Rumination and depression in Chinese university students: The mediating role of overgeneral autobiographical memory

ObjectiveIn this study, we examined the mediator effects of overgeneral autobiographical memory (OGM) on the relationship between rumination and depression in 323 Chinese university students.Method323 undergraduates completed the questionnaires measuring OGM (Autobiographical Memory Test), rumination (Ruminative Response Scale) and depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale).ResultsResults using structural equation modeling showed that OGM partially-mediated the relationship between rumination and depression (χ² = 88.61, p < .01; RMSEA = .051; SRMR = .040; and CFI = .91). Bootstrap methods were used to assess the magnitude of the indirect effects. The results of the bootstrap estimation procedure and subsequent analyses indicated that the indirect effects of OGM on the relationship between rumination and depressive symptoms were significant.ConclusionThe results indicated that rumination and depression were partially mediated by OGM.     

Drive for leanness and health-related behavior within a social/cultural perspective

We examined relationships between drive for leanness and perceived media pressure to change appearance, internalization of an ideal physique, exercise frequency, and dieting. Men and women (N = 353) completed the Drive for Leanness Scale, the Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire-3, the Eating Attitudes Test-26, and a demographic inventory. Drive for leanness was significantly correlated with athletic internalization (.52), pressure to attain an ideal physique (.25), exercise frequency (.36), and dieting (.25). Structural equation modeling revealed a good fitting model (χ² = 2.85, p < .241; CFI = .99; NNFI = .98; RMSEA = .04; SRMR = .02) with internalization predicting drive for leanness, which in turn predicted dieting and exercise. Results reveal social/cultural theory helps enhance the understanding of the drive for leanness and its relationship with health-related behavior.     

L’évolution des facteurs prédictifs de la détresse psychologique des étudiants en contexte de Covid-19 : un modèle d’équation structurelle exploratoire

IntroductionStudents are at risk for mental health issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The implementation of lockdowns as a means to curb the spread of the disease have had an impact on this population, as observed in many international studies. However, few studies have investigated the longitudinal impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on students’ mental health.ObjectiveWe explored the relation between individual characteristics of students, context of life, difficulties in emotion regulation and psychological distress over the first two lockdowns in France during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methodology160 university students (90% female, mean of 24 years old) responded to an online questionnaire at three times points: once during the first lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in march 2020, a second time after this lockdown and a third time during the second lockdown. Difficulties in emotion regulation, psychological distress, acute stress, academic concerns, financial resources, and exchanges with professors were measured.ResultsAn exploratory structural equations model was developed to investigate the factors related to psychological distress (χ² = 1459.18, df = 1064, CFI = 0.910, RMSEA = 0.049, SRMR = 0.068). During both lockdowns, psychological distress was explained by academic concerns and lack of emotional clarity and acceptance. An indirect and negative significant relation was identified between financial difficulties, lack of exchanges with professors during the first lockdown, emotion clarity and experienced psychological distress during the second lockdown. Repeated measures ANOVAs identified high levels of acute stress during both lockdowns and a diminution during the deconfinement indicating an impact of sanitary measures on student's mental health.ConclusionCoherently with the Bruchon-Sweiser translational model of stress, emotion regulation capacities seem to have a central and moderating role in the experience of the pandemic for students. They would benefit greatly from appropriate therapeutic interventions in this pandemic situation and in general.     

Validation de l'adaptation française de l'échelle de dépendance à l'exercice physique : l'EDS-R

The research purpose is to examine the internal consistency, test–retest reliability and factorial validity of the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R), translate into French language. Three studies, containing 965 persons, are undertaken to accomplish these purpose. Participants have completed the EDS-R. Adequate internal consistency and test–retest reliability for the scale are evidenced in the two first studies. Confirmatory analysis (Lisrel) in study 3 supported a correlated seven-factor model, the model fit are acceptable (TLI = 0,93; CFI = 0,94; RMSEA = 0,062; SRMR = 0,06). These studies provide evidence for the reliability and validity of the EDS-R into French. Language. This instrument can be thus used in the clinical and studies framework on the exercise dependence.     

