As diretrizes nacionais e internacionais de avaliação psicológica remetem à necessidade de constante atualização dos dados psicométricos dos instrumentos utilizados na prática profissional. Dentre os métodos projetivos de avaliação psicológica, com uso promissor, encontra-se o Teste das Pirâmides Coloridas de Pfister, porém seus dados normativos referentes às últimas três décadas não englobam a faixa etária da adolescência. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo objetivou caracterizar e sistematizar normas avaliativas do Pfister para adolescentes, buscando otimizar a utilização desse método projetivo no Brasil. Buscouse, ainda, verificar possíveis influências do sexo, da idade e da origem escolar nos resultados nesse método projetivo. Foram avaliados 180 participantes de 12 a 14 anos de idade, de ambos os sexos, provenientes de escolas públicas e particulares do interior do Estado de São Paulo, todos voluntários, com relato de pais/responsáveis informando sinais de desenvolvimento típico (não pacientes). Após consentimento formal para a pesquisa, os adolescentes foram individualmente avaliados por meio do Teste de Inteligência Não-Verbal INV (forma C - para controle do nível intelectual dos participantes, aceitando-se na amostra aqueles com desempenho mínimo equivalente ao percentil 25) e pelo Teste de Pfister, seguindo-se orientações técnicas de seus manuais. Os dados deste estudo focalizam-se nas variáveis do Teste de Pfister, a saber: frequências das cores, das síndromes cromáticas, do aspecto formal, execução e fórmula cromática, comparando-os (Teste t de Student, p<=0,05) aos dados normativos disponíveis de 1978 (adolescentes) e 2005 (adultos não pacientes), de modo a evidenciar, empiricamente, a especificidade de referenciais normativos para adequada avaliação psicológica de adolescentes no contexto contemporâneo. Os resultados médios da amostra presentemente avaliada foram os seguintes, em termos descritivos: Azul (18,6%), Verde (15,7%), Vermelho (15,0%), Violeta (12,8%), Branco (8,9%), Amarelo (8,7%), Laranja (7,0%), Preto (6,9%), Marrom (3,0%), Cinza (2,8%) e as síndromes: Síndrome Normal=49,5%, Síndrome Fria=47,2%, Síndrome Estímulo=30,8%, Síndrome Dinamismo=27,6% e Síndrome Incolor=18,7%. Com relação ao aspecto formal, houve predomínio de tapetes (49,4%), em seguida formações (36,5%) e, por último, estruturas (14,1%), na grande maioria executadas com ordenação (77,8%), algumas de modo metódico (17,8%) e outras desordenadas (4,4%). As fórmulas cromáticas mostraram-se assim distribuídas: a) em amplitude: Ampla (69,4%), Moderada (21,7%) e Restrita (8,9%), b) em variabilidade: flexíveis (55,6%), instáveis (27,2%) e estáveis (17,2%). Houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas em função do sexo e da origem escolar dos adolescentes, com poucas especificidades em função dos anos de idade na faixa etária aqui avaliada. A comparação estatística entre dados atuais e de 1978 também identificou diferenças estatisticamente significativas no tocante às seguintes escolhas cromáticas: verde, violeta, laranja, amarelo, marrom, preto, branco e cinza, além das síndromes estímulo e incolor. Comparando-se com a amostra de 2005, evidenciaram-se diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas cores: vermelho, verde, violeta, laranja, marrom e preto, e também em todas as síndromes, exceto a síndrome fria. Desses resultados, pode-se extrair que existem diferenças entre os resultados atuais (adolescentes avaliados em 2011) e a amostra de 1978 (adolescentes) e 2005 (adultos), tornando-se indispensável a atualização dos dados normativos do Pfister, como pretendido no presente estudo, fortalecendo suas justificativas e sua utilização prática em processos de avaliação psicológica (CAPES e FAPESP). / The national and international guidelines for psychological evaluation suggest the need for constant updating of psychometric data of the instruments used in professional practice. Among the projective methods of psychological assessment, with promising use, is the Pfister Color Pyramid Test, but its normative data concerning the last three decades do not include the age of adolescence. In this context, the present study aimed to characterize and systematize Pfister\'s evaluative standards for teenagers, seeking to optimize the use of this projective method in Brazil. We also tried to verify influences of sex, age and school origin in the results of this projective method. A total of 180 participants from 12 to 14 years old, of both sexes, from public and private schools in the country of the state of São Paulo, all volunteers, with reports of parents / guardians informing signals of typical development (not patients). After informed consent for research, adolescents were individually assessed using the Test of Nonverbal Intelligence INV (form C - to control the intellectual level of the participants, accepting the sample those with minimal performance equivalent to percentile of 25%) and the Pfister Test, followed by their manuals technical guidance. Data from this study focus on the variables of the Pfister test, namely frequency of colors, chromatic syndromes, the formal aspect, execution and chromatic formula, comparing them (Student t test, p <= 0.05) to normative data available from 1978 (adolescents) and 2005 (adult non patients) in order to demonstrate empirically the specificity of normative references for proper psychological assessment of adolescents in the contemporary context. The average results of the sample currently assessed were the