ULHT/HEI-Lab - Artigos de Revistas Internacionais com Arbitragem Científica

URI permanente para esta coleção:

http://hdl.handle.net/10437/12391

Navegar

Entradas recentes

A mostrar 1 - 20 de 62
  • Item
    Consumer demand for bioplastics : an umbrella review of barriers and recommendations
    (Routledge, 2025-09-12) Domingos, Samuel; Farias, Ana Rita; Possidónio, Catarina; Luís, Sílvia; Loureiro, Ana; Cruz, Bernardo; Portugal, Eliana; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    Bioplastics are emerging as an alternative to conventional plastics. These hold the promise of a more sustainable alternative that promotes the circular economy, while reducing dependency on fossil resources and negative environmental impacts of conventional plastics. Nevertheless, the success of bioplastics in replacing conventional plastics largely depends on consumers acceptance and demand. Here we conducted an umbrella review with the goal of aggregating and summarizing the findings regarding: (1) barriers to consumer acceptance and demand for bioplastics, and (2) recommendations to promote consumer acceptance and demand for bioplastics. This was accomplished thorough aggregating findings from recently published reviews in the field. Identified barriers include: (a) limited public awareness; (b) low knowledge; (c) biased perceptions and beliefs; (d) strong preferences; (e) misaligned expectations; (f) conflicting identity values; (g) social amplification of misleading information; and (h) complex regulatory landscapes. Recommendations suggest: (a) promoting interaction with bioplastics; (b) understanding what consumers know and what they still need to know; (c) addressing consumers’ misconceptions; (d) building positive attitudes; (e) managing expectations; (f) targeting favourable social groups; (g) making accurate and truthful claims; and (h) developing clear standards and labels. Researchers, professionals, and policy makers can find a synthesis of the main barriers to consumer acceptance and demand for bioplastics and comprehensive summary of evidence-based recommendations.
  • Item
    Exploring a novel approach to cybersecurity : the role of ecological simulations on cybersecurity risk behaviors
    (Springer London, 2025-09) Abril, Tiago; Gamito, Pedro; da Motta, Carolina; Oliveira, Jorge; Dias, Fábio; Pinto, Filipe; Oliveira, Miguel; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    In response to the growing cybersecurity problem, this study presents an innovative approach using virtual reality to train individuals in reducing the risk of cyberattacks. The research involved 70 adult participants with or enrolled in higher education studies, who participated in a virtual reality task that simulates a typical workday in a corporate setting. The participants were divided into three groups: a control group of 24 engaged in tasks without cybersecurity threats, and two experimental groups of 23 each, with cybersecurity threats present, but one with feedback on performance and the other without feedback. The results revealed (1) that virtual reality shows promise as an effective tool to create immersive and ecological simulator experiences for cybersecurity training against cyberattacks, (2) the incorporation of feedback in real-world scenario simulators is crucial for participants to fully comprehend the complexities of cyber threats, and (3) risky behaviour within our virtual reality ecological setting, as well as age, can predict attitudes towards cybersecurity and cybercrime within organization. In conclusion, by taking advantage of this cutting-edge virtual reality approach, individuals, businesses, and governments can foster more secure cybersecurity practices, contributing to a safer digital landscape for everyone.
  • Item
    Informing future seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination campaigns based on past experience : a mixed-method approach with eligible populations and healthcare professionals
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2025-08) Oliveira, Jorge; Gonzalez, Bárbara; Mendes, Teresa; Paulino, Paula; António, Bruna; Gaspar, Rui; Costa, Diana; Pinto, Leonor Q; Costa, Andreia; De Arriaga, Miguel Telo; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    BACKGROUND: Seasonal vaccination campaigns against influenza and COVID-19 are critical for protecting vulnerable populations. Scientific evidence on past campaigns is essential for the effectiveness of future campaigns. This study aims to: (1) assess predictors of influenza and COVID-19 vaccination intentions (2) explore perceived barriers and facilitators of 2023-2024 seasonal vaccination campaign.METHODS: A cross-sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted. The quantitative study involved a sample of 231 respondents from Portugal, including healthcare professionals and vaccination eligible population: individuals over 60 years of age, and individuals with chronic diseases. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey to assess vaccination literacy, attitudes, and future vaccination intention. The qualitative study consisted of four focus groups with a total of 17.PARTICIPANTS: Vaccinated/unvaccinated individuals and healthcare professionals. Thematic analysis was used to explore perceptions of eligible populations about this vaccination campaign.RESULTS: Quantitative analysis revealed that attitudes toward vaccination and factors related to personal/family health predicted future vaccination intentions for influenza and COVID-19. Thematic analysis identified key facilitators, such as positive perceptions of pharmacies as vaccination sites and an early start of the campaign specifically for vaccinated groups. Barriers were related to campaign communication, fear of side effects, vaccination fatigue, and the co-occurrence of high temperatures during the campaign start. Unvaccinated individuals expressed lower perceived susceptibility and severity.CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of clear communication, addressing vaccination fatigue, and considering environmental factors. Improving proximity between health professionals as trusted information sources and the population, alongside customized communication, may also enhance vaccination uptake among the eligible population. The potential influence of weather conditions on the acceptance of vaccination campaigns is a topic that deserves further consideration in the future, within the scope of climate changes.