Motivational characteristics of obese adolescents toward physical activity: Contribution of self-determination theory

IntroductionRegular physical activity (PA) practice represents a key component of obesity treatment.ObjectiveBased on self-determination theory (SDT), this cross-sectional study aimed to explore the motivational characteristics associated with PA practice among obese adolescents.MethodOne hundred and five overweight or obese adolescents (mean age = 15 years old, SD = 2.69) were questioned about their level of PA, motivational regulations toward PA and level of satisfaction of basic psychological needs.ResultsData revealed that satisfaction of autonomy and relatedness needs is positively associated with autonomous forms of motivation (e.g., for integrated regulation β = .44; and 0.35, respectively, p < .01). Otherwise, non-satisfaction of the needs of autonomy and competence is associated with the most controlled forms of motivation (e.g., for external regulation β = −.27, p < .01; and −.18, p < .05, respectively). In turn, a high level of identified regulation, a low level of external regulation and a high level of satisfaction of the need for competence are associated with weekly PA (β = .28; −.19 and .24, respectively, p < .05).ConclusionSDT appears as an interesting theoretical framework to explore motivational antecedents of PA among obese adolescents.     

Assessing Decentering: Validation,Psychometric Properties,and Clinical Usefulness of the Experiences Questionnaire in a Spanish Sample

Decentering is defined as the ability to observe one’s thoughts and feelings in a detached manner. The Experiences Questionnaire (EQ) is a self-report instrument that originally assessed decentering and rumination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of EQ-Decentering and to explore its clinical usefulness. The 11-item EQ-Decentering subscale was translated into Spanish and psychometric properties were examined in a sample of 921 adult individuals, 231 with psychiatric disorders and 690 without. The subsample of nonpsychiatric participants was also split according to their previous meditative experience (meditative participants, n = 341; and nonmeditative participants, n = 349). Additionally, differences among these three subgroups were explored to determine clinical validity of the scale. Finally, EQ-Decentering was administered twice in a group of borderline personality disorder, before and after a 10-week mindfulness intervention. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated acceptable model fit, _sbχ² = 243.8836 (p < .001), CFI = .939, GFI = .936, SRMR = .040, and RMSEA = .06 (.060–.077), and psychometric properties were found to be satisfactory (reliability: Cronbach’s α = .893; convergent validity: r > .46; and divergent validity: r < − .35). The scale detected changes in decentering after a 10-session intervention in mindfulness (t = − 4.692, p < .00001). Differences among groups were significant (F = 134.8, p < .000001), where psychiatric participants showed the lowest scores compared to nonpsychiatric meditative and nonmeditative participants. The Spanish version of the EQ-Decentering is a valid and reliable instrument to assess decentering either in clinical and nonclinical samples. In addition, the findings show that EQ-Decentering seems an adequate outcome instrument to detect changes after mindfulness-based interventions.     

Beyond conscientiousness: Career optimism and satisfaction with academic major

The study focuses on psychological predictors of academic major satisfaction. According to the career construction theory (Savickas, 2005), vocational personality and career adaptability should generate career satisfaction. In this study, vocational personality was operationalised as Big Five conscientiousness, and career adaptability was operationalised as generalised self-efficacy and career optimism. A sample (N = 529) of university students completed an online survey. The resultant data were used to construct a structural model of the hypothesised relationships among variables. A good fitting model [χ² = 10.454 (7) p = .164; GFI = .993; CFI = .999; RMSEA < .031 (< .001–.066)] indicated that career optimism fully mediated the relationship between conscientiousness and academic major satisfaction. Results were consistent with previous research into personality and academic performance. Moreover, the results highlight the significant role of optimism in satisfaction with career generally, and studies, specifically. Suggestions are made for future research into modelling the relationships according to different academic disciplines and for the potential role of optimism as a learning objective for career education and counseling.     

Validation française du questionnaire de dépendance de l’exercice physique (Exercise Dependence Questionnaire)

