ABSTRACT In Chile, low labor participation has been observed in the young population. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the dimensions of emerging adulthood, work values and job satisfaction into the intention to stay at work of Chilean emerging adults. Through a convenience and snowball sampling, 226 workers aged between 20 and 30 years answered the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood short version (IDEA-VC), a scale of intention to stay at work, a scale of work values, a scale of job satisfaction and a set of sociodemographic and labor variables. A structural equation model was run to test the association between measured variables. The results suggest that a greater attachment to intrinsic values is indirectly associated with a greater intention to stay at work, through an increase in job satisfaction. No direct relationships were observed between the dimensions of emerging adulthood, work values and intention to stay. The results are interpreted under the theory of self-determination and the dimensionality of emerging adulthood in young workers are discussed. Finally, the role of work in the experience of this developmental stage are reviewed.

RESUMEN En Chile se ha observado una baja participación laboral en población joven. El objetivo de este estudio fue indagar la relación entre las dimensiones de la adultez emergente, los valores hacia el trabajo y la satisfacción laboral en la intención de permanencia laboral de adultos emergentes chilenos. A través de un muestro no probabilístico por conveniencia y bola de nieve, 226 trabajadores de 20 a 30 años contestaron el Inventario de las Dimensiones de la Adultez Emergente versión corta, una escala de intención de permanencia laboral, una escala de valores hacia el trabajo, una escala de satisfacción laboral y un cuestionario sociodemográfico. Se ejecutó un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales para probar la asociación entre las variables medidas. Los resultados sugieren que una mayor adscripción a valores intrínsecos se asocia indirectamente con una mayor intención de permanencia en el trabajo, a través de un aumento en la satisfacción laboral. No se observaron relaciones directas entre las dimensiones de la adultez emergente, valores hacia el trabajo e intención de permanencia. Los resultados son interpretados bajo la teoría de la autodeterminación y se discute la dimensionalidad de la adultez emergente en jóvenes trabajadores. Finalmente, se destaca el rol del trabajo en la experiencia de este periodo evolutivo.

Abstract: Given the scarcity of antecedents, this study set out to investigate, from a mainly quantitative approach, four aspects of the use of tests by Chilean psychologists: usage characterization, the most frequently used tests, psychometric quality, and perceived problems and attitudes. A purposive sample of 381 psychologists (71.7% female, M age = 41.35 years) answered an online survey that addressed the previously mentioned aspects. The data were examined by descriptive and inferential statistical analyzes. In addition, a qualitative systematic review of the literature on psychometric foundations (reliability, validity and/or normative references) of the usual employment tests in Chile was carried out. The main finding revealed that 15 of the 20 most frequently used tests do not have evidence to support their psychometric quality in Chilean populations. Other results show that the use of tests is a widespread practice in the psychology profession, oriented to clinical evaluation, focused on adolescents and adults, and carried out through a few tests that are repeated in the different professional fields, having a majority presence of projective techniques. The discussion focuses on the failure to observe basic requirements for a proper use of tests and its eventual consequences. Possible explanations for this professional proceeding arise and proposals are offered aimed at improving good practices in the use of psychological tests, pointing out, among others, the strengthening of the training of test users and the adoption of restrictive and formative strategies to favor the correct use of tests in Chile.

