Search

Background: About half of all cancers are diagnosed in adults older than 65, making them the age group at highest risk of developing this disease. Nurses from different specialties can support individuals and communities in the prevention and early detection of cancer and should be aware of the common knowledge gaps and perceived bar riers among older adults. Objectives: The goal of the current research was to investigate personal characteristics, perceived barriers, and be liefs related to cancer awareness in older adults, with a special focus on perceptions about the influence of cancer risk factors, knowledge of cancer symptoms, and anticipated help-seeking. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Participants: Participants were 1213 older adults (≥65 years old) from the representative national Onco barometer survey conducted in 2020 in Spain. Methods: Questions on the perceived influence of cancer risk factors, knowledge of cancer symptoms, and the Span ish version of the Awareness and Beliefs about Cancer (ABC) questionnaire were administered in computer-assisted telephone interviews. Results: Knowledge of cancer risk factors and symptoms was strongly related to personal characteristics and was lim ited among males and older individuals. Respondents from lower socio-economic background recognized fewer can cer symptoms. Having personal or family history of cancer had opposite effects on cancer awareness: It was related to more accurate symptom knowledge but also to lower perceptions about the influence of risk factors and more delayed help-seeking. Anticipated help-seeking times were strongly influenced by perceived barriers to help-seeking and be liefs about cancer. Worry about wasting the doctor's time (48% increase, 95% CI [25%–75%]), about what the doctor might find (21% increase [3%–43%]) and not having enough time to go to the doctor (30% increase [5%–60%]) were related to more delayed help-seeking intentions. In contrast, beliefs that reflected higher perceived seriousness of a potential cancer diagnosis were related to shorter anticipated help-seeking times (19% decrease [5%–33%]). Conclusions: These results suggest that older adults could benefit from interventions informing them about how to re duce their cancer risk and addressing emotional barriers and beliefs associated with help-seeking delays. Nurses can contribute to educating this vulnerable group and are in a unique position to address some barriers to help-seeking. Study registration: Not registered., Cancer Observatory of the Spanish Association against Cancer (Asociacion Espanola contrael Cancer), Cancer Epidemiological Surveillance Subprogram (VICA) of the CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain, Spanish State Research Agency (MCIN/AEI) JC2019-039691-I

The main goal of the current study is to conduct a bibliometric review of ASD and ADHD and their relationships with FQoL to address three questions. First, we intend to describe, analyse, and compare research on FQoL in ASD and ADHD. Second, we aim to detect certain variables that could be related to FQoL and that could be relevant due to their potential impact (e.g., predictive and explanatory) value. Finally, this work also aims to identify tendencies and shed light on potential areas for future research.

This is the data and code used for "Allostatic Load and Depression Symptoms in Cancer Survivors: A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Study" published in Cancer Nursing (DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000001216).

The main objective of this project is to address together several aspects related to healthy lifestyle habits, as well as to analyse their effect in order to propose an integrative model in which the potential mediating and/or moderating role of these habits in the perception of individual and family QoL in people with ASD is considered, with the aim of inspiring and helping to design effective interventions in this field.

The evolution of societal gender roles over time changes perceptions about the characteristics of men and women and how they behave. Previous studies on the dynamics of gender stereotypes have inve...

A recent systematic search of orthopedic surgery literature suggests that scientific risk reporting often deviates from best practices in specific ways (Petrova, Joeris, Sanchez, Salamanca-Fernandez, & Garcia-Retamero, 2018). These deviations could cause dangerous biases in health professionals' risk interpretations and risk communication practices. To investigate potential vulnerabilities, we conducted the first comparative study estimating the effects of common reporting formats on the judgment of experienced orthopedic surgeons during risk evaluations (i.e., interpreting medical research on the risk of suffering postsurgical side effects in patients). Results indicate that highly trained surgeons were often misled and strongly biased by the most commonly used formats identified in the systematic review. In contrast, less common formats following best practice standards (e.g., transparent visual aids) typically reduced or eliminated judgment biases by helping surgeons identify and compare essential information, streamlining deliberation and reducing subjective confusion. Discussion focuses on implications including additional analyses showing that the use of misleading formats in scientific medical literature is frequent, even in recent years, and it is independent of many other factors (e.g., journal impact, study quality). A broad three-category system for characterizing the probable impact of specific risk reporting formats is discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

