ISSN: 2422-3271 (Online) | DOI: 10.18566/infpsic Biannual publication of the School of Psychology of the Pontificia Bolivariana University. Collect results of scientific research and reflections in social areas of psychology, in order to promote the exchange knowledge and opinions. The contents of the journal is aimed at the students, teachers, researches, graduates, professionals of the social science areas and to the readers related to this knowledge.
Health-related quality of life in cardiovascular patients
The objective was to assess health-related quality of life in patients with cardiovascular disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a primary care institution in 2023. The EQ-5D-5L scale was administered to participants in the cardiovascular risk program. Dimensions and the visual analogue scale were analyzed according to the presence of specific conditions. A total of 2,282 individuals participated. Among patients with hypertension and diabetes, self-care was the least affected dimension, while in those with kidney disease, mobility and self-care showed less deterioration. Patients with two conditions presented better scores in self-care and mobility. The coexistence of all three conditions was associated with greater impairment in mobility and lower scores on the visual analogue scale. Hypertension and diabetes, when occurring alone, were associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression. In conclusion, quality of life is negatively affected by cardiovascular diseases, particularly when accompanied by kidney disease.
Copyright (c) 2026 Informes Psicológicos https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Factors associated with suicidal ideation in nursing and medicine students at a university in Cartagena
The study evaluated the causal relationship and predictive capacity of factors associated with suicidal ideation (active and passive desire) in university students through a quantitative, cross-sectional, and analytical design. 297 nursing and medicine students participated, answering a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Suicidal Ideation Scale (SSI), and the CERIS questionnaire. Logistic regression with a ROC curve was applied, considering suicidal ideation as the dependent variable, and active and passive desire as independent variables. The absence of collinearity and multicollinearity between the independent variables was confirmed. The model explained 80% of the variation in suicidal ideation and showed an area under the ROC curve of .99, with excellent predictive capacity. In conclusion, suicidal ideation is significantly influenced by active and passive desire, a finding supported by a robust statistical model that considerably improves the identification of risk factors in this population.
Caracterización de la Salud Mental Positiva en Adolescentes de Pasto, Colombia: Educación Pública vs Privada
El estudio tuvo como objetivo caracterizar la Salud Mental Positiva (SMP) en adolescentes escolarizados de la ciudad de Pasto, Colombia. Se empleó un enfoque cuantitativo descriptivo de corte transversal y participaron 205 estudiantes de secundaria (grados séptimos a undécimo), 103 de una institución pública y 102 de una privada. Se aplicó la Escala de Salud Mental Positiva, que evalúa seis dimensiones: satisfacción personal, actitud prosocial, autocontrol, autonomía, resolución de problemas y habilidades de relación interpersonal. El 92,7 % de los participantes presentó un nivel medio de SMP global, las dimensiones con mayores puntajes fueron resolución de problemas y satisfacción personal, y la más baja fue autonomía. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en algunas dimensiones según orientación sexual, presencia de discapacidad, enfermedad, género y tipo de institución. Los hallazgos evidencian el papel de los determinantes sociales en la SMP y la necesidad de intervenciones escolares con enfoque diferencial y contextualizado.
Nomophobia in adolescents: a silent problem in a Colombian educational institution
Nomophobia refers to the fear of being without access to a mobile phone. This study aimed to identify the risk levels of nomophobia among adolescents in basic secondary and middle school education in a Colombian educational institution. A descriptive study was conducted with a sample of 182 students, who completed the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q). The instrument showed a Cronbach’s Alpha of .93, indicating high reliability. Results revealed that 90,11% of respondents have some level of nomophobia, with higher prevalence among females and adolescents between the ages of 12 to 16. The most highly rated items reflect social disconnection and emotional dependence on mobile phone use. These findings highlight the need to implement educational programs that promote responsible mobile phone use and address the psychological implications associated with nomophobia.
Copyright (c) 2025 Informes Psicológicos https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Evidence of validity and reliability of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey (MBI-SS)
Burnout is a state of chronic stress that affects mental health. Although research has focused on work contexts, it is also recognized in the university setting. In Colombia, research has been conducted mainly in the northern region, and no instruments have been validated to measure burnout in the southern regions, where cultural and historical particularities converge. This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the MBI-SS using a sample of 282 university students (X = 20.7, SD = 4.03 years). Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the MBI-SS, and the UWES-S to assess their concurrent and discriminant validity. Factor analysis confirmed three dimensions that explain 74.76 % of the variance, with invariance by gender and adequate internal consistency of ω = .83. It is concluded that this inventory is a valid and reliable tool for assessing academic burnout in university students.