following, in descriptive terms: Blue (18.6%), Green (15.7%), Red (15.0%), Violet (12.8%), White (8 9%), Yellow (8.7%), Orange (7.0%), Black (6.9%), Brown (3.0%), Grey (2.8%) and syndromes: Normal Syndrome = 49.5%, Cold Syndrome = 47.2%, Stimulus Syndrome = 30.8%, Dynamism Syndrome = 27.6% and Syndrome Colorless = 18.7%. Regarding the formal aspect, there was a predominance of carpets (49.4%), then formations (36.5%) and lastly, structures (14.1%), the vast majority executed with ordering (77.8% ), some methodically (17.8%) and others disordered (4.4%). The chromatic formulas distributed as follows: a) amplitude: wide (69.4%), moderate (21.7%) and restricted (8.9%), b) variability: flexible (55.6%) unstable (27.2%) and stable (17.2%). There were statistically significant differences by sex and school origin in the adolescents, with few specifics depending on the age of the age group evaluated here. The statistical comparison between the 1978 and current data also identified statistically significant differences in the following chromatic choices: green, violet, orange, yellow, brown, black, white and gray, plus syndromes stimulus and colorless. Compared with the 2005 sample, showed up statistically significant differences in colors: red, green, violet, orange, brown and black, and also in all syndromes except the cold syndrome. From these results, one can draw that there are differences between the current results (adolescents assessed in 2011) and the sample of 1978 (adolescents) and 2005 (adults), making it necessary to update the normative data of the Pfister, as intended in this study , strengthening their justifications and their practical use in cases of psychological assessment (CAPES and FAPESP).

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar traços de personalidade em atletas brasileiros, de diferentes modalidades esportivas, por meio da teoria de personalidade dos Cinco Grandes Fatores. Os atletas foram submetidos ao teste Bateria Fatorial de Personalidade - BFP. Participaram do estudo 613 atletas, de 7 modalidades, entre elas, Atletismo, Futebol, Futebol de base, Rugby, Rugby olímpico, Tênis de mesa olímpico e paraolímpico. Os resultados demonstraram que o teste apresentou nível satisfatório de precisão na maioria de suas variáveis relacionadas aos cinco grandes fatores, com exceção do fator Abertura. Já em relação as facetas, das variáveis investigadas, apenas 4 facetas apresentaram níveis satisfatórios de precisão, quanto a amostra geral esportiva. Também foram verificadas alterações da confiabilidade dos resultados quando do agrupamento por modalidades, alternando fatores e facetas com níveis de precisão satisfatórios. Foram realizados estudos de diferenças de média por t de Student, análise de variância ANOVA e Tukey da diferença honestamente significativa HSD. São apresentados estudos de comparação entre as modalidades investigadas e uma pesquisa em um processo de seleção de um programa de atletismo. As análise sugeriram não haver um perfil comum de personalidade do atleta, sendo verificado variáveis investigadas no teste que se diferem em amostras de atletas se comparado à normatização do teste, e também fatores e facetas da personalidade que se diferem entre modalidades esportivas. De maneira que são encontrados traços em comum no grupo de esportistas, tais como, rebaixada instabilidade emocional, índices medianos mais baixos em socialização e também rebaixado em abertura para novas experiências. No outro sentido, os atletas apresentaram médias mais elevadas em extroversão e interações sociais e também no fator Realização, apesar da baixa magnitude de diferença, porém significativas estatisticamente. Concluiu-se que os achados não foram suficientes para a afirmação da existência de um perfil comum de atleta, nem para o sentido de um perfil médio em razão das diferenças entre modalidades. Sugere-se que mais estudos sejam realizados com instrumentos de investigação de personalidade em esportistas, buscando uma maior compreensão psíquica e emocional dos atletas, considerando os determinantes das modalidades esportivas, em situações específicas de jogo, treinos e em momentos de competição, de maneira a contribuir com treinadores, equipes técnicas e sobretudo com os próprios atletas / The aim of this study was to assess personality traits in Brazilian athletes of different sports, through the theory of the Big Five Personality Factors. The evaluation of athletes in these factors and their facets was performed using the Battery Factor Personality Test. 613 athletes participated in the study, divided into seven types of sport, including, Athletics, Football, grassroots Football, Rugby, Rugby Olympic, Paralympic and Olympic Tennis table. The results showed satisfactory level of confiability in most of its variables related to the Big Five factors, with the exception of Opening factor. Regarding the facets of the variables investigated, only 4 facets showed satisfactory levels of confiability in the sport overall sample. Changes in the reliability of the results when the grouping arrangements were also verified by alternating factors and facets with satisfactory levels of confiability. Were performed studies of mean differences by Student t test, ANOVA and Tukey\'s honestly significant difference variance. Studies comparing certain modalities and a research in the process of selecting an athletics program are presented. The analysis not suggested that there a common personality profile athlete, confirmed the test variables investigated that differ in samples of athletes compared to the standardization of the test, and also the personality factors and facets that differ between types sports. So that traces are found in common in the group of athletes, such as lower median rates in emotional instability, lower median rates in socialization and also relegated in openness to new experiences. In another sense, the athletes had higher means on extroversion and social interactions and also the Conscienctiousness factor, despite the low magnitude of difference, though statistically significant. It was concluded that the findings were not sufficient to affirm the existence of a common profile athlete, nor the sense of an average profile due to differences between types of sports. It is suggested that further studies be carried out with instruments of investigation of personality in sports, seeking greater mental and emotional understanding of athletes, considering the determinants of sports in specific game situations, and training in times of competition, so that contributing coaches, technical staff and especially with athletes

Submitted by William Justo Figueiro (williamjf) on 2015-07-28T22:21:19Z No. of bitstreams: 1 34d.pdf: 527027 bytes, checksum: 3a2994f6e833591e621767e0894712b3 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-28T22:21:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 34d.pdf: 527027 bytes, checksum: 3a2994f6e833591e621767e0894712b3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009 / Nenhuma / Arma de fogo tem sido um tema amplamente discutido na literatura científica. Entretanto, pouquíssima atenção vem sendo dada aos aspectos motivacionais e psicológicos do seu uso. Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um instrumento capaz de investigar as atitudes motivacionais de adultos com relação às armas de fogo. Foram realizados dois estudos. No Estudo I, foi feita uma revisão das escalas existentes na literatura internacional juntamente com grupos focais com civis e militares sobre a motivação para o uso de armas. A partir daí, foi criado um modelo que continha quatro fatores: “Arma como Risco”, “Arma como Proteção”, “Direito ao Porte de Arma” e “Exposição” e elaborados itens que os contemplasse. Cada item foi analisado por três juízes quanto à sua semântica, clareza e pertinência teórica. Baseando-se na concordância e notas atribuídas pelos juízes, foram selecionados 51 itens que formaram a primeira versão da Escala Motivacional para o Porte de Arma (EMPA). No Estudo II, a EMPA foi aplicada em 550 respondentes, sendo 258 homens (46,90%) e 292 mulheres (53.10%). A idade variou de 18 a 86 anos (Média= 28 anos, DP= 13,75 anos). A aplicação foi coletiva e o projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Os dados foram analisados por meio de análise fatorial exploratória com o método dos componentes principais e rotação Varimax para quatro fatores, conforme modelo desenvolvido no Estudo I. Posteriormente foram feitas análises fatoriais confirmatórias. Após a retirada de alguns itens (devido à baixa saturação e comunalidade), obteve-se uma solução com 36 itens, índice KMO=0.91 e Teste de Bartlett significativo. O modelo explicou 48% da variância com os fatores “Arma como Proteção” (13 itens), “Arma como Risco” (11 itens), “Direito” (cinco itens) e “Exposição” (sete itens). Os resultados da análise fatorial confirmatória apoiaram a estrutura da EMPA encontrada na análise fatorial exploratória. Todas as relações entre as variáveis latentes e observadas foram significativas, indicando que o fator contribui para a explicação da variância do item. Foram observadas também correlações entre os fatores. Quanto maior a intensidade no fator “Proteção” e “Direito” menor são o “Risco” e a “Exposição”. Da mesma maneira, quanto maior a variável “Risco” e “Exposição”, menor o “Direito”. Os escores da EMPA foram analisados com relação ao sexo, estado civil e experiência com arma de fogo. Os resultados mostram índices psicométricos de validade e fidedignidade satisfatórios para a EMPA, indicando que o instrumento poderá auxiliar futuramente no processo de avaliação psicológica para o porte de arma e em pesquisas. / Firearm has been a theme thoroughly discussed in the scientific literature. However, little attention has been given to the motivational and psychological aspects of its use. This study had as objective the development of an instrument capable of investigating the motivational attitudes of adults regarding firearms. Two studies were conducted. In the first Study, a review on the existent ranges in international literature was made along with focal groups made up of civilians and military relate to the motivation for using weapons. From then on, a model that contained four factors was created: “Weapon as a Risk”, “Weapon as Protection”, “Right to Carry a Weapon” and “Exhibition” and elaborated items to contemplate them. Each item was analyzed by three judges as for its semantics, clarity and theoretical pertinence. Based on the agreement and grades given by the judges, 51 items were selected which formed the first version of the Motivational Range for Carrying a Weapon (MRCW). In the second Study, MRCW was applied in 550 respondents, being 258 men (46,90%) and 292 women (53.10%). Ranging from 18 to 86 years old (Average = 28 years old, DP = 13,75 years old). The application was collective and the project was approved by the Committee of Ethics in Research. The data were analyzed through exploratory factorial analysis with the method of the main components and Varimax