Felix Kury - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Felix Kury

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Resilience Scale

Journal of Nursing Measurement, 2003

Nonattachment is a Buddhism-rooted construct, which can be defined as the relative absence of fix... more Nonattachment is a Buddhism-rooted construct, which can be defined as the relative absence of fixation on ideas, images, or sensory objects, as well as an absence of internal pressure to get, hold, avoid, or change circumstances or experiences. The present study was aimed at exploring the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Nonattachment Scale (NAS) and at delimitating the relationship between the NAS and measures of mindfulness, decentering, and negative emotional symptoms. Pooling the NAS data from Spanish meditators (n = 335) and nonmeditators (n = 270), we performed an exploratory factor analysis and then estimated the fit of two competing models (one-factor model vs. one-factor model + method effects) via confirmatory factor analysis. Data analyses showed that the Spanish version of the NAS is unifactorial in nature and has excellent internal consistency. As expected, high (positive) significant correlations were found between NAS and mindfulness and decentering measures, as well as high significant (negative) relations between NAS and depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Positive relations were also observed between NAS and variables of meditation practice. Large differences among the meditative, nonmeditative, and clinical groups (n = 39 patients with borderline personality disorder) were observed regarding NAS scores. Scores on the NAS were significant predictors of negative emotional symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) and, especially, resilience. Furthermore, NAS provided a unique contribution in the regression models, going beyond mindfulness facets and decentering. In conclusion, the Spanish version of the NAS is a psychometrically sound instrument with a promising future in the field of mindfulness and meditation research and in clinical settings.

Research paper thumbnail of Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among Low Income Women of Mexican Descent in the United States

Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, Oct 1, 2005

Survey methods were used to collect cross-sectional data on PTSD symptoms in the context of resou... more Survey methods were used to collect cross-sectional data on PTSD symptoms in the context of resources, risks, and strengths of a convenience sample of 315 low income women of Mexican descent. Women were compared by generation in the US, including Mexico-born women who immigrated as adults (Նage 18), as teens (age 12-17), or as children (Յage 12), and US-born women whose parents and/or grandparents were Mexico-born. Results showed that US-born women reported significantly more types of trauma than women who immigrated as adults or teens, and more PTSD symptoms than women who immigrated as adults. Also, one to three times as many women who were exposed to the United States before age 18 reported sexual trauma exposure compared with women who immigrated as adults. In a three-step multiple regression analysis, lack of intrinsic strength factors (13%) accounted for more variance in PTSD symptoms than resources (6%) or risks (10%; p Ͻ 0.001).

Research paper thumbnail of Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology: Patterns among american indian adolescents in substance abuse treatment

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Strength Factors Among Women of Mexican Descent1

Whereas few studies with Latina samples include strength factors (resilience, mastery, life satis... more Whereas few studies with Latina samples include strength factors (resilience, mastery, life satis-faction, and perceived energy level) as variables, even fewer include strength factors together with acculturation in the same study. As part of a larger study, the purpose of this analysis is to describe and examine the relationships between strength factors, risk factors such as accultura-tion and substance use, resource factors including financial adequacy and education, and the health and illness factor of perceived health status among a convenience sample of 315 low-income women of Mexican descent, ages 21 to 40. Cross-sectional survey data were collected and analyzed. Results show intragroup differences related to the well-being of women of Mexi-can descent living with low incomes in urban settings.