IntroductionThe Exercise Dependence Questionnaire (EDQ) conceptualises exercise dependence (ED) within both traditional biomedical and psychosocial perspectives. This tool is a valid and reliable multidimensional measure of ED.ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to examine the internal consistency, test-retest reliability and factorial validity of the EDQ, in a French language version. In comparison to other existing scales like the EDS (Exercise Dependance Scale), the EDQ emphases not only the symptoms of addiction but also the motivations to exercise.MethodThe French language version of the EDQ was completed by 160 participants (60% male, students and practitioners leisures of sports activities). Participants completed the EDS and measures of exercise behavior.ResultsAdequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability for the scale were obtained. Confirmatory analysis (SPSS 16) supported a correlated eight-factor model, as suggested by Ogden, Veale and Summers (1997). The model fit indices were satisfying, RMSEA = 0.048; CFI = 0.90; IFI = 0.91; Chi²/dll = 1.38. This study provides evidence for the reliability and validity of the French language version of the EDQ. The convergent validity of this scale with the Exercise Dependence Scale was r = 0.52. These two scales appear more complementary than redundant. The EDS focuses more on the strict definition of the dependence whereas the EDQ adds a motivational perspective often link to eating disorders.ConclusionThe EDQ can be thus used in the clinical and studies framework on the exercise dependence.     

Exploring relations among mindfulness facets and various meditation practices: Do they work in different ways?

Several meditation practices are associated with mindfulness-based interventions but little is known about their specific effects on the development of different mindfulness facets. This study aimed to assess the relations among different practice variables, types of meditation, and mindfulness facets. The final sample was composed of 185 participants who completed an on-line survey, including information on the frequency and duration of each meditation practice, lifetime practice, and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. A Multiple Indicators Multiple Causes structural model was specified, estimated, and tested. Results showed that the Model’s overall fit was adequate: χ² (1045) = 1542.800 (p < 0.001), CFI = 0.902, RMSEA = 0.042. Results revealed that mindfulness facets were uniquely related to the different variables and types of meditation. Our findings showed the importance of specific practices in promoting mindfulness, compared to compassion and informal practices, and they pointed out which one fits each mindfulness facet better.     

The influence of social anxiety on the body checking behaviors of female college students

Social anxiety and eating pathology frequently co-occur. However, there is limited research examining the relationship between anxiety and body checking, aside from one study in which social physique anxiety partially mediated the relationship between body checking cognitions and body checking behavior (Haase, Mountford, & Waller, 2007). In an independent sample of 567 college women, we tested the fit of Haase and colleagues’ foundational model but did not find evidence of mediation. Thus we tested the fit of an expanded path model that included eating pathology and clinical impairment. In the best-fitting path model (CFI = .991; RMSEA = .083) eating pathology and social physique anxiety positively predicted body checking, and body checking positively predicted clinical impairment. Therefore, women who endorse social physique anxiety may be more likely to engage in body checking behaviors and experience impaired psychosocial functioning.     

“To g or not to g?” — Analysis of the dimensional structure of a cognitive abilities’ battery

Over the past century there has been an extensive debate in Psychology over whether intelligence structure is best represented through a single general ability, multiple specific abilities, or a hierarchical structure of abilities. This study aims at contributing to this debate through an analysis of the dimensional structure of a cognitive abilities’ battery aiming to evaluate, in combination, differentiated cognitive processes of increasing complexity (comprehension, reasoning, and problem solving) through items of different contents (verbal, numerical, and spatial). A Portuguese representative sample of 2546 adolescents enrolled in secondary education participated in the study. Confirmatory factor analyses were carried out and the results showed that: (1) the hierarchical model is the only presenting an acceptable fit to the data (RMSEA = .07; CFI = .96; TLI = .92), (2) the existence of specific factors cannot be neglected, and (3) contents of the subtests assume relevance to explain the levels of adolescents’ cognitive performance. These results are discussed taking into account the contribution of school experience for the development and differentiation of adolescents’ cognitive abilities.     

Depression mediates the relationship between social performance impairment and hostility

The goal of this study was to test depressive symptoms as a mediator between social difficulties and hostility in young adults. Hostility is often a reaction to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors; therefore a greater understanding of contributing factors is needed, especially among emerging adults. College students (n = 608; 408 females, 200 males) self-reported on social difficulties, depression, and hostility. Via exploratory factor analyses, two latent constructs related to social difficulty were identified: social performance and social motivation. Using structural equation modeling, the direct effects found that poor social performance was significantly positively associated with BPAQ Total (β = .44, p < .01). Social motivation was not associated with BPAQ Total (β = −.07, p = .21). Further, depression scores were found to partially mediate the relationship between social performance deficits (β = .34, p < .01; 95% CI = .05–.16), but not social motivation (β = −.06, p > .05; 95% CI = −.04 to .04), and overall aggression. Results are discussed in terms of the influence of negative affect and impaired emotion regulatory processes on hostility as a consequence of social performance deficits.     