espanolLos problemas linguisticos menos severos son detectados a menudo en la edad escolar por los docentes, quienes presentan sobrecarga laboral. Estas dificultades se asocian con consecuencias negativas en el desarrollo curricular posterior. El principal objetivo de este trabajo es investigar si es posible ofrecer a los profesores un screening breve para detectar problemas de lenguaje (a nivel comprensivo y expresivo). Se llevaron a cabo dos estudios exploratorios de muestreo de cadena en los que participaron un total de 96 ninos de entre 3 y 9 anos (M = 6.03; DE = 1.42) y 16 docentes de entre 30 y 56 anos (M = 41.25; DE = 7.22). En el estudio 1, se examino la precision del juicio de los docentes sobre la deteccion de dificultades en el lenguaje expresivo y comprensivo. Los resultados mostraron una mayor precision de los docentes sobre las dificultades de expresion. Tras analizar los datos de forma inferencial y correlacional, se seleccionaron los items con mejores propiedades psicometricas para reducir la escala original utilizada. En el estudio 2, se procedio a la validacion de la reduccion de la escala y, en linea con el estudio previo, los resultados mostraron que la escala breve tenia unas buenas propiedades psicometricas (alpha de Cronbach = 0.96). Se desarrollo y valido una version breve de una escala de observacion que puede ser utilizada como prueba de screening para detectar dificultades expresivas de forma efectiva y rapida. EnglishLess severe linguistic difficulties are often detected in the classroom, by teachers who feel overworked. These difficulties are related to negative results for curriculum development. The main objective is to investigate whether it is possible to offer teachers a brief screening technique that helps them detect language problems (comprehensive and expressive). In two exploratory studies, chain referral sampling, participated 96 children between 3 and 9 years (M=6.03; SD=1.42) and 16 teachers between 30 and 56 years (M=41.25; SD=7.22). In Study 1, we examined the accuracy of teachers on expressive and receptive difficulties. Results showed that teachers showed more accurate judgments about expression difficulties. After inferential and correlational analyses, we selected those items with better psychometric properties to construct a brief scale. In Study 2 we validated the brief scale, and in line with the previous study, results showed that the brief scale has good psychometric properties (Cronbach’s Alpha= 0.96). We developed and validated a simplified version of the scale of observation that could be a useful screening tool to detect effectively and rapidly linguistic problems in children.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often has a significant impact on all family members, including parents and siblings of the person who suffers the disorder. This case–control study explores potential factors that help explain the impact of having an older sibling with ASD on several developmental domains, and to test whether these factors could explain their satisfaction on family quality of life (FQoL). A total of 78 unaffected siblings of children with ASD (Sibs-ASD) and siblings of children with typical development (Sibs-TD) from 6 to 12 years old were evaluated. Our analyses show significant differences between groups in motor skills, severity of autistic traits, satisfaction on FQoL, and social support (ps

We introduce a brief instrument specifically validated for measuring positive and negative feelings about risks—the Berlin Emotional Responses to Risk Instrument (BERRI). Based on seven studies involving diverse adults from three countries (n = 2120), the BERRI was found to robustly estimate anticipatory affective reactions derived from subjective evaluations of positive (i.e., assured, hopeful, and relieved) and negative emotions (i.e., anxious, afraid, and worried). The brief BERRI outperformed a 14-item assessment, uniquely tracking costs/benefits associated with cancer screening among men and women (Studies 1 and 2). Predictive validity was further documented in paradigmatic risky choice studies wherein options varied over probabilities and severities across six contexts (health, social, financial, technological, ethical, and environmental; Study 3). Studies 4–6, conducted during the Ebola epidemic and COVID- 19 pandemic, indicated BERRI responses were sensitive to subtle effects caused by emotion-related framing manipulations presented in different cultures and languages (the United States, Spain, and Poland). Study 7 indicated BERRI responses remained stable for 2 weeks. Although the BERRI can provide an estimate of overall affect, choices were generally better explained by the unique influences of positive and negative affect. Overall, results suggest the novel, brief instrument can be an efficient tool for high-stakes research on decision making and risk communication., The National Research Agency of Spain (MCIN/AEI), JC2019-039691-I

