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- Predicting ASD risk through adaptive behavioural indicators
Authors: Isabel García-García, Manoel Baña-Castro
Abstract: Adaptive behavior refers to the effectiveness with which a person responds to the natural and social demands of their environment. It includes the learned conceptual, social and practical skills that enable a person to respond to everyday circumstances, and is one of the most important criteria used to determine a person’s level of disability. The aim of this study is to analyze the ability to predict the risk of ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) using GARS-2 and ICAP indicators of adaptive behavior. The study involved a sample of 209 people from Galicia (Spain). One group (n = 111) comprised subjects with a prior diagnosis of ASD (37 females and 74 males) aged 2-20 years. The second group (n=98) consisted of normotypical subjects (56 females and 42 males) aged 3-23 years. The two instruments showed significant correlations, while non-parametric analyses of variance showed age-related differences in the dimensions and skills assessed. A tree analysis allowed 75.1% of the cases to be correctly classified. 74.8% of participants with ASD were correctly identified by the analysis, as were 75.5% of the normotypical sample. The predictive variables revealed by the analysis were ICAP Social and Communication Skills and GARS-2 Communication Dimension. The findings confirm that adaptive behavior is a good risk predictor for ASD, which may contribute to early identification.
PubDate: 2024-07-01
DOI: 10.17979/reipe.2024.11.1.10616
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 1 (2024)
- Planning and working memory as predictors of academic performance in
adolescents aged 12-17 years
Authors: Álvaro Federico Muchiut, Marcos Luis Pietto, Paola Vaccaro, Belén Sánchez
Abstract: The primary aim of this work was to analyze the predictive value of executive functions in relation to changes in academic performance among secondary school adolescents based on self- and parental assessment. The study consisted of a quantitative non-experimental, descriptive-correlational investigation of 265 adolescents aged 12-17 years. Students assessed their own executive functions using the Self-Report Executive Functioning Scale, while their parents/guardians assessed them using the Parental Executive Function Scale. Socioeconomic status was obtained with the Socioeconomic Level Survey, and academic performance was obtained from the report cards. The results showed a positive correlation between academic performance and executive functions, as perceived by both adolescents and parents; as well as between academic performance and socioeconomic status. Furthermore, academic performance was significantly explained by socioeconomic status and activities related to working memory and planning, as perceived by both adolescents and parents. Based on these findings, the study concludes that adolescents are capable of reflecting on the effectiveness of their executive functions in a way that is relevant to their academic performance, and that caregivers can provide relevant information about their children’s executive functions. Additionally, the findings highlight the importance of socioeconomic status when examining the relationship between executive functions and academic performance.
PubDate: 2024-07-01
DOI: 10.17979/reipe.2024.11.1.10526
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 1 (2024)
- Musical training and working memory: relationship with performance, gender
and instrument family of training
Authors: Rebeca Kerstin Alonso, Luz M. Fernández-Mateos, José David Urchaga-Litago, Antonio Sánchez-Cabaco
Abstract: The aim of this research is to analyse the relationship between working memory and musical training, as well as its impact on academic performance, and the influence of gender and instrument family. The sample for the study comprised 300 students aged 10-18 years from a professional public conservatory in Spain. The measurement instruments used were the Wechsler scales WISC-IV and WAIS-IV, and a task (PMTM) designed specifically to assess the performance of musical working memory. Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between musical training (measured as low, medium and high, based on years of study) and academic performance (musical and general), and between the phonological loop of working memory and both types of academic performance. Positive correlations were also observed between musical training and phonological loop, and with musical working memory. Gender was not found to affect performance. By contrast, descriptive patterns varied systematically by instrument family, with students of bowed string instruments obtaining higher scores in musical working memory, followed by polyphonic instruments and finally wind instruments. These findings can be used to create programmes to enhance working memory, to help conservatory students to maximise their potential and the effectiveness of their learning.
