Portuguese Community Sample Research Articles

The (Lack of) Progress in Accountancy Professionalisation: Insights from Non‐accountants in Portugal

Concerns about the success of professional accountancy in terms of its social dimension have been expressed in the literature. This study uses data from a questionnaire survey administered to a Portuguese community sample to provide insights for a better understanding of the social dimension of professional accountancy at the macro level. It examines how lay society in accounting posits accountants along the social judgement variables of status, competition, competence and warmth and tests these variables’ influence on accountants’ social image using structural equation modelling. The results indicate that status, competition, competence and warmth are all critical factors in constructing the social image of modern accountants. Accountants are perceived as modestly warm, highly competent and a cooperative lower middle‐class group. These findings confirm the profession's difficulties in enhancing accountants’ perceived social standing and reinforce the view of limited social mobility in the accountancy profession. The high level of competence identified suggests weak social power in the case of accountancy. Future research may investigate how soft skills and networking abilities in the perceived prototype of competence can promote the higher social standing of the accountancy group.

Ruminative response scale for eating disorders: bifactor model and measurement invariance in a Portuguese community sample

ABSTRACT The Ruminative Response Scale for Eating Disorders (RRS-ED) measures ruminative thought content specifically related to eating disordered themes, assessing two domains of rumination, brooding and reflection. This study aims to examine the factor structure of the RRS-ED in a Portuguese community sample, using correlated two-factor models, unifactorial and bifactor models and test for invariance across sex. A sample of 535 adults (179 male; 356 female) filled out the RRS-ED. A subsample (n=347) answered additional measures of repetitive negative thinking and eating psychopathology. The bifactor model of the RRS-ED provided the best fit, demonstrating a reliable general rumination factor. Also, the bifactor model of the RRS-ED was invariant across sex. RRS-ED showed moderate to strong correlations with negative perseverative thinking and eating psychopathology. Both domain-specific factors of RRS-ED were associated with higher levels of eating psychopathology. Findings indicate that RRS-ED is a reliable and valid measure to assess the ruminative response from the general population in Portugal, showing initial evidence that supports the use of a total score of RRS-ED as an overall measure of rumination, while specific factor scores should be reported with caution. Future studies are needed to replicate the findings and further corroborate the unidimensionality of the RRS-ED.

Brief Form of the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales: Preliminary Psychometric Properties in a European Portuguese Community Sample.

Personality theory based on affective neuroscience research suggests the presence of seven affective neurobiological systems. These dimensions have been identified using psychometric instruments such as the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (ANPS) and its brief version known as the Brief Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (BANPS). Despite being a psychometric valid instrument, the BANPS was not adapted to European Portuguese. This study describes a psychometric analysis of the BANPS in a Portuguese population sample. A European Portuguese-speaking sample was recruited (N = 355, Mage = 27.31, DP = 12.75). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to confirm the BANPS factorial structure. Pearson correlations were used to explore convergent validity with self-reports for psychological distress and psychopathology. Six factor model was confirmed with adequate goodness-of-fit indices (χ2(449) = 808,9841, TLI = .90, CFI = .92, RMSEA = .048 (.042-.053). Non-agreeable affective systems (anger, fear, distress), correlated positively with psychological distress and symptomology, while play and care systems correlated negatively. Seek and care subscales showed the weakest psychometric properties. The original factor structure was confirmed, suggesting the BANPS may be a valid measure to assess affective behavioral traits in the Portuguese population. Further studies in clinical populations may improve the psychometric data of the BANPS.

Everyday Discrimination Scale: Dimensionality in a Portuguese community sample and specific versions for sexual and gender minority

Perceived everyday discrimination is a transversal phenomenon with a negative impact on people’s health. This study aimed to explore the factor structure and psychometric properties of three versions of the Everyday Discrimination Scale, with three different samples: the European Portuguese validation (EDS-PT, considering any reason for discrimination), using a sample of adults from the community (N = 610), a specific version for sexual minority (EDS-SM), with a sample of sexual minority individuals (N = 352), and a specific version for gender minority (EDS-GM), in a sample of gender minority individuals (N = 108). Factor structure and reliability of the different versions were examined. A second-order two-factor model (Everydaydiscrimination with factor 1 Unfair Treatment and factor 2 Personal Rejection) presented good adjustment and adequate reliability. Furthermore, all versions of EDS revealed weak to moderate correlations with indicators of convergent validity (mental health, satisfaction with life, social safeness, and social support). This study's outcomes provide insights into different types of everyday discrimination and suggest that the EDS-PT, EDS-SM and EDS-GM are valid and reliable measures useful in research and clinical contexts.