Resumen: Ante la escasez de antecedentes, este estudio indagó, desde un enfoque principalmente cuantitativo, 4 aspectos del empleo de test por parte de los/as psicólogos/as chilenos/as: caracterización del uso, pruebas de uso más frecuente, calidad psicométrica, problemas percibidos y actitudes. Una muestra no probabilística intencionada de 381 psicólogos/as (71,7% mujeres, M edad = 41,35 años, DE = 11,36) respondió un cuestionario en línea que abordó los aspectos previamente mencionados. Los datos fueron examinados mediante análisis estadísticos descriptivos e inferenciales. Complementariamente, se efectuó una revisión sistemática cualitativa de la literatura sobre fundamentos psicométricos (confiabilidad, validez y/o referentes normativos) de los test empleados habitualmente en Chile. El principal hallazgo reveló que 15 de los 20 test de uso más frecuente no cuentan con evidencia que respalde su calidad psicométrica en poblaciones chilenas. Otros resultados muestran que el empleo de test es una práctica extendida en el ejercicio profesional, orientada preferentemente a la evaluación clínica, de adolescentes y adultos, realizada a través de unos pocos test que se repiten en los distintos campos profesionales y con presencia mayoritaria de técnicas proyectivas. La discusión se centra en la inobservancia de exigencias básicas para una correcta utilización de test y sus eventuales consecuencias. Se plantean posibles explicaciones para este proceder profesional y se ofrecen propuestas para mejorar las buenas prácticas en el empleo de pruebas psicológicas, señalándose, entre otras, el fortalecimiento de la formación de los usuarios de test y la adopción de estrategias restrictivas y formativas para favorecer el uso correcto de los test en Chile.

Abstract Emerging adulthood is a new evolutionary period ranging from 18 to 29 years. The most used instrument to evaluate it is the Inventory of the Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA). The general objective of the study was to evaluate the cultural relevance and psychometric characteristics of the IDEA and 25 cultural/ emic items in a sample of 589 Chilean university students. Exploratory factorial analysis showed that the IDEA has a similar structure to one indicated by another Chilean study, and the cultural items form a three-factor structure. Confirmatory factorial analysis threw a unifactorial model of six indicators, three of them contain 21 original items of the IDEA, and three conserve 24 cultural items forming a single instrument, called extended - IDEA, with adequate psychometric properties. This instrument characterizes the emerging adulthood as a single stage of life, which contains ethical and emic aspects, giving an integrated view of its characteristics.

Resumen La adultez emergente es un nuevo periodo evolutivo, que abarca de los 18 a los 29 años. El instrumento más utilizado para evaluarla es el Inventario de Dimensiones de Adultez Emergente (IDEA). El objetivo general del estudio fue evaluar la pertinencia cultural y las características psicométricas del IDEA y de 25 ítems culturales/émicos en una muestra de 589 de universitarios chilenos. Análisis factoriales exploratorios demostraron que el IDEA tiene una estructura similar a la señalada por otro estudio chileno, y los ítems culturales conforman una estructura de tres factores. El análisis factorial confirmatorio arrojó un modelo unifactorial de seis indicadores, tres contienen 21 ítems originales del IDEA, y tres conservan 24 ítems culturales formando un solo instrumento, denominado IDEA - extendido, con propiedades psicométricas adecuadas. Este instrumento caracteriza la adultez emergente como una sola etapa de vida, que contiene aspectos éticos y émicos, dando un panorama integrado de sus características.

Emerging Adulthood is a period of life between 18 and 29 years old, culturally constructed and not universal. Given the paucity of studies about this developmental stage in Chile, the objective of this research was to characterize Emerging Adulthood and determine its most important features in Chilean university students using a qualitative approach, focused at the protagonists themselves. Six focus groups formed by 60 university students revised the items of the Inventory of Dimensions of Emerging Adulthood (IDEA) or discussed their beliefs about three areas defined a priori: Identity and self-concept, Relationship with parents and leaving home, and Love and sexuality. The presence of the Emerging Adulthood stage in university students is evident since its central features are present in this group; also there is evidence of others aspects that belong to cultural characteristics of the own Chilean university students which are related to the importance given to the family and social relationships.

La Adultez Emergente es un periodo de vida entre los 18 y 29 años, culturalmente construido y no de carácter universal. Ante la escasez de estudios en esta etapa en Chile, el objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar la Adultez Emergente, y determinar sus rasgos más relevantes en universitarios chilenos, a través de una aproximación cualitativa, desde los protagonistas. Seis grupos focales conformados por 60 universitarios a nivel nacional analizaron los ítems del Inventario de Dimensiones de Adultez Emergente o discutieron sus creencias sobre tres áreas definidas a priori: Identidad y Autoconcepto, Relación con los padres y salida del hogar, y Amor y sexualidad. Se evidencia la presencia de la Adultez Emergente en universitarios, pues las características centrales de la teoría están presentes en este grupo, y se obtiene evidencia de aspectos de carácter cultural propios de los universitarios chilenos, relacionados a la importancia de los vínculos familiares y sociales.

Abstract: The short version of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21; Lovibond y Lovibond, 1995) has been shown to have appropriate psychometric properties among Chilean adolescents and undergraduates. The current study was aimed at determining the cut-off scores of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) for screening Chilean youngsters at risk of mental health problems and requiring mental health treatment. The sample comprised 393 non-patients youngsters aged 15-24 and 77 youngsters at early stage of psychotherapy. The presence of symptoms was used as gold standard for estimating the cut-off betWeen non-symptomatic youngsters and symptomatic patients. Receiving Operating Characteristic (ROC) analyses allowed examining accuracy of each scale and sensitivity and specificity analysis was performed for determining the cut-off points. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was higher than 0.9 for each scale of the DASS-21. The optimal cut-off score for the Depression scale was 6 and above, which resulted in sensitivity=88,46 and specificity=86,77, and a cut-off of 5 and above was optimal for the anxiety scale, with a sensitivity of 87,50 and specificity of 83,38.The Stress Scale had sensitivity of 81,48 and specificity of 71,36 at the optimal cut-off score of 6 and above. These findings suggest that the DASS-21 performs adequately as a screening tool to identify Chilean young people at risk of mental health problems.

Resumen: Este estudio determinó los puntajes de corte de las Escalas abreviadas de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés (DASS-21) para detectar jóvenes en riesgo de problemas de salud mental. Se utilizó una muestra de 393 jóvenes no consultantes y una muestra clínica de 77 jóvenes consultantes en fase inicial de tratamiento. La presencia de sintomatologia fue utilizada como gold standard para determinar puntajes de corte entre jóvenes de población general asintomáticos y consultantes con sintomatologia clínica. Mediante análisis de curvas ROC se examinó la capacidad de discriminación de cada escala, y a través de análisis de sensibilidad y especificidad se determinaron puntajes de corte. El área bajo la curva para cada una de las escalas del DASS-21 fue mayor a 0.90. Para la escala de Depresión, se seleccionó un punto de corte de 6 (>5), con una sensibilidad de 88,46 y especificidad de 86,77. Para la escala de Ansiedad, el punto de corte correspondió a 5 (>4), con sensibilidad de 87,50 y especificidad de 83,38. En la escala Estrés, se seleccionó un punto de corte de 6 (>5), con una sensibilidad de 81,48 y especificidad de 71,36. Las escalas de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés (DASS-21) demostraron una adecuada utilidad como instrumento de tamizaje.

Despite the proven psychometric quality of the MACI in Chile, 6 of its clinical scales differentiate in a reversed fashion between adolescents who seek or receive psychological help and those who do not; in addition, these scales appear inversely associated with psychological disorders. Contrary to the theoretical foundations of the MACI, this pattern of results suggests that these scales might not be assessing psychological maladjustment in Chile but rather the absence of it, which points to the possibility of construct bias in these counter-theoretical (CT) scales. To examine this issue, a purposive sample of 49 Chilean clinical psychologists were asked to assess, using a 5-point scale, the extent to which the definition of the construct measured by each CT scale and the content of their items reflected psychological maladjustment in Chilean adolescents. One-sample t-tests suggest that the definitions of the Submissive and Egoistic scales and nearly all the items of the CT scales show construct bias. These results are discussed in terms of cultural differences regarding the notion of adolescent maladjustment, the original item selection criteria, and the implications of CT scales for professional practice.