PubDate: 2024-07-01
DOI: 10.17979/reipe.2024.11.1.10345
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 1 (2024)
- Self-regulated learning and study orientation: Results of an intervention
project
Authors: Patrícia Diane Puglia, Regina de Cássia Rondina, Raul Aragão Martins
Abstract: This article reports on the application and assessment of a project for the promotion of self-regulatory skills among technical secondary school students. The study was conducted at a Federal Educational Institution in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The study sample consisted of 35 new entry students who exhibited problems adapting to the new academic routine and symptoms of anxiety. The students were given systematic study guidance sessions to help them to develop self-regulated learning skills. The data for the study were collected using the following methods: Scale DASS-21 (Brazilian version), semi-structured initial and end interviews, and researcher’s observations. The results show varying degrees of success among students in acquiring self-regulation skills. The quantitative pre- and post-test comparison of the DASS-21 data and the JT Method showed a reduction in anxiety symptoms in 12 and 8 students respectively, and the analysis of variance detected a significant reduction in the group's average anxiety score after the project. The qualitative analysis showed that, for the majority of students, the project sessions promoted the development of skills in self-regulation of learning, improving aspects such as study planning and organisation, among others. Further research is necessary, to take into account intervening variables.
PubDate: 2024-07-01
DOI: 10.17979/reipe.2024.11.1.10056
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 1 (2024)
- Assessing expressive communication in young children using the Early
Communication Indicator-Portugal
Authors: Sandra Cristina Araújo Ferreira, Anabela Cruz-Santos, Leandro Almeida
Abstract: Given the high prevalence of Portuguese children with communication disorders, valid instruments are needed for the early detection of these disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the Early Communication Indicator-Portugal (ECI-Portugal) in identifying the risk among Portuguese children of developing a communication disorder. The sample for the study comprised 480 children from across the country, aged 6-42 months, 40 of whom were identified as having communication disorders. The results found that children with communication disorders show significantly slower expressive communicative development compared to children with typical development, including longer use of vocalisations, and later emergence of words and sentences. These results demonstrate the utility of ECI-Portugal in identifying differences between children with and without communication disorders from an early age, and its potential importance as a tool for assessing and monitoring communication-related problems in Portuguese children from an early age.
PubDate: 2024-07-01
DOI: 10.17979/reipe.2024.11.1.10029
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 1 (2024)
- A latent class analysis of multiple health-risk behaviours among
Portuguese college students
Authors: Regina Alves
Abstract: Traditionally, the prevalence of health-risk behaviours is high among university students. Although these behaviours are often analysed in isolation, there is likely evidence for the co-occurrence of multiple risk behaviours. In this study, a latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted with cross-sectional data from 840 Portuguese students (55.4% female) to explore patterns of multiple risk behaviours across seven behavioural dimensions (alcohol consumption, smoking, unhealthy eating, sedentary behaviour, risky sexual practices, illicit drug use, and self-medication). Additionally, a latent class regression was performed to explore predictors (perceived well-being and sociodemographic and academic characteristics) for each behavioural pattern. A three-class model emerged with different probabilities of risk: Low-risk behaviours (51.4%), Moderate-risk behaviors (14.9%), and High-risk behaviours (33.7%). Students with better perceptions of well-being and health were likelier to be in the healthier class. Students in the low- and moderate-risk classes were more likely to be in their first year of study, not in a romantic relationship and to be full-time students. Students who had not changed residence at the beginning of their studies and were female were more likely to be in the healthiest class. This study provides essential strategies for health promotion among university students, offering crucial insights for the design of effective health promotion interventions, especially targeted at specific groups of students with similar patterns of multiple risk behaviours.
PubDate: 2024-07-01
DOI: 10.17979/reipe.2024.11.1.10028
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 1 (2024)
- Secondary school students' perceptions of the online flipped classroom
model in an online context
Authors: Teresa Ribeirinha, Marisa Correia, Bento Silva
Abstract: During the pandemic, the fully online flipped classroom model (FCM) became an alternative to the hybrid FCM. To assess the application of FCM in an online environment, an action research study combining asynchronous and synchronous classes was carried out with Portuguese secondary school students. The design of the lessons was based on the 5E Model: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate and Evaluate. Data were collected using a questionnaire and students interactions in the synchronous activities. The results show that the asynchronous lessons stimulated students’ interest in the topic (Engage), and enabled them to gain an initial understanding of the topic (Explore) and to demonstrate the learning they had acquired (Explain). Synchronous lessons highlighted the active role of students in solving complex problems in groups and extending autonomous learning (Elaborate and Evaluate). However, in the process of extending their learning, students were found to rely more on immediate feedback from the teacher than from their peers. The results of the study confirm the suitability of FCM in an online environment, and its promotion of personalised learning and student autonomy.
