Psicothema最新文献

Comprehensive Assessment of Mental Health Stigma. 心理健康污名的综合评估。

IF 3.5 2区心理学

Psicothema Pub Date : 2026-04-01 DOI: 10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.06

Beatrice-Alice Ciulin, Alicia Pérez-Albéniz, Adriana Díez-Gómez, Beatriz Lucas-Molina, Rubén Fernández-Alonso

{"title":"Comprehensive Assessment of Mental Health Stigma.","authors":"Beatrice-Alice Ciulin, Alicia Pérez-Albéniz, Adriana Díez-Gómez, Beatriz Lucas-Molina, Rubén Fernández-Alonso","doi":"10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.06","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.06","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Mental health (MH) stigma is one of the main barriers to young people with MH problems seeking help. This study attempts to analyse it using the Stigma and Self-Stigma scales (SASS) in a representative sample of young people, novel aspects being the comprehensive perspective of the instrument used and the analysis of gender effects, both from a psychometric perspective (measurement invariance) and analysis of the differences according to the gender variable.Method: 378 students (M = 20.78 years; SD = 1.65; 61.6% women) participated, selected through a stratified random cluster sampling approach. The scale's internal structure and its measurement invariance between genders were examined.Results: The five-factor model of the SASS showed adequate goodness-of-fit indices. Scalar invariance between genders was confirmed for the five-dimensional model, along with higher levels of stigma in several dimensions among boys. Cronbach's α for the different subscales ranged from .62 to .80, and McDonald's ω from .60 to .79.Conclusions: The SASS is a brief, simple, and reliable instrument for assessing different dimensions of MH stigma in university settings.","PeriodicalId":48179,"journal":{"name":"Psicothema","volume":"38 2","pages":"60-70"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Internet Habits, Problematic Internet Use, and Online Risk Practices Among Adolescents With ADHD in Spain. 西班牙青少年ADHD患者的网络习惯、问题网络使用和网络风险行为。

IF 3.5 2区心理学

Psicothema Pub Date : 2026-04-01 DOI: 10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.09

Manuel Isorna, David Liñares, Patricia Gómez, Víctor José Villanueva-Blasco, Antonio Rial-Boubeta

{"title":"Internet Habits, Problematic Internet Use, and Online Risk Practices Among Adolescents With ADHD in Spain.","authors":"Manuel Isorna, David Liñares, Patricia Gómez, Víctor José Villanueva-Blasco, Antonio Rial-Boubeta","doi":"10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.09","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.09","url":null,"abstract":"Background: In recent years, there has been growing scientific concern about digital habits, online risk practices and problematic internet use (PIU) among adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This exploratory study aims to compare: (1) internet use habits; (2) PIU; and (3) online risk practices (i.e., active and passive sexting, sextortion, pornography consumption, online gambling, and contact with strangers) among adolescents with and without ADHD.Method: A school-based sample of 4,359 adolescents aged 12-18 years old (M = 14.79, SD = 1.79; 51.1% girls; 5.9% ADHD) was assessed (intentional sampling).Results: The results indicated that adolescents with ADHD had different Internet and video game use habits, as well as a significantly higher rate of PIU compared to their peers without ADHD (25.8% vs. 18%). They also had a higher rate of sextortion, online gambling, and pornography use. In addition, significant gender differences of particular interest were observed.Conclusions: These findings underline the need to address the particularities of adolescents with ADHD and their environment in order to promote safer use of the technology.","PeriodicalId":48179,"journal":{"name":"Psicothema","volume":"38 2","pages":"91-100"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785835","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Personal Recovery in Addictions: Development of a new Assessment Instrument. 个人戒毒：一种新的评估工具的开发。

IF 3.5 2区心理学

Psicothema Pub Date : 2026-04-01 DOI: 10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.10

