Open Access
Gender differences in risk factors for Stice’s bulimia in a non-clinical sample
(Cambridge University Press, 2015) Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Cacho Fernández, Raúl; López-Goñi, José Javier; Real Deus, José Eulogio; Vaca Gallegos, Silvia; Mayoral, Paula; Psicología y Pedagogía; Psikologia eta Pedagogia
Some females are at an increased risk of developing bulimia. However, etiological factors and their interplay remain controversial. The present study analyzed Stice’s Model for eating disorders in a non-clinical population by examining gender differences with respect to the following risk factors: body mass index (BMI), body dissatisfaction, perceived social pressure to be thin, body-thin internalization, and dieting behavior. A sample of 162 American college students (64 males and 91 females) was surveyed, and validated scales were used. The Stice’s model was tested using Structural Equation Modeling. Our results supported Stice’s Dual Pathway Model of bulimic pathology for females but not for males. The results of this study fail to support the role of BMI as a predictor of dietary restraint in females, the main risk factor of eating disorders. Males may abstain from dietary restraint to gain muscular volume and in turn increase their BMI. Implications are discussed.
Open Access
Psychological inflexibility and loneliness mediate the impact of stress on anxiety and depression symptoms in healthcare students and early-career professionals during COVID-19
(Frontiers Media, 2021) Bonilla-Sierra, Patricia; Manrique-G., Alexis; Hidalgo-Andrade, Paula; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: the current mental health state of healthcare professionals and students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ecuador remains understudied and how to improve their mental health is a challenge. Objective: this study aimed to explore the anxiety and depressive symptomatology among healthcare students and professionals in Ecuador and to examine the role of psychological inflexibility, loneliness, and psychological stress as predictors of anxiety and depression symptoms. Methods: a total of 191 undergraduate and graduate healthcare students in clinical practice (early-career healthcare professionals) in Ecuador were surveyed between January and March 2021 using standardized measures of psychological stress (PSS), psychological inflexibility (AAQ), loneliness (UCLA), alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C), and anxiety and depressive symptomatology (PHQ). Macro Process for SPSS (models 4 and 7) were used to test mediation effects. Results: alcohol consumption varied between men and women and anxiety and depression symptomatology was generally low among the sample. Psychological inflexibility and loneliness mediated the impact of stress on anxiety and depressive mood in participants, regardless of gender and previous personal history of COVID-19. Discussion: implications of psychological inflexibility and the prevention and coping with stress in healthcare professionals during COVID-19 are further discussed.
Open Access
The role of education in executive functions, behavioral problems and functional performance in people with schizophrenia
(American Psychological Association, 2021) Cámara, Silvia; Contador Castillo, Israel; Herrero, Paula; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Sánchez, Abraham; Cuellar, Luis; López, Rebeca; Fournier, María Concepción; Ramos, Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Objective: this cross-sectional study examined the influence of education on executive functions, behavioral problems and functional performance in people with chronic schizophrenia. Method: our sample was composed of 116 subjects with a schizophrenia diagnosis (evolution time = 17.5 ± 9.5 years) from consecutive referrals to the Rehabilitation Unit of Benito Menni Hospital (Valladolid, Spain). All participants completed an extensive standardized protocol including a neuropsychological testing of executive functions (processing speed, working memory, inhibition, interference control, mental flexibility), the assessment of behavioral symptoms, and functional performance. Hierarchical regression models (HRMs) were carried out to determine whether education (in years) relates to executive functions after controlling for the effect of demographics, IQ, and clinical factors. Results: both IQ and years of education were associated with a later onset of the illness. Specifically, high education (in years) significantly correlated with fewer behavioral problems and better functional performance in daily life. Further, HRMs showed that education was associated with digit span and sematic verbal fluency tasks after controlling for the effect of age, sex, and IQ as covariates. Conclusions: higher education may ameliorate executive deficits in patients with chronic schizophrenia and, in turn, diminish the behavioral and functional problems of the illness.
Open Access
Modification in psychophysiological stress parameters of soldiers after an integral operative training prior to a real mission
(MDPI, 2022) Bellido-Esteban, Alberto; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Tornero Aguilera, José Francisco; Clemente Suárez, Vicente Javier; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Background. Military personel could be defined as 'Tactical Athletes'. However, experimental evidence about the effects of new HIIT trainings in comparison with traditional training schedules is lacking. The aim of this study was to experimentally analyze the modifications on psychophysiological and performance response of soldiers after completing experimental integral operative training. Methods. A total of 43 male subjects of a special unit force of the Spanish armed forces were randomly selected and assigned into the experimental and control groups assessed after training and after deploying in a real operation area. The experimental group underwent an integral operative pre-mission 6-week training (IOT), and the control group, the 6-week traditional training. Results. HIIT-based integral operative training significantly improved combat performance (melee combat score) and the psychophysiological stress response, as measured by heart rate variability indexes. (4) Conclusion. This study provides experimental evidence supporting a new integral operative effective for improved autonomic regulation, reduced perceived stress, melee and close-quarter combat techniques, in addition to aerobic and anaerobic performance and lower body strength in comparison with the traditional training.