Many adult cancer patients present one or more physical comorbidities. Besides interfering with treatment and prognosis, physical comorbidities could also increase the already heightened psychological risk of cancer patients. To test this possibility, we investigated the relationship between physical comorbidities with depression symptoms in a sample of 2073 adult cancer survivors drawn from the nationally representative National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2007–2018) in the U.S. Based on information regarding 16 chronic conditions, the number of comorbidities diagnosed before and after the cancer diagnosis was calculated. The number of comorbidities present at the moment of cancer diagnosis was significantly related to depression risk in recent but not in long-term survivors. Recent survivors who suffered multimorbidity had 3.48 (95% CI 1.26–9.55) times the odds of reporting significant depressive symptoms up to 5 years after the cancer diagnosis. The effect of comorbidities was strongest among survivors of breast cancer. The comorbidities with strongest influence on depression risk were stroke, kidney disease, hypertension, obesity, asthma, and arthritis. Information about comorbidities is usually readily available and could be useful in streamlining depression screening or targeting prevention efforts in cancer patients and survivors. A multidimensional model of the interaction between cancer and other physical comorbidities on mental health is proposed., Sara Borrell - the Health Institute Carlos III (Expde: CD19/00203)

Flooding is among the costliest natural disasters in the United States. Research indicates that flood risk perceptions and knowledge often shape flood-related decision making; however, relatively less is known about specific individual differences in flood risk literacy. The current study presents data from 630 participants who completed a flood risk communication experiment and a general decision-making inventory (e.g., numeracy, risk perceptions, knowledge). Structural equation modeling revealed that both numeracy and flood knowledge partially explain differences in vulnerability, including effects on risk comprehension, weather risk perceptions, and decision quality (i.e., taking protective action). Limitations and implications for enhancing flood risk literacy are discussed.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a psychological intervention focused on stress management in women who are candidates for in vitro fertilisation (IVF).Method: Pre–post study with two gr...

Patient portals to Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems are underused by older adults because of limited system usability and usefulness, including difficulty understanding numeric information. We investigated whether enhanced context for portal messages about test results improved responses to these messages, comparing verbally, graphically, and video-enhanced formats. Older adults viewed scenarios with fictitious patient profiles and messages describing results for these patients from cholesterol or diabetes screening tests indicating lower, borderline, or higher risk levels. These messages were conveyed by standard format (table of numerical test scores) or one of the enhanced formats. Verbatim and gist memory for test results, risk perception, affective response, attitude toward and intention to perform self-care behaviors, and satisfaction were measured. Verbally and video enhanced context improved older adults' gist but not verbatim memory compared to the standard format, suggesting we were successful in designing messages that highlight gist-based information. Little evidence was found for benefits related to the graphically enhanced format. Although verbally and video enhanced formats improved gist memory and message satisfaction, they had less impact on the other responses to the messages. However, these responses reflected level of risk: As risk associated with test results increased, positive affect decreased whereas negative affect, perceived risk, behavioral attitudes, and intentions increased, as predicted by behavioral change theories. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Risk literacy skills, as measured by numeracy tests, are robust predictors of objective knowledge and risk understanding. However, for some people with extreme cultural worldviews, research suggests numeracy might slightly increase polarization of subjective perceptions of climate change risks. Here, we report the first integrated tests linking skills, worldviews, objective knowledge, beliefs, and subjective perceptions among diverse adults. Compared to less numerate people, regardless of cultural worldviews, highly numerate people were 5-8 times more likely to have accurate knowledge and beliefs (52% vs. 24% incorrect), and 3 times more likely to have above average risk perceptions. Structural modeling suggests numeracy may typically promote acquisition of accurate climate change knowledge, which then robustly informs beliefs and perceptions (e.g., up to 40 times stronger influence than worldviews). Even among people with extreme worldviews, rather than amplifying polarization, numeracy was associated with more representative understanding of climate change risks (e.g., well-informed and coherent).

Families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience much more negative perceptions of their family quality of life (FQoL). To investigate key factors that may shape these experiences, we conducted a case–control study of sixty-one Spanish families (29 with a child with ASD) using a broad psychosocial assessment (e.g., ASD severity, social support, demographics), including the first direct test of the relationship between FQoL and parental risk literacy (i.e., the ability to evaluate and understand risk, as measured by numeracy). Results revealed that numeracy was associated with differences in perceived FQoL among families of children with ASD (R2 = .10), a finding that held across several models statistically controlling for the influence of other variables. Findings suggest that parental risk literacy skills may generally be associated with differences in decision making vulnerabilities (e.g., risk evaluation and interpretation) that influence family outcomes including FQoL.