Lucas Serrano-Pastor, Sylvia Georgieva, Alfredo Zarco-Alpuente, Paula Samper-García, Guillermo Blanco-Bailac, Teresa Bobes-Bascaran, Pedro Gómez-Linares, José Miguel Martínez-González, José Antonio Molina-Peral, Francisco Pascual-Pastor, José-Antonio Giménez-Costa

{"title":"Personal Recovery in Addictions: Development of a new Assessment Instrument.","authors":"Lucas Serrano-Pastor, Sylvia Georgieva, Alfredo Zarco-Alpuente, Paula Samper-García, Guillermo Blanco-Bailac, Teresa Bobes-Bascaran, Pedro Gómez-Linares, José Miguel Martínez-González, José Antonio Molina-Peral, Francisco Pascual-Pastor, José-Antonio Giménez-Costa","doi":"10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.10","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.10","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Identifying the key aspects of personal recovery in addictions is crucial for advancing recovery-oriented services. In Spain, no validated measures capture what service users consider most important for their recovery. This study aimed to design and validate the Personal Recovery Importance Scale (PRIS), an expanded CHIME-based instrument tailored to the addiction context.Method: A four-phase mixed-methods design involved experts (N = 13) and people in recovery (N = 1,604). Phase 1 focused on item development; Phases 2 and 3 assessed content and response process validity; and Phase 4 examined psychometric properties.Results: 42.4% of the items were revised after expert feedback and 44% following cognitive interviews. Psychometric analysis supported a seven-factor model (Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning in life, Empowerment, Difficulties, and Practical support-CHIME-DP) with robust fit indices, invariance across recovery stages, satisfactory internal consistency, concurrent and discriminant validity, and hypothesis testing with key recovery variables.Conclusions: These findings confirm the content, face, and psychometric validity of the PRIS. This tool may be useful for prioritising and designing interventions and represents a first step towards developing PROMs and PREMs measures in Spain.","PeriodicalId":48179,"journal":{"name":"Psicothema","volume":"38 2","pages":"101-112"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785852","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Relationship Between Social Connectedness and Quality of Life in Older Adults: An Examination of Sex Differences. 老年人社会联系与生活质量的关系：性别差异的检验。

IF 3.5 2区心理学

Psicothema Pub Date : 2026-04-01 DOI: 10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.08

Cristina Noriega, Gema Perez-Rojo, Pablo Medrano-Martínez, Javier Lopez

{"title":"Relationship Between Social Connectedness and Quality of Life in Older Adults: An Examination of Sex Differences.","authors":"Cristina Noriega, Gema Perez-Rojo, Pablo Medrano-Martínez, Javier Lopez","doi":"10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.08","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.08","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Despite the literature supporting the important role of social connectedness in older people's Quality of Life (QoL), study of this association has been scarce, especially sex-specific social mechanisms. This study aimed to examine how social connectedness related to QoL in community-dwelling older adults, considering sex differences.Method: 709 people from Spain, aged 60 and over participated in the study and completed a survey that included sociodemographic characteristics, social connectedness, psychological resources, mental health and QoL. Path analysis was performed to test the hypothesized model. Associations between the assessed variables were tested separately for men and women.Results: The relationship between family function and QoL was fully mediated by psychological resources and mental health, but the direct paths used by women were different from men. The relation between loneliness and QoL was partially mediated, with gratitude and resilience playing a more prominent role among women.Conclusions: The critical role of social factors is highlighted, as humans are inherently social beings. The study found sex differences in the relationship between social connectedness and QoL, mediated by psychological resources, well-being, and distress. Men and women cope with adversity differently. It is important to consider sex differences when designing interventions for older adults.","PeriodicalId":48179,"journal":{"name":"Psicothema","volume":"38 2","pages":"80-90"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

The Influence of Gender on Measuring Mental Health Stigma. A Cross-Sectional Vignette Study With the Attribution Questionnaire 9. 性别对心理健康病耻感测量的影响。基于归因问卷的横断面小插图研究

IF 3.5 2区心理学

Psicothema Pub Date : 2026-04-01 DOI: 10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.07