Open Access
Prevention of alcohol consumption programs for children and youth: a narrative and critical review of recent publications
(Health Psychology, 2022) Sánchez Puertas, Rafael; Vaca Gallegos, Silvia; López Núñez, Carla; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Background: youth substance use is a public health problem globally, where alcohol is one of the drugs most consumed by children, and youth prevention is the best intervention for drug abuse. Objective: review the latest evidence of alcohol use prevention programs in empirical research, oriented to all fields of action among children and youth. Methods: a narrative and critical review was carried out within international databases (PsychInfo, Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus) in August 2021 and was limited to empirical studies that appeared in the last five years (2017-2021). A flow diagram was used according to the PRISMA statements. Empirical research articles in English with RCTs and quasi-experimental design that included alcohol, children, and young people up to 19 years of age (universal, selective, or indicated programs) were included. The authors examined the results and conceptual frameworks of the Prevention programs by fields of action. Results: twenty-two articles were found from four fields of action: school (16), family (2), community (2), and web-based (2), representing 16 alcohol prevention programs. School-based alcohol prevention programs are clinically relevant [Theory of Planned Behavior, Refuse, Remove, Reasons, Preventure, The GOOD Life, Mantente REAL, Motivational Interviewing (BIMI), Primavera, Fresh Start, Bridges/Puentes], they are effective in increasing attitudes and intentions toward alcohol prevention behavior, while decreasing social norms and acceptance of alcohol, reducing intoxication, and increasing perceptions with regards to the negative consequences of drinking. Discussion: This narrative and critical review provides an updated synthesis of the evidence for prevention programs in the school, family, community, and web-based fields of action, where a more significant number of programs exist that are applied within schools and for which would have greater clinical relevance. However, the prevention programs utilized in the other fields of action require further investigation.
Open Access
Performance of fuzzy multi-criteria decision analysis of emergency system in COVID-19 pandemic. An extensive narrative review
(MDPI, 2021) Clemente Suárez, Vicente Javier; Navarro Jiménez, Eduardo; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Dalamitros, Athanasios A.; Beltrán Velasco, Ana Isabel; Hormeno-Holgado, Alberto Joaquín; Laborde Cárdenas, Carmen Cecilia; Tornero Aguilera, José Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
The actual coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the limit of emergency systems worldwide, leading to the collapse of health systems, police, first responders, as well as other areas. Various ways of dealing with this world crisis have been proposed from many aspects, with fuzzy multi-criteria decision analysis being a method that can be applied to a wide range of emergency systems and professional groups, aiming to confront several associated issues and challenges. The purpose of this critical review was to discuss the basic principles, present current applications during the first pandemic wave, and propose future implications of this methodology. For this purpose, both primary sources, such as scientific articles, and secondary ones, such as bibliographic indexes, web pages, and databases, were used. The main search engines were PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. The method was a systematic literature review of the available literature regarding the performance of the fuzzy multi-criteria decision analysis of emergency systems in the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study highlight the importance of the fuzzy multi-criteria decision analysis method as a beneficial tool for healthcare workers and first responders' emergency professionals to face this pandemic as well as to manage the created uncertainty and its related risks.
Open Access
The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on mental disorders. A critical review
(MDPI, 2021) Clemente Suárez, Vicente Javier; Martínez-González, Marina Begoña; Benítez Agudelo, Juan Camilo; Navarro Jiménez, Eduardo; Beltrán Velasco, Ana Isabel; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Díaz Arroyo, Esperanza; Laborde Cárdenas, Carmen Cecilia; Tornero Aguilera, José Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lives of the worldwide population. Citizens suffer the social, economic, physiological, and psychological effects of this pandemic. Primary sources, scientific articles, and secondary bibliographic indexes, databases, and web pages were used for a consensus critical review. The method was a narrative review of the available literature to summarize the existing literature addressing mental health concerns and stressors related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main search engines used in the present research were PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. We found the pandemic has had a direct impact on psychopathologies such as anxiety, increasing its ratios, and depression. Other syndromes such as burnout and post-traumatic stress disorder have increased with the pandemic, showing a larger incidence among medical personnel. Moreover, eating disorders and violence have also increased. Public authorities must prepare healthcare systems for increasing incidences of mental pathologies. Mental health apps are one of the tools that can be used to reach the general population.