Validation of the Portuguese version of the Youth Anxiety Measure for DSM-5 (YAM-5-I)

Early intervention in anxiety symptomatology in school-aged children and adolescents is an effective way to prevent later psychopathology. Several measures have been developed to identify these symptoms although few of them rely on the latest criteria for anxiety disorders and, therefore, can be outdated. The Youth Anxiety Measure for DSM-5 (YAM-5) is a recently developed self-report instrument that assesses symptoms of the main anxiety disorders according to the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Already translated into several languages, this instrument has consistently revealed good psychometric properties. In this validation study, we translated and analyzed the psychometric properties of YAM-5-I in a Portuguese community sample including 300 participants. Data was collected using an online survey platform. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Parallel Analysis of data revealed a four-factor model accounting for 45% of the total variance in Part I of YAM-5, which included the scales of Separation Anxiety Disorder, Selective Mutism, Panic Disorder, and a fourth factor merging Social and Generalized Anxiety Disorders. This four-factor model was confirmed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis, revealing a better fit to the data than the original model. High internal consistency of the YAM-5-I was confirmed (ω = 0.88), as well as its convergent validity with similar symptomatology (correlations ranging from 0.38 to 0.74, except for the Selective Mutism Scale). The sample size can be a limitation of the present study, and cultural aspects could have influenced our results on the YAM-5-I four-factor model (different from the original version with five factors). Overall, our study supported the good psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the YAM-5-I, therefore, consisting of a valid and updated tool for screening anxiety symptoms in children and adolescents.

The Relationship Between Childhood Abuse and Adult Attachment Styles: The Mediator Role of Sensory Over-Responsivity

ABSTRACT Child abuse portrays health and well-being issues that can last for several years, including altering interpersonal behavior. Evidence has shown that these early negative experiences may cause changes in sensory modulation. This study aimed to understand if sensory over-responsivity (SOR) plays an important role in mediating the association between childhood abuse (emotional abuse, emotional neglect, sexual abuse, physical abuse, physical neglect) and attachment-related anxiety or avoidance in adult romantic relationships. An online survey was conducted to examine these associations in a Portuguese community sample (N = 500) aged 18–62 years. The presented mediation models shown a higher mediation percentage for attachment-related anxiety rather than avoidance. All variables predicted the mediator, except sexual abuse which did not predict the overall model when the mediator was included. Our results have implications for individual treatment approaches regarding child abuse victims and can certainly influence intervention strategies.

Construct-related validity of the strengths and difficulties questionnaires with three and five dimensions: A multitrait-multimethod analysis.

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is one of the most broadly used questionnaires to evaluate children's psychological adjustment, however its internal structure has been a target of ongoing controversy. Recent studies suggested a three-factor structure of the SDQ, however data is still scarce. The present study used the Multitrait-Multimethod analysis to examine SDQ construct related-validity with three and five dimensions, provided by children, their parents and teachers. A total of 415 participants were recruited from a Portuguese community sample. Both SDQ versions presented good convergence-related validity, with higher values for the five version. Findings from this study suggest that the SDQ with three dimensions could be more suitable as a screening measure of children's psychological adjustment in a community low-risk sample. Nevertheless, the SDQ still needs further psychometric improvements in order to properly collect information from multi-source samples about the prevalence of children's psychological adjustment.

The stereotype of accountants: using a personality approach to assess the perspectives of laypeople

Purpose In the context of Portugal, this study examines the stereotypes of accountants held by laypeople and how they are influenced by financial crises and accounting scandals.Design/methodology/approach To better understand the social images of accountants, the authors adopt a structural approach based on the big five model (BFM) of personality. The authors test this approach on a Portuguese community sample (N = 727) using a questionnaire survey. The results are analyzed considering the socioanalytic theory.Findings The results suggest the existence of a stereotype dominated by features of conscientiousness, which is related to the superior performance of work tasks across job types. This feature comprises the core characteristics of the traditional accountant stereotype, which survives in a context challenged by financial scandals and crises. The findings highlight the social acceptance of accountants as an occupational group but do not suggest the possibility of accountants benefiting from the highest levels of social status when considered in relation to the traditional accountant stereotype.Originality/valueBy combining the BFM and the socioanalytic theory, this study provides a unique theoretical approach to better understand the social images of accountants. The findings demonstrate the suitability of using the BFM to study the social perceptions of accountants. They also indicate a paradox based on the survival of the traditional stereotype. This stereotype appears to be resistant to scandals and financial crisis, instead of being impaired, giving rise to another prototype with concerns about integrity.