rotation for four factors, as the model developed in the first Study. Later empirical factorial analyses were made. After the retreat of some items (due to low saturation and commonality), a solution with 36 items was achieved, index of KMO=0.91 and significant Bartlett Test. The model explained 48% of the variance with the factors “Weapon as Protection” (13 items), “Weapon as a Risk” (11 items), “Right” (5 items) and “Exhibition” (7 items). The results of the empirical factorial analyses supported the MRCW structure found in the exploratory factorial analysis. All of the relationships among the latent and observed variables were significant, indicating that the factor contributed to the explanation of the variance of the item. Correlations among the factors were also observed. The higher the intensity in the factor “Protection” and “Right” the lower are “Risk” and “Exhibition.” In the same way, the higher the variable “Risk” and “Exhibition”, the lower is “Right.” The scores of MRCW were analyzed regarding the sex, marital status and experience with firearm. The results show psychometric indexes validity and loyalty satisfactory for MRCW, indicating that the instrument will hereafter be able to help in the process of psychological evaluation for the carrying of a weapon load and in researches.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar traços de personalidade em atletas brasileiros, de diferentes modalidades esportivas, por meio da teoria de personalidade dos Cinco Grandes Fatores. Os atletas foram submetidos ao teste Bateria Fatorial de Personalidade - BFP. Participaram do estudo 613 atletas, de 7 modalidades, entre elas, Atletismo, Futebol, Futebol de base, Rugby, Rugby olímpico, Tênis de mesa olímpico e paraolímpico. Os resultados demonstraram que o teste apresentou nível satisfatório de precisão na maioria de suas variáveis relacionadas aos cinco grandes fatores, com exceção do fator Abertura. Já em relação as facetas, das variáveis investigadas, apenas 4 facetas apresentaram níveis satisfatórios de precisão, quanto a amostra geral esportiva. Também foram verificadas alterações da confiabilidade dos resultados quando do agrupamento por modalidades, alternando fatores e facetas com níveis de precisão satisfatórios. Foram realizados estudos de diferenças de média por t de Student, análise de variância ANOVA e Tukey da diferença honestamente significativa HSD. São apresentados estudos de comparação entre as modalidades investigadas e uma pesquisa em um processo de seleção de um programa de atletismo. As análise sugeriram não haver um perfil comum de personalidade do atleta, sendo verificado variáveis investigadas no teste que se diferem em amostras de atletas se comparado à normatização do teste, e também fatores e facetas da personalidade que se diferem entre modalidades esportivas. De maneira que são encontrados traços em comum no grupo de esportistas, tais como, rebaixada instabilidade emocional, índices medianos mais baixos em socialização e também rebaixado em abertura para novas experiências. No outro sentido, os atletas apresentaram médias mais elevadas em extroversão e interações sociais e também no fator Realização, apesar da baixa magnitude de diferença, porém significativas estatisticamente. Concluiu-se que os achados não foram suficientes para a afirmação da existência de um perfil comum de atleta, nem para o sentido de um perfil médio em razão das diferenças entre modalidades. Sugere-se que mais estudos sejam realizados com instrumentos de investigação de personalidade em esportistas, buscando uma maior compreensão psíquica e emocional dos atletas, considerando os determinantes das modalidades esportivas, em situações específicas de jogo, treinos e em momentos de competição, de maneira a contribuir com treinadores, equipes técnicas e sobretudo com os próprios atletas / The aim of this study was to assess personality traits in Brazilian athletes of different sports, through the theory of the Big Five Personality Factors. The evaluation of athletes in these factors and their facets was performed using the Battery Factor Personality Test. 613 athletes participated in the study, divided into seven types of sport, including, Athletics, Football, grassroots Football, Rugby, Rugby Olympic, Paralympic and Olympic Tennis table. The results showed satisfactory level of confiability in most of its variables related to the Big Five factors, with the exception of Opening factor. Regarding the facets of the variables investigated, only 4 facets showed satisfactory levels of confiability in the sport overall sample. Changes in the reliability of the results when the grouping arrangements were also verified by alternating factors and facets with satisfactory levels of confiability. Were performed studies of mean differences by Student t test, ANOVA and Tukey\'s honestly significant difference variance. Studies comparing certain modalities and a research in the process of selecting an athletics program are presented. The analysis not suggested that there a common personality profile athlete, confirmed the test variables investigated that differ in samples of athletes compared to the standardization of the test, and also the personality factors and facets that differ between types sports. So that traces are found in common in the group of athletes, such as lower median rates in emotional instability, lower median rates in socialization and also relegated in openness to new experiences. In another sense, the athletes had higher means on extroversion and social interactions and also the Conscienctiousness factor, despite the low magnitude of difference, though statistically significant. It was concluded that the findings were not sufficient to affirm the existence of a common profile athlete, nor the sense of an average profile due to differences between types of sports. It is suggested that further studies be carried out with instruments of investigation of personality in sports, seeking greater mental and emotional understanding of athletes, considering the determinants of sports in specific game situations, and training in times of competition, so that contributing coaches, technical staff and especially with athletes

