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

URI permanente para esta coleção:https://hdl.handle.net/10437/12391

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Stigma and discrimination through the lens of people with lived experience of mental health conditions with diverse gender identification and age frames : a qualitative study
(Routledge, 2026-04-27) Manão, Andreia A.; Carvalho, Ana; Pascoal, Patrícia; Beato, Ana; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
Stigma against people with lived mental health experiences (PWLE) worsens their psychological and physical health and poses a global public health problem. Age and gender may influence stigma experiences, but findings vary. This qualitative study explores PWLE experiences across ages and genders, examining perceptions of who the discrimination agents are. Understanding age and gender intersectionality aids in reducing mental health-related stigma with a nuanced approach. A total of 182 adults (M = 35.6, SD = 13.4) with self-identified mental health conditions answered an open-ended question. We performed a reflexive thematic analysis. Three themes were developed: (1) Rationalizing discrimination - i.e., socially shared stereotypes used to justify discrimination; (2) This is what we get when we mess with them - i.e., patterns of lived experiences of social discrimination, harassment, and exclusion in different contexts; and (3) The perks of being a wallflower - i.e., internalized stigma related to patterns used by PWLE and circumstances to avoid exposure to stigma and discrimination. Older PWLE reported using coping strategies to prevent stigma. The age-gender of a PWLE seemed to influence how others perceive their mental health conditions. Findings suggest that PWLE face mental health stigma rooted in rationalization, leading to maladaptive coping strategies, such as hiding their condition. Prevention efforts should consider age-gender intersectionality.
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.
Predictors of higher education dropout intention in the post-pandemic era : The mediating role of academic exhaustion
(Public Library of Science, 2025-07) Gonzalez, Bárbara; Mendes, Teresa P.; Pinto, Ricardo; Correia, Sónia V.; Albuquerque, Sara; Paulino, Paula; 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.
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.
A strengths-based approach to resilience in child sexual abuse : a meta-analysis
(Springer Nature, 2026-03-14) Antunes, Carla; Camilo, Cláudia; Ferreira, Célia; Cunha, Cristiana; Magalhães, Eunice; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
This meta-analysis aims to uncover which protective factors reveal the greatest effect sizes on resilience among CSA survivors (i.e., symptoms, well-being, and competence) based on the Resilience Portfolio Model. This perspective shifts the focus from deficit-based models to a strengths-based approach that focuses on CSA survivors' resources and assets. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a total of 50 reports were included in the meta-analysis, involving 12,345 participants (children and adults) from different contexts (community, clinical, and forensic) and 335 effect sizes. Our findings revealed that while meaning-making strengths (e.g., spirituality) were associated with both well-being and symptoms, regulatory strengths (e.g., emotional regulation, self-control) and supportive relationships (e.g., caregiver emotional support) were associated with symptoms but not with well-being, and environmental strengths (e.g., extracurricular activities) were associated with well-being but not with symptoms. Coping was not significantly associated with symptoms or well-being. Clinical interventions based on narrative, mindfulness, and trauma-focused therapy could be particularly useful for fostering psychological health in CSA victims.
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 Martins; Lamela, Diogo; Alves, Stephanie; Costa, Raquel; Pinto, Tiago Miguel; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab; FPE - Faculty of Psychology and Education
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.
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.
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 S.A., 2025) 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; FPE - Faculty of Psychology and Education
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.
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.
Exploring a novel approach to cybersecurity : the role of ecological simulations on cybersecurity risk behaviors
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 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.
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 S.A., 2025-08-22) 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.