Aunque el MACI presenta una probada calidad psicométrica en Chile, 6 de sus escalas clínicas diferencian de manera inversa entre adolescentes consultantes y no consultantes y, además, aparecen inversamente asociadas a trastornos psicológicos. Contrariando la teoría del MACI, este patrón de resultados sugiere que estas escalas no estarían evaluando en Chile desajuste psicológico, sino más bien su ausencia, y plantea la posibilidad de sesgo de constructo en estas escalas contra-teóricas (CT). Para examinar tal posibilidad, una muestra intencionada de 49 psicólogos clínicos chilenos evaluó, mediante una escala de 5 puntos, el grado en que la definición del constructo medido por cada escala CT y el contenido de sus ítems reflejaban desajuste psicológico en adolescentes connacionales. Pruebas t de una muestra sugieren que las definiciones de las escalas Sumiso y Egoísta y la casi totalidad de los ítems de las escalas CT presentan sesgo de constructo. Se discuten estos resultados en términos de diferencias culturales en la noción de desajuste adolescente, los criterios de selección original de los ítems y las implicaciones de las escalas CT para la práctica profesional.

This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) in university students from the city of Temuco, Chile (n = 399). The FFMQ is a self-report test consisting of 39 items, which measures the general tendency to proceed with Mindfulness by using five skills: Observation, Description, Acting with Awareness, Non-judging of inner experience and Non-reactivity to inner experience. The design is descriptive correlational of unique group. The results show adequate reliability and Mindfulness association with personality dimensions of the Five Factor Model of Costa and McCrae, with the Self-Actualization of humanistic theories and an inverse relation to negative emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. Analyzes show that the Chilean version of FFMQ has adequate psychometric properties for use in Chilean university students and discriminates between meditators and non-meditators.

Este estudio tuvo por objetivo determinar las propiedades psicométricas del Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) en estudiantes universitarios de la ciudad de Temuco en Chile (n = 399). El FFMQ es una prueba de autoreporte compuesta por 39 ítems, que mide la tendencia general a proceder con Atención Plena a partir de cinco habilidades: Observación, Descripción, Actuar con Conciencia, Ausencia de Juicio y Ausencia de Reactividad. El diseño es descriptivo correlacional, de grupo único. Los resultados muestran una confiabilidad adecuada y la asociación de Atención Plena con dimensiones de personalidad del Modelo de los Cinco Factores de Costa y McCrae, con la Autoactualización de las teorías humanistas y una relación inversa con estados emocionales negativos de depresión, ansiedad y estrés. Los análisis muestran que la versión nacional del FFMQ posee adecuadas propiedades psicométricas para ser utilizado en estudiantes universitarios chilenos y permite discriminar entre meditadores y no meditadores.

Background: The increase in university population in Chile has also increased the number of students presenting mental health disorders. Aim: To determine the frequency of mental health problems and its association with other relevant variables among students of a regional university in Chile. Material and Methods: A sample of 484 students aged 18 to 28 years (45% males) were assessed once using a battery of tests designed to detect mental health problems. The instruments used were Derogates SCL-90-R, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and a social-demographic questionnaire. Results: Fifteen percent of the sample presented high levels of mental health symptoms, determined according to the cut-off points of Beck inventories. This symptomatic group, which also showed high levels of stress, was composed mostly of freshmen and women. There was a significant association between symptoms and socio-demographic variables such as living in rural areas, ethnicity and socioeconomic status, a higher need for psychological and psychiatric care and a lower number of extracurricular activities. Conclusions: The knowledge of mental health problems among university students will allow to generate strategies for mental health prevention, promotion and treatment.

The high rate of anxiety disorders, depression and stress detected in Chilean university students requires a standardized instrument of diagnosis, enabling timely intervention for these disturbances. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Abbreviated Scales of Depression, Anxiety and Stress (DASS-21) for Chilean university students, thus validating the scale. The sample consisted of 484 students of Universidad Austral de Chile selected through random sampling using a cross-sectional correlation design. Construct validity was verified by exploratory factor analysis which yielded a three-factor structure, explaining 49.99% of total variance. Concurrent and divergent validity was verified by the BAI, BDI-II and SCL-90. Adequate reliability and internal consistency of DASS-21 was found using Cronbach's Alpha.