Dynamics and management of aggressive cyber behaviors in students
Cyberbullying represents a growing challenge for coexistence in digital school environments. This study aimed to explore aggressive cyber behaviors among five students from a school in Cucuta, Colombia, through a qualitative multiple case study, using content analysis as the main research technique. Messages exchanged on WhatsApp and Facebook were examined to identify patterns of threats, insults, and exclusion, considering the power dynamics as well as contextual factors related to the family and school environment. The results showed that aggressive cyber behaviors are influenced by context and variability in institutional responses, demonstrating the absence of effective protocols. In conclusion, the study underscores the need for early intervention, teacher training in cybersecurity, and educational programs that promote responsible use of ICTs and the development of social skills, in favor of a safe school environment, especially in communities with socioeconomic limitations.
Psychosocial, emotional, and domestic violence factors associated with suicidal behavior
This article analyzes the relationship between psychosocial and emotional problems and domestic violence with suicidal behavior in people who attempted or committed suicide between 2015 and 2020. A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using data from Sivigila and psychological autopsies on 1,624 people from four municipalities in Antioquia, Colombia. Descriptive analyses and binomial logistic regression models were performed to identify predictive factors. The results show that adult women in urban areas, without a partner, with a high school education, medium socioeconomic status, and employment reported more affective problems, which were significantly associated with these variables, except for age. Additionally, aspects such as disability, living in an urban area, and medical diagnosis predict 23% of domestic violence with suicidal behavior. These findings underscore the importance of addressing these factors to prevent suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults.
Social relationships in university students, associated with suicidal ideation in Latin America (2020 – 2024): scoping review
This study sought to identify, from the available evidence in Latin America, the social relationship factors associated with suicidal ideation, from the family and the university environment. It was conducted considering the increase in suicidal ideation after the covid-19 pandemic. It consisted of a systematic review using the Scoping Review - PRISMA-ScR methodology. This search was conducted in the Proquest, Redalyc, and Scopus databases. 914 records were identified, of which 23 were selected based on the abstract content and 15 were selected after a full reading according to their relevance to the study. It was identified that among the protective family factors, cohesion and support prevail, and in the university context, social support. Among the risk factors in the family is coercion, and in the university context, bullying. Finally, the implications for prevention are discussed, considering both contexts.
Cognitive-behavioral intervention program with social support on variables associated with diabetes in older male adults
This study evaluated the effect of incorporating a social support provider with and without training in motivational interviewing (MI) into a cognitive-behavioral intervention program (CBIP) aimed at older male adults (OMA) with type 2 diabetes and excess weight. An experimental independent-groups design was used: in Group 1 (G1, n = 4), the OMA received CBIP and the providers received MI training. In Group 2 (G2, n = 4), the OMA received CBIP, but the providers did not receive MI training. For G1, 183 blood glucose measurements, 150 measurements of vegetable portions, and 175 measurements of step count were obtained; while for G2, 126, 149, and 135 measurements were obtained, respectively. The results indicated significant differences between the groups only in vegetable portions (X² = 31.28, p = .00, G1 > G2) and step count (X² = 68.02, p < .00, G1 > G2). Therefore, MI enhances the effect of CBIP in OMA.
Emotional intelligence and self-efficacy as mediators between emotional work and the intention to change the profession
The occupational stress may contribute to the intention to change the profession of clinical psychologists. Starting from the Demands-Resources model, this study had the objective of analyzing if the emotional intelligence and the professional self-efficacy (work resources), perform a mediatory role between the work demands (emotional work) and the intention of professional abandonment, on a sample of 240 Brazilian clinical psychologists. The data have been collected through an on-line platform, using as research instruments the Laboral and Sociodemographic Data Questionnaire, the Evaluation Questionnaire related to Emotional Demands and the Emotion Rule Dissonance, Emotional Intelligence Measurement, General Perceived Self Efficacy Scale and the Intention to Change the Profession Subscale. The analysis obtained through the Test of Structural Equations Modeling - SEM, indicated a recursive model. The obtained results revealed that the professional self-efficacy presents a mediatory role between the emotional work and the intention to change the profession of clinical psychologists.