Étude de certaines propriétés psychométriques de l’Older Adult Self-Report (OASR) en population générale québécoise

The aim of the present study was to evaluate some psychometric properties of the French-Canadian version of the Older Adult Self-Report (Achenbach et al., 2004), a self-reported measure of emotional, behavioral and interpersonal difficulties intended for people aged 60 years and older. This study examines some psychometric properties of the OASR, in terms of reliability (internal consistency) of the seven syndrome scales, and construct validity (structural, convergent and criterion validity). The instrument was completed by 321 older adults aged 60 years and older (M = 68.36; SD = 5.82) who were participating at the Université du troisième âge activities, which were taking place in two cities of the province of Quebec, Canada. Polychoric alpha coefficients varied between 0,72 and 0,93 and indicated a good internal consistency for the syndrome scales. Convergent validity was measured by multiple linear regression using life satisfaction as a dependent variable. A confirmatory factor analysis supported the seven-factor structure proposed in the original version of the instrument (CFI = .916, TLI = .914, RMSEA = .022 [.019, .025]). Results showed a good convergent validity, with 37.5% of variance explained by the problem scales. Overall, the results indicated that psychometric properties of the OASR meet expected standards for professional use of the French-Canadian version of the instrument.     

Predictors of aerobic physical activity and resistance training among Canadian adults with type 2 diabetes: An application of the Protection Motivation Theory

BackgroundIt is well established that both aerobic physical activity (PA) and resistance training are essential in the treatment and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D), but few studies have examined the determinants of both modes of PA in the same sample.PurposeThe main objective was to investigate the utility of the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) in predicting aerobic PA and resistance training in a population sample of T2D adults.MethodsA total of 244 individuals completed self-report PMT constructs of vulnerability, severity, fear, response efficacy, self-efficacy and intention, and a 3-month follow-up that assessed aerobic PA and resistance training.ResultsPMT explained 19% (p < .001) and 20% (p < .001) of the variance respectively for aerobic PA and resistance training behaviour. Significant associations were found between self-efficacy (β = 0.45, p < .001) and gender (β = 0.15, p < .05) for aerobic PA, and self-efficacy (β = 0.48, p < .001) and age (β = 0.17, p < .05) for resistance training. PMT accounted for 43% (p < .001) and 56% (p < .001) of the variance respectively for aerobic PA and resistance training intentions. For aerobic PA, response efficacy (β = 0.14, p < .05) and self-efficacy (β = 0.59, p < .001) were significantly associated with intention, while response efficacy (β = 0.23, p < .001), self-efficacy (β = 0.64, p < .001) and age (β = 0.10, p < .05) were significantly related with resistance training intention.ConclusionsNone of the unique constructs of the PMT (i.e., perceived vulnerability, severity and fear) were significant with either aerobic and resistance training intention. These results may guide the development of effective PA interventions in people with T2D.     

Impact of the telephone motivational interviewing on the colorectal cancer screening participation. A randomized controlled study

IntroductionWhile high participation rates ensure the cost-effectiveness of colorectal cancer screening programs, it is well known that postal requests do not achieve acceptable levels of participation.ObjectiveThis randomized controlled study aimed to test the impact of individualized phone counseling to prompt people aged 50 to 74 to take a colorectal cancer test.MethodTwo phone strategies were compared. The first involved computer-aided individualized counseling while the second was based on motivational interviewing. A total of 49,972 people were randomly assigned to a control group (CG) and to the individualized counseling (IC) and motivational interviewing (MI) telephone groups.ResultsA simple call doubled the participation rate per protocol (19.2% > 9.2%; p < .001; r = .131; OR = 2.374), and tripled it when the interview was conducted (30.4% > 9.2%; p < .001; r = .219; OR = 4.321). In an intention-to-treat analysis, the benefit of calling by phone remained even higher than postal requests (10% > 9.2%; p < .01; r = .014; OR = 1.103). However, there was no impact of the type of interview on participation rates.ConclusionThe results are discussed for future research.     

Social influence and physical activity in older females: Does activity preference matter?