Aims Physical and psychiatric comorbidities are common in cancer patients and could impact their treatment and prognosis. However, the evidence base regarding the influence of comorbidities in the management and health service use of patients is still scant. In this research we investigated how physical comorbidities are related to the mental health and help-seeking of cancer patients. Methods Data were obtained from the representative National Health Survey of Spain (2017). Participants were respondents who reported a cancer diagnosis (n = 484). These were also matched with controls without cancer history (n = 484) based on age, gender, and region. Four alternative physical comorbidities indices were created based on information regarding 28 chronic conditions. Outcomes of interest were psychological distress and having consulted a mental healthcare professional in the year before the survey. Results Thirty percent of cancer patients reported significant psychological distress but only 10% had consulted a professional. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, among cancer patients each additional comorbidity was associated with 9% higher odds of reporting high psychological distress (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.16) and 21% higher odds of having consulted a mental healthcare professional (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09-1.34). The effects of comorbidities depended on the type of index and were different in controls without cancer history. Conclusion Physical comorbidities in cancer patients are associated with higher risk of psychological distress and higher demand for mental health services. We encourage further research on this issue as it could improve mental health screening and management in oncologic care.

Families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience much more negative perceptions of their family quality of life (FQoL). To investigate key factors that may shape these experiences, we conducted a case-control study of sixty-one Spanish families (29 with a child with ASD) using a broad psychosocial assessment (e.g., ASD severity, social support, demographics), including the first direct test of the relationship between FQoL and parental risk literacy (i.e., the ability to evaluate and understand risk, as measured by numeracy). Results revealed that numeracy was associated with differences in perceived FQoL among families of children with ASD (R

We would like to thank Yolanda Ramírez Casas for her help with data collection. This research is part of the PhD thesis of Mercedes Arrebola Moreno (Programa de Doctorado en Psicología, Universidad de Granada)., Background: In acute coronary syndrome the time elapsed between the start of symptoms and the moment the patient receives treatment is an important determinant of survival and subsequent recovery. However, many patients do not receive treatment as quickly as recommended, mostly due to substantial prehospital delays such as waiting to seek medical attention after symptoms have started. Objective: To conduct a systematic review with meta-analysis of the relationship between nine frequently investigated psychological and cognitive factors and prehospital delay. Design: A protocol was preregistered in PROSPERO [CRD42018094198] and a systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Data sources: The following databases were searched for quantitative articles published between 1997 and 2019: Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, Psych Info, PAIS, and Open grey. Review methods: Study risk of bias was assessed with the NIH Quality Assessment Tool for Observational, Cohort, and Cross-Sectional Studies. A best evidence synthesis was performed to summarize the findings of the included studies. Results: Forty-eight articles, reporting on 57 studies from 23 countries met the inclusion criteria. Studies used very diverse definitions of prehospital delay and analytical practices, which precluded meta-analysis. The best evidence synthesis indicated that there was evidence that patients who attributed their symptoms to a cardiac event (n = 37), perceived symptoms as serious (n = 24), or felt anxiety in response to symptoms (n = 15) reported shorter prehospital delay, with effect sizes indicating important clinical differences (e.g., 1.5–2 h shorter prehospital delay). In contrast, there was limited evidence for a relationship between prehospital delay and knowledge of symptoms (n = 18), concern for troubling others (n = 18), fear (n = 17), or embarrassment in asking for help (n = 14). Conclusions: The current review shows that symptom attribution to cardiac events and some degree of perceived threat are fundamental to speed up help-seeking. In contrast, social concerns and barriers in seeking medical attention (embarrassment or concern for troubling others) may not be as important as initially thought. The current review also shows that the use of very diverse methodological practices strongly limits the integration of evidence into meaningful recommendations. We conclude that there is urgent need for common guidelines for prehospital delay study design and reporting., Juan de la Cierva Fellowship from the Spanish Ministry of Science FJCI-2016-28279, Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (Spain) PSI2014-51842-R, Andalusian Regional Goverment SOMM17-6103-UGR, European Union (EU) SOMM17-6103-UGR, Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad, Spain RYC-2016-20155