PubDate: 2024-07-01
DOI: 10.17979/reipe.2024.11.1.10024
Issue No: Vol. 11, No. 1 (2024)
- Trait anxiety among adolescents: levels and differences relative to rate
of physical exercise
Authors: Iago Portela-Pino, Victor Domínguez-Rodríguez
Pages: 282 - 300
Abstract: The aim of this research was to assess the levels of trait anxiety among students of junior- and senior-cycle secondary school in Galicia (Spain). The study used a psychometric-quantitative methodology, including factorial, descriptive and inferential analysis in a sample of 869 students aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 14.44; SD = 1.59), surveyed using the Anxiety Questionnaire (STAI-R) and a sociodemographic data sheet. The results showed moderate levels of trait anxiety among 49% of the sample, low levels among 26.9%, and high levels among 24.1%. Exploratory factor analysis supported a three-factor model (Inadequacy, Hopelessness, and Stability), while confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated that a two-factor theoretical model (Trait anxiety-affirmative, Trait anxiety-negative) also presents an acceptable fit. Reliability was analysed using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega, with adequate internal consistency indices found for each measure of the scale (α/ω > .70). Finally, the inferential analysis supported the existence of a higher level of trait anxiety among adolescents who do not engage in physical exercise. The paper concludes that even moderate levels of trait anxiety among young people can be improved through physical exercise.
PubDate: 2023-12-15
DOI: 10.17979/reipe.2023.10.2.9903
Issue No: Vol. 10, No. 2 (2023)
- Demographic variables influence on challenges and coping strategies of
bullied in-school adolescents in Kwara State (Nigeria)
Authors: Mulikat Ladi Abdulqadir Mustapha, Shuaib Abolakale Muhammed, Mosunmola Kudirat Adeboye
Pages: 318 - 338
Abstract: Bullied in-adolescents do experience certain psychosocial challenges and they employed varying coping strategies. However, the impact of demographic variables on the adjustment approaches used by adolescents enrolled in school is not sufficiently understood especially in Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling approach was used to obtain the study sample, resulting in 400 students identified as victims. Three instruments were used for their evaluation: Bullying Behaviour Scale; Psychosocial Challenges of Bullied Questionnaire; and Coping Strategies of Bullied Questionnaire. Results showed that age or type of school attended did not influence the psychosocial challenges experienced by bullied respondents, and it was also observed that students from private and public schools employed varying coping approaches. On this basis, it would be advisable for school counsellors to develop effective intervention strategies to help bullied students overcome their psychosocial challenges, and for school counsellors to focus more on bullied adolescents in their schools to train them in the best methods of coping and overcoming victimisation experience.
PubDate: 2023-12-15
DOI: 10.17979/reipe.2023.10.2.10066
Issue No: Vol. 10, No. 2 (2023)
- Book review: Repetitive and restricted behaviors and interests in autism
spectrum disorders
Authors: Ana Muiño
First page: 339
Abstract: Este book examina minuciosamente las conductas e intereses repetitivos y estereotipados característicos del Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA): adherencia a rutinas, rituales, movimientos corporales u objetos, habla estereotipada, resistencia al cambio, intereses restringidos y/o inusuales, o respuesta sensorial atípica. Estas características centrales del TEA están influenciadas por factores ambientales y genéticos. La investigación actual destaca la importancia de considerar este patrón de comportamiento y los intereses en la planificación de la intervención y la comprensión del TEA, ya que puede afectar la vida diaria de las personas con este diagnóstico. Este patrón se manifiesta de manera diferente en cada individuo, por lo que requiere una planificación individualizada para la evaluación y la intervención.
PubDate: 2023-12-15
DOI: 10.17979/reipe.2023.10.2.10069
Issue No: Vol. 10, No. 2 (2023)
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