Research paper thumbnail of Strengths and Vulnerabilities of Women of Mexican Descent in Relation to Depressive Symptoms

Nursing Research, 2002

The majority of research related to depression among women of Mexican descent has focused on risk... more The majority of research related to depression among women of Mexican descent has focused on risk factors and resources without considering intrinsic strength factors that may have a protective function. An additional focus on mastery, resilience, and life satisfaction will expand the context for understanding the mental health of women of Mexican descent. Objectives: This study describes the level of depressive symptoms experienced by low-income women of Mexican descent living in an urban community in northern California and compares the level of symptoms by exposure to the United States (US) during childhood. Rather than focus only on negative demographic characteristics (such as lower socioeconomic status) associated with high levels of depressive symptoms, this study also focused on strengths and resources that may minimize or modify depressive symptoms. Methods: Questionnaires were completed by a cross-sectional convenience sample of 315 women of Mexican descent, aged 21-40 years. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Results: Women who spent all of their childhood years in Mexico before coming to the US had a lower level of depressive symptoms (p Ͻ .05) and more satisfaction with life than women who were exposed to the US in childhood (p ϭ .001). While income, adequacy of financial resources, partner status, alcohol use, and childhood exposure to the US accounted for 13% of the variance in depressive symptoms, intrinsic strength factors such as mastery, life satisfaction, and resilience accounted for an additional 31% of the variance (p Ͻ .001). Discussion: Although intrinsic strength factors have rarely been included in research related to depression in women of Mexican descent, they were more directly related to lack of depressive symptoms than traditional demographic risk factors.

Research paper thumbnail of Protective Strength Factors, Resources, and Risks in Relation to Depressive Symptoms Among Childbearing Women of Mexican Descent

Health Care for Women International, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Strength Factors Among Women of Mexican Descent

Western Journal of Nursing Research, 2005

Whereas few studies with Latina samples include strength factors (resilience, mastery, life satis... more Whereas few studies with Latina samples include strength factors (resilience, mastery, life satisfaction, and perceived energy level) as variables, even fewer include strength factors together with acculturation in the same study. As part of a larger study, the purpose of this analysis is to describe and examine the relationships between strength factors, risk factors such as acculturation and substance use, resource factors including financial adequacy and education, and the health and illness factor of perceived health status among a convenience sample of 315 lowincome women of Mexican descent, ages 21 to 40. Cross-sectional survey data were collected and analyzed. Results show intragroup differences related to the well-being of women of Mexican descent living with low incomes in urban settings.

Research paper thumbnail of Kury Protective strength factors, resources, and risks in relation to depressive symptoms among childbearing women of Mexican descent, Health n.a for Women Int

As an immigrant population becomes more prominent in an estab-lished culture, research strategies... more As an immigrant population becomes more prominent in an estab-lished culture, research strategies for examining intragroup differ-ences are needed to understand their health care risks and strengths. However, acculturation also must be taken into account. Our objec-tive in this secondary analysis was to identify the most useful accul-turation parameter for examining depressive symptoms in relation to strengths and resources among women of Mexican descent living in the United States during the vulnerable perinatal period and to exam-ine other intragroup differences among the women by childbearing status (pregnant or postpartum). Our secondary analysis was done with a subsample of 129 women from a larger cross-sectional study

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Resilience Scale

Journal of Nursing Measurement, 2003

The purpose of this study is to test the reliability and validity of a Spanish translation of the... more The purpose of this study is to test the reliability and validity of a Spanish translation of the Resilience Scale (RS), which was originally created in English by Wagnild and Young (1993). A team of bilingual, bicultural translators participated in the translation process to enhance the linguistic accuracy and cultural appropriateness of the Spanish translation. As part of the convenience sample of 315 women of Mexican descent who participated in the larger study, data from 147 women who preferred to read and write in Spanish were used in this analysis. The English version of the RS consists of a 17-item “Personal Competence” subscale and an 8-item “Acceptance of Self and Life” subscale for a total of 25 items. However, two items had low item-total loadings and were removed to form a modified 23-item RS. The exploratory principal components factor analysis, varimax rotation, and subsequent goodness of fit indices were ambivalent on whether a one or two-factor solution was appropria...