Clara González-Sanguino, Miguel Ángel Castellanos, Ana Belén Santos-Olmo, Sara Zamorano, Berta Ausín, Manuel Muñoz

{"title":"The Influence of Gender on Measuring Mental Health Stigma. A Cross-Sectional Vignette Study With the Attribution Questionnaire 9.","authors":"Clara González-Sanguino, Miguel Ángel Castellanos, Ana Belén Santos-Olmo, Sara Zamorano, Berta Ausín, Manuel Muñoz","doi":"10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.07","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.07","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The assessment of mental health problems has traditionally been done with male or gender-neutral questionnaires. This study analyzes the effects of the gender of the AQ-9 questionnaire, as well as of the respondent, on stigma towards mental health problems.Method: A sample of 2,746 adults from the general Spanish population stratified by gender responded to three different versions of the AQ-9 questionnaire: vignette formulated in the female, male and neutral gender. Analyses of invariance and of differences of means for independent samples (ANOVAS) were carried out for both respondent gender and vignette gender.Results: The results show that women tend to be more compassionate and perceive more danger or fear, while men fulfil traditional gender roles by feeling more anger or guilt. Depending on the gender of the vignette, there was a tendency to feel more pity and help towards women, as well as fear, danger, avoidance and coercion towards men. The neutral vignette generated more segregation attributions.Conclusions: This study underlines the need to take gender into account when designing assessment instruments. Implications and recommendations from an intersectional perspective are discussed.","PeriodicalId":48179,"journal":{"name":"Psicothema","volume":"38 2","pages":"71-79"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Assessing Positive Digital Experiences: A Spanish Validation of the Digital Flourishing Scale for Adolescents. 评估积极的数字体验：青少年数字繁荣量表的西班牙验证。

IF 3.5 2区心理学

Psicothema Pub Date : 2026-02-01 DOI: 10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.03

Alfredo Zarco-Alpuente, Víctor Ciudad-Fernández, Jasmina Rosič, Sophie Janicke-Bowles, Tamara Escrivà-Martínez, Paula Samper-García

{"title":"Assessing Positive Digital Experiences: A Spanish Validation of the Digital Flourishing Scale for Adolescents.","authors":"Alfredo Zarco-Alpuente, Víctor Ciudad-Fernández, Jasmina Rosič, Sophie Janicke-Bowles, Tamara Escrivà-Martínez, Paula Samper-García","doi":"10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.03","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.03","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Adolescents are immersed in digital communication, which can benefit or harm their well-being. Digital flourishing captures positive perceptions of this communication-connectedness, authentic self-presentation, positive social comparison, civil participation, and self-control-and how it contributes to well-being. In Spain there is still no validated instrument for adolescents.Method: We adapted and validated the Digital Flourishing Scale for Adolescents (DFSA) for Spanish adolescents. Study 1 involved a pilot survey (n = 13) and cognitive interviews (n = 10) to improve clarity and cultural relevance. Study 2 used a cross-sectional survey (n = 1,786) to examine the DFSA's latent structure, measurement invariance by gender and age, internal reliability of scores, and validity evidence based on relationships to other variables. Study 3 assessed test-retest reliability of scores and longitudinal measurement invariance over six weeks (n = 289).Results: Study 1 improved item clarity and cultural relevance through linguistic adjustments. Study 2 confirmed a five-factor model, showing strict age invariance and metric gender invariance. All subscales correlated with well-being indicators. Study 3 showed poor to moderate temporal stability of scores but supported scalar longitudinal invariance.Conclusions: The Spanish DFSA is a promising tool for assessing adolescents' digital flourishing in the Spanish context.","PeriodicalId":48179,"journal":{"name":"Psicothema","volume":"38 1","pages":"23-35"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Using Artificial Intelligence in Test Construction: A Practical Guide. 在测试构建中使用人工智能：实用指南。