  • Item
    Understanding experiences of discrimination among individuals with mental health challenges : an online qualitative inquiry
    (Chevron Publishing Corporation, 2024) Beato, Ana; Carvalho, Ana; SANTOS, ISABEL OLIMPIA FIGUEIREDO DOS; Costa, Leonor Pereira da; Albuquerque, Sara; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
  • Item
    Sexual distress with partnered face-to-face sexual activity : an exploratory qualitative study with heterosexual cis people who seek and 2 do not seek professional help
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2025-08-06) Pascoal, Patrícia M.; Andersson, Gerhard; Fischer, Vinicius J.; Manão, Andreia A.; Oliveira, Cátia; Raposo, Catarina F.; Rosa, Pedro J.; Roberto, Magda Sofia; Santos, Graça; Tomada, Nuno; Giraldi, Annamaria; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab; EPCV - School of Psychology and Life Sciences
    Introduction: Sexual distress is interrelated with mental health and relationship quality and is fundamental for establishing a diagnosis of sexual dysfunction, even though it also affects people who do not seek professional clinical help. Research on sexual distress related to partnered sexual activity is limited, and no comprehensive model exists to guide research or clinical interventions. We conducted an online cross-sectional qualitative study to: 1) explore the reasons why people experiencing sexual distress in partnered face-to-face sexual activity do not seek professional clinical help; 2) analyze the experiences of participants’ of sexual distress in partnered sexual activity; 3) reflexively compare the experiences reported by participants who seek and do not seek professional help; and 4) reflexively compare experiences across genders. Methods: We performed reflexive thematic analysis on 438 heterosexual people answers (Mage = 41.06, SD = 12.19), including 306 women (69.7%) and 132 men (30.1%). Results: Most participants (54.1%) had not sought professional clinical help but wanted to do so. Some participants (13.2%) expressed a desire for clinical consultations but reported financial or time constraints. Using the reflexive thematic analysis on the qualitative data provided, we created three themes: (1) Sexual (dys)function (It’s the function), which focuses on sexual function and lack of pleasure; (2) Intimacy dynamics (It’s us!), which discusses relationship challenges; (3) Intrapersonal struggles (It’s me!), which highlight individual factors, some influenced by social messages. Comparison across groups revealed that people who sought professional clinical help emphasise genital function and negative emotions, and women highlighted experiencing sexual pain, while men emphasised desire discrepancies and erectile disorder. Discussion: Our results demonstrate that difficulties related to sexual pleasure and with penetrative sex are important sources of distress in partnered sexual activity, which is in line with DSM and ICD frameworks of sexual dysfunction. Participants’ accounts show that pre-existing psychological characteristics, partnered communication, cognitive, and emotional factors are key factors to shape the experience of sexual distress related to sexual dysfunctions. This has implications for clinical work as interventions should target transdiagnostic individual factors that may not be sexual specific (e.g., repetitive negative thinking) as well as couple-level factors (e.g., communication). Internet-based integrative therapies directed at these factors may be a promising venue for those who experience sexual distress with partnered sexual activity and are reluctant to seek in-person sexual healthcare.