Psychometric properties of the Professional Interests Questionnaire (CIP-4) in the Colombian population 2022
Psychometric instruments allow us to identify the most suitable options according to individual interests. In Colombia, this is mainly done with adolescents and young people, leaving adults over the age of 18 in the background. This has led to a shortage of validated instruments for vocational guidance in this population. An instrumental, non-experimental study was conducted to determine the psychometric properties of the professional interests questionnaire (CIP-4) in a non-probabilistic sample of 496 Colombians between the ages of 18 and 56. Expert consensus was obtained using the Lawshe and Tristán method, obtaining values >.58. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was then performed, obtaining an explained variance of 64.7% in the exploratory analysis and a McDonald's Omega >.70 on each subscale. In the CFA, favorable values were obtained for CFI, TLI, SRMR, and parsimony, confirming consistency with the original instrument.
Mother-Child relationship, parental monitoring, and adolescent disclosure of online activities
The aim of this study was to examine adolescents' openness with their parents regarding their online activities and interactions, and its association with family-related factors. The participants were 431 adolescents aged 11 to 15, including 204 males (47.3%) and 227 females (52.7%) from public secondary schools in Sonora, Mexico. Descriptive and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on the measurement instruments. Structural equation modeling was used to explain adolescent openness about online activities, followed by a mediation model. The results showed that the mother-child relationship and technological parental monitoring are positively associated with adolescent disclosure. In conclusion, parental monitoring mediates the relationship between the mother-child bond and adolescent openness; a warm and responsive monitoring style facilitates adolescents’ openness.
ICT skills and psychological dimensions in teachers during and after the pandemic
This study analyzed the evolution of ICT skills and key psychological dimensions in primary/secondary education teachers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and their interrelations. A cross-sectional quantitative study (n = 538) was conducted using online surveys. The results show a positive evolution in ICT skills (explorer and integrator levels), although the innovative level requires development. Teacher efficacy was positively associated, and stress/burnout was negatively associated with ICT skills in both periods. Post-pandemic, attitude towards technology, challenges, and motivation also showed significant associations with ICT. The findings underscore the need for continuous training (ICT skills and attitude) and support for teacher well-being for effective and equitable digital education.
Explanatory models of suicidal behavior: a systematic review
Suicide is a complex and multifactorial public health issue that requires the analysis of individual, social and contextual variables in order to guide prevention and intervention strategies. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze the factors associated with behaviors across the suicidal spectrum, based on explanatory models supported by empirical studies published between 2013 and 2023 in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Scielo. Twenty articles were selected and systematized using the PRISMA methodology. The results show that the variables with the greatest explanatory value for suicidal ideation, attempts, and risk were those proposed by the interpersonal theory of suicide, hopelessness, and psychological disorders. In contrast, habit formation and aggregate consumption capacity, from a macroeconomic perspective, more strongly explained the variance of completed suicide. It is concluded that prevention requires multidimensional approaches that articulate clinical interventions with public policies sensitive to individual, social, and economic factors.
Teachers’ experiences with the digitalization of human resource management processes
This article examines the correlation between stress symptoms and job satisfaction in 145 male staff members of the custody and surveillance corps of a penitentiary in Santander. The research focuses on understanding how these factors affect security guards, who are exposed to emotional strain due to their work with incarcerated individuals. The methodology adopted is quantitative, with a correlational and descriptive approach, using the Stress Assessment Questionnaire and the Job Satisfaction Scale by Warr, Cook, and Wall. The results reveal a negative correlation between job satisfaction and stress symptoms, leading to the conclusion that staff who experience high levels of job satisfaction present lower stress symptoms and vice versa.
The role of students in cyberbullying prevention
This study addresses the issue of cyberbullying among seventh-grade students in basic education, specifically at the Nuestra Señora de Morcá Educational Institution, located in the municipality of Sogamoso, Boyacá, Colombia. The social implications derived from cyberbullying are analyzed. The main objective was to develop a pedagogical strategy for prevention. A qualitative approach was used, integrating a descriptive method and an action research design. The results suggest that guiding students toward responsible use of social networks and ICTs, while promoting respect for others, may help reduce cases of peer cyberaggression. Consequently, it is concluded that promoting a responsible digital culture within the educational environment is crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of cyberbullying on students’ psychological well-being.
Psychological violence, social networks, and romantic relationships: perceptions of university women
The study of psychological dating violence requires special attention to the role of social networks, as the increasing use of new technologies as a means of communication has transformed the way in which these dynamics develop. The aim of this research was to understand the perception of university women aged 18 to 25 regarding psychological violence in dating relationships facilitated by social media, at a private university in Bucaramanga. The study followed a qualitative phenomenological design. A semi-structured interview was conducted with 40 women currently in a dating relationship. The results revealed four dimensions and eighteen subcategories associated with the perception, manifestation, and impact of psychological violence on social networks. In conclusion, the participants perceive that psychological violence in dating relationships through social networks has negative effects on physical, mental, and psychological well-being.
