Desirability Scale Research Articles

Measuring social desirability bias: Do the full and short versions of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability scale matter?

Given the sensitive nature of ethics research, the presence of social desirability bias (SDB) threatens the validity of research findings. As ethics studies often overlook this bias, we aimed to provide evidence that SDB varies across individual and situational factors. We thus investigated the influence of socio-demographic factors and survey modes on SDB. A total of 348 working adults were randomly chosen to participate in either an on-line or off-line survey containing eight versions of the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability (MCSD) scale. The reliabilities for the eight versions ranged from 0.35 to 0.81. Statistical tests revealed that different socio-demographic factors influence different versions of the MCSD scale. The results also showed that using on-line surveys minimizes SDB. This study provides practical implications and suggestions for future research.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF FUR VELOUR

The paper offers a quantitative assessment of the quality of fur velour made of raw sheepskin and nutria skins obtained by the developed technologies. For this purpose, hydrophobized fur velour made of semi-fine-wool sheep skins and nutria skins with low-quality bristle hair has been used. The tanned semi-finished product of sheepskin and male nutria after moisture removal has been processed with a grinding skin of 4-5 grit. Fur velour is obtained from raw materials of inhomogeneous structure in different topographic areas, low density, but with satisfactory physical and mechanical properties of leather fabric, which in its quality meets standards requirements. The hydrophobization process is carried out with a composition based on α-alkenes С20–24 and maleic anhydride with an average molecular weight of 38‧103. According to the purpose of the research, a comprehensive assessment of the quality level of hydrophobized fur velour has been performed. A number of tasks have been implemented. Individual indicators of fur velour have been selected and ranked by experts. Their significance has been determined. The range of dimensional indicators of fur velour quality has been pointed out according to the scale of desirability. Desirability functions of velour quality significant indicators and complex quality index (CQI) of hydrophobized fur velour have been developed. The results of CQI development of sheepskin and nutria skins hydrophobized fur velour have been analyzed. CQI of hydrophobized fur velor and nutria skins, which includes 10 significant experimentally determined indicators has been calculated. According to the CQI, the hydrophobized velour material significantly outperforms fur velour obtained by standard technologies, especially after its sprinkling. Hydrophobized velour of sheepskin and nutria is characterized by a higher thermal resistance of 1.17 and 1.15 times, respectively, in comparison with control samples. The obtained materials can be effectively used to manufacture clothing items suitable for use in extreme conditions under rain and snow.

Socially desirable responding in geriatric outpatients with and without mild cognitive impairment and its association with the assessment of self-reported mental health

BackgroundSocially desirable responding is a potentially relevant issue in older adults and can be evaluated with the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale (MCSDS). However, the eight-item MCSDS has never been specifically administered to geriatric subjects, and there is a dearth of literature on the relationship between social desirability and cognitive impairment. Also, the connection between social desirability and subjective measures of psychological well-being is a matter of controversy. This study has three main aims. First, to determine the psychometric properties of the eight-item MCSDS in geriatric outpatients without dementia (i.e. with normal cognition (NC) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI)). Second, to investigate the link between social desirability and cognitive functioning. Third, to determine the association between social desirability and the assessment of self-reported mental health.MethodsCommunity-dwelling outpatients (aged ≥ 65) were consecutively recruited and neuropsychologically tested to diagnose NC or MCI (n = 299). Social desirability was assessed with the eight-item MCSDS. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured with the short Geriatric Depression (GDS-s) and the State-Trait Personality Inventory Trait Anxiety (STPI-TA) scales.ResultsOn principal components analysis, the eight-item MCSDS was found to have a multidimensional structure. Of the initial three-component solution, only two subscales had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.6): “Acceptance of responsibility” and “Integrity”. The third subscale (“Kindness towards others”) appeared to gauge two distinct constructs of formal (i.e. politeness) versus substantive (i.e. forgiveness) compassion. On binary logistic regression, only higher income was a significant predictor of formal compassion. Test-retest reliability was substantial to excellent (Gwet’s AC2 ≥ 0.8). There were no meaningful differences in social desirability between the NC and MCI groups. Likewise, negative Spearman’s correlations between social desirability and cognitive Z-scores across the whole sample were weak (rs < |0.3|) and confined to one MCSDS item. Although social desirability was an independent predictor of the STPI-TA score in multiple linear regression, it explained only a marginal amount of incremental variance in anxiety symptoms (less than 2%).ConclusionsOur results suggest that social desirability need not be a major concern when using questionnaires to assess mental health in geriatric outpatients without dementia.