A avaliação psicológica da criança destaca a importância do estudo da dinâmica familiar que, embora imprescindível, não encerra em si o universo das relações com as quais a criança se vincula. Estudos sobre a avaliação psicológica, especialmente a partir do modelo compreensivo, apontam à necessidade de se considerar a integração de aspectos intrapsíquicos, familiares e sociais. A análise dos aspectos sócio-ambientais, apesar de relevantes diante da queixa escolar, mostra-se pouco sistematizada. O presente estudo teve como objetivos identificar e comparar os processos psicodiagnóstico de crianças com idades entre 7 e 10 anos, com queixa escolar em dois momentos históricos distintos, 1983 e 2001 e descrever e propor estratégias complementares à prática diagnóstica, como a Visita Domiciliar e a Visita Escolar. Para a comparação histórica foram analisados 164 prontuários de clientes atendidos em uma Clínica-Escola, em termos de freqüência absoluta (fa) e freqüência relativa (fr). Destes, 116 (70,73%) foram de casos atendidos em 1983 e 48 (29,23%) referiam-se a 2001. O procedimento utilizado na segunda etapa contou com a análise qualitativa de seis estudos de caso envolvendo a queixa escolar, nos quais foram descritas as Visitas Domiciliar e Escolar. Os resultados da análise documental indicaram que, apesar do crescente desenvolvimento das técnicas e procedimentos para o diagnóstico psicológico, poucas mudanças ocorreram num período de 18 anos, no que se refere à seqüência do processo, aos instrumentos utilizados e ao número de sessões, num período de 18 anos. Observou-se o predomínio da avaliação focalizada na criança e em suas dificuldades. Estes dados subsidiaram a proposição de estratégias complementares, como a visita familiar e a escolar, que sustentadas pelo raciocínio clínico, atingiram a dimensão do social. Assim, a totalidade dos casos apresentados ilustrou como o uso das visitas poderia contribuir fornecendo dados para uma leitura diagnóstica mais contextualizada, e conseqüentemente para o embasamento da entrevista devolutiva, adequando-a a realidade da criança, da família e da escola. A utilização desses procedimentos, não substituiu, nem prevaleceu sobre outros recursos, tampouco se constituiu num procedimento padrão, cabível a qualquer tipo de queixa. Mas, em conjunto com as demais técnicas, possibilitou ampliar a compreensão diagnóstica por meio da observação direta dos espaços de significação da criança com queixa escolar. / The psychological evaluation of the child stresses the importance of studying the familiar dynamics as an indispensable procedure, though it does not confine in itself the whole universe of relationships linked to the child. Studies on psychological evaluation, particularly the ones based on a comprehensive model, point to the need of considering the integration of psychological, familiar and social aspects. However, the analysis of social and environmental aspects regarding child’s difficulties in school is scarcely systematized, in spite of its importance. This study examined cases of psychodiagnosis of children with school difficulties aged between 7 and 10, in two different periods of time, in 1983 and in 2001. It aimed to describe and propose strategies complementing diagnostic procedures, as the Home Visit and the School Visit. In order to proceed to a historical comparison, the study analyzed 164 files of a School-Clinic, in terms of absolute and relative frequencies, of which 116 ((70,73%) were from 1983, and 48 (29,23%) from 2001. Following, the study did qualitative analysis of six cases of child’s difficulties in school, in which the Home Visits and School Visit proceedings are described. The results of the files analyses showed that, in spite of the growing development of techniques and other resources for the psychological diagnosis, few changes have occurred in a period of 18 years, concerning proceedings, tools and numbers of sessions. It was noticed the preponderance of an evaluation focused on the children and their difficulties only. The data substantiated the proposal of additional strategies as the Home Visit and the School Visit, thus reaching a social dimension enriched by the clinical reasoning. The totality of the cases presented showed how the visits could contribute with valuable information for a more contextualized diagnostic reading, and also for a more sustained return interview, making it more suitable to the reality of the child, the family and the school. The adoption of these proceedings did not replace, nor did it prevail over other resources. Also, these proceedings do not constitute a standard tool to be used in any kind of school complaint. But, together with the other proceedings, they helped to broaden the diagnostic understanding by allowing the direct observation of the spaces of significance for the child with school difficulties.