Objectives Both pre-hospital decision delay - the time patients wait before seeking medical attention after symptoms have started - and high psychological distress after the cardiac episode predict poor prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We aimed to identify psychosocial markers of these prognostic factors. Design A cross-sectional study of 102 consecutive, clinically stable ACS survivors. Methods Participants completed a questionnaire measuring pre-hospital decision delay, psychological distress, and several known psychosocial factors related to cardiovascular health: type D personality, resilience, social support, and concerns during the cardiac event. Multiple linear regression and mediation analyses were conducted. Results Type D personality and fewer concerns about the serious consequences of delaying help-seeking were related to more psychological distress post-ACS, and these relationships were mediated by longer pre-hospital decision delay. In contrast, resilience was related to lower psychological distress. Social support and social concerns about help-seeking were not related to the outcome variables. Conclusions Type D personality may be a risk factor for more delayed help-seeking for an ACS and higher psychological distress after the cardiac event. Resilience, in contrast, emerged as a potential protective factor of patients' mental health after the cardiac event. Pre-hospital decision delay was related to thinking about serious consequences (e.g., complications, protecting one's family) but not about social concerns (e.g., wasting other people's time) during the cardiac episode. Statement of Contribution What is already known on this subject? Longer pre-hospital decision delay, that is waiting longer to seek medical attention after symptoms have started, predicts poor prognosis of acute coronary syndrome patients. High psychological distress post-ACS, such as the development of anxiety and/or depression, also predicts poor prognosis of these patients. What does this study adds? This study identifies several psychosocial markers of longer prehospital decision delay and high psychological distress post-ACS. Prehospital decision delay was related to thinking about serious consequences (e.g., complications, protecting one's family) but not about social concerns (e.g., wasting other people's time) during the cardiac episode. Type D personality and fewer concerns about the serious consequences of delaying help-seeking were related to more psychological distress, and these relationships were mediated by longer prehospital decision delay. Resilience was related to lower psychological distress post-ACS.

People with low statistical numeracy have difficulties understanding numerical information. For instance, they often misunderstand the probability of experiencing side effects, which could reduce adherence to medical treatments. We investigated whether presenting information about probability using a method based on the direct experience of events influences the accuracy of probability estimates compared to viewing a static numerical description of the same information. Participants completed a numeracy test and were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In the description-based probability condition, participants were presented with 24 binomial distributions consisting of a target stimulus "X" and a distractor stimulus "·" in the form of odds (the distribution "7 × 13 ·" is an example of a 35% probability: here the target [distractor] stimulus was present 7[13] times in a 20-stimulus distribution). In the experience-based probability condition, participants observed the same information but the stimuli were randomly arranged and displayed sequentially. Participants in both conditions estimated the probability of the target stimulus in each trial. In the experience-based format participants with low numeracy made more accurate probability estimates in comparison to the description-based format. In contrast, accuracy in participants with high numeracy was similar in the two formats.

In this chapter, we discuss the role of cognitive abilities in financial decision making. First, we present the Cattell–Horn–Carroll theory of cognitive abilities. This umbrella taxonomy integrates two important models: Cattell–Horn’s model of fluid and crystallized intelligence and Carroll’s Three-Stratum Theory. We focus mostly on the Gf (fluid intelligence) and Gc (crystallized intelligence) and their relationships with financial decision making. Next, we briefly describe Skilled Decision Theory and we present the construct of statistical numeracy: its relationships with financial outcomes (such as personal wealth) and basic mechanisms that underlie the superior performance of people with high statistical numeracy. Moreover, we also describe the multiple numeric competencies (objective numeracy, approximate numeracy, and subjective numeracy) framework. Finally, we present current research on the development and validation of methods (such as cognitive training, education, decision aids) intended to enhance cognitive abilities or help people with lower cognitive abilities to make better financial decisions.

The article outlines how to efficiently communicate risks described in numerical values to consumers. The issue is vital and its relevance is related to communication that applies numeric values is an essential part of informing consumers about hazards and advantages of food products; however, a lot of consumers have difficulty perceiving digital information about risks due to various reasons. Consequently, such people assess risks inadequately and can't make well justified decisions based on quantitative information. The authors explain that to remove numerical information and to replace it with verbal description is not advisable as it doesn't allow to solve an issue of efficient risk communication. They also give examples that illustrate how wrong communication tactics can lead to risks aggravation or underestimation. The authors apply certain propositions to prove efficiency of tested risk communication formats, such as standard categories, visual aids, conventional symbols, etc. It was detected that visual aids, or graphic images of information on risks, can eliminate a lot of problems and result in much better understanding of risks and decisions among diverse people. Such means are quite efficient when it comes to people with limited abilities related to perception of linguistic and numerical information, elderly people, highly educated people and population in general. The authors also give some positive examples on how information was adapted for diverse consumers. They come to a conclusion that well-thought-out and transparent risk communication formats that incorporate natural cognitive strategies can make risk communications much easier. Better understanding, in its turn, often leads to conscious decision making by consumers and health-oriented decisions, intentions, and behavior.