Fabrication of Ring-Shaped Deposits of Polystyrene Microparticles Driven by Thermocapillary Mechanism.

Fabrication of ring-shaped deposits of microparticles on solid surfaces with the desired length scales and morphology of particle arrangements is of great importance when developing modern optical and electronic resonators, chemical sensors, touch screens, field-emission displays, porous materials, and coatings with various functional properties. However, the controlled formation of ring-shaped patterns scaling from a few millimeters up to centimeters with simultaneous control of particle arrangement at the microscale is one of the most challenging problems in advanced materials science and technology. Here, we report a fabrication approach for ring-shaped structures of microparticles on a glass surface that relied on a local thermal impact produced by the subsurface heater and heat sink. Thermocapillary convection in the liquid covering microparticles in combination with evaporative lithography is responsible for the particle transport and the assembling into the ring-shaped patterns. An advantageous feature of this approach is based on the control of thermocapillary flow direction, achieved by changing the sign of the temperature gradient in the liquid, switching between heating and cooling modes. That allows for changing the particle transfer direction to create the ring-shaped deposits and dynamically tune their size and density distribution. We have studied the influence of the power applied to the heat source/sink and the duration of the applied thermal field on the rate of the ring fabrication, the sizes of the ring and the profile of the particle distribution in the ring. The proposed method is flexible to control simultaneously the centimeter scale and microscale processes of transfer and arrangements of particles and can be applied to the fabrication of ring structures of particles of different nature and shape.

Pore pressure prediction in Niger Delta high pressure, high temperature (HP/HT) domains using well logs and 3D seismic data: a case study of X-field, onshore Niger Delta

Few wells targeting high temperature, high pressure intervals in most tertiary sedimentary basins have achieved their objective in terms of technicalities and cost. Since most shallow targets have been drilled, exploration focus is drifting into deeper plays both onshore and in deep offshore areas. To ensure safe and economic drilling campaigns, pore pressure prediction methodologies used in the region needs to be improved. The research aims at generating and testing a modification of Eaton’s equation fit for high temperature, high pressure intervals on a field. The evolution of pore pressure in the field was established from offset well data by making several crossplots, and fracture gradient was computed using Mathew and Kelly’s equation. Eaton’s equation parameters were then calibrated using several wells until a desired field scale result was achieved when compared with information from already drilled intervals i.e., kicks and RFT data. Seismic velocity data resulting from high density, high resolution velocity analysis done to target deep overpressured intervals were then used to predict 1D pore pressure models at six selected prospect locations. Analyses reveal depths shallower than 3800 m TVD/MSL with geothermal gradient 3.0 °C/100 m and pressure gradient less than 1.50sg EMW are affected mainly by undercompaction; depths greater than 3800 m TVD/MSL with geothermal gradient of 4.1 °C/10 m and pressure gradients reaching 1.82–2.12sg EMW are affected by unloading with a narrow drilling margin for the deep highly pressured prospect intervals. Eaton’s n-exponent was modified to 6, and it proved accurate in predicting high overpressure in the first prospect wells drilled.

Feasibility study for choosing the best combine harvester design

A modernized Harrington function with three zones of evaluation indicators is proposed: excellent-good-satisfactory for making a decision on choosing the best design of a combine harvester. Harrington’s desirability function is used only in the 0.2 … 0.8 section, in the interval of which the system of j-th estimated indicators with its own units of measurement (operating costs, grain losses, labor costs, energy consumption of the combine harvesting process) is located. The developed desirability scales were used based on economic tests of combines. Dependences are obtained for converting the values of experimental estimated indicators to a dimensionless scale limited by the range of the desirability function 0.2 … 0.8. By the method of paired comparison of the estimated indicators, their rank place, the weight coefficient of each indicator used in calculating the generalized criterion for the comprehensive assessment of each combine harvester was determined. The maximum value of the criterion determines the best design of the combine from the alternative. The values of the criteria for the integrated assessment of combines with and without weight factors (mean geometric value of the criteria) have been analysed. When using the latter, a more significant difference was obtained between the compared designs of combines. Such a comparison can be applied to carry out comparative tests of combines under the same conditions (yield, moisture, weediness, etc.). The purpose of the work is to substantiate, using the example of a group of compared grain harvesters, the best design option using the proposed system of evaluation indicators and generalized criteria for complex evaluation.

