface et capté par l'œil. Les développements récents en spectrophotométrie fondamentale ont produit des instruments à même de mesurer la réflexion lumineuse avec une acuité égale à celle du système visuel humain. Une description transverse, visuelle et optique, d'un même ensemble d'échantillons est maintenant possible. Dans ce travail, nous construisons via des procédés sol-gel une échelle de brillant métrologique multivariée en termes de topologie de surface, indice de réfraction, teinte et niveaux de brillant. Cette échelle est caractérisée par la suite en rugosité, en indice de brillant spéculaire et en BRDF. Nous présentons les techniques de mesure et les corrections employées sur ConDOR, notre goniospectrophotomètre dédié à la mesure haute résolution du pic spéculaire. Au terme de cette étude, l'instrument présente une résolution angulaire de 0,014°, la meilleure résolution atteinte à ce jour, deux fois inférieure à celle du système visuel humain. La dynamique est de 6,5 décades. ConDOR est employé pour mesurer les BRDF de plusieurs échantillons brillants issus de différentes échelles. Elles sont étudiées et les discutées. Un premier lien entre rugosité et BRDF est esquissé. Nous étudions finalement en nous basant sur une échelle de référence de brillant deux aspects de sa perception : l’effet d'un changement d'angle solide d'illumination et l’effet du réalisme de l'environnement d'observation. Nos résultats montrent que le système visuel est plus sensible aux variations de brillant dans des conditions d'observations réalistes, tant en matière d'éclairage que d'environnement. L’effet est particulièrement prononcé pour les échantillons mats. Les conditions moins réalistes ou moins naturelles peuvent mener les observateurs à la confusion. / Gloss is a visual appearance attribute. It is a construction from the visual system built on the optical signal from a surface and sensed by the eye. Recent developments in fundamental spectrophotometry lead to instruments able to measure luminous reflection with an acuity equal to the visual system in terms of angular resolution and dynamic. A cross-discipline description between optics and vision is now possible on a same set of samples. In this work, we build through sol-gel process a metrological gloss scale. It is multivariate in terms of surface topology, refractive indices, hue and gloss levels. This scale is then characterized in roughness, specular gloss and BRDF. We expose the measurement techniques and corrections used on our goniospectrophotomer ConDOR. This instrument is dedicated to high resolution measurement of specular peaks. By the end of this study, Condor has reached an angular resolution of 0.014°, the smaller achieved until now, twice better than the human visual system acuity. The dynamic range extends over 6.5 decades. ConDOR is used to measure BRDF of several glossy samples from different scales. These measurements are studied and discussed. A first link between roughness and BRDF is drawn.Using a reference gloss scale, we finally study two aspects of gloss perception: both effects of a change in the solid angle of illumination and in the observation environment realism. Our results indicate that the visual system is more sensitive to gloss variations under realistic conditions as well in lighting as in environment. This effect is particularly noticeable on matt samples. Lesser realistic or lesser natural conditions could lead observers to confusion.