Research paper thumbnail of Clínica Martín-Baró: Community Healing Through Patient-Centered Care

Latinx range in diversity through cultural, social, economic, and experiential differences. Compa... more Latinx range in diversity through cultural, social, economic, and experiential differences. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Latinx's may display lower socioeconomic status due to generalized trends in family income, educational attainment, occupational characteristics, and asset accumulation.1 It is believed that these social determinants of health affect an individual’s quality of life by increasing the likelihood of disease development and mental health outcomes that can in part explain current health disparities among Latinx.2,3 Clínica Martín-Baró’s (CMB) mission is to identify, address, and help overcome such determinants of health.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Resilience Scale

Journal of Nursing Measurement, Mar 1, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Factors associated with sleep disturbance in women of Mexican descent

Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2012

Aims. The aims were to identify the most useful parameters of acculturation in relation to self-r... more Aims. The aims were to identify the most useful parameters of acculturation in relation to self-reported sleep disturbance and describe risk factors for sleep disturbance in women of Mexican descent. Background. Little is known about acculturation as a factor for poor sleep in the context of other personal factors such as income or sense of resilience or mastery for Latinas in the United States. Design. This study was a secondary analysis of cross sectional survey data. Methods. Personal factors were incorporated into a modification of the Conceptual Framework of Impaired Sleep to guide our secondary analysis of self-reported sleep disturbance. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 312 women of Mexican descent of childbearing age (21-40 years) located in an urban California community were collected and previously analysed in relation to depressive symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorder. The General Sleep Disturbance Scale (in English and Spanish) was used to assess sleep disturbance. Data was collected in 1998 from September through December. Results. Early socialization to the United States during childhood was the most useful acculturation parameter for understanding self-reported sleep disturbance in this sample. In a multivariate regression analysis, three factors (higher acculturation, lower income and higher depressive symptoms) were statistically significant in accounting for 40% of the variance in sleep disturbance. Conclusion. When low income Latinas of Mexican descent report sleep problems, clinicians should probe for environmental sleep factors associated with low income, such as noise, overcrowding and exposure to trauma and violence, and refer the woman to psychotherapy and counselling rather than merely prescribing a sleep medication.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Resilience Scale

Journal of Nursing Measurement, 2003

Nonattachment is a Buddhism-rooted construct, which can be defined as the relative absence of fix... more Nonattachment is a Buddhism-rooted construct, which can be defined as the relative absence of fixation on ideas, images, or sensory objects, as well as an absence of internal pressure to get, hold, avoid, or change circumstances or experiences. The present study was aimed at exploring the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Nonattachment Scale (NAS) and at delimitating the relationship between the NAS and measures of mindfulness, decentering, and negative emotional symptoms. Pooling the NAS data from Spanish meditators (n = 335) and nonmeditators (n = 270), we performed an exploratory factor analysis and then estimated the fit of two competing models (one-factor model vs. one-factor model + method effects) via confirmatory factor analysis. Data analyses showed that the Spanish version of the NAS is unifactorial in nature and has excellent internal consistency. As expected, high (positive) significant correlations were found between NAS and mindfulness and decentering measures, as well as high significant (negative) relations between NAS and depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Positive relations were also observed between NAS and variables of meditation practice. Large differences among the meditative, nonmeditative, and clinical groups (n = 39 patients with borderline personality disorder) were observed regarding NAS scores. Scores on the NAS were significant predictors of negative emotional symptoms (depression, anxiety, and stress) and, especially, resilience. Furthermore, NAS provided a unique contribution in the regression models, going beyond mindfulness facets and decentering. In conclusion, the Spanish version of the NAS is a psychometrically sound instrument with a promising future in the field of mindfulness and meditation research and in clinical settings.

Research paper thumbnail of Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among Low Income Women of Mexican Descent in the United States

Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, Oct 1, 2005

Survey methods were used to collect cross-sectional data on PTSD symptoms in the context of resou... more Survey methods were used to collect cross-sectional data on PTSD symptoms in the context of resources, risks, and strengths of a convenience sample of 315 low income women of Mexican descent. Women were compared by generation in the US, including Mexico-born women who immigrated as adults (Նage 18), as teens (age 12-17), or as children (Յage 12), and US-born women whose parents and/or grandparents were Mexico-born. Results showed that US-born women reported significantly more types of trauma than women who immigrated as adults or teens, and more PTSD symptoms than women who immigrated as adults. Also, one to three times as many women who were exposed to the United States before age 18 reported sexual trauma exposure compared with women who immigrated as adults. In a three-step multiple regression analysis, lack of intrinsic strength factors (13%) accounted for more variance in PTSD symptoms than resources (6%) or risks (10%; p Ͻ 0.001).