What drives beliefs in COVID-19 conspiracy theories? The role of psychotic-like experiences and confinement-related factors

RationaleThe COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide threat to public health and the global economy. The climate of fear and uncertainty associated with the pandemic has fostered the emergence of a wide range of COVID-19 conspiracy theories that have the potential to shape public opinion and hinder the effective dissemination of valid information. Beliefs in conspiracy theories have been associated with maladaptive personality traits such as schizotypy and paranoia, as well as other non-psychotic psychological characteristics (e.g., social isolation, stress). MethodsAn online survey was conducted to examine the associations between beliefs in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and psychotic-like experiences in a Portuguese community sample (N = 438), while also addressing the role of sociodemographic variables, psychological outcomes (e.g., stress, affective states), confinement-related factors (e.g., confinement conditions/behaviors), and pandemic-related factors (e.g., health concerns, financial issues). ResultsFindings suggest that psychotic-like experiences are associated with beliefs in COVID-19 conspiracy theories, particularly perceptual abnormalities and persecutory ideation. Moreover, increased health-related concerns and reduced education levels also seem to be liability factors for these conspiracy beliefs. ConclusionThese results add important insights into how the adherence to illogical and erroneous disease-related arguments can be related to psychotic-like experiences. COVID-19 conspiracy theories are yet another major challenge that governments and policymakers must contemplate when defining strategic directions to manage the current and future pandemics.

Psychological well-being and depressive symptoms in individuals who have lost a family member by suicide

Background and objectivesThe impact of death by suicide represents an important public health issue. The current study reports data relating depressive symptoms and psychological well-being to exposure to suicide in the family. MethodsA final Portuguese community sample of 266 participants answered a protocol presented on a Google platform. Two groups were defined: a suicide exposure group (n = 45) and a control group (n = 210) who responded to the Échelle de Mesure des Manifestations du Bien-Être Psychologique (Psychological Well-being Manifestation Measure Scale) and to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Scale to access psychological well-being and depressive symptoms, respectively. ResultsGroups differ significantly on psychological well-being, even when contorting for unemployment and having physical disease, differed on depressive symptoms and tended to differ on depressive symptoms when contorting for unemployment and chronic physical disease. ConclusionBased on results, we suggest that therapeutic interventions should focus not only on reducing depressive symptoms in exposed individuals, but as well as promoting well-being. Limitations include the size of the sample and the cross-sectional nature of the design.

Psychometric properties of the Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices in a Portuguese sample

Objective: Psychometric properties of Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices in a Portuguese community sample were investigated. Method: The sample consists of 522 people (250 men and 272 women), aged between 12 and 95 years. All participants completed an informed consent form and a battery of neuropsychological tests, including Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM), Rey 15-Item Memory Test, Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and Rey Complex Figure Test. Results: The average in RSPM was 41.18 (SD = 12.03). The results showed that all sociodemographic variables (age, sex, education, profession, regions, and place of residence) significantly influenced RSPM scores. The reliability and temporal stability of RSPM were adequate. Conclusions: This study suggests that RSPM is an instrument with potential for use among the Portuguese population.

Psychometric Properties and Construct Validity of the Short Version of the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale in a Southern European Sample

The Self-Report Psychopathy Scale–Short Form (SRP–SF) is a brief measure of psychopathy, developed via model-based test theory. The SRP–SF has a 4-factor structure with items reflecting affective, interpersonal, lifestyle, and antisocial domains, in line with the Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL–R), which can be aggregated to form the traditional F1 and F2 dimensions of psychopathy. Previous research indicates the SRP is a viable tool for examining the prevalence of psychopathic propensities and their correlates in nonoffender populations. Currently, a substantial amount of nonoffender research on psychopathy is conducted in North America. Here, we inspect the psychometric properties of the SRP–SF and probe its association with general personality and empathy in a large southern European (Portuguese) community sample. Consistent with previous studies, results indicated good fit for the 4-factor model, including for separate female and male subsamples, good internal consistency across its scales and subscales, and the predicted pattern of associations with the correlates of psychopathy. The results of this cross-cultural study provide further evidence of the validity of the SRP–SF in the assessment of psychopathy in community samples, and help to extend the nomological net on the larger construct to a southern European sample.

