Perspectives de la théorie des cinq facteurs (TCF) : traits et culture

The five-factor model (FFM) is a hierarchical classification of personality traits with claims to both comprehensiveness and universality. Hundreds of studies of the FFM have revealed how traits operate, and five-factor theory (FFT) was devised to integrate these findings to show how personality develops and functions. Fundamental to FFT is the distinction between basic tendencies (which include the traits of the FFM) and the characteristic adaptations that evolve from the interaction of traits with the environment. We outline FFT, with special attention to the role of culture. According to FFT, culture has little or no impact on traits themselves, but dramatic effects on the habits, beliefs, values, roles, and relationships that constitute characteristic adaptations. Modifications to FFT are considered.     

Conditions d'efficience du sentiment d'efficacité personnelle dans la régulation d'une perturbation professionnelle : la dynamique du système des activités

This research deals with the controversy stated by Bandura about the level of generality-specificity it is advisable to appraise self-efficacy beliefs. The authors argue that the stake is not to challenge or not the interest of a general self-efficacy appraisal (compared with specific self-efficacy appraisals) but to study the conditions of general self-efficacy efficiency, for instance in the regulation of disruptions. With reference to the model of System of Activities, the data collected among 157 teachers recently recruited show how general self-efficacy beliefs attenuate the effects of an occupational disruption (the mismatches related to the mastery of required skills) on occupational satisfaction and general well-being, only if newcomers develop a middle level of exchanges between their different domains of life.     

La transition études-travail : un modèle multithéorique et longitudinal

In order to study the correlational and causal relationships which link the antecedents, the process, and the results of the school-to-work transition, a longitudinal research (18 months) was performed with a sample of 123 engineering students during the last semester of their academic program. A multidimensional theoretical approach allowed to show, with the use of structural equations, that the intention to find a job (antecedent) resulted essentially from the perceived behavioral control and the social norm associated with such a project, and predicted the efficiency of the job search activity (process) which, itself, significantly determined the objective and the subjective quality (result) of the obtained job. Results are discussed in terms of their theoretical implications and of possible preventive interventions with persons who have to cope with a school-to-work transition.     

Les manifestations comportementales de l'habilitation au travail : développement d'un cadre conceptuel et d'un instrument de mesure

Despite a strong interest for empowerment in business organizations, specific conceptual framework and measurement instruments do not exist to assess in a behavioural way if employees are really empowered. First, based on a literature review and interviews with twenty managers, seven behavioural indicators associated with empowerment have been identified and integrated in a theoretical framework distinguishing three investment areas (task, group, organization) and two types of contributions (assuring efficacy or improving efficiency). Second, questionnaires based on this framework have been administrated to 374 employees and their immediate supervisors. Factor analyses that have been performed showed a five-factor solution comparable for the self-report version and the version completed by the supervisor. Strengths and limitations of the new measurement instrument as well as the new research possibilities are discussed.     

The relationship between acceptance,fatigue, and subjective cognitive impairment in hematologic cancer survivors

Background/Objective: Cancer and its treatment can have a detrimental impact on psychological well-being. Acceptance as the basis of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown beneficial effects on depression and anxiety. However, its relationship to fatigue and cognitive impairment has not been investigated. A protective effect of acceptance may open up a new target for psychological intervention.Method: A cross-sectional postal survey was undertaken. 922 hematological cancer survivors (≥ 2.5 years post diagnosis) were recruited through two regional cancer registries in Germany. Acceptance (AAQ-II), fatigue (BFI) and subjective cognitive impairment (AFI) were assessed.Results: Higher levels of acceptance were negatively associated with fatigue and subjective cognitive impairment (R²= .34 and R²= .26, respectively). The relationship between fatigue and fatigue-related impairment of daily life was weaker for survivors with high acceptance.Conclusions: Acceptance is strongly associated with fatigue and subjective cognitive impairment. ACT may be useful to reduce symptoms of fatigue and subjective cognitive impairment in cancer survivors.     

A French validation of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM)

IntroductionA large number of studies have been devoted to the development of mindfulness questionnaires, a potential central mechanism in therapy. Although these questionnaires are well validated for adults, their accessibility to young populations are still in its infancy.ObjectiveThis study aims to validate a French version of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM) to foster the use of mindfulness questionnaires in clinical studies on children and adolescents, and to fix limitations of a previous French-Canadian version.MethodA total of 545 youth aged from 10 to 17 were recruited in a Belgian and a French school in order to test the validity and reliability of the CAMM.ResultsThe results indicate a one-factor structure and suggest a good internal consistency. As expected, the CAMM was positively correlated to another mindfulness questionnaire and negatively correlated to depressive symptomatology and psychological inflexibility.ConclusionOverall, the French version of the CAMM presents good psychometric qualities and seems to remain faithful to its original scale. This measure could help to assess mindfulness in young French speakers.     

Les objets connectés et applications de santé : étude exploratoire des perceptions,usages (ou non) et contextes d’usage

In a contemporary context of major health challenges, the market of digital technologies has increasingly developed in past years. This article aims to explore main profiles of use in relation to connected objects and health apps, as well as attitudes related to uses, non-uses and contexts of use. Therefore, our objective is to contribute to the scientific debate by proposing an empirical study in psychology that focusses on the perspectives of consumers and non-consumers of these technologies in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. To do this, a survey was conducted among participants of a large public health exhibition (n = 760). According to our results, the majority of respondents declare not having a connected object/health app and a third of non-users does not intend to acquire such technologies. Also, there is a trend among younger generations to have a connected object/health app. Concerning the contexts of use, such technologies are employed to self-track physical activity and eating practices. The degree of satisfaction of such use is rather high. Given these results, our analyses point out a divide within our sample, between individuals who seem resistant and declare not willing to have this kind of technology and those who use it in the long run. These results cast new light upon concrete uses and contexts of use among consumers and non-consumers of connected objects/health apps beyond techno-scientific promises that prevail today in our societies.     

Changing behaviors: Using norms to promote physical activity for type 2 diabetes patients

IntroductionGiven that diabetes is a major public heath issue around the world, it is vital that we find effective means to change behaviors, especially levels of physical activity among type 2 diabetes patients.ObjectiveThis study aims to provide proof of the effectiveness of programs promoting physical activity, based on cognitive dissonance and normative focus theories which are designed to produce behavioral changes in persons with type 2 diabetes.MethodNinety-six type 2 diabetes patients were assigned to one of three programs: a traditional information program, a norm-based program, and a dissonance-based program. The participants filled out a short French version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) one week before and one week after the program.ResultsThe results showed that the participants in the norm-based program made progress compared to those in the traditional information program. No significant difference was observed between the traditional information program and dissonance-based program.ConclusionsThese findings are consistent with both the focus normative theory and previous studies showing that recalling the norm increases compliance. The procedure to be used in diabetes prevention programs should focus on the normative dimensions of the desired behaviors in order to improve patients’ quality of life.