El auténtico mundo de Alfred Binet

RESUMEN

Este artículo se centra en la figura de Binet, llamado por algunos autores padre de la psicología experimental. Aunque tradicionalmente se asocia a Binet con la medición del CI, sus trabajos se extendieron por muchas áreas. Se destacan sus importantes aportaciones a la psicología experimental, a la psicología diferencial y a la psicología de la educación. Su gran cantidad de publicaciones nos muestran la energía creativa de Binet y su vinculación con un gran número de disciplinas científicas.     

Effects of Fact Retrieval Tutoring on Third‐Grade Students with Math Difficulties with and without Reading Difficulties

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of fact retrieval tutoring as a function of math difficulty (MD) subtype, that is, whether students have MD alone (MD‐only) or have concurrent difficulty with math and reading (MDRD). Third graders (n= 139) at two sites were randomly assigned, blocking by site and MD subtype, to four tutoring conditions: fact retrieval practice, conceptual fact retrieval instruction with practice, procedural computation/estimation instruction, and control (no tutoring). Tutoring occurred for 45 sessions over 15 weeks for 15–25 minutes per session. Results provided evidence of an interaction between tutoring condition and MD subtype status for assessment of fact retrieval. For MD‐only students, students in both fact retrieval conditions achieved comparably and outperformed MD‐only students in the control group as well as those in the procedural computation/estimation instruction group. By contrast, for MDRD students, there were no significant differences among intervention conditions.     

Treatment of depressed mothers in home visiting: Impact on psychological distress and social functioning

Objectives

Depression is prevalent in mothers receiving home visiting. Little is known about the impact of treatment on associated features of maternal depression in this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a novel, adapted treatment for depressed mothers in home visiting on psychological distress and social functioning.

Methods

In-Home Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (IH-CBT) was developed to treat depressed mothers in home visiting. A randomized clinical trial design was used in which subjects were 93 new mothers in a home visiting program. Mothers with major depressive disorder identified at 3 months postpartum were randomized into IH-CBT and ongoing home visiting (n = 47) or standard home visiting (SHV; n = 46) in which they received home visitation alone and could obtain treatment in the community. Measures of psychological distress, social support, and social network were measured at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and three-month follow-up. Clinical features of depression and home visiting parameters were examined as potential moderators.

Results

Subjects receiving IH-CBT reported decreased psychological distress at post-treatment (ES = 0.77) and follow-up (ES = 0.73). Examination of types of psychological distress indicated broad improvements at both time points. Those receiving IH-CBT reported increased social support over time relative to those in the SHV condition. Effect sizes were modest at post-treatment (ES = 0.38) but increased at follow-up (ES = 0.65). Improvements were seen in affiliative and belonginess aspects of social support, in contrast to tangible support which was statistically non-significant. Findings were not moderated by clinical features of depression or home visiting parameters. No group differences were found in size of and involvement with social networks.

Conclusions

IH-CBT is effective in reducing psychological distress and improving perceived social support in depressed mothers receiving home visiting. To the extent that mothers are better adjusted and feel socially supported, they are more available to their children and more amenable to home visiting services. IH-CBT is a feasible, readily adopted treatment that is compatible with multiple home visiting models. As a result it is a promising approach to help depressed mothers in home visiting. Additional interventions may be needed to support depressed mothers in building sizable and stable social networks.     

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A SEXUAL ACTUALIZATION MEASURING INSTRUMENT FOR THE ELDERLY

The objective of this study was to develop a measuring instrument for assessing sexual actualization of the elderly and test some of its metrological properties. The assistance of experts on sexology, gerontology, and the actualization of potential was required. The questionnaire was sent twice, at a 2-week interval, to individuals who showed an interest in the study. Of the 115 people who answered the questionnaire, 52 were women, with a mean age of 67.3, and 63 were men, with a mean age of 68.9. The results show good temporal stability (intraclass correlation coefficient =.89) and strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha =.97). Two construct validity studies were conducted. The first consisted in comparing the Sexual Actualization Questionnaire (SAQ) and a general well-being scale; no significant relationship was found (r =.07; p =.41). However, the results of the second study, which compared the SAQ scores of the senior individuals who had been sexually active with those who had not, were significant (p <.05).