Debido a la alta tasa de trastornos ansiosos, depresivos y estrés en universitarios, es necesario contar con un instrumento estandarizado en esta población, que permita detectar estas patologías para intervenir oportunamente. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar las características psicométricas de las Escalas Abreviadas de Depresión, Ansiedad y Estrés (DASS - 21) en universitarios chilenos, lo cual contempló la validación del mismo. La muestra estuvo constituida por 484 estudiantes de la Universidad Austral de Chile, seleccionados mediante un muestreo probabilístico por conglomerados, utilizando un diseño correlacional transversal. La validez de constructo se verificó mediante análisis factorial exploratorio, el que arrojó una estructura de tres factores, explicando el 49,99 % de la varianza total. La validez concurrente y divergente fue verificada con el BAI, BDI - II y SCL - 90 - R. Mediante Alpha de Cronbach se constató la adecuada confiabilidad y consistencia interna del DASS - 21.

Este estudio reporta las características psicométricas de las dos escalas de Psicopatía del MACI y evalúa su utilidad para pesquisar y describir a adolescentes con alta psicopatía. Cuatro grupos representantes del continuo adaptación-desadaptación social respondieron el MACI y un autorreporte de comportamiento social adolescente. El análisis factorial de las escalas determinó estructuras de dos y tres factores, respectivamente, que son respaldadas por los modelos de psicopatía de Hare y de Cookie y Michie. Un algoritmo desarrollado con las puntuaciones de estas escalas identificó y permitió caracterizar un grupo de 49 jóvenes (11.2 % de la muestra) con alta psicopatía. Se discuten las características psicométricas y la utilidad de estas escalas para identificar a adolescentes con perfiles psicopáticos.

This study reports psychometric characteristics for two Psychopathy scales developed with the MACI and assess their utility for screening and describing high psychopathic adolescents. Four groups representing the social adjustment and maladjustment continue answered the MACI and a self report about adolescent social behaviour. A factorial analysis of the psychopathy scales determined structures formed by two and three factors which are supported by the models of psychopathy presented by Hare and by Cookie and Michie. An algorithm developed with these scales-scores identified and allowed to characterize a group of 49 adolescents (11.2 % of the sample) with high psychopathy. Psychometric characteristics and the utility of these two scales for identifying adolescents with psychopathic profiles are discussed.

This research was aimed to determine the psychometric characteristics of the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV; Forth, Kosson & Hare, 2003) in a sample of 30 Chilean male, juvenile offenders. Reliability analysis showed an alpha = 0.41for the total scale and higher indexes for its four facets (alpha between 0.53 and 0.73). The concurrent validity with the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI; Millon, 1993) showed significant associations among the total PCL:YV score and MACI scales related to the psychopathy construct. Besides, the association with two psychopathy scales that were conceptually developed by taking selected MACI items, was assessed. Results indicate that the PCL:YV presents reliability and validity indexes good enough to continue its study in Chilean samples to be use, in the near future, for taking professional decisions with relation to juvenile offenders.

Esta investigación determinó las características psicométricas del Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV; Forth, Kosson & Hare, 2003) en una muestra de 30 adolescentes chilenos, varones, infractores de ley. El análisis de confiabilidad arrojó un alfa = 0.41 para la escala total e indicadores más elevados para sus cuatro facetas (alfa entre 0.53 y 0.76). La validez concurrente establecida en relación a las escalas del Inventario Clínico para Adolescentes de Millon (MACI; Millon, 1993) mostró relaciones significativas moderadas entre el puntaje total del PCL:YV y las escalas del MACI relacionadas con el constructo de psicopatía. Además, se evaluó su relación con dos escalas de psicopatía desarrolladas conceptualmente con ítems del MACI. Los resultados indican que el PCL:YV presenta indicadores de confiabilidad y validez suficientemente adecuados para continuar su estudio en muestras chilenas con el fin de utilizarlo, en un futuro cercano, en la toma de decisiones profesionales relativas a jóvenes infractores de ley.

