This research aimed to adapt and validate a measuring scale of perceived research competencies among undergraduate students. Perceived research competencies of undergraduate learning can be measured with a new scale adapted from self-determination theory. We assessed the validity of this new measure applied to 307 participating undergraduates from Lima (Peru). The instrument’s survey items in the perceived competencies scale were first translated from English to Spanish and then adapted to focus on participation in research activities. We obtained evidence for (a) content validity (through item analysis), (b) internal structure with Mokken Scaling Analysis and structural equation modeling to examine the item–construct relationship, differential item functioning, and reliability, and (c) association with external variables. The items were found to function one-dimensionally, with strong item–construct relationships and no differential functioning (academic semester and general self-esteem groups). Theoretically consistent associations were found between study satisfaction and anxiety symptoms (controlling for gender, semester, and social support). We also discussed the theoretical implications and practices of this newly adapted measurement instrument.

Families seeking asylum in the United States are often placed in detention centers after fleeing crime, violence, and government ineffectiveness in their countries. Migration brings more hardship, terror, and trauma. The cumulative psychological and social effects from detention need to be better understood. This exploratory study examines the effects of detention and family separation on immigrant children’s psychosocial wellbeing after released. We recruited 81 Central American children previously detained with their parents to assess their wellbeing since release. A third of the children had been separated from their parents during detention. Over a third of parents and less than a fifth of children reported verbal and psychological abuse by staff and other detainees. Children who reported abuse showed higher anxiety and sense of inadequacy than those who did not. About 12.5% of children met clinical criteria for anxiety while 25% were at high risk, and those who had been released from detention for over a year had more depressive symptoms. To reduce psychological harm, changes in detention policies are needed. Community-based, child-directed, and family-centered interventions can assist with settlement to a new environment and psychological adjustment. Research with larger samples, longitudinal follow-up, refined measures, and qualitative data is needed.

Epidemiological estimates indicate that approximately 12% of children and adolescents in Mexico are in clinical ranges for psychological disorders. Low-income families in need of psychological support generally encounter understaffed and sometimes inefficient public health services and thus, families frequently constitute the primary source of support for individuals affected by mental health disorders. Empirical studies in the Mexican context have demonstrated that positive parental practices are associated with positive developmental outcomes and low levels of problem behaviors for both children and adolescents. This study aims to identify if such practices act as protective factors for problem behaviors in 306 Mexican students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades from 3 public elementary schools in Mexico City. Practices of maternal autonomy and communication as well as maternal warmth were found to significantly diminish internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors, while parental involvement and communication only reduced externalizing problem behaviors. Findings have implications for social welfare programs that target positive youth development and supportive parenting.