BackgroundOlder adults appear to have different activity preferences (prefer to be active alone or with others, or show no preference). As the activity of older females is often associated with social influences (i.e., how others influence the behavior or thoughts of another), understanding how activity preference might interact with social influences becomes important.ObjectivesThis study explored whether activity preferences would moderate the social influence – physical activity relationship in older females.MethodsThe sample for this study was 102 older females with the majority (87%) classified as ‘maintainers’. Using a cross-sectional approach, participants completed questionnaires on social influences by channel (family, friends, healthcare workers) and type (modeling, compliance, conformity, obedience), activity preferences, and physical activity.ResultsMANOVA and follow-up results revealed that friends-modeling (F (2, 99) = 8.15, p < .01) and friends-compliance/conformity (F (2, 99) = 9.82, p < .01) were greater in individuals who preferred to be active with others than those who preferred to be active alone. Results from a hierarchical multiple regression examining activity preferences as a moderator were significant (R²_change = .11). For those who preferred to be active with others, friends-modeling was positively related to activity (b = 1.28). For individuals with no activity preference, activity was positively related to friends-compliance/conformity (b = 1.38) and negatively related to friends-modeling (b = ?1.56).ConclusionResults provide preliminary evidence that activity preferences appear to moderate the relationship between the influence of friends and activity in older females, especially for those who are activity maintainers.     

Associations between self-rated health and the assessments of anchoring vignettes in cardiovascular patients

Background/ObjectiveAssessments of health can be biased by response shift effects. One method for detecting such effects is the use of anchoring vignettes. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between participants’ self-assessed health state and their assessments of these vignettes.MethodA total of 342 cardiovascular patients assessed their own state of health on a 0-100 visual analogue scale. The patients additionally assessed two vignettes featuring fictional persons suffering from specific complaints. A sample of the general population (N = 1,236) served as controls.ResultsThe participants rated the health state of the vignette character featuring physical problems as being significantly better than the general population did (effect size: d = 0.53). The group difference in the assessment of the vignette featuring primarily mental health problems was lower (d = -0.17). Participants’ assessments of the vignettes were positively correlated with their assessments of their own health state (r = .26 and r = .10) and with several quality of life variables.ConclusionsAnchoring vignettes are a useful tool for detecting response shift effects.     

Psychosocial determinants of road traffic offences in a sample of Spanish male prison inmates

ObjectiveThere is very little information available about the characteristics of drivers convicted for traffic offences. The objective of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the psychosocial characteristics of Spanish prison inmates convicted of road traffic offences (CRTOs), drivers serving a prison sentence for other types of offence (DCOOs), and drivers with no criminal record (DNCRs), in order to identify the psychosocial predictors associated with RTOs.MethodsThe study sample comprised 434 male participants divided into three groups: CRTO (n = 240); DCOO (n = 85); and DNCR (n = 105). Instruments included an interview on sociodemographic data, driving behaviour, and past offences, as well as a set of tests to evaluate personality traits (ZKPQ-50CC), driving-related aspects (MDSI-S and DAS), and alcohol dependence (AUDIT).ResultsA logistic regression analysis showed the following to be reliable predictors of RTOs: low education level (p < .05); having been involved in several road traffic accidents (p < .001); having received several fines (p < .001); a high score on the MDSI-S Risky subscale (p < .05); a low score on the MDSI-S Careful subscale (p < .05); AUDIT scores > 8 (p < .05), and repeatedly driving whilst under the influence of alcohol (p < .05).ConclusionsThe results obtained have significant practical implications for designing and implementing traffic offenders programmes.     

Perceiving red decreases motor performance over time: A pilot study

IntroductionColors may influence motor performance.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to compare the effects of perception of red and green environments on physical (performance and heart rate) and psychological (perceived effort, anxiety and enjoyment) parameters during cycling trials.MethodTen cyclists achieved two identical series of three randomized 7-minute trials on home trainers, during which they were continuously exposed to red, green, and gray environments. Covered distance and heart rate were recorded during each trial, after which participants answered items intended to assess perceived effort, anxiety, and enjoyment experienced during the trial.ResultsResults showed that covered distance (ps ≤ .02) and heart rate (ps ≤ .03) were lower in the red environment than in the gray and green environments. Enjoyment was higher in the green environment than in the red environment (p = .006). The colored environments did not influence perceived effort and anxiety (ps > .05).ConclusionThis study is the first to show that perceiving red is detrimental for motor performance over an extended period of time.