This article deepens on the statistical and interpretative analysis done with four personality patterns from the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI - Millon, 1993). These patterns (Submissive, Dramatizing, Egotistic, and Conforming) have presented, in different studies done with Latin-American adolescent samples,a psychometric behaviour different from the one we shall expect in agreement with Millon's theory. To do this, the data from the MACI's Chilean normative study was revised deeply. A sample of 807 adolescents, aged 13 through 19, divided by sex and also divided into a non consulting group (200 males and 206 females), and a clinical group (212 males and 189 females), was selected. All participants responded the MACI and the Minnesota Multiphasic Person ality Inventory for Adolescents (MMPI-A, Butcheret al., 1992). With the MACI scales data, a serie of statistical analysis for diagnostic validity (Hsu, 2002) that included Cohen's effect size (d),a percentage of non-overlap of the two distributions (U1), areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and sensibility and specificity analysis, were run through successive stages. First, results confirmed that the scales Submissive, Dramatizing, Egotistic and Conforming scored significantly higher in the non-consulting groups than they did in the consulting groups, this finding confirmed that Submissive, Dramatizing, Egotistic and Conforming scales presented a counter-theory behaviour. Second, the same set of analysis allowed to determine cutting point scores that had the capability for discriminating among participants coming from the non-consulting and the consulting groups. Later, the MMPI-A clinical scales data were analysed through a set of MANOVAS and ANOVAS drawing significant differentiation between the healthy functioning and disorderly functioning groups that were created by dividing the sample on the basis of cutting point scores from each scale. These analyses also confirmed the counter-theory behavior for the scales Submissive, Dramatizing, Egotistic and Conforming found in previous studies in Latin-America. Results showed that healthy functioning groups had higher MACI scores and MMPI-A scores around T 50, which indicated a healthy functioning; vice versa disordered functioning groups presented lower MACI scores and MMPI-A scores around or higher than T 60, which is an indicator of pathological functioning. The interpretation of these results was done considering the cultural syndrome of individualism and collectivism which reflects shared attitudes, beliefs, norms, roles and values among people belonging to a specific cultural group. According to Triandis (2001), the central theme shared by collectivist individuals is the conception of themselves as aspects of groups or collectivities, on the other hand, the individualism central theme is the conception of the individuals as autonomous from groups. Collectivist adolescents are likely to define themselves by giving priority to in-group goals, they pay less attention to internal than external processes as determinant of social behavior, and they define the relationship with the in-group members as communal. Collectivist personal traits, affect the personality functioning of adolescents coming from Latin-American countries in two aspects: They are reflected in elevations of the Dramatizing and Egotistic scales by integrating specific characteristics related to externalized, affective and warm social interactions; also they are reflected in elevations of the Submissive and Conforming scales by emphasizing specific characteristics related to the respect for the group norms and rules and keeping group harmony. At the end of the study, a bipolar clinical interpretation criteria, that includes the possibility of pathological functioning in very low and very high scores, is offered for each scale to be used as a guide for interpreting these MACI scores in the context of adolescence within the Latino-American culture.

Este estudio profundiza el análisis estadístico e interpretativo de cuatro patrones de personalidad del Inventario Clínico para Adolescentes de Millon (MACI-Millon, 1993). Estos patrones (Sumiso, Dramatizador, Egoísta y Conformista) han presentado un comportamiento no acorde con la teoría, en estudios realizados con adolescentes latinoamericanos. Se informa una revisión de los datos del estudio de baremación chilena del MACI, desarrollado con una muestra de 807 adolescentes, de 13 a 19 años, diferenciada por sexo y dicotomizada en dos grupos: no-consultantes (200 hombres y 206 mujeres) y consultantes (212 hombres y 189 mujeres) que contestó el MACI y el Inventario Multifásico de la Personalidad de Minnesota para Adolescentes (MMPI-A). Un conjunto de análisis de validez diagnóstica determinó que las escalas MACI diferenciaban de modo inverso a lo esperado teóricamente y estableció puntajes de corte óptimos entre los dos grupos. La comparación, mediante las escalas clínicas del MMPI-A, entre los grupos de funcionamiento sano y funcionamiento alterado creados por la segmentación de la muestra según el puntaje de corte de cada escala, indicó que estas escalas presentaban el comportamiento contra-teórico observado previamente. Estos resultados son discutidos considerando el síndrome cultural individualismo - colectivismo y los rasgos personales colectivistas que se presentan preferentemente en los grupos de adolescentes latinoamericanos. También se ofrecen criterios de interpretación clínica para estas escalas que integran características específicas relacionadas con la interacción social afectiva (escalas Dramatizador y Egoísta) y el respeto a las normas grupales (escalas Sumiso y Conformista) que se presentan preferentemente en la cultura latinoamericana.