  • Item
    Difficulties in emotion regulation, repetitive negative thinking, and sexual and psychological distress : a two-wave longitudinal mediation study using a transdiagnostic approach
    (Oxford University Press, 2025-08) Raposo, Catarina F.; Nobre, Pedro; Rosa, Pedro Joel; Pascoal, Patrícia; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    Background: Sexual distress is a critical element in diagnosing sexual dysfunction. Recent research using a cross-sectional design has supported the adequacy of a transdiagnostic approach for its understanding. Aim: This exploratory study aimed to investigate the mediating role of repetitive negative thinking between difficulties in emotional regulation and sexual and psychological distress in a community sample. Methods: We used a quantitative longitudinal design with measures including a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale–Short Form, the Persistent and Intrusive Negative Thoughts Scale, the Sexual Distress Scale–Revised, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Outcomes: Data were collected from 64 partnered individuals (85.9% women; age: M = 31.20, SD = 6.46). Results: Correlational analysis across time revealed significant associations among difficulties in emotion regulation (T1 r = 0.37, T2 r = 0.32), repetitive negative thinking (T1 r = 0.30, T2 r = 0.27), psychological distress (T1 r = 0.37, T2 r = 0.55), and sexual distress (all at P < .01) . The total effect of difficulties in emotion regulation on sexual distress was found to be positive (β = 0.20, P = .008) after controlling for frequency of sexual activity (r = −0.25, P < .05). Longitudinal mediation analysis indicated a significant negative indirect effect from difficulties in emotion regulation on sexual distress via repetitive negative thinking (β = -0.04, 95% CI [-0.008, -0.001]), suggesting a buffering effect over time on sexual distress. Clinical Implications: These results highlight the significance of recognizing difficulties in emotion regulation and repetitive negative thinking as coping strategies when examining sexual distress, emphasizing the need to explore the putative efficacy of therapeutic interventions focused on addressing these cognitive processes to decrease adverse sexual-related outcomes. Strengths and Limitations: These findings highlight the importance of acknowledging difficulties in emotion regulation and repetitive negative thinking as coping strategies in the study of sexual distress. However, the small sample size and the predominance of women participants limit generalizability. Further research with clinical samples and more diverse populations is needed to better understand the relevance of these aspects in assessment and therapy. Conclusions: The findings imply that repetitive negative thinking may have potentially adaptive effects, indicating a nuanced role in coping strategies within the context of the study.
  • Item
    Intimate partner violence : perceptions and attributions of male perpetrators
    (Routledge, 2024) Cunha, Olga; Pereira, Bárbara; Cruz, Ana Rita; Gonçalves, Rui; de Castro Rodrigues, Andreia; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    There are many reasons to perpetrate intimate partner violence (IPV). This study analyzes the attributions and perceptions of Portuguese men who perpetrate IPV to understand their justifications for violence against their female partners. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven male perpetrators. Through thematic analysis, three main categories emerged: self, partner, and situational factors. Perpetrators identified self attributes as justifications to abuse, such as individual characteristics, emotional disturbances, and jealousy; partner attributes, such as partners’ characteristics and the use of violence against them; and situational factors, such as alcohol abuse and relational stressors. Perpetrators’ narratives evidenced a tendency to conceive violence as an unintentional and unplanned action, attributing violence to uncontrollable factors, and an attitude of non-accountability for their behaviors/actions. A deeper understanding of perpetrators’ perceptions and attributions for IPV will help to develop more effective intervention programs with offenders or to improve the existent ones, for example, in terms of dropout prevention, to reduce violence against women.