Correlation between job satisfaction and stress symptoms in prison staff in Santander
Adaptation of the Nomophobia Questionnaire Scale (NMPQ): an instrumental study in colombian school-aged adolescents
The aim of the study was to adapt and analyze the psychometric properties of the Nomophobia Questionnaire Scale (NMPQ) in Colombian school-aged adolescents. The study followed an instrumental design with a sample of 441 students aged 9 to 21 years (M = 13.69; SD = 2.63) from a public educational institution in Pasto, Nariño. Content, construct, and concurrent validity were assessed, the latter compared with the Social Networks Addiction Scale (ARS). Factor analysis suggested five factors: Loss of access to information, Affected activities, Digital disconnection, Loss of convenience, and Inability to communicate. The overall internal consistency was α = .93. Positive and significant correlations were found between the total score and all dimensions of the NMPQ and ARS scales. This research is a pioneering contribution to the study and understanding of nomophobia, particularly due to the inclusion of the new dimension "Affected activities," the lack of measurement instruments in Colombia, and their scarcity in Latin America.
Factors associated with suicidal ideation in dentistry students
Suicide is a significant cause of mortality among young people, underscoring the importance of understanding its risk factors for effective prevention. This study examined factors associated with suicidal ideation among 213 dentistry students using a cross-sectional approach. Sociodemographic data were collected, and scales measuring suicidal risk, hopelessness, family functionality, and drug abuse were applied. Descriptive analyses and Chi-square tests (p < .05) were conducted to assess the association between suicidal ideation and various factors. The participants had an average age of 21 years (SD: 2.46), with 67.1% being women. Suicidal ideation was prevalent in 25.4% of the sample (95% CI: 16.2–31.0), occurring more frequently among women, students with high levels of hopelessness, and those experiencing family dysfunction. No significant association was found between suicidal ideation and drug abuse. The primary associated factors were gender, hopelessness, and family dysfunction, emphasizing the need for targeted educational strategies to prevent suicide among high-risk students.
Design and validation of a soft skills scale for university students
In psychology, soft skills are recognized and studied as a key component of comprehensive development in professional, behavioral, and socio-affective contexts. An instrumental study was conducted with 462 students from various disciplines at the Universidad Católica de Oriente (UCO). The validation of the instrument was based on expert consensus and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, which explained 51% of the variance. Additional analyses were conducted on problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills due to the complexity of their items. The results indicated McDonald’s Omega values above .65 and significant correlations between the scales. In conclusion, the instrument demonstrates robust psychometric properties for identifying soft skills in the student population, supporting its application in diagnostics and the design of intervention plans.
Semantic networks of discrimination in mexicans: A comparative study across age groups
This study aimed to explore the concept of discrimination in a sample of Mexican adults and compare differences in conceptualization between two age groups. The research involved 100 participants selected through intentional non-probabilistic sampling, with 50% aged 21–32 and 50% aged 33–58. The Modified Natural Semantic Networks Technique (Reyes-Lagunes, 1993; Mercado et al., 2015) was applied, calculating Network Size, Semantic Weight, Network Core, Quantitative Semantic Distance, Group Consensus Index, and a goodness-of-fit test between groups. Only 20% of defining elements aligned with the legal definition of the construct. Significant differences were found between groups(χ²(1) = 4.43, p = .03), with more defining elements identified by the 33–58 age group. The psychological meaning of discrimination reported by the sample differed from its legal definition.
Impact of coping ability on occupational identity in incarcerated women
The objective of this study was determine the relationship between coping ability and the formation of occupational identity in incarcerated women. This quantitative, descriptive-correlational research collected data using a checklist for coping styles and the OPHI-II instrument, applied to a non-probabilistic sample of 35 incarcerated women. Of the participants, 57.14% did not seek social support when facing personal problems, while 94.3% used poping strategies based on negative experiences. Regarding occupational identity, 57.1% exhibited difficulties in setting personal goals, and 74.2% struggled to identify occupational interests. In conclusion, no statistically significant relationship was found between coping ability and occupational identity, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to improve emotional management and participation in meaningful occupations among incarcerated women.