IF 3.5 2区心理学

Psicothema Pub Date : 2026-02-01 DOI: 10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.01

Javier Suárez-Álvarez, Qiwei He, Nigel Guenole, Damiano D'Urso

{"title":"Using Artificial Intelligence in Test Construction: A Practical Guide.","authors":"Javier Suárez-Álvarez, Qiwei He, Nigel Guenole, Damiano D'Urso","doi":"10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.01","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.01","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly used to enhance traditional assessment practices by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enabling greater scalability. However, its use has largely been confined to large corporations, with limited uptake by researchers and practitioners. This study aims to critically review current AI-based applications in test construction and propose practical guidelines to help maximize their benefits while addressing potential risks.Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine recent advances in AI-based test construction, focusing on item development and calibration, with real-world examples to demonstrate practical implementation.Results: Best practices for AI in test development are evolving, but responsible use requires ongoing human oversight. Effective AI-based item generation depends on quality training data, alignment with intended use, model comparison, and output validation. For calibration, essential steps include defining construct validity, applying prompt engineering, checking semantic alignment, conducting pseudo factor analysis, and evaluating model fit with exploratory methods.Conclusions: We propose a practical guide for using generative AI in test development and calibration, targeting challenges related to validity, reliability, and fairness by linking each issue to specific guidelines that promote responsible, effective implementation.","PeriodicalId":48179,"journal":{"name":"Psicothema","volume":"38 1","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120554","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Assessing Impulsivity in Adolescents: Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Short S-UPPS-P. 青少年冲动性评估：西班牙短S-UPPS-P的心理测量特征。

IF 3.5 2区心理学

Psicothema Pub Date : 2026-02-01 DOI: 10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.04

Esteve Montasell-Jordana, Eva Penelo, Laura Blanco-Hinojo, Beatriz Lanceta, Laura Gomàriz-Camacho, Mar Gràcia, Anna Soler, Jesús Pujol, Joan Deus

{"title":"Assessing Impulsivity in Adolescents: Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Short S-UPPS-P.","authors":"Esteve Montasell-Jordana, Eva Penelo, Laura Blanco-Hinojo, Beatriz Lanceta, Laura Gomàriz-Camacho, Mar Gràcia, Anna Soler, Jesús Pujol, Joan Deus","doi":"10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.04","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.04","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The short S-UPPS-P is a 20-item self-report tool for assessing impulsivity in adolescents, differentiating five dimensions: Negative Urgency, Lack of Perseverance, Lack of Premeditation, Sensation Seeking, and Positive Urgency. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish S-UPPS-P and to establish normative data for adolescents in Spain.Method: Participants were 8,944 adolescent students (ages 11-19) from 66 high schools and 789 adolescent psychotherapy patients from 7 centers.Results: The expected 5-factor model, evaluated with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), showed insufficient fit (CFI and TLI ≤ .90, RMSEA = .076). However, an exploratory approach yielded satisfactory results (CFI and TLI ≥ .97, RMSEA ≤ .036), with full measurement invariance across age, gender and sample type. Internal consistency reliability ranged from moderate to excellent (ω = .67-.82). Convergent validity with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale total score was satisfactory (r = .47-.59). No significant differences in scale scores were observed across gender, age, or sample type, providing the use of a single norm.Conclusions: These findings support the S-UPPS-P as a valid, reliable tool for assessing impulsivity in Spanish adolescents. The availability of standardized norms enhances its utility in clinical and educational contexts.","PeriodicalId":48179,"journal":{"name":"Psicothema","volume":"38 1","pages":"36-45"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Psychometric Properties of the Teachers' Responses to Bullying Questionnaire (TRBQ) in Spanish Students. 西班牙学生教师恃强凌弱问卷（TRBQ）回答的心理测量特征。

IF 3.5 2区心理学

Psicothema Pub Date : 2026-02-01 DOI: 10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.05

Laura Rodríguez-Pérez, Rosario Del Rey, Noemí García-Sanjuán, Noelia Muñoz-Fernández