Ocean Sound Analysis Software for Making Ambient Noise Trends Accessible (MANTA)

Making Ambient Noise Trends Accessible (MANTA) software is a tool for the community to enable comparisons between soundscapes and identification of ambient ocean sound trends required by ocean stakeholders. MANTA enhances the value of individual datasets by assisting users in creating thorough calibration metadata and internationally recommended products comparable over time and space to ultimately assess ocean sound at any desired scale up to a global level. The software package combines of two applications: MANTA Metadata App, which allows users to specify information about their recordings, and MANTA Data Mining App, which applies that information to acoustic recordings to produce consistently processed, calibrated time series products of sound pressure levels in hybrid millidecade bands. The main outputs of MANTA are daily.csv and NetCDF files containing 60-s spectral energy calculations in hybrid millidecade bands and daily statistics images. MANTA data product size and formats enable easy and compact transfer and archiving among researchers and programs, allowing data to be further averaged and explored to address user-specified questions.

PENGARUH KEMIRINGAN POROS BALING-BALING TERHADAP KECEPATAN PERAHU KETINTING

Ketinting boat in operation using propeller with engine located on deck. This position resulted in the propeller dipping by making a certain angle, in addition the depth of the propeller also overlapped the speed of the ship.This phenomenon is something very important to be examined with the aim of obtaining maximum speed in relation to the angle of tilt of the propeller and the amount of maximum thrust required.The method used is an experimental method in which the model of the ship and propeller are made according to the desired scale, and so conduct testing on the towing tank.The test result obtained is a slope that creates the optimal speed of the ketinting boat is at a slope of 18° with a speed of V = 5.05 knots and a maximum thrust of PT = 13.15 kW.

Are social desirability scales desirable? A meta‐analytic test of the validity of social desirability scales in the context of prosocial behavior

Social desirability (SD) scales have been used for decades in psychology and beyond. These scales are sought to measure individuals' tendencies to present themselves overly positive in self-reports, thus allowing to control for SD biases. However, research increasingly questions the validity of SD scales, proposing that SD scales measure substantive trait characteristics rather than response bias. To provide a large-scale empirical test of the validity of SD scales, we conducted a meta-analysis (k=41; N=8980) on the relation between SD scale scores and prosocial behavior in economic games (where acting in a prosocial manner is highly socially desirable). If SD scales measure what they are supposed to (namely, SD bias), they should be negatively linked to prosocial behavior; if SD scales measure socially desirable traits, they should be positively linked to prosocial behavior. Unlike both possibilities, the meta-analytic correlation between SD scores and prosocial behavior was close to zero, suggesting that SD scales neither clearly measure bias nor substantive traits. This conclusion was also supported by moderation analyses considering differences in the implementation of games and the SD scales used. The results further question the validity of SD scales with the implication that scholars and practitioners should refrain from using them.

The social desirability effect in personality assessment of drink driving offenders

Abstract Background Driving under the influence of alcohol represents one of the main driving crimes and a risk to road safety and public health. In Portugal, if there are well-founded doubts about the psychological fitness to drive, the competent authority may determine a psychological assessment. The present study analyses the results in the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire - Revised (EPQ-R) in a sample with driving crimes under the influence of alcohol. Methods A sample of 76 male drivers (mean age around 43 years; age range = 26–60) underwent to a psychological assessment in the Mobility and Transports Institute, due to an official record of driving with a blood alcohol level of 1.2 g/l or more. The assessment included the EPQ-R, which examines three dimensions of personality - Psychoticism (P), Extroversion (E) and Neuroticism (N) and a Lie/Social Desirability scale (L). Results Drivers have committed around 3 crimes (range: 1–7) for drink driving in the past 10 years. Mean N (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and P (P &amp;lt; 0.001) scores were significantly lower, and mean L score (P &amp;lt; 0.001) was significantly higher compared to the Portuguese normative data of EPQ-R (783 men, ages between 16 and 60 years). Mean E score (P = 0.16) was not statistically different from the normative E score. Conclusions The social desirability (proneness for lying or faking good) had a significant influence on EPQ-R results, favouring dimensions that assess psychopathological functioning (N, P). Although this questionnaire is an objective method to assess personality in different normative contexts, its suitability has proved to be limited in drink driving offenders.