Open Access
Anatomy of educational innovations based on learning by discovery in higher education
(Consejo General de la Psicología de España, 2024) Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Contador Castillo, Israel; Quintero, Esperanza; López-García, Juan Carlos; Álvarez-Díaz, Beatriz; Cacho Fernández, Raúl; Fernández-Calvo, Bernardino; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Institute for Advanced Social Research - ICOMMUNITAS
El objetivo de este trabajo es examinar las innovaciones docentes derivadas del Plan Bolonia, centrando la atención en el aprendizaje basado en problemas y la gamificación, que resaltan la importancia del aprendizaje por descubrimiento o autónomo. Se analizan metaanálisis y artículos prominentes en ¿Education¿ and ¿Educational Research¿ de los últimos 5 años. Utilizando un símil biomédico, se identifican los principios activos de las innovaciones basadas en aprendizaje por descubrimiento, destacando la subordinación de contenidos teóricos a competencias prácticas y la ruptura del binomio docente-estudiante. Se señalan efectos adversos como la devaluación de clases magistrales, desacreditación de la autoridad docente y la infantilización de estudiantes. Diferentes estudios indican que la eficacia del aprendizaje por descubrimiento en la educación superior es débil e inconsistente. Por tanto, se aboga por la prudencia en su implementación y la preservación de la función social universitaria para transmitir conocimiento a niveles superiores.
Open Access
The distinctive role of grounded optimism and resilience for predicting burnout and work engagement: a study in professional caregivers of older adults
(Elsevier, 2022) Nieto-Carracedo, Ana; Contador Castillo, Israel; Palenzuela, David L.; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Ramos, Francisco; Fernández-Calvo, Bernardino; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: Resilience and optimism have been proposed as psychological resources which may help to cope better with work demands, preventing negative consequences of stress, whereas external locus of control (ELC) is considered an intra-psychic vulnerability factor associated with increased burnout. Noteworthy, the specific role of these overlapping constructs on the prevention of burnout and promotion of work engagement, respectively, remains unclear. Objective: The main aim of this study was to compare the differential significance of resilience and optimism, joined with ELC, on the prediction of burnout and work engagement. Method: A sample of 265 professional caregivers of dependent older adults was assessed using an extensive standardized protocol. Optimism and ELC were measured using the Palenzuela's Battery of Generalised Expectancies of Control, and the Connor-Davidson Scale was used to estimate resilience. Moreover, the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were used to measure burnout and work engagement, respectively. Different hierarchical regression models were conducted with burnout and work engagement as dependent factors. Results: The results showed that more than half (51%) variance in resilience was accounted by grounded optimism scores. The ELC was the main explanatory factor of burnout, whereas optimism and resilience were the best predictors of work engagement. Finally, even after controlling the effect of resilience, the effect of optimism remained significant for predicting work engagement. Conclusions: These findings support distinctive role resilience and optimism, two closely related psychological constructs, for promoting work engagement and reducing burnout in professional caregivers of older adults.
Open Access
Metabolic health, mitochondrial fitness, physical activity, and cancer
(MDPI, 2023) Clemente Suárez, Vicente Javier; Martín Rodríguez, Alexandra; Redondo Flórez, Laura; Ruisoto Palomera, Pablo; Navarro Jiménez, Eduardo; Ramos Campo, Domingo Jesús; Tornero Aguilera, José Francisco; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Cancer continues to be a significant global health issue. Traditional genetic-based approaches to understanding and treating cancer have had limited success. Researchers are increasingly exploring the impact of the environment, specifically inflammation and metabolism, on cancer development. Examining the role of mitochondria in this context is crucial for understanding the connections between metabolic health, physical activity, and cancer. This study aimed to review the literature on this topic through a comprehensive narrative review of various databases including MedLine (PubMed), Cochrane (Wiley), Embase, PsychINFO, and CinAhl. The review highlighted the importance of mitochondrial function in overall health and in regulating key events in cancer development, such as apoptosis. The concept of “mitochondrial fitness” emphasizes the crucial role of mitochondria in cell metabolism, particularly their oxidative functions, and how proper function can prevent replication errors and regulate apoptosis. Engaging in high-energy-demanding movement, such as exercise, is a powerful intervention for improving mitochondrial function and increasing resistance to environmental stressors. These findings support the significance of considering the role of the environment, specifically inflammation and metabolism, in cancer development and treatment. Further research is required to fully understand the mechanisms by which physical activity improves mitochondrial function and potentially reduces the risk of cancer.