Research paper thumbnail of Trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology: Patterns among american indian adolescents in substance abuse treatment

American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Strength Factors Among Women of Mexican Descent1

Whereas few studies with Latina samples include strength factors (resilience, mastery, life satis... more Whereas few studies with Latina samples include strength factors (resilience, mastery, life satis-faction, and perceived energy level) as variables, even fewer include strength factors together with acculturation in the same study. As part of a larger study, the purpose of this analysis is to describe and examine the relationships between strength factors, risk factors such as accultura-tion and substance use, resource factors including financial adequacy and education, and the health and illness factor of perceived health status among a convenience sample of 315 low-income women of Mexican descent, ages 21 to 40. Cross-sectional survey data were collected and analyzed. Results show intragroup differences related to the well-being of women of Mexi-can descent living with low incomes in urban settings.

Research paper thumbnail of Strengths and Vulnerabilities of Women of Mexican Descent in Relation to Depressive Symptoms

Nursing Research, 2002

The majority of research related to depression among women of Mexican descent has focused on risk... more The majority of research related to depression among women of Mexican descent has focused on risk factors and resources without considering intrinsic strength factors that may have a protective function. An additional focus on mastery, resilience, and life satisfaction will expand the context for understanding the mental health of women of Mexican descent. Objectives: This study describes the level of depressive symptoms experienced by low-income women of Mexican descent living in an urban community in northern California and compares the level of symptoms by exposure to the United States (US) during childhood. Rather than focus only on negative demographic characteristics (such as lower socioeconomic status) associated with high levels of depressive symptoms, this study also focused on strengths and resources that may minimize or modify depressive symptoms. Methods: Questionnaires were completed by a cross-sectional convenience sample of 315 women of Mexican descent, aged 21-40 years. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Results: Women who spent all of their childhood years in Mexico before coming to the US had a lower level of depressive symptoms (p Ͻ .05) and more satisfaction with life than women who were exposed to the US in childhood (p ϭ .001). While income, adequacy of financial resources, partner status, alcohol use, and childhood exposure to the US accounted for 13% of the variance in depressive symptoms, intrinsic strength factors such as mastery, life satisfaction, and resilience accounted for an additional 31% of the variance (p Ͻ .001). Discussion: Although intrinsic strength factors have rarely been included in research related to depression in women of Mexican descent, they were more directly related to lack of depressive symptoms than traditional demographic risk factors.

Research paper thumbnail of Protective Strength Factors, Resources, and Risks in Relation to Depressive Symptoms Among Childbearing Women of Mexican Descent

Health Care for Women International, 2004

Research paper thumbnail of Strength Factors Among Women of Mexican Descent

Western Journal of Nursing Research, 2005

Whereas few studies with Latina samples include strength factors (resilience, mastery, life satis... more Whereas few studies with Latina samples include strength factors (resilience, mastery, life satisfaction, and perceived energy level) as variables, even fewer include strength factors together with acculturation in the same study. As part of a larger study, the purpose of this analysis is to describe and examine the relationships between strength factors, risk factors such as acculturation and substance use, resource factors including financial adequacy and education, and the health and illness factor of perceived health status among a convenience sample of 315 lowincome women of Mexican descent, ages 21 to 40. Cross-sectional survey data were collected and analyzed. Results show intragroup differences related to the well-being of women of Mexican descent living with low incomes in urban settings.