Modeling of the financial system?s stability on the example of Ukraine

Research background: Financial stability is one of the key tasks in the functioning of the country?s financial system. National financial systems have significant differences in the level of their development, structure and approaches to regulation. There are no uniform world standards for methods and indicators of assessing financial stability. International financial institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, only outline certain areas and offer an indicative list of indicators that should be taken into account.&#x0D; Purpose of the article: Taking into account the peculiarities of the subject and object structure of Ukraine?s financial system, this study formed groups of indicators that reflect the state of financial depth, level of access and efficiency of the financial system, systematized by subject (financial institutions) and object financial markets) characteristics.&#x0D; Methods: The basis for the formation of a set of indicators is a matrix of characteristics of the financial system?s stability, which is formed according to the principle of 4x2 proposed by experts of the International Monetary Fund. The list of indicators to calculate the integrated indicator that characterizes the stability of the financial system of Ukraine, covers the period 2007?2019 and includes 29 indicators that take into account the peculiarities of its formation and development. Harrington?s desirability function is used to determine the integrated indicator that characterizes the state of financial stability.&#x0D; Findings &amp; value added: The intermediate calculations obtained by modeling groups of indicators showed that the level of access to the financial system and the state of its depth are balanced during the study period (the range of variation of integrated indicators for these groups is minimal ? from 0.1 to 0.18), is at a satisfactory level and the basis for ensuring the financial system?s stability. Conversely, the efficiency of the financial system is low, and characterized by a high degree of volatility (range of variation ? 0.51). The obtained integrated indicator, which is in the range from 0.41 to 0.54 on the Harrington desirability scale, makes it possible to assess the state of the financial system?s stability in Ukraine as satisfactory, but with a high level of sensitivity to both external and internal shocks.

Adaptation of the Marlowe‒Crowne Social Desirability Scale Short Form C to the Turkish Culture: Validity and Reliability Study

Adaptation of the Marlowe‒Crowne Social Desirability Scale Short Form C to the Turkish Culture: Validity and Reliability Study

Development of blends of vegetable oils for a healthy diet

The analysis of vegetable oils was carried out in accordance with the recommendations of physiological needs for different groups of the population and FAO / WHO to meet the need for the consumption of vegetable oils. The aim of the work is to create blends of vegetable oils with an optimized composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids ?3, ?6, ?9 for healthy human nutrition. The objects of research are vegetable oils obtained by cold pressing from milk thistle, sunflower, rapeseed and camelina. The analysis of the fatty acid composition of the oils was carried out using gas chromatography. It was found that the greatest amount of ?6 is contained in sunflower oil – 66%, in milk thistle oil – 53%, in rapeseed oil 20%, in camelina oil 17%. Camelina oil is rich in ?3 – 37%, rapeseed oil ?9 – 59%, which corresponds to the standards for these types of oils. Using the method of linear programming, the calculation of four-component blends of various types of oils, balanced by ?3, ?6, ?9, in accordance with the norms recommended for satisfying the daily nutritional needs of a person is presented. Blends of vegetable oils were designed. The ratio in fatty acid blends ?3: ?6: ?9 - 1: 1.5: 1.3 has been established. By means of modeling, 5 blends of vegetable oils with different compositions were obtained. Based on the data obtained, the partial desirability functions for each blend and the general Harrington index were calculated. The values of the desirability functions that exceed 0.9 and the generalized Harrington criterion of 0.97 were obtained, which corresponds to the standard level of the desirability scale "excellent". In this regard, it can be argued that the resulting blends have a balanced composition. It should be noted that the next step is a tasting studies in order to obtain satisfactory organoleptic characteristics.