Bar graphs can improve risk communication in medicine and health. Unfortunately, recent research has revealed that bar graphs are associated with a robust bias that can lead to systematic judgement and decision-making errors. When people view bar graphs representing means, they tend to believe that data points located within bars are more likely to be part of the underlying distributions than equidistant points outside bars. In three experiments, we investigated potential consequences, key cognitive mechanisms, and generalisability of the within-the-bar bias in the medical domain. We also investigated the effectiveness of different interventions to reduce the effect of this bias and protect people from errors. Results revealed that the within-the-bar bias systematically affected participants’ judgements and decisions concerning treatments for controlling blood glucose, as well as their interpretations of ecological graphs designed to guide health policy decisions. Interestingly, individuals with higher graph literacy showed the largest biases. However, the use of dot plots to replace bars improved the accuracy of interpretations. Perceptual mechanisms underlying the within-the-bar bias and prescriptive implications for graph design are discussed.

Diagnostic information from prenatal screening for Down syndrome can help families prepare for the birth of a child with special needs or help them decide whether they want to continue with the pregnancy. Currently in the UK women are offered the combined screening test (a blood test and an ultrasound) that categorizes them into “higher risk” or “lower risk” groups (see www.nhs.uk). Women at higher risk are offered a diagnostic test, such as amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These diagnostic tests are invasive and carry a 0.5 to 1% risk of miscarriage. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show significant linguistic and motor impairments compared to children with typical development (TD). Findings from studies of siblings of children with ASD show similarities to conclusions from studies of children with ASD. The current meta-analysis reviewed studies reporting linguistic and/or motor skills in siblings of children with ASD compared to siblings of children with TD. Thirty-four studies published between 1994 and 2016 met all inclusion criteria. We compared three different age groups (12 months or younger, 13 to 24 months, and 25 to 36 months). At 12 months, compared to siblings of children with TD, siblings of children with ASD had worse receptive language (d = −.43, 95% CI [−.53, −.33]) and expressive language skills (d = −.40, 95% CI [−.57, −.23]), and these effects were sustained at 24 and 36 months. Similar, albeit smaller differences in fine motor skills were detected at 12 months (d = −.22, 95% CI [−.39, −.04]), and these differences were larger at 36 months (d = −.36, 95% CI [−.54, −.17]). There were differences in gross motor skills at 12 months (d = −.22, 95% CI [−.40, −.04]), but only a few studies were available at later ages. Compared to siblings of children with TD, infants who have siblings with ASD have worse linguistic and motor skills. These differences are detectable as early as when infants are 12 months old and seem to be sustained until they are 3 years old. Differences in language skills are larger than those in motor skills, especially during the first year. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1737–1750. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Lay Summary We reviewed studies reporting linguistic and/or motor skills in siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to those in siblings of children with typical development. The results showed that as a group, those infants who have siblings with ASD have less advanced linguistic and motor skills. These differences are detectable when infants are 12 months old and seem to be sustained until they are 3 years old. Differences in language skills are larger than those in motor skills.

Differences in the early development of children are crucial for early detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies have shown large differences between children later diagnosed with ASD and their typically developing peers in the early use of canonical vocalizations (i.e., vocalizations that include well-formed consonant-vowel syllables) and the use of vocalizations for communicative purposes. In this prospective study, we examined the extent to which infant vocalizations at 14 months would predict Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) diagnostic symptom groups, that is, Autism, Spectrum, and Non-ASD, for 82 community-identified at-risk infants at 23 months. Thirty-minute video samples were coded with the intention to categorize and quantify speech (canonical/noncanonical and directed/nondirected) and nonspeech vocalizations (atypical, distress, and pleasure vocalizations). Our results revealed that more canonical directed (OR = 1.039, P = .036), and fewer noncanonical directed (OR=.607, P = .002) and noncanonical nondirected (OR = 1.200, P = .049) vocalizations were associated with a greater likelihood of being in the Non-ASD group versus the Autism group, with no variables significantly predicting Autism versus Spectrum group membership. Despite some statistically significant findings, models performed poorly in classifying children into correct ASD symptom group at age 23 months based on vocalizations at 14 months. Thus, the utility of infant vocalizations alone for predicting toddler clinical outcomes among infants initially identified at an elevated risk for ASD appears limited; however, considering the structure and function of early vocalizations combined with other early developmental and behavioral features may improve the confidence for clinicians in making an early diagnosis of ASD. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1372-1383. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Threat perception is a key issue defining intergroup conflict dynamics. To date, it has been linked with power asymmetries and value similarities between groups. This article examines the role of victimization memory in threat construction. The results of an experiment converge to suggest that personal and institutional victimization memories are robust predictors of the levels of threat perception. They act as primary references in the assessment of threat and suppress framing effects. The findings have significant implications for the theory of threat perception.