This paper presents the results of a study of dyscalculia. It is a retrospective archival study implemented with a deductive approach. On the basis of established research and theory 18 analytical categories were formulated, before a deductive thematic analysis of empirical material, consisting of journal data of 17 students investigated for dyscalculia, 14 girls (82.4%) and 3 boys (17.6%). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the concepts formulated in research on dyscalculia and actual mathematical difficulties as those found in practice of students at school. All pupils had early and long-term difficulties with mathematics, while not showing any difficulties in other subjects. Most have had an unsatisfactory learning environment. All had normal intelligence but difficulty with certain cognitive, self-regulatory and linguistic features. Difficulties persisted despite numerous and protracted relief efforts at school. The study highlights that some difficulties are more prominent than others in connection with dyscalculia. This applies particularly to working memory, automation, activity control, spatial functions, certain linguistic abilities, concentration, and executive functions. Pedagogical action adaptation had been completed for most of the students but did not show to have any noticible effect. One question that requires further research would be “ why adaptation does not give the desired effect.” / I denna uppsats redovisas resultatet av en studie av dyskalkyli. Det är en retrospektiv arkivstudie med en deduktiv ansats som genomförts. Med utgångspunkt i etablerad forskning och teoribildning formulerades 18 analytiska kategorier, före en deduktiv tematisk analys, på ett empiriskt material bestående av journaldata för 17 elever utredda med avseende på dyskalkylidiagnos, 14 flickor (82,4 %) och 3 pojkar (17,6 %). Syftet med studien var att undersöka förhållandet mellan de begrepp forskningen formulerat om dyskalkyli och faktiska matematiksvårigheter så som sådana visar sig i praktiken hos elever i skolan. Samtliga elever hade tidiga och långvariga svårigheter i matematik, men vanligen inte i andra ämnen. De flesta hade haft en otillfredsställande inlärningsmiljö. Alla hade normal intelligens men svårigheter med vissa kognitiva, självreglerande och språkliga funktioner. Svårigheterna kvarstod trots många och långvariga hjälpinsatser i skolan. Studien lyfter fram att vissa svårigheter är mer framträdande än andra i samband med dyskalkyli. Det gäller framförallt arbetsminne, automatisering, aktivitetsreglering, spatiala funktioner, vissa språkliga förmågor, koncentration och exekutiva funktioner. Pedagogisk åtgärdsanpassning hade genomförts för de flesta av eleverna men verkade inte ha haft någon större effekt. Varför åtgärdsanpassning inte ger avsedd effekt är ett problem som behöver undersökas vidare.

L’appropriation du feed-back a fait l’objet de plusieurs modèles théoriques en contexte d’évaluation de la performance, notamment par Ilgen, Fisher et Taylor (1979) qui suggèrent un modèle explicitant comment un feed-back en vient à susciter des changements comportementaux. Ce modèle a été repris dans divers domaines de recherche, sans pour autant être adapté en fonction du contexte spécifique dans lequel le feed-back était transmis. Cette thèse propose un modèle d’appropriation du feed-back inspiré des travaux d’Ilgen et al. (1979), mais reflétant les spécificités de l’évaluation du potentiel. Le modèle comporte trois étapes qui sont l’appropriation cognitive (composée de l’acceptation et de la conscientisation), l’intention d’agir dans le sens du feed-back et l’appropriation comportementale. La présente thèse se décompose en trois articles poursuivant les objectifs suivants : (1) Proposer un modèle théorique de l’appropriation du feed-back adapté au contexte de l’évaluation du potentiel. (2) Valider une mesure de l’appropriation cognitive combinant l’acceptation et la conscientisation. (3) Tester empiriquement le modèle d’appropriation du feed-back en contexte d’évaluation du potentiel. Le premier article vise d’abord à circonscrire les fondements de l’évaluation du potentiel et à définir l’appropriation du feed-back. Sur la base de ces informations, le modèle d’Ilgen et al. (1979) est ensuite revu et modifié. Les liens entre les différentes étapes du modèle sont subséquemment étayés par des théories et des études empiriques. L’article se conclue par une réflexion sur les retombées théoriques et pratiques du modèle revisité. L’objectif du second article consiste à développer et valider une mesure de l’appropriation cognitive incluant deux dimensions, à savoir l’acceptation et la conscientisation. Pour ce faire, deux études ont été menées auprès de candidats ayant reçu un feed-back suite à une évaluation du potentiel. Des analyses factorielles exploratoires (N = 111), puis des analyses factorielles confirmatoires (N = 178) ont été réalisées en ce sens. Chaque dimension de l’appropriation cognitive a également été mise en relation avec des variables critères afin de recueillir des éléments de preuve appuyant la validité de l’instrument. La majorité des indices obtenus confirment la présence des deux dimensions pressenties et des constats sont tirés sur la base de ces résultats. Le troisième article vise à vérifier empiriquement les liens anticipés entre les composantes du modèle d’appropriation du feed-back détaillé dans le premier article. Les deux premières étapes du modèle, soit l’appropriation cognitive et l’intention d’agir, ont été mesurées via un questionnaire complété immédiatement après le feed-back par 178 candidats. Ces derniers ont été sollicités trois mois plus tard afin de compléter un second questionnaire portant sur la dernière étape, l’appropriation comportementale, et 97 d’entre eux y ont répondu. Les résultats d’analyses par équations structurelles supportent le modèle et une discussion sur la portée de tels résultats s’en suit. / Feedback appropriation has been the subject of several theoretical models in the context of performance evaluation, namely by Ilgen, Fisher, and Taylor (1979), who proposed a model explaining how feedback elicits behavioural change. This model has been applied in various research areas, but has yet to be adapted to a specific context in which feedback is given. This thesis proposes a feedback appropriation model inspired by Ilgen et al. (1979) that reflects the specific characteristics of individual psychological assessment. The model is divided into three stages, which are cognitive appropriation (comprised of acceptance and insight), the intention to act in accordance with feedback, and behavioural appropriation. The present thesis includes three articles that pursue the following objectives: (1) Propose a theoretical model on feedback appropriation adapted to the context of individual psychological assessment. (2) Validation of a measure of cognitive appropriation, combining acceptance and insight. (3) Empirical testing of the model of feedback appropriation in the context of individual psychological assessment. The first article presents the nature of individual psychological assessment practice and seeks to define feedback appropriation in this context. Thereafter, Ilgen et al.’s (1979) feedback model is reviewed and modified based on psychological individual assessment context. Support for links between the different stages of the model are subsequently shown using various theories and empirical studies. The article concludes with a reflection on the theoretical and practical implications of the revised model. The goal of the second article is to develop and validate a measure of cognitive appropriation that includes two dimensions, acceptance and insight. This was accomplished by way of two studies conducted on candidates having received feedback following an individual psychological assessment. Exploratory factor analyses (N= 111), followed by confirmatory factor analyses (N= 178) were conducted. Links between each dimension of cognitive appropriation and key variables were tested in order to support the validity of the instrument. The results confirmed the presence of both proposed dimensions, and observations based on these findings are discussed. The third article seeks to empirically verify the anticipated relationships between elements of the feedback appropriation model outlined in the first article. The first two stages of the model, cognitive appropriation and intention to act, were measured using a questionnaire completed immediately following feedback received by 178 candidates. These participants were solicited three months later in order to complete a second questionnaire concerning the third stage, behavioural appropriation, 97 of which responded. Structural equation analyses supported the model and a discussion on the significance of these results follows.

One of the great challenges for positive psychology is that academics, researchers and authors are yet to reach agreement on the terminology, constructs and methodology of the various positive psychological concepts and interventions. One such concept that has been ambiguously and often inconsistently conceptualised is happiness. Interventions that are structured around these conceptualisations have produced mixed results, which are attributable to various aspects such as the unidimensional conceptualisation of the concept, inconsistent measurement, psychometric measuring instruments that have not been validated for the population in question, and fragmented intervention methodologies. Research was, therefore, needed regarding happiness and the development of interventions aimed at increasing happiness. Therefore, this thesis aimed to investigate the concept, manifestation, measurement and development of happiness and positive psychological interventions (PPIs) within a tertiary educational environment. A mixed method research approach was followed to reach the research objectives. The first study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of positive psychological assessment measures, and to determine the relationship between flourishing and academic performance within a tertiary educational institution. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used to address this objective. The Mental Health Continuum Long Form, Positive and Negative Affect Scale and Satisfaction with Life Scale were administered and indicated acceptable levels of internal consistency. The MHC-LF would need to be adapted for future studies within the tertiary educational environment. No significant correlations could be established between academic performance and flourishing. However, cross-tabulation indicated some evidence of the impact that flourishing/languishing had on academic performance. Individuals with moderate levels of flourishing typically performed in the „above average‟ to „excelling academically‟ range. Languishing individuals performed at the lower levels of the academic performance spectrum. The results indicated that a large number of individuals within this tertiary educational environment were languishing. Flourishing students experienced higher levels of positive affect and satisfaction with life, as well as lower levels of negative affect than their languishing and moderately flourishing counterparts. The second study aimed to investigate the main streams of research on happiness, the approaches/models flowing from these philosophies and the methodology of happiness interventions. A quantitative meta-analysis of the literature was used to address the aforementioned research objective. Seeing that the literature presents with such incongruent findings regarding the effectiveness of PPIs, research was needed to establish how happiness should be conceptualised, which moderating factors should be addressed in this conceptualisation, and what the content of PPIs should be. A qualitative meta-analysis of the literature indicated that happiness is approached from either a hedonic, eudaimonic or integrated approach. These philosophies gave birth to a stream of scientific literature regarding happiness and its various conceptualisations, namely (a) Subjective well-being; (b) Hedonic well-being; (c) Eudaimonic