{"title":"Psychometric Properties of the Teachers' Responses to Bullying Questionnaire (TRBQ) in Spanish Students.","authors":"Laura Rodríguez-Pérez, Rosario Del Rey, Noemí García-Sanjuán, Noelia Muñoz-Fernández","doi":"10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.05","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.05","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Students' perceptions of teacher response play a critical role in addressing bullying, as they are closely linked to student involvement. However, no validated instruments currently exist in Spain to assess this construct adequately. This study aimed to validate the Teachers' Responses to Bullying Questionnaire (TRBQ) in Spain, examine its measurement invariance across educational levels, gender, and bullying roles, and to explore students' perceptions of teacher responses based on these variables.Method: A total of 1,241 students (48.8% girls; 48.3 % primary school; M age = 12.00; SD = 1.79; range = 9-18 years) from southern Spain participated.Results: EFA revealed a three-factor structure-non-intervention, restorative psychoeducational strategies, and disciplinary methods-with good fit, confirmed through CFA. The instrument demonstrated satisfactory reliability and measurement invariance. Girls perceived teacher responses as more frequent. Restorative strategies were more common in primary school, while non-intervention was more prevalent in secondary school. No significant differences emerged for disciplinary methods. Non-involved students reported more restorative interventions, bullies-victims perceived more non-intervention; and aggressors reported greater use of disciplinary methods.Conclusions: The Spanish adaptation and validation of the TRBQ provides a valuable tool for assessing teacher responses to bullying and contributes to research and intervention in school contexts.","PeriodicalId":48179,"journal":{"name":"Psicothema","volume":"38 1","pages":"46-57"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Waiting Times in Clinical Psychology in Public Mental Health Units: Predictors of Attendance at the First Appointment and Early Dropout. 公共精神卫生单位临床心理学的等待时间：第一次预约和早期辍学的预测因子

IF 3.5 2区心理学

Psicothema Pub Date : 2026-02-01 DOI: 10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.02

María Del Mar Miras-Aguilar, Jose Ruiz-Gutiérrez, Sandra Martínez-Gómez, Saioa Pérez-García-Abad, Carmen Ramos-Barrón, Emilio Pariente-Rodrigo, Lourdes Piñán-Setién, Noelia Otero-Cabanillas, María Isabel Priede, César González-Blanch

{"title":"Waiting Times in Clinical Psychology in Public Mental Health Units: Predictors of Attendance at the First Appointment and Early Dropout.","authors":"María Del Mar Miras-Aguilar, Jose Ruiz-Gutiérrez, Sandra Martínez-Gómez, Saioa Pérez-García-Abad, Carmen Ramos-Barrón, Emilio Pariente-Rodrigo, Lourdes Piñán-Setién, Noelia Otero-Cabanillas, María Isabel Priede, César González-Blanch","doi":"10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.02","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.70478/psicothema.2026.38.02","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Waiting lists in mental health are a growing problem. This study analyzes their impact on attendance and early dropout from treatment in the Santander health area of the Spanish National Health System.Method: A retrospective observational study was conducted with 2,765 patients referred from Primary Care to four Mental Health Units during 2021. Logistic regressions were applied to analyze the influence of waiting times on attendance at the first appointment and early dropout, and ROC curves were used to identify optimal cut-off points.Results: The median waiting time was 51 days for the first appointment and 35 between the first and second. A total of 84.6% attended their first session, with higher attendance in women, older individuals, those with work-related disability, and shorter waiting times. Early dropout (15.8%) was associated with longer time between appointments, being male, and being younger. The discriminative power of the cut-off points was poor.Conclusions: Waiting times exceed recommended standards and negatively affect treatment continuity. Structural reforms and more human resources are needed to improve access to and the effectiveness of psychological care.","PeriodicalId":48179,"journal":{"name":"Psicothema","volume":"38 1","pages":"13-22"},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146120548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0