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Objective. This study examines how an individual's self-competence is related to their national identity. Additionally, the study investigates how the self-concept of own competence mediates in that relationship.Background. People with a high internal locus of control frequently think that hard work and wise choices can produce favorable results. Self-competence can be favorably impacted by decision-making skills and self-assurance in one's ability to make personal decisions. People see themselves as special individuals with the capacity to achieve goals and overcome challenges in a variety of spheres of life. Having a positive self-image of one's own competence can have a significant effect on a person's life, including their feeling of national identity. Self-perception of one's own skill and aptitude can enable people to make positive contributions to the prosperity and advancement of their country. The self-concept of one's own competence serves as a bridge between locus of control and national identity. People who believe they are competent and capable are more inclined to participate in national identity-building activities. Study Design. The research adopts a quantitative approach using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test a theoretical mediation model. The study investigates whether self-concept of competence mediates the relationship between internal locus of control and national identity. Participants. The study sample consists of 504 university students (176 men and 328 women), aged between 18 to 25 years, recruited from 20 public and private universities in Jakarta, Indonesia.Measurements. Internal locus of control and self-concept of competence were assessed using the general control beliefs scale, while national identity was measured with the National Identity Scale. Data were analyzed using SEM to assess the proposed relationships between these variables. Results. The results revealed a significant relationship between internal locus of control and national identity, with self-concept of competence acting as a partial mediator. The findings indicate that individuals with higher internal locus of control tend to perceive themselves as competent and are more likely to strongly identify with their nation. Model fit indices demonstrated good fit (Chi-square = 0,077, CFI = 1,00, RMSEA = 0,024, SRMR = 0,026). Conclusions. The study highlights the importance of internal locus of control and self-concept of competence in the development of national identity. Interventions aiming to foster national cohesion and engagement can benefit from focusing on enhancing individuals' self-perception of competence and empowering them to take active roles in their communities. These findings provide practical implications for psychological and educational strategies to strengthen national identity formation.

Introduction: The Australian National Cervical Screening Program has mandated management algorithms that are uniform across all age groups, but evidence is emerging that perhaps the risk of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) may decrease in the postmenopausal period., Objective: The aim of the study is to identify whether patients ≥50 years of age referred to a tertiary colposcopy service have a different risk of HSIL or greater (+)., Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 3239 referrals to a hospital colposcopy clinic with a positive human papillomavirus (HPV) cervical screening test between December 2017 and May 2023. Patients were included if they were aged 25-74 years, had a cervix, and completed an outpatient colposcopic assessment. Medical records were analyzed to determine the incidence of HSIL+ for each age group and compared them using χ2 and multivariable regression., Results: The overall incidence of invasive carcinoma was 0.93% and HSIL/adenocarcinoma-in-situ was 20.38%. Patients ≥50 years of age were less likely to have HSIL or greater diagnosed than those <30 (p < .0001) or those 30-49 (p < .0001), even after considering referral HPV subtype and reflex cytology (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.34-0.59). The risk of invasive carcinoma in those aged ≥50 was no different than those aged 30-49 (p = .982)., Conclusions: The authors observed a lower incidence of HSIL or greater with increasing age even after considering referral HPV subtype and reflex cytology. As further data emerges regarding the risk of high-grade disease in those ≥50 years of age, refinement of the risk-based screening algorithm to account for advanced age may be required., Competing Interests: The authors have declared they have no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024, ASCCP.)