  • Item
    Predictors of higher education dropout intention in the post-pandemic era : The mediating role of academic exhaustion
    (Public Library of Science, 2025-07-08) GONZALEZ, BARBARA ISABEL DINIZ; MENDES, TERESA PAULA GAMEIRO POMPEU; Pinto, Ricardo José Martins; Correia, Sónia Vladimira; Albuquerque, Sara; Paulino, Ana Paula Oliveira; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab; CIDEFES - Research group in Sports behavior, Physical Education, and Exercise and Health Sciences
    Introduction The phenomenon of dropout in higher education needs the acknowledging of its multi-domain complexity. In the post-pandemic era, exhaustion may be a relevant feature affecting students. This cross-sectional study aimed primarily to test a predictive model of five domains of variables (background, academic, social, psychological, and economic) on dropout intention, in a relation mediated by academic exhaustion. Secondarily, it aimed to assess the structural invariance of this model across working status (working vs. non-working students) and residence status (living away from family’s residence vs. living in family residence). If these groups are differently affected by dropout determinants, specific dropout prevention measures should be implemented. Method A stratified sample of 1402 Portuguese university students aged between 19 and 45 years (M=22.87, SD=3.64), selected through a convenience quota method, was assessed for background, academic, social, psychological, and economic variables using self-report instruments. Structural equation modelling was used. Results The predictive model explained 51% of the variance in dropout intention. Academic exhaustion was the stronger predictor (β=0.523, p<.001), followed by social connecteness to the campus (β=−31, p<.001), vocational difficulties (β=0.274, p<.001), and course value (β=−0.256, p<.001). Except for the course value, and family educational level, all significant predictors had their effect on dropout intention through academic exhaustion. The model was invariant across working and residence status. Discussion This study shows the relevance of students’ academic exhaustion experiences as a pathway through which different types of factors exert their influence on students´ dropout intentions. The invariance of the predictive model of dropout intention across different groups points the robustness of the model and the relevance of the integrated variables. The results emphasize the importance of student´s individual factors (e.g., academic exhaustion, lack of fit with the course) in dropout decisions, also stressing the role of academic institutions and of the education system in addressing this phenomenon, concerning academic workload, vocational orientation, social environment, and financing.
  • Item
    Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder in children in the Azores Islands (Portugal) : sociodemographic and clinical profile
    (Springer, 2025-06-17) Dias, Ana Rita Conde; Mota, Pilar; Botelho , Tânia; Caldeira, Suzana Nunes; Rego, Isabel Estrela; Silva, Osvaldo; Toledo de Sousa , Áurea; Freitas , Carina; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    Prevalence studies are essential to provide objective indicators about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and are a source of information for public policies. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ASD among children in the Azores Islands (Portugal). Administrative data on the number of children with a proven diagnosis of ASD were collected from all schools. Parents completed a questionnaire about the child’s sociodemographic characteristics, the diagnostic process, and clinical history. The overall prevalence of ASD in the Azores region was 9.92 per 1000 children, approximately equivalent to 1% (0.99). The prevalence of ASD in the Azores seems to be higher when compared with the global rate in Portugal, as well as with other regions of Europe. There appears to be a concentration of children with ASD in the region, and the results appear to support the hypothesis of a heritable predisposition to ASD.
  • Item
    Towards cyberbullying detection : building, benchmarking and longitudinal analysis of aggressiveness and conflicts/attacks datasets from Twitter
    (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2024-12-16) Ferreira, Paula; Pereira, Nadia; Rosa, Hugo; Oliveira, Sofia; Coheur, Luisa; Francisco, Sofia; Souza, Sidclay; Ribeiro, Ricardo; Carvalho, Joao P.; Paulino, Paula; Trancoso, Isabel; Veiga-Simao, Ana Margarida; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    Offense and hate speech are a source of online conflicts which have become common in social media and, as such, their study is a growing topic of research in machine learning and natural language processing. This article presents two Portuguese language offense-related datasets that deepen the study of the subject: an Aggressiveness dataset and a Conflicts/Attacks dataset. While the former is similar to other offense detection related datasets, the latter constitutes a novelty due to the use of the history of the interaction between users. Several studies were carried out to construct and analyze the data in the datasets. The first study included gathering expressions of verbal aggression witnessed by adolescents to guide data extraction for the datasets. The second study included extracting data from Twitter (in Portuguese) that matched the most frequent expressions/words/sentences that were identified in the previous study. The third study consisted in the development of the Aggressiveness dataset, the Conflicts/Attacks dataset, and classification models. In our fourth study, we proposed to examine whether online aggression and conflicts/attacks revealed any trend changes over time with a sample of 86 adolescents. With this study, we also proposed to investigate whether the amount of tweets sent over a period of 273 days was related to online aggression and conflicts/attacks. Lastly, we analyzed the percentage of participants who participated in the aggressions and/or attacks/conflicts.