well-being; (d) Psychological well-being; (e) Flourishing, and (f) Authentic happiness. Furthermore, the results highlighted three causes for failing interventions: (a) unidimensional models/approaches towards happiness, (b) targeting the concept of happiness instead of the mediating factors; and (c) fragmented methodological interventions. The study suggested a multidimensional model for happiness and happiness interventions. Furthermore, the study proposed a multifaceted methodology for happiness interventions, comprising self-administered intentional activities, group-administered interventions and individual coaching. The third study aimed to evaluate a PPI aimed at increasing happiness of students in a tertiary educational institution. A longitudinal pre-experimental research design was used to address the aforementioned research objective. Qualitative data were used to explore the findings further. The results indicated that the overall happiness of a student may be increased through developing individuals on both an emotional and psychological level. The results showed some scientific merit to a multifaceted approach towards PPIs. The PPI affected all the aspects conceptualised in this study except for two components of authenticity, namely authentic behaviour and relational orientations. / PhD, Industrial Psychology, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2012

This study investigates the concurrent and predictive validity of Power Management (PM), a newly developed online integrative therapeutic assessment. PM consists of a self-report personality inventory, the Relational Modality Evaluation Scale (RMES), a series of self-guided narrative prompts, and a detailed follow-up score-report. The study had three aims: (1) to evaluate the convergent validity of the RMES in relation to the Big Five Inventory-10 (BFI-10) and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems Short-Circumplex (IIP-SC), (2) to investigate the test re-test reliability of the RMES, and (3) to investigate the therapeutic benefits of PM by comparing it with narrative and mindfulness self-guided interventions over time, on outcome measures evaluating affect, insight, psychopathology, well-being, self-esteem, ability to change, and personal relevance. Aim 3 was investigated using a short-term longitudinal design, in which outcome measures were administered at baseline (before interventions), immediately following interventions (post), and two weeks later (follow-up). The sample was recruited online through Mechanical Turk and at baseline included 82 men and 101 women, mean age = 35.82 years (SD = 9.61). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three interventions: PM (42 men, 56 women), narrative writing (26 men, 25 women), and mindfulness (14 men, 20 women). For Aim 1, partial correlations, controlling for demographics, identified statistically significant relationships between RMES, BFI-10, and IIP-SC subscales predicting personality constructs with high agency and high affiliation, high agency and low affiliation, low agency and high affiliation, low agency and low affiliation, as well as psychopathology. For Aim 2, The RMES showed strong test re-test reliability over a two-week period (r = .84, p < .000). For Aim 3, mixed-model repeated-measures ANOVAs indicated that the PM group had statistically significantly higher scores on outcome measures reflecting increased psychological well-being, insight, and motivation for change compared to the other groups. Scores improved between baseline and post for most psychotherapy outcome constructs across interventions. Gender mostly did not moderate results. Results suggest that PM is a promising therapeutic assessment worthy of further investigation. Mindfulness and narrative writing also showed evidence of effectiveness as delivered in an online format.

The services that define our personal and professional lives are increasingly accessed through digital devices, which store extensive records of our behaviour. An individual's psychological profile can be accurately assessed using offline behaviour, and I investigate if an automated machine learning system can measure the same psychological factors, only from observing the footprints of online behaviour, without observing any offline behaviour or any direct input from the individual. Prior research shows that psychological traits such as personality can be predicted using these digital footprints, although current state-of-the-art accuracy is below psychometric standards of reliability and self-reports consistently outperform machine-ratings in external validity. I introduce a new machine learning system that is capable of doing five-factor personality assessments, as well as other psychological assessments, from online data as accurately as self-report questionnaires in terms of reliability, internal consistency and external and discriminant validity, and demonstrate that passive psychological assessment can be a realistic option in addition to self-report questionnaires for both research and practice. Achieving this goal is not possible using conventional dimensionality reduction and linear regression models. Here I develop a supervised dimensionality reduction method capable of intelligently selecting only useful parts of data for the relevant prediction at hand which also does not lose variance when eliminating redundancies. In the learning stage, instead of linear regression models, I use an ensemble of decision trees which are able to distinguish scenarios where the same observations on digital data can mean different things for different individuals. This work highlights the interesting idea that similar to how a human expert who is able to assess personality from offline behaviour, an expert machine learning system is able to assess personality from online behaviour. It also demonstrates that big-5 personality are predictors of how predictable users are in social media, with neuroticism having the greatest correlation with unpredictability, while openness having the greatest correlation with predictability.