Validity and reliability of the Greek version of the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory for patients with chronic pain

Background/aims The Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory has been used widely to evaluate pain perceptions and beliefs of patients with chronic pain. This is a cross-cultural adaptation of the instrument into Greek. The purpose of the study was to investigate: the face and content validity; the factor structure; the concurrent validity; the discriminant validity; and the internal consistency and the test–retest reliability of the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory for people with chronic pain. Methods A total of 174 patients with chronic low back pain, neck pain and/or pain of limbs lasting for at least 6 months and with a physiotherapy referral participated in the study. Exploratory factor analysis by a principal axis factoring with direct oblimin rotation was chosen to examine the factor structure of the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory. The concurrent validity was assessed using correlations by Spearman's rho correlation coefficient among the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory and the Short Form-McGill Pain Questionnaire, the Present Pain Index, the visual analogue scale and the Brief Pain Inventory. The discriminant validity was examined by Spearman's rho correlation coefficient among the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory and Social Desirability Scale. The reliability of the instrument was examined using Cronbach's α internal consistency coefficients and intraclass correlation coefficients. Results Exploratory factor analysis confirmed the four factor structure of the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory that explained 66.353% of the total variance. Concurrent validity was determined through examination of correlations between the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory and other validated constructs (eg Short Form-McGill Pain Questionnaire Affective factor with Total Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory Spearman's rho=0.257, P&lt;0.001, Brief Pain Inventory General Activity and Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory Constancy factor Spearman's rho=0.522, P&lt;0.05, Brief Pain Inventory relations with other people and Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory Constancy factor Spearman's rho=0.512, P&lt;0.05). The discriminant validity of the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory was confirmed by examining correlations between the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory with the Marlowe–Crowne Social Desirability Scale. The questionnaire was internally consistent (α=0.89–0.96) and its stability was good (intraclass correlation coefficients=0.73–0.82). Conclusions The Greek translation of the Pain Beliefs and Perceptions Inventory is a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate Greek patients with chronic pain.

Development and validation of the self-efficacy for medical communication scale.

12124 Background: Most studies of clinician-patient communication use scales created ad hoc with unknown validity. To provide a standard measure for future studies, we developed and validated a new scale of clinician-reported skills in communicating difficult news: the Self-Efficacy for Medical Communication (SEMC) scale. Methods: Using evidence-based scale development guidelines, we created 16 items sampling a range of communication skills, including “Disclose difficult news in manageable chunks, so the patient is not overwhelmed,” and “Determine how to present information based on the patient’s emotional state.” Items are rated on Likert scales from 1 ( cannot do at all) to 10 ( highly certain can do). We constructed two forms—one assessing communication with patients and one with family—using identical items but replacing “patient” with “family/caregiver.” We examined the convergent and discriminant validity of the SEMC (correlations with similar and dissimilar measures) as well as its reliability and factor structure. A total of 221 clinicians working in oncology settings (physicians, nurses, medical students) completed measures online. Convergent measures included medical communication items from past studies; the Self-Perceived Communication Competence Scale to measure communication ability outside the medical realm; and the General Self-Efficacy and Occupational Self-Efficacy scales to measure overall self-efficacy/confidence. Discriminant measures included the Ten Item Personality Inventory to measure personality factors; the Maslach Burnout Inventory to measure job burnout; and the Satisfaction with Life Scale to measure well-being. Finally, the Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability (MCSD) scale measured motivation to “look good” in responding to survey questions. Results: Mean scores were similar for the patient (126.36) and family (127.09) forms (max score 160), both with excellent reliability ( alphas =.94,.96, respectively). Because these forms were almost perfectly correlated ( r =.95, p &lt;.001), we used only the patient form in subsequent analyses. Factor analysis demonstrated that the SEMC measures a unitary construct ( eigenvalue = 9.0). Its mean correlation was higher with convergent ( r =.46) than discriminant measures ( r =.22), supporting its validity. Moreover, its correlation with the MCSD was small ( r =.28) and no larger than between the MCSD and other measures, indicating minimal social-desirability effects. Finally, no differences emerged for gender or profession; higher scores did correlate with age ( r =.29, p &lt;.001) and years working in oncology ( r =.18, p =.01). Conclusions: Our findings support the SEMC’s validity and reliability. Scores on the patient and family forms were similar, indicating that either may be used. The SEMC provides a useful tool for measuring clinician-rated communication skills in future research, ultimately allowing standardization across studies.