Emotional and Behavioral Problems and Psychosocial Skills in Adolescents in Residential Care

Research suggests that mental health problems in adolescents in residential care (RC) are more prevalent than for youth in the community, and that psychosocial competencies are protective factors of mental health. This study compared adolescents in RC in Portugal, with a Portuguese community sample on the incidence of mental health problems and psychosocial skills, explored gender differences and the relationships between mental health problems and psychosocial competencies. Four hundred and forty-three adolescents in RC participated. Results showed that the RC adolescents had higher levels of mental health problems lower academic achievement, a poorer social support network, but were more involved in sports and hobbies, household chores than the adolescents in the normative sample. Gender differences were observed. Psychosocial skills were negatively correlated with mental health problems. These findings indicate an urgent need in Portugal for early screening of mental health problems and socio-cognitive interventions for youth in RC.

The prevalence of late-life depression in a Portuguese community sample: A 10/66 Dementia Research Group study

Late life depression is associated with a significant burden of disease. Estimating depression in older adults can be difficult and requires different methodological approaches from those fitting younger adults. As community prevalence data is scarce in Portugal, we estimated the prevalence of depression in a sample of older Portuguese adults. Moreover, we investigated the association between depression and disability. A cross-sectional comprehensive one-phase survey was conducted of all residents aged 65 and over of one urban and one rural catchment area in Southern Portugal. Standardized 10/66 assessments include a comprehensive cognitive module and the Geriatric Mental State (GMS)-AGECAT. Information on demographics, non-communicable disease risk factors and disability/functioning (WHODAS 2.0) was also recorded. Depression was assessed using both ICD-10 and EURO-D criteria. We interviewed 1405 older people (mean age 74.9, SD = 6.7 years; 55.5% women) after 313 (18.2%) refusals to participate. The prevalence rate for ICD-10 depression was 4.4 (95% CI 3.5-5.6) and 18.0 (95% CI 16.0-20.1) using the EURO-D case definition. As compared with having no depression, ICD-10 depression was associated with a higher level of disability, even after adjusting for confounders (4.8, 95% CI 2.8-8.1). The same happened with subsyndromal depression ('EURO-D only') cases (2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.5). Non-generalisability of findings outside of catchment areas. In this sample of older Portuguese people, the prevalence of depression was high and so were the associated levels of disability. EURO-D diagnoses may provide a better picture of clinically significant old age depression as a basis for health and social service planning.

Psychometric properties of the questionnaire of cognitive and affective empathy in a Portuguese sample.

Empathy is an important concept in psychology and cognitive neuroscience. Despite the controversy around its definition, most researchers would agree that empathy is a multidimensional phenomenon which involves a vicarious experience of another person’s affective state and an understanding of another person’s affective experience. Self-report measures of empathy constitute an important tool for both research and clinical practice. The main goal of this study was to adapt and study the psychometric properties of the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE), a worldwide used measure of empathy, in a Portuguese community sample (N = 562). Confirmatory factor analyses supported the factor structure of the original QCAE. Results show that the Portuguese version of the QCAE has sound psychometric properties, with good structural validity and internal consistency for both scales (i.e., affective and cognitive) and respective subscales of the instrument (i.e., Emotion Contagion, Proximal Responsivity, Peripheral Responsivity, Perspective Taking and Online Simulation). We tested both a five correlated factor structure (Model 1) and a second-order model that postulates the affective and cognitive dimensions (Model 2). Our results show that while both models present acceptable goodness of fit indices, Model 1 performs slightly better. In conclusion, the Portuguese version of the QCAE may prove a useful tool for future cross-cultural assessments of empathy in both research and clinical practice.

Validation of the Risk-Taking and Self-Harm Inventory for Adolescents in a Portuguese Community Sample

ABSTRACTThis article aims to adapt and validate the Risk-Taking and Self-Harm Inventory for Adolescents (RTSHIA) in Portuguese. Results confirm the 2-factor structure originally proposed (risk-taking and self-harm). Both dimensions presented an adequate internal reliability and temporal stability. Convergent validity and sociodemographic differences are analyzed. Preventive and clinical implications are discussed.

The prevalence of dementia in a Portuguese community sample: a 10/66 Dementia Research Group study