Psychometric properties of the perceived social support questionnaire for relatives of substance users
The objective of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of a perceived social su-pport questionnaire for relatives of substance users in Mexico. The research followed an ex post facto design, involving 76 relatives of substance users from Mexico City. The results indicated adequate internal consistency indices (ω = .83), revealing a three-factor structure: perceived negative support (ω = .92), perceived positive support (ω = .89), and formal support (ω = .82). The total explained variance was 56.5%. Scale scores showed a positive correlation with the scores of the family impact of drug use questionnaire. It was concluded that the instrument is suitable for measuring perceived social support in the Mexican population.
Social representations of cancer and breast self-examination among women in northern Mexico
The aim of this study was to identify the social representation of cancer and breast self-examination (BSE) among women over the age of 20. The study employed a qualitative design based on social representations theory with a processual focus. Twenty-five women participated, with data gathered through six focus groups. Social representation of breast cancer among these women included early detection and identifying symptoms. Breast self-examination is seen as a method for detecting symptoms of breast cancer, with a positive attitudinal dimension in which women perceive prevention and timely consultation as benefits. These results may contribute to designing strategies for promoting breast cancer detection methods like BSE.
Association between identity fusion and self-perception of critical thinking in university students
The objective of this study was to analyze the unexplored relationship between identity fusion with university professors and students’ self-perception of critical thinking. A quantitative approach was used, applying a questionnaire to 161 Chilean university students. Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 29.0 and R Studio. Results reveal that identity fusion predicts a higher self-perception of critical thinking, suggesting that promoting identity fusion could enhance this skill in university students. This finding highlights the importance of connections with professors in developing critical thinking within an academic context.
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Linguistic anxiety in learning english as a foreign language
This study presents the results of the application of the “Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale” (FLCAS) at two universities in Pasto, Colombia, aiming to determine significant differences in results between the two institutions. Using a quantitative, descriptive-comparative methodology with a sample of 200 students, findings revealed notable differences in relation to gender, as well as between public and private institutions. Additionally, students from rural areas displayed higher levels of linguistic anxiety compared to those from urban areas. Thus, linguistic anxiety constitutes a challenge in learning English, generating negative emotions and associations that hinder the process.
Relationship between academic performance, chronotype, and sleep-wake cycle in university students: A systematic review
In recent years, circadian preference has been identified as a factor influencing conditions like mood disorders, eating habits, and addictions. Its association with non-clinical characteristics such as personality traits, intelligence, and academic performance has also been explored. A systematic search was conducted to review evidence on the relationship between academic performance, chronotype, and sleep-wake cycle in university students from 2012 to 2022. Sixty-two records were identified in databases such as Science Direct, Dialnet, SciELO, MEDLINE, and Web of Science, with 22 meeting the inclusion criteria. Analyses revealed significant correlations between academic performance and poor sleep habits, as well as wake-up and sleep times. Results are discussed in relation to existing literature.
Stronger Together: The 2017 Earthquake in Mexico as a Catalyst for Collective Action
Objective: To examine how social identity and observing of social support influence solidarity and collective efficacy after the 2017 earthquake in Mexico. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 students from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM in Spanish), using the Drury et al. (2016) tool and open-ended questions. Data were collected through online questionnaires. Results: Social identity significantly predicts emotional, coordinated support, and collective efficacy. Observing acts of support encourages prosocial behaviors and greater personal and community resilience. Conclusions: Social identity and observing support are crucial for promoting solidarity and community resilience. The study highlights the importance of strategies that strengthen these factors for adequate recovery and community empowerment. It is recommended that public policies that reinforce social identity and community organization be implemented to improve disaster response.
Characterization of Self-injuring Behaviors in Adolescents in the City of Bucaramanga
This quantitative study was aimed at characterizing self-injuring behaviors and analyzing possible differences in psychological aspects among adolescents according to such behaviors. The sample consisted of 202 high school students of both genders between 12 and 18 years old. Using the Self-Harm Questionnaire (SHQ-E), the SHAPS scale, the State-Trait Depression Questionnaire (IDER in Spanish), and the Modified Coping Strategies Scale (EEC-M in Spanish), self-injury was identified in 38.1% of the participants evaluated, with a higher prevalence in women (48.3%) than in men (25%). Skin cutting was the most common self-injuring action and was mainly associated with family problems, feelings of anger, impulsivity, and lack of planning. The study revealed that adolescents who engaged in self-injury exhibited higher depressive symptomatology (trait and state). Moreover, in coping strategies, they demonstrated a greater aggressive reaction and emotional avoidance, along with a lower inclination to seek social and professional support. The study contributed to the construct of self-injuring behaviors and related psychic, mood, and behavioral aspects.