Numerical skills are essential to make informed decisions in our daily life. Unfortunately, many people lack basic numeracy, which limits their ability to accurately interpret risks (i.e., risk literacy). In this paper, we provide an overview of research investigating the role of numeracy in two prominent domains, where most research was concentrated, health and finance. We summarize what has been learned so far in these domains and suggest promising venues for future research. We conclude that it is important to conduct interventions to improve numeracy in less numerate individuals and to help them make informed decisions and achieve better life outcomes.

Data Availability: All study materials, anonymized data, and results are available on the Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/qn9a2/. DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/QN9A2., We investigated what factors may foster or hinder physicians’ cancer screening risk literacy–specifically the ability to understand evidence regarding screening effectiveness and make evidence-based recommendations to patients. In an experiment, physicians in training (interns and residents) read statistical information about outcomes from screening for cancer, and had to decide whether to recommend it to a patient. We manipulated the effectiveness of the screening (effective vs. ineffective at reducing mortality) and the demand of the patient to get screened (demand vs. no demand). We assessed participants’ comprehension of the presented evidence and recommendation to the patient, as well as a-priori screening beliefs (e.g., that screening is always a good choice), numeracy, science literacy, knowledge of screening statistics, statistical education, and demographics. Stronger positive a-priori screening beliefs, lower knowledge of screening statistics, and lower numeracy were related to worse comprehension of the evidence. Physicians recommended against the ineffective screening but only if they showed good comprehension of the evidence. Physicians’ recommendations were further based on the perceived benefits from screening but not on perceived harms, nor the patient’s demands. The current study demonstrates that comprehension of cancer screening statistics and the ability to infer the potential benefits for patients are essential for evidence-based recommendations. However, strong beliefs in favor of screening fostered by promotion campaigns may influence how physicians evaluate evidence about specific screenings. Fostering physician numeracy skills could help counteract such biases and provide evidence-based recommendations to patients., Financial support was partially provided by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (Spain) (PSI2011-22954 and PSI2014-51842-R to DP and RGR). Dafina Petrova is supported by a Juan de la Cierva Fellowship (FJCI-2016-28279) from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Competitiveness. Gorka Navarrete is supported by a grant from Comisión Nacional de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica (CONICYT/FONDECYT Regular 1171035).

Introduccion. El perfil neuropsicologico de los pacientes con deterioro cognitivo leve ha sido objeto de estudio de diversas investigaciones. Sin embargo, se han publicado relativamente pocos trabajos sobre las caracteristicas del lenguaje en estos pacientes. Objetivo. Analizar e integrar la bibliografia publicada sobre el tema tras la revision sistematica realizada por Johnson y Lin en 2014. Sujetos y metodos. Se ha realizado una revision sistematica en la que se han consultado tres bases de datos (Web of Science, PubMed y PsycInfo). Se han analizado 17 estudios empiricos revisados por pares, con participantes adultos con deterioro cognitivo leve, que incluyen al menos un grupo control y que evaluan parametros de lenguaje. Se ha aplicado un protocolo de registro de elaboracion propia para codificar las caracteristicas y los resultados de los estudios, y se ha evaluado la calidad de los estudios y los articulos en los que se han publicado a traves de una escala de elaboracion propia basada en instrumentos validados previamente. Resultados. Los pacientes con deterioro cognitivo leve pueden presentar deficits en denominacion, produccion del discurso, comprension oral y comprension escrita. Conclusiones. Es importante evaluar el lenguaje en pacientes con deterioro cognitivo leve, aunque dicha exploracion no permita establecer por si sola un diagnostico. No obstante, la variabilidad en la patologia asociada al diagnostico, la edad, el idioma y el nivel educativo de los participantes, asi como al tamano muestral, y los instrumentos utilizados para evaluar el lenguaje en los estudios revisados impiden que se puedan realizar afirmaciones concluyentes y hacen que sea necesario realizar mas investigacion sobre el tema.