BackgroundDementia imposes a high burden of disease worldwide. Recent epidemiological studies in European community samples are scarce. In Portugal, community prevalence data is very limited. The 10/66 Dementia Research Group (DRG) population-based research programmes are focused in low and middle income countries, where the assessments proved to be culture and education fair. We applied the 10/66 DRG prevalence survey methodology in Portugal, where levels of illiteracy in older populations are still high.MethodsA cross-sectional comprehensive one-phase survey was conducted of all residents aged 65 and over of two geographically defined catchment areas in Southern Portugal (one urban and one rural site). Nursing home residents were not included in the present study. Standardized 10/66 DRG assessments include a cognitive module, an informant interview and the Geriatric Mental State-AGECAT, providing data on dementia diagnosis and subtypes, mental disorders including depression, physical health, anthropometry, demographics, disability/functioning, health service utilization, care arrangements and caregiver strain.ResultsWe interviewed 1405 old age participants (mean age 74.9, SD = 6.7 years; 55.5% women) after 313 (18.2%) refusals to participate.The prevalence rate for dementia in community-dwellers was 9.23% (95% CI 7.80–10.90) using the 10/66 DRG algorithm and 3.65% (95% CI 2.97–4.97) using DSM-IV criteria. Pure Alzheimer’s disease was the most prevalent dementia subtype (41.9%). The prevalence of dementia was strongly age-dependent for both criteria, but there was no association with sex.ConclusionsDementia prevalence was higher than previously reported in Portugal. The discrepancy between prevalence according to the 10/66 DRG algorithm and the DSM-IV criteria is consistent with that observed in less developed countries; this suggests potential underestimation using the latter approach, although relative validity of these two approaches remains to be confirmed in the European context. We improved the evidence base to raise awareness and empower advocacy about dementia in Portugal, so that the complex needs of frail older people may be met in better ways.

The factorial structure of the SCARED-R in a Portuguese community sample

Aim To evaluate the three-, four-, five- and nine-factor structures of the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders - revised version (SCARED-R) in a Portuguese sample. We further aimed at assessing the gender and age patterns of anxiety symptoms. Method The Portuguese version of the SCARED-R was administered to a community sample of 1,314 children, aged 10-13 years. Confirmatory factorial analysis and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) were employed. Results The five-, four- and three-factor models presented an acceptable fit to the data. An unacceptable fit to the data was obtained for the one-factor model. The refined nine-factor model presented good fit to the data after the removal of items with low factorial weights. Based on theoretical considerations, this nine-factor model was considered the best model for assessing children’s anxiety symptoms. A hierarchical structure with a second-order factor called "General Anxiety" was proposed. Adequate internal consistency and criterion related validity were demonstrated. Effects of gender and age on the anxiety scores were found. Conclusion The SCARED-R is a reliable tool for screening anxiety symptoms, and can be initially administered to identify children at high risk for specific DSM-IV defined anxiety disorders.

Parents’ Marital Status and Child Physical Abuse Potential: The Mediation of Depression Symptoms

Informed by a social interactional framework of stress and parenting, the aim of this study was to examine the mediating effect of depression symptoms on the association between parents’ marital status (married and divorced parents) and child physical abuse potential, in a Portuguese community sample. It was hypothesized that the possible observed differences between divorced and married parents in the child physical abuse potential would be explained by their depression symptoms. Parents (N = 892) were assessed in their marital status, severity of depression symptoms and child physical abuse potential. Results showed that, when compared with married parents, divorced parents had higher child physical abuse potential. However, parents’ depression symptomatology was found as a mediator of the effect of marital status differences on child physical abuse potential. The influence of the status of divorced parents on the increase of child physical abuse potential was explained by the increase of the parents’ depression symptoms. This finding suggested that parents’ divorced status had no longer an effect on child physical abuse potential when parents’ depression symptomatology was tested as a mediator variable. The present mediation model explained 47 % of the variability in the child physical abuse potential score. Practical implications of these findings for prevention and psychological intervention are also discussed.

Exploring Childhood Cognitions Through the Contents of Childrens Thoughts Related to Anxiety: A Qualitative Approach

Aim: The main aim of this study was to explore the contents of children’s cognitive products (positive and negative thoughts) related to stories that describe anxiety situations. Method: The final sample was composed of 274 children aged between 10 and 11 years (M = 10.62, SD = 0.5) from a Portuguese community sample. The Portuguese version of the Nine Ambiguous Stories was used. Children’s responses to the stories were analyzed using mixed content analysis - the pre-categories and categories were established a priori, the sub-categories emerged from the material. The agreement rate of the main coders had Intra-Correlation Coefficients above 0.97 (p<0.05). Response units were analyzed regarding their frequency and specific contents. Results: Content analysis provided 6,665 recording units of cognitive response allocated to 75 different subcategories. In the nine stories, every positive and negative thought contained expressed emotions. Other contents were also found and divided into 57 sub-categories; 32 were related to negative thoughts and 25 to positive thoughts. Conclusion: The large number of recording units within the dimension of expressed emotions highlights their importance when studying children’s cognitive characteristics. Negative thoughts’ contents suggest that beliefs related to factors of vulnerability may contribute to higher anxiety symptoms. Some contents of positive thoughts demonstrate the existence of positive beliefs related to characteristics of childhood development.