  • Item
    History of mental health problems moderates the association between partner support during childbirth and women's mental health in the postpartum period
    (Churchill Livingstone, 2025-05) Tavares, Daniela; Fidalgo, Daniela; Sousa, Matilde; Morais, Ana; Jongenelen, Inês; Lamela, Diogo; Alves, Stephanie; Costa, Raquel; Pinto, Tiago Miguel; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    Background: Partner support during childbirth is an important protective factor for women's perinatal mental health. However, its protective role in women experiencing vulnerabilities is largely unknown, namely in those with history of mental health problems. Aim: This study analysed (1) the association between partner support during childbirth and depressive, anxiety, and childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in the postpartum period; and (2) the moderating role of previous diagnosis of mental health problems in those associations. Design: Cross-sectional study with 284 women. Methods: At 2 months postpartum, participants reported on sociodemographic, obstetric, and mental health-related data, partner support during childbirth, and depressive (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), anxiety (State Anxiety Inventory), and childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (City Birth Trauma Scale) symptoms. Findings: More partner support during childbirth was associated with lower depressive, anxiety, and childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Previous diagnosis of mental health problems was associated with higher depressive, anxiety, and childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and moderated the association between partner support during childbirth and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Higher partner support during childbirth was associated with lower depressive and anxiety symptoms, only in women without a previous diagnosis of mental health problems. Discussion: Findings suggest that partner support during childbirth can be a protective factor for women's postpartum mental health, particularly for women without a previous diagnosis of mental health problems. However, for those with a previous diagnosis of mental health problems, this support was not associated with symptoms. Conclusion: Women with a history of mental health problems may require additional support beyond that provided by their partners to prevent or mitigate postpartum mental health problems.
  • Item
    Effects of contact with nature on connectedness, environmental identity and evoked contents
    (Edições Universitárias Lusófonas, 2020) Mena-García, Antonio; Olivos-Jara, Pablo; Loureiro, Ana Luisa Cardoso Marques Teixeira; Navarro, Oscar; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    Natural experiences influence identity and the way of interacting with the environment, and their effects are varied, including wellbeing and positive thoughts towards nature. This study analyses the effects produced as a result of real or virtual experiences of nature. A total of 288 people took part in this research, distributed among three experimental conditions: nature walk, images of nature and control group. Changes were registered in terms of connectedness and environmental identity, caused by the experimental conditions and differences in the free evocations generated. Connection to nature was higher among those who took part in the nature walks, related to the evocation of positive emotions, memories of social experiences in nature and pro-environmental reflections. These results are interesting for the field of environmental education and the promotion of environmental values and behaviours.
  • Item
    “In the same storm, but not on the same boat” : children grief during the COVID-19 pandemic
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2021-01-26) Albuquerque, Sara; Santos, Ana R.; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
  • Item
    Moving from VR into AR using Bio-Cybernetic Loops and Physiological Sensory Devices for Intervention on Anxiety Disorders
    (Springer London, 2023-03) Arquissandás, Preyesse; Oliveira, Jorge; Lamas, David Ribeiro; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab; ECATI - School of Communication, Architecture, Arts and Information Technologies
    Anxiety disorders comprise different clinical conditions that affect individuals in their personal, professional and social domains. The development of new intervention approaches for the treatment of anxiety disorders is crucial. As a step forward into promoting the well-being through adaptive physiological responses, we developed an Augmented Reality (AR) based system using bio-cybernetic loops to create an adaptive system for exposure therapy in anxiety disorders. The system was built using open source software (e.g., NyARToolkit, and Unity 3D). AR technology uses computer-generated information to enrich the real world. It can be used with less intrusive devices to collect physiological data (e.g., Bitalino) describing human behavior in a cycle. In this context our research project aims to study behavior during exposure to biologically relevant stimuli such as snakes. Phobia is described as an irrational fear to an object/stimulus. This fear triggers several physiological responses from sensors as increased heart rate (ECG) and skin conductance (EDA), which are responses from the autonomous nervous system. This approach can be used in several sessions, where the system through machine learning algorithms adapts the tresholds to the individual profile of each participant from historical data. Our study has been carried out in two stages: (1) The participants in a total of 35 students (30 males and 5 females with ages ranging from 19 to 29 years) were invited to fill a snake questionnaire (SNAQ). (2) A sub-sample was enrolled in an exposure session in AR using a virtual snake while collecting psychophysiological responses from sensors data. The results have shown increased physiological responses in two AR exposure sessions using snakes as stimuli. Therefore we conclude that the system was efficient to detect changes in physiological responses during the exposure sessions.