The MCMI-IV: A New Normal Quartet for Parental Fitness Litigants

The Millon series (i.e., MCMI-II/MCMI-III) has a longstanding history of use in clinical and forensic settings. For forensic psychologists, the Millon series can serve as a unique tool in evaluations related to parental fitness due to its incorporation of DSM diagnostic categories and the use of base rate (BR) scores. There is limited research on parental fitness populations broadly, though previous research has found a common positive impression management style referred to as the normal quartet with forensic populations on the MCMI-III. It is unknown if there is a continued presence of the normal quartet in the MCMI-IV, published in 2015. With the current study, we examined parental fitness litigant response patterns on the MCMI-IV and assessed the presence of a normal quartet. The sample consisted of 330 parental fitness litigants in the northeast region of the United States. Results of the current study suggest a new normal quartet: elevations on the Desirability (Y), Histrionic (4A), Turbulent (4B), and Compulsive (7) scales. The clinical implications for the use of the MCMI-IV by forensic psychologists with parental fitness litigants are discussed including limitations and areas for future research.

Validated tool for quality assessment of anesthesia services by cardiac surgeons.

Background and Aim:The role of the cardiac anaesthesiologists extends beyond mere patient wellbeing to diagnostic input and active participation in decision making during cardiac surgery. The quality of service provision should therefore be judged not only by patient satisfaction but also by the satisfaction of cardiac surgeons. Unfortunately, quantification of cardiac surgeon satisfaction remains a challenge due to the absence of a reliable and validated tool. We therefore attempted to develop a robust, validated, pilot psychometric questionnaire, to measure satisfaction of cardiac surgeons' to cardiac anesthesia services.Methods:The questionnaire was developed with the help of senior cardiac anesthesiologist, cardiac surgeon and statistician with database search in PubMed and the Cochrane Library. The questionnaire was tested for content validity, comprehensibility, and identification of new items. This generated the second version of the questionnaire with nine socio-demographic and professional questions, 46 Likert type questions, an abridged Marlowe Crowne Social Desirability scale and one open ended question. This questionnaire was e-mailed to 100 cardiac surgeons requesting them to participate via a web-based survey application.Results:Content validity of the responses was tested by Aiken's content validity coefficient (V). Internal consistency was tested with Chronbach's alpha. Fifty-two cardiac surgeons participated in the survey. Twelve Likert type questions were deleted due to low V values. Excellent Chronbach's alpha (0.94) was obtained in the remaining 34 items.Conclusions:We have developed a questionnaire that includes 34 variables and allows quantifying surgeon satisfaction in a reliable fashion and is validated for the purpose.

Are they too perfect to eat healthy? Association between eating disorder symptoms and perfectionism in adolescent rhythmic gymnasts

ObjectiveEating disorders are associated with perfectionism in adults, but evidence is lacking in adolescent competitive athletes. This study examined eating disorder symptoms and perfectionism in a sample of 13–15 years old, adolescent rhythmic gymnasts. MethodsEighty-nine female rhythmic gymnasts (41 international and 48 recreational level gymnasts), completed the Eating Attitudes Tests 26 (EAT-26), the Sport Perfectionism Questionnaire (SPQ), the Social Desirability Scale (SDS) and provided information on their training. ResultsIt was found that 41.46% of the international and 14.58% of the recreational level gymnasts scored ≥20 in EAT-26. International level gymnasts also scored higher than recreational in EAT-26 (p = 0.002), and its subscales Dieting (p = 0.012) and Oral Control (p ˂ 0.001) and in the Sport Perfectionism Questionnaire (p = 0.005) and the subscales Striving for Perfectionism (p ˂ 0.001) and Personal Standards (p ˂ 0.001). No differences were found between groups in the subscales Concerns over Mistakes (p = 0.429), and Negative Reactions to Imperfection (p = 0.096). Multiple regression analysis in international level gymnasts, showed that Negative Reactions to Imperfection, body mass index and training experience accounted for 33.2% of the variance in EAT-26 (adjusted R2 = 0.332, F = 6.786, p ˂ 0.001). A negative association was observed between training experience and eating disorder symptoms in international level athletes. No association was found between the subscales of perfectionism and EAT-26 in recreational gymnasts (p ˃ 0.316). ConclusionsInternational level, adolescent rhythmic gymnasts show more eating pathology than recreational. Negative Reactions to Imperfection and BMI seem relevant for gymnasts' dieting behaviour while training experience may help adolescent athletes to cope with disturbed eating behaviours.