Considering the current needs present in the psychological approach to adolescents with social adjustment problems, this article presents an actualized theoretical review about the construct of child and juvenile psychopathy. The topics included in the revision are the construct definition and extension, the tools for assessment that are available, the risk factors and different approaches to intervention. The discussion weights the different approaches to conceptualization, it points the convenience for studying general and specific assessments tools adjusted to our socio-cultural context, and it remarks the need for studying interventions that include the personality characteristics involved in the psychopathy construct.

Considerando las necesidades actuales presentes en el trabajo psicológico con adolescentes con problemas de adaptación social, este artículo realiza una revisión teórica actualizada sobre el constructo de psicopatía infanto-juvenil. Se abordan aspectos relacionados con la definición y extensión del constructo, los instrumentos de evaluación disponibles, los factores de riesgo y las perspectivas de tratamiento y prevención. En la discusión se ponderan las diferentes aproximaciones conceptuales, se plantea la conveniencia de desarrollar tanto instrumentos comprehensivos como de evaluación específica, ajustados a nuestro contexto sociocultural, y se destaca la necesidad de iniciar estudios sobre intervención que consideren las características de personalidad que están involucradas en el constructo.

The present study was aimed to assess the effectiveness of individual psychotherapy undertaken at the Psychological Clinic of the Universidad de La Frontera (Temuco, Chile) and its relationship with the therapeutic alliance. The investigation involved 23 adult patients with neurotic symptoms. Their therapeutic processes were carried out by 11 trainee students from the regular psychology training program. Out of these, 4 therapists were performing their first supervised psychotherapeutic experience, and 7 therapists were undertaking their professional training using either a psychodynamic or a humanistic- experiential approach. The therapeutic processes considered in this study lasted between 5 and 42 sessions, comprising the following closure modalities: agreed closure between the patient and therapist because of the fulfillment of objectives, closure requested by the patient, and withdrawal of the therapeutic process. The instruments used were the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45.2) adapted for Chilean population by De la Parra and Von Bergen (2000, 2002), an instrument that allows to evaluate the level of change in the final course of the therapy and its outcomes; and the Working Alliance Inventory (Inventario de Alianza Terapéutica, IAT-P) adapted for Chilean population by Santibánez (2001), an instrument that evaluates the level of therapeutic alliance from the perspective of the patient. The study was quantitative in nature, with a unique group design and evaluations at the beginning and at the end of the therapy. For each patient, the OQ-45.2 was administered at the end of the first, and after the last psychotherapy session. In addition, the IAT-P was administered once, at the fourth session. In order to assess the pre-post psychotherapy differences, a samples-related t test was performed. In addition, a Reliable Change Index was calculated using scores of the first and final OQ-45.2 administration; and finally, the percentage of patients with clinically significant change, was estimated. The administration of the IAT-P showed a restriction of range with positive bias both, on overall total scale scores as well on each subscale score. For this reason, using the median, two subgroups for the overall IAT were created. Also, two subgroups were generated for each subscale: a subgroup of subjects with scores higher than the median and a subgroup of subjects with scores below the median. Then, by using the Mann-Whitney U test, the Reliable Change Index from the groups with high or low levels of alliance were compared. Results of this study showed significant differences between the first and last application of the OQ-45.2. In order to estimate whether the change was clinically significant, cut-off scores and Reliable Change Index were used. In the OQ-45.2 scale, 17 patients left the clinical group, 12 people met the Reliable Change Index criterion, and 8 people showed a clinically significant change. In relation to the closure modality, 7 patients with clinically significant change ended the psychotherapy with a discharge given by the therapist, while one requested the closure of the therapy. Scores from the IAT-P were located in the upper two thirds of the scale. The Bond Subscale had the highest mean, while Tasks and Goals got a slightly lower value. With respect to the main issue, it was found a significant association between therapeutic alliance and the outcome of the psychotherapy both, on overall total scale scores of the OQ-45.2 as well Symptoms Scale of the same instrument. Results showed that the alliance between therapist and the patient especially helped to reduce patient's symptoms. In addition, it was evident that students in training were able to establish good alliance with their patients, and thus to promote the achievement of the therapeutic outcome. These results are discussed taking into account current research on this topic.