  • Item
    Validation of a new tool for evaluating subjects’ satisfaction with medicine package leaflets : a cross-sectional descriptive study
    (Associacao Paulista de Medicina, 2019-09-01) Pires, Carla; Rosa, Pedro Joel; Vigário, Marina; Cavaco, Afonso; CBIOS - Research Center for Biosciences & Health Technologies; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    BACKGROUND: Package leaflets of medicines need to be intelligible, but tools for their evaluation are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To validate a new tool for assessing subjects’ satisfaction with medicine package leaflets (LiS-RPL). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in two regions of Portugal (Lisbon and Centre). METHODS: 503 participants (53.1% male) were selected according to convenience and homogenously distributed into three groups: 1 to 6; 7 to 12; and > 12 years of schooling. LiS-RPL was developed based on international regulation guidelines and was initially composed of 14 items. Twelve package leaflets were tested. Dimensionality calculations included: exploratory factor analysis and minimum rank factor analysis; Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index and Bartlett’s sphericity test to assess matrix adequacy for exploratory factor analysis; exploratory bifactor analysis with Schmid-Leiman solution to detect possible existence of a broad second-order factor; and Bentler’s Simplicity Index and Loading Simplicity Index to assess factor simplicity. Diverse coefficients were calculated to assess reliability. RESULTS: Minimum rank factor analysis detected a two-factor or single-factor structure. Exploratory factor analysis with 12 items showed a two-factor structure, explaining 69.11% of the variance. These items were strongly correlated with each other (r = 0.80). Schmid-Leiman: all items seemed to represent the general factor (loadings above 0.50), which was 76.4% of the extracted variance. Simplicity indices were good (percentile 99): Bentler’s Simplicity Index of 0.99 and Loading Simplicity Index of 0.48. Internal consistency indexes indicated good reliability. LiS-RPL was shown to be homogenous. CONCLUSION: LiS-RPL is a validated tool for evaluating subjects’ satisfaction with medicine package leaflets.
  • Item
    Connectedness and well-being in simulated nature
    (Wiley-Blackwell, 2022-05) Pasca, Laura; Carrus, Giuseppe; Loureiro, Ana; Navarro, Óscar; Panno, Angelo; Tapia Follen, César; Aragonés, Juan Ignacio; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    People relate to nature physically, cognitively and emotionally, and this relationship fosters their well-being. There are several types of environments that vary according to their degree of naturalness, raising the question of whether they each exert different effects on people, connectedness and well-being. In order to study the extent to which environmental connectedness and well-being are a function of viewing different types of nature, we conducted a study with 454 participants from five different countries, who viewed images on a computer screen of one of three types of environment (totally natural, quasi-natural or non-natural) and responded to a series of associated items. The results of a mediation analysis showed an indirect effect of type of environment on well-being through positive and negative affect and connectedness to nature. The corresponding ANOVAs revealed differences in the connectedness and well-being elicited by different types of environment, and in preference: totally natural and quasi-natural environments (with no differences between them) showed differences with non-natural environments. Therefore, our study results suggest the usefulness of images of natural environments in fostering people's well-being and connectedness to nature.
  • Item
    Spiritual Intelligence Self-Assessment Inventory : Psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of SISRI-24
    (Routledge, 2018-01-02) Antunes, Roque R.; Silva, Ana Paula; Oliveira, Jorge; CeiED - Interdisciplinary Research Centre for Education and Development; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    Spiritual intelligence has gained increasing importance as an academic construct in the field of psychology. We present the psychometric properties for the Portuguese adaptation of the Spiritual Intelligence Self-Report Inventory-24, SISRI-24. The exploratory analysis showed a factorial structure different from the original scale, comprising three factors instead of four as in the original version, in which “Transcendental Awareness” was removed. The confirmatory factorial analysis revealed adjustment to a three-factor model for the Portuguese version. The main indexes of adjustment are generally better than the original four-factor version, suggesting the adequacy of this solution for the Portuguese population. The analysis with the convergent measures (SWBQ and MPWQ) provides evidence of the construct’s validity and criterion. The results are promising, allowing us to proceed with the uses of this tool for measuring spiritual intelligence, which may, however, be improved in the future.