Research paper thumbnail of Kury Protective strength factors, resources, and risks in relation to depressive symptoms among childbearing women of Mexican descent, Health n.a for Women Int

As an immigrant population becomes more prominent in an estab-lished culture, research strategies... more As an immigrant population becomes more prominent in an estab-lished culture, research strategies for examining intragroup differ-ences are needed to understand their health care risks and strengths. However, acculturation also must be taken into account. Our objec-tive in this secondary analysis was to identify the most useful accul-turation parameter for examining depressive symptoms in relation to strengths and resources among women of Mexican descent living in the United States during the vulnerable perinatal period and to exam-ine other intragroup differences among the women by childbearing status (pregnant or postpartum). Our secondary analysis was done with a subsample of 129 women from a larger cross-sectional study

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Resilience Scale

Journal of Nursing Measurement, 2003

The purpose of this study is to test the reliability and validity of a Spanish translation of the... more The purpose of this study is to test the reliability and validity of a Spanish translation of the Resilience Scale (RS), which was originally created in English by Wagnild and Young (1993). A team of bilingual, bicultural translators participated in the translation process to enhance the linguistic accuracy and cultural appropriateness of the Spanish translation. As part of the convenience sample of 315 women of Mexican descent who participated in the larger study, data from 147 women who preferred to read and write in Spanish were used in this analysis. The English version of the RS consists of a 17-item “Personal Competence” subscale and an 8-item “Acceptance of Self and Life” subscale for a total of 25 items. However, two items had low item-total loadings and were removed to form a modified 23-item RS. The exploratory principal components factor analysis, varimax rotation, and subsequent goodness of fit indices were ambivalent on whether a one or two-factor solution was appropria...

Research paper thumbnail of Clínica Martín-Baró: Community Healing Through Patient-Centered Care

Latinx range in diversity through cultural, social, economic, and experiential differences. Compa... more Latinx range in diversity through cultural, social, economic, and experiential differences. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Latinx's may display lower socioeconomic status due to generalized trends in family income, educational attainment, occupational characteristics, and asset accumulation.1 It is believed that these social determinants of health affect an individual’s quality of life by increasing the likelihood of disease development and mental health outcomes that can in part explain current health disparities among Latinx.2,3 Clínica Martín-Baró’s (CMB) mission is to identify, address, and help overcome such determinants of health.

Research paper thumbnail of Psychometric Properties of the Spanish Version of the Resilience Scale

Journal of Nursing Measurement, Mar 1, 2003

Research paper thumbnail of Factors associated with sleep disturbance in women of Mexican descent

Journal of Advanced Nursing, 2012

Aims. The aims were to identify the most useful parameters of acculturation in relation to self-r... more Aims. The aims were to identify the most useful parameters of acculturation in relation to self-reported sleep disturbance and describe risk factors for sleep disturbance in women of Mexican descent. Background. Little is known about acculturation as a factor for poor sleep in the context of other personal factors such as income or sense of resilience or mastery for Latinas in the United States. Design. This study was a secondary analysis of cross sectional survey data. Methods. Personal factors were incorporated into a modification of the Conceptual Framework of Impaired Sleep to guide our secondary analysis of self-reported sleep disturbance. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 312 women of Mexican descent of childbearing age (21-40 years) located in an urban California community were collected and previously analysed in relation to depressive symptoms and post-traumatic stress disorder. The General Sleep Disturbance Scale (in English and Spanish) was used to assess sleep disturbance. Data was collected in 1998 from September through December. Results. Early socialization to the United States during childhood was the most useful acculturation parameter for understanding self-reported sleep disturbance in this sample. In a multivariate regression analysis, three factors (higher acculturation, lower income and higher depressive symptoms) were statistically significant in accounting for 40% of the variance in sleep disturbance. Conclusion. When low income Latinas of Mexican descent report sleep problems, clinicians should probe for environmental sleep factors associated with low income, such as noise, overcrowding and exposure to trauma and violence, and refer the woman to psychotherapy and counselling rather than merely prescribing a sleep medication.