En este estudio se evalúa la efectividad de la psicoterapia individual realizada por terapeutas noveles en la Clínica Psicológica de la Universidad de La Frontera (Temuco - Chile) y su relación con la alianza terapéutica. La investigación es de carácter cuantitativo, con diseño de grupo único y evaluaciones al inicio y término de la terapia. En el estudio participaron 23 consultantes, cuyos procesos psicoterapéuticos eran conducidos por 11 estudiantes de los últimos niveles de la Carrera de Psicología, que realizaban su primera experiencia en atención psicoterapéutica supervisada, o se encontraban efectuando su práctica profesional. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron las versiones adaptadas para Chile del Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45.2) de De la Parra y Von Bergen (2000, 2002) que permite evaluar el nivel de cambio en el curso de la terapia y sus resultados finales y del Working Alliance Inventory (Inventario de Alianza de Trabajo, IAT-P) de Santibáñez (2001) que evalúa la alianza terapéutica desde la perspectiva del paciente. Los resultados informan diferencias significativas entre la primera y última aplicación del OQ-45.2. Los puntajes obtenidos en el IAT-P están ubicados en los dos tercios superiores de la escala, observándose una restricción de rango con sesgo positivo. Se evidencia una asociación significativa entre la alianza terapéutica percibida por el paciente y el resultado de la psicoterapia, tanto en el puntaje total de la escala OQ-45.2, como en la Subescala de Síntomas. Estos resultados son discutidos considerando la investigación actual en el área y el trabajo realizado por terapeutas noveles.

An empirical typology of adolescent drug users, using the personality pattern scales from the Millón Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI), is presented. The MACI and a clinical interview were applied to 116 Chilean adolescent drug users, between 13 and 19 years of age, both male and female. The cluster analysis results suggested for the male sample a solution composed of 3 personality types, named Unruly-Forceful, Subclinical, and Oppositional-Self Demeaning. The final solution of the female sample was composed of 4 types, named Oppositional-Unruly, Inhibited-Self-Demeaning, Subclinical and at Risk. This typology was interpreted according to the 3 groups of MACI scales and clinical information, obtaining consistent results with the theoretical background.

Se presenta una tipología empírica de adolescentes consumidores de drogas desarrollada a partir de las escalas de patrones de personalidad del Inventario Clínico para Adolescentes de Millón (MACI).Se aplicó el MACI y una entrevista clínica semiestructurada a 116 adolescentes chilenos consumidores de drogas, de entre 13 y 19 años, tanto hombres como mujeres. El análisis de conglomerados sugirió una solución óptima de 3 tipos para la muestra de hombres, denominados Transgresor-Poderoso, Subclínico y Oposicionista-Autodegradante. En la muestra de mujeres se encontró una solución de 4 tipos, denominados Oposicionista-Transgresor, Inhibido-Autodegradante, Subclínico y en Riesgo. Esta tipología fue interpretada de acuerdo a los 3 grupos de escalas del MACI y a la información clínica, obteniéndose resultados consistentes con los antecedentes teóricos recabados.