  • Item
    Virtual Reality Cognitive Training Among Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder Undergoing Residential Treatment
    (JMIR Publications Inc., 2021-01-01) Gamito, Pedro; Oliveira, Jorge; Matias, Marcelo Alexandre Cabaça; Cunha, Elsa Alexandra Pinto Ribeiro da; Lopes, Paulo Jorge Ferreira; Deus, Alberto; BRITO, RODRIGO CRAVEIRO DOS REIS DA COSTA; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab; EPCV - School of Psychology and Life Sciences
    Background: Alcoholusedisorder(AUD)hasbeenassociatedwithdiversephysicalandmentalmorbidities.Amongthemain consequences of chronic and excessive alcohol use are cognitive and executive deficits. Some of these deficits may be reversed in specific cognitive and executive domains with behavioral approaches consisting of cognitive training. The advent of computer-based interventions may leverage these improvements, but randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of digital interactive-based interventions are still scarce. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore whether a cognitive training approach using VR exercises based on activities of daily living is feasible for improving the cognitive function of patients with AUD undergoing residential treatment, as well as to estimate the effect size for this intervention to power future definitive RCTs. Methods: This study consisted of a two-arm pilot RCT with a sample of 36 individuals recovering from AUD in a therapeutic community; experimental group participants received a therapist-guided, VR-based cognitive training intervention combined with treatment as usual, and control group participants received treatment as usual without cognitive training. A comprehensive neuropsychological battery of tests was used both at pre- and postassessments, including measurement of global cognition, executive functions, attention, visual memory, and cognitive flexibility. Results: In order to control for potential effects of global cognition and executive functions at baseline, these domains were controlled for in the statistical analysis for each individual outcome. Results indicate intervention effects on attention in two out of five outcomes and on cognitive flexibility in two out of six outcomes, with effect sizes in significant comparisons being larger for attention than for cognitive flexibility. Patient retention in cognitive training was high, in line with previous studies. Conclusions: Overall, the data suggest that VR-based cognitive training results in specific contributions to improving attention ability and cognitive flexibility of patients recovering from AUD. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04505345; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04505345
  • Item
    Personality and psychopathology heterogeneity in MMPI-2 and health-related features in fibromyalgia patients
    (Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2021-04) Gonzalez, Bárbara; Novo, Rosa; Peres, Rodrigo; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    Personality and psychopathology features may play an important role as predisposing factors for fibromyalgia (FM). However, psychological heterogeneity of FM patients has been suggested. Based on two personality psychopathology clusters, we intend to explore psychological heterogeneity in FM patients, specifically, to identify if personality features had other psychological and psychopathological correlates. Secondarily, we also want to identify if personality features have association with health-related correlates. The participants were female FM patients (n = 56) between 30 and 60 years old. The instruments were: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) content and supplementary scales, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11). Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) identified that Cluster 2 (n = 24), characterized by a combination of negative affectivity and social inhibition, presented a more disturbed profile, with several features of symptomatic behavior, general maladjustment, and important clinical problem areas. The associations of personality variables with FM impact and self-reported pain are null, with the exception of Disconstraint scale. In conclusion, FM patients may be very different at the psychological level, concerning personality and psychopathological features that may compromise their treatment. Personality and health-related dimensions do not seem to be associated.
  • Item
    Ocular fixations modulate audiovisual semantic congruency when standing in an upright position
    (Konrad Lorenz Editores, 2021-06-02) Rodríguez-Martínez, Guillermo; Castillo-Parra, Henry; Rosa, Pedro J.; Marroquín-Ciendúa, Fernando; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
    Introduction: Multisensory audiovisual semantic congruency is the process by which visual information is perceived as integrated to auditory stimuli, because both coincide in terms of simultaneity and semantic correspondence. This study was aimed at establishing whether visual percepts, which semantically correspond to auditory stimuli, are associated with ocular fixations in modulating bottom-up areas while keeping a body posture alignment between the up-direction and the idiotropic axes, as well as in another orientation corresponding to a vectorial opposition between the up-direction and the head idiotropic axis. Method: Two groups (one for each position) were selected from a sample of 88 people. A bistable image was presented on a screen of a fixed 120 Hz eye-tracker device, providing background auditory stimuli so as to establish semantic congruencies and their relations to ocular fixations. Results: It was found that audiovisual semantic congruency is associated with fixations when idiotropic vectors are aligned with the up direction. Fixations manifested in bottom-up modulating areas are not associated with multisensory audiovisual semantic congruency when the head idiotropic vector is parallel with the gravity vector. Eye fixations decrease significantly if the head idiotropic axis is aligned with the gravity vector. Conclusion: It is concluded that body position can affect visual perceptual processes involved in the occurrence of semantic congruency.