فاعلیة إستراتیجیة (الجیجسو2 Jigsaw2) فی تحصیل الریاضیات والبراعة الریاضیة لدى تلامیذ المرحلة الابتدائیة The Effectiveness of the Jigsaw2 Strategy in Mathematics Achievement and Developing Mathematical Proficiency among Primary School Students

ملخص الدراسة: هدفت الدراسة الحالية إلى معرفة فاعلية استراتيجية الجيجسو2Jigsaw2 في تحصيل الرياضيات وتنمية البراعة الرياضية لدى تلاميذ المرحلة الابتدائية، لذلک تم اختيار مجموعة من تلاميذ الصف السادس قوامها(60) تلميذا، تم تقسيمهم بالتساوي إلى مجموعتين متساويتين، احداهما تجريبية تدرس باستخدام إستراتيجية الجيجسو2، والثانية بالطريقة المعتادة، وتم إعداد وحدة الأعداد الأعداد الصحيحة وفقا لاستراتيجية الجيجسو2، بالإضافة إلى (اختبار تحصيلي – اختبار البراعة الرياضية – مقياس الرغبة المنتجة). وأهم ما توصلت إليه الدراسة من نتائج تمثل في أن إستراتيجية الجيجسو2 لها فاعلية في تحصيل الرياضيات وتنمية البراعة الرياضية، وزيادة مستوى الرغبة المنتجة کما توجد علاقة ارتباطية موجبة دالة إحصائيا بين التحصيل ومکونات البراعة الرياضية. وأهم ما أوصت به الدراسة هو: ضرورة استخدام إستراتيجية جيجسو2 Jigsaw2 في تدريس موضوعات الرياضيات المختلفة، والتأکيد على أهمية البراعة الرياضية وتنميتها لدى التلاميذ. The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the “Jigsaw2” strategy in mathematics achievement and developing mathematical proficiency among primary school students. Therefore, a group of sixth-grade students, consisting of (60) students, was selected and assigned into two equal groups (an experimental group studied using Jigsaw 2 strategy and control group studied using the traditional method. The unit of integer numbers was prepared according to the Jigsaw 2 strategy, in addition to an Achievement test – the Mathematical Proficiency test – and the Productive Desire Scale. Findings of the present study revealed that the Jigsaw 2 strategy is effective in mathematics achievement, developing mathematical proficiency, and increasing the level of productive desire. There is also a positive correlation between achievement and the components of mathematical proficiency. Also, the findings confirmed the necessity of using the Jigsaw2 strategy in teaching various mathematics topics, and emphasizing the importance of developing mathematical proficiency among students.

Validation of the Self Stigma of Seeking Help (SSOSH) scale in a population of Colombian medical students

ObjectiveValidate the Self Stigma Of Seeking Help (SSOSH) scale in a population of students of a medical school for its use in Colombia. MethodsWe included 384 medical students from the city of Medellín. Initially, two direct translations were made, two back translation and one pilot test. The internal consistency, test-retest repeatability and structural, convergent, divergent and discriminative construct validity were then evaluated. ResultsA easy-to-understand and to fill out Spanish version was obtained. The internal consistency of the scale was adequate (Cronbach’s alpha = .80; 95%CI, .77–.83) as well as the test-retest repeatability (CCI = .77; 95%CI, .63–.86). The Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed a good fit with the one-dimensional structure (RMSEA = .073; IC90%, .056–.089; CFI = .968; TLI = .977; WRMR = .844). The convergent validity was supported by the correlation with the Public Stigma scales (ρ = .39) and Attitudes towards Seeking Help (ρ = –0.50) and the divergent validity with the Social Desirability scale (ρ = –0,05). When examining the discriminative validity, differences were found between the scores of those who would be willing to seek professional help when having a mental health problem and those who probably would not (Difference of means = 4.9; 95%CI, 2.99–6.83). ConclusionsThe Colombian version of the SSOSH is valid, reliable and useful for the measurement of the Self-stigma associated with seeking professional help in the university population of the Colombian health sector. Its psychometric properties must be investigated in populations of other programs and outside universities.