Background. Visual aids tend to help diverse and vulnerable individuals understand risk communications, as long as these individuals have a basic understanding of graphs (i.e., graph literacy). Tests of objective graph literacy (OGL) can effectively identify individuals with limited skills, highlighting vulnerabilities and facilitating custom-tailored risk communication. However, the administration of these tests can be time-consuming and may evoke negative emotional reactions (e.g., anxiety). Objectives. To evaluate a brief and easy-to-use assessment of subjective graph literacy (SGL) (i.e., self-reported ability to process and use graphically presented information) and to estimate the robustness and validity of the SGL scale and compare it with the leading OGL scale in diverse samples from different cultures. Participants. Demographically diverse residents ( n = 470) of the United States, young adults ( n = 172) and patients (n = 175) from Spain, and surgeons ( n = 175) from 48 countries. Design. A focus group and 4 studies for instrument development and initial validation (study 1), reliability and convergent and discriminant validity evaluation (study 2), and predictive validity estimation (studies 3 and 4). Measures. Psychometric properties of the scale. Results. In about 1 minute, the SGL scale provides a reliable, robust, and valid assessment of skills and risk communication preferences and evokes fewer negative emotional reactions than the OGL scale. Conclusions. The SGL scale can be suitable for use in clinical research and may be useful as a communication aid in clinical practice. Theoretical mechanisms involved in SGL, emerging applications, limitations, and open questions are discussed.

To investigate the relationship between Type D (distressed) personality and cardiac biomarkers of disease severity in patients with acute coronary syndrome. To identify potential mechanisms behind the effect of Type D personality on cardiovascular disease (CVD).Cross-sectional.Patients (N = 215) with acute coronary syndrome completed a survey including a measure of Type D personality. Blood samples including a lipid profile and cardiac enzymes were taken within 3 days after the cardiovascular event. Data were analysed using simple correlations, multiple regressions, and mediation analyses.Type D personality was more predictive of severity of the acute coronary syndrome among patients with previous CVD compared to patients without previous CVD. Among patients with previous CVD, Type D personality was associated with the presence of ST elevation (R(2) =.07) and more damage to the myocardium as indicated by higher troponin-I (R(2) = .05) and myoglobin (R(2) = .07) levels. These effects were independent from demographics, CV risk factors, and depression. Lower HDL cholesterol levels mediated the relationship between Type D personality and disease severity (Κ(2) = .12 [95% CI 0.02, 0.28]) for myoglobin and Κ(2) = .08 [95% CI 0.01, 0.21] for troponin-I).Type D personality was related to a worse lipid profile and more severe acute coronary syndrome in patients with previous history of CVD. Given the strong relationship between disease severity and subsequent mortality, these results suggest that severity of the myocardial infarction may be a potential mechanism explaining increased mortality in Type D patients with recurrent CVD. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Type D personality has been related to worse outcomes in cardiac patients. However, recent studies show mixed results, suggesting the need to clarify potential mechanisms. What does this study add? Type D personality is related to severity of acute coronary syndrome in patients with previous history of cardiovascular disease. This effect is partially accounted for by lower HDL levels in Type D patients. Disease severity is a potential mechanism by which Type D personality may affect cardiovascular health of patients with recurrent CVD.

Introduccion. En la mayoria de los ninos con trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) aparecen dificultades asociadas que, aunque no se incluyen en los criterios diagnosticos, podrian tener impacto sobre la calidad de vida familiar. La bibliografia ha mostrado algunas relaciones entre estas variables y la calidad de vida familiar, aunque los resultados no son concluyentes. Objetivo. Examinar el papel de la conducta adaptativa (incluyendo sintomas emocionales, problemas de conducta, hiperactividad/falta de atencion, problemas de relaciones entre companeros y comportamiento prosocial) en ninos con TEA y con desarrollo tipico, y su posible impacto sobre la calidad de vida familiar. Sujetos y metodos. Veinticuatro familias de ninos con TEA (nivel 1 de apoyo) y 25 familias de ninos con desarrollo tipico con edades comprendidas entre 6 y 13 anos. Se ha igualado el sindrome de Asperger (segun el DSM-IV-TR) con el TEA con nivel 1 de apoyo (segun el DSM-5). Se han evaluado la inteligencia, el vocabulario, la conducta adaptativa y la calidad de vida familiar. Resultados. Se han encontrado diferencias significativas en las variables relacionadas con la conducta adaptativa y en algunos de los componentes de la calidad de vida familiar (interaccion familiar, bienestar fisico y emocional). En el modelo de regresion, presentar unos mejores niveles de conducta prosocial y el grupo aparecieron como los principales predictores de la satisfaccion percibida en la calidad de vida familiar. Conclusion. Es importante atender a las dificultades en la conducta prosocial en el TEA, dado su potencial efecto protector sobre la calidad de vida familiar.