Sandra Valadas

The Mediating Effects of Approaches to Learning on the Academic Success of First-Year College Students

ABSTRACT Students’ personal predictors of academic success are particularly relevant for first-year college students, given the specific challenges that these students face when entering higher education (HE). Academic success in HE has been related to multiple factors, including the students’ approaches to learning (SAL), satisfaction (linked to commitment and persistence), study time (effort), and prior academic achievement. This study analyzes the combined effect of these predictors on perceived academic success. Data from 247 students was collected using the Approaches and Study Skills Inventory for Students and other specific measures to assess presage and process variables of academic success. Although academic success is multidimensional and difficult to explain, factors such as prior academic achievement, satisfaction with the course, SAL, and study time contribute to explain perceived academic success in first-year college students.

Assessment of Psychopathological Problems in the School Context: The Psychometric Properties of a Portuguese Version of the Adolescent Psychopathology Scale—Short Form

The psychometric properties of a Portuguese version of the Adolescent Psychopathology Scale—Short Form (APS-SF) were studied in a sample of 656 Portuguese adolescents, aged 12 to 19 years, assessed in school context. Also, the aim of the study was to gather data concerning age- and gender-related differences in the expression of psychopathological problems assessed by the APS-SF. Results of the reliability of APS-SF scales are compared with those obtained by Reynolds in the validation studies with the American sample. Factor analysis reproduced the bidimensionality of the original validation studies of the scale. These findings seem to support the use of the APS-SF as a valuable tool for early identification of psychosocial problems in the school context in Portuguese adolescents. Results concerning age- and gender-related differences in the expression of psychopathological problems in the adolescents are discussed.