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
Fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis : personality and psychopathology differences from the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2
(Elsevier B.V., 2019-05-01) Gonzalez, Bárbara Isabel Dinis; Novo, Rosa Ferreira; Peres, Rodrigo; Baptista, Telmo Ventura Mourinho; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
The fibromyalgia syndrome (FM) is a chronic widespread pain condition whose etiology remains unknown. Within a psychosocial approach to FM, personality may play a role as predisposing and/or maintaining factor. A meta-analytic study has identified a distinct Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) clinical profile between FM female patients and healthy controls, but the differences between FM and other chronic pain conditions with clear etiology are not established. This cross-sectional study compares the clinical MMPI-2 profile in FM and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, identifies typical groups of each pathology, and further characterizes these groups in the broad MMPI-2 personality and psychopathology dimensions. The MMPI-2 scales were assessed in a sample of 70 women (FM: n = 38, Mage = 46.03, SDage = 8.48; RA: n = 32, Mage = 45.31, SDage = 8.68). The FM group had clinically significant elevations on five clinical scales (Hypochondriasis, Depression, Hysteria, Psychasthenia and Schizophrenia), while RA group had none. A K-Means cluster analysis allowed the identification of a typical profile of each pathology, and subsequent MANCOVAs identified important features of FM patients on several MMPI-2 dimensions. We conclude there is specificity in the personality and psychopathology characteristics of FM patients
Individual differences in working memory abilities in healthy adults
(Springer New York, 2018-02-13) Morais, R. M.; Pera, M. V.; Ladera, V.; Oliveira, J.; García, R.; COPELABS - Cognitive and People-centric Computing
The goal of this study was to understand the role of individual characteristics such as age, gender and education of healthy adults on working memory abilities, as conceptualized in the central executive, phonological loop, and visuospatial sketchpad. The sample comprised 302 adults aged from 18 to 65 with different educational backgrounds. Participants were submitted to a protocol of established neuropsychological tests that were selected to assess the central executive, phonological loop, and visuospatial sketchpad. The results revealed that these factors influenced working memory abilities differentially. Education level influenced all the three components in the same direction. Individuals with higher academic qualifications have better performance in tests assessing the central executive, phonological loop, and visuospatial sketchpad, whereas age affected performance in the task evaluating the central executive. Age and gender also influenced the performance in tasks related to visuospatial sketchpad in the sense that younger individuals or men reveal better visual and spatial abilities as conceptualized in the visuospatial sketchpad.
Energy-saving behavior : the different roles of altruism and of environmentalism
(Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, 2019) Loureiro, Ana; Lima, Maria Luísa; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
This experimental study, in which 118 university students participated, addresses how environmental and altruistic cues induce energy-saving behavior and intention, and their interaction with environmental and altruistic values, thus testing the influence of context or situational variables in energy-saving behavior and intention. Additionally, it does an empirical approach to the role that environmental and altruistic values may have as individual predictors of energy-saving. Environmental and altruistic situational cues are operationalized by environment and altruism conceptual priming. The results reveal an interaction between situational variables and personal values: environment priming induced more energysaving behavior among individuals with lower altruistic values. The same effect is not observed for energy-saving intention. When the environment and altruism priming were present, individuals with lower altruistic values had less energy-saving intentions. These results underline the importance of distinguishing environmental and altruistic frames and motives when explaining energy-saving behavior.
The update of semantic memories in amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
(Wiley-Blackwell, 2021) Mendonça, Alexandre de; Cardoso, Sandra; Maroco, João; Guerreiro, Manuela; Carmo, Joana Costa; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
It is still controversial to what extent neocortical consolidated memories are susceptible of change by processes of reconsolidation and transformation throughout experience, and whether the medial temporal lobes are necessary for this update of semantic consolidated memories, as they are for episodic remembering. We hypothesise that patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) who have deficits in episodic memory may also have difficulties in updating information on added new features of objects. Sixteen participants with aMCI and 20 healthy control participants performed a semantic Word-to-Picture task, in which they were asked to identify as belonging to a given semantic category NEW objects, that have incorporated novel features, as well as OLD items, semantically and visually SIMILAR items and UNRELATED items. Patients with aMCI made a greater percentage of errors than healthy controls. Participants globally made greater percentages of errors in difficult types of items, namely NEW and SIMILAR, as compared to easier ones, OLD and UNRELATED. Importantly, an item by diagnostic group interaction effect was observed, and post hoc analysis showed that patients with aMCI made a higher percentage of errors than controls in NEW items only. In conclusion, patients with aMCI had a particular difficulty in identifying the NEW items of the Word-to-Picture task as compared to the control participants, supporting the concept of a flexible and dynamic conceptual knowledge system, involving the update of semantic memories and the integration of new attributes in a constant transformation process, which is impaired in these patients. Keywords: Mild Cognitive Impairment; memory transformation account; semantic system; semantic update
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
Pupil dilation reflects the authenticity of received nonverbal vocalizations
(Nature Research, 2021-12) Cosme, Gonçalo; Rosa, Pedro J.; Lima, César F.; Tavares, Vânia; Scott, Sophie; Chen, Sinead; Wilcockson, Thomas D.W.; Crawford, Trevor J.; Prata, Diana; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
The ability to infer the authenticity of other’s emotional expressions is a social cognitive process taking place in all human interactions. Although the neurocognitive correlates of authenticity recognition have been probed, its potential recruitment of the peripheral autonomic nervous system is not known. In this work, we asked participants to rate the authenticity of authentic and acted laughs and cries, while simultaneously recording their pupil size, taken as proxy of cognitive efort and arousal. We report, for the frst time, that acted laughs elicited higher pupil dilation than authentic ones and, reversely, authentic cries elicited higher pupil dilation than acted ones. We tentatively suggest the lack of authenticity in others’ laughs elicits increased pupil dilation through demanding higher cognitive efort; and that, reversely, authenticity in cries increases pupil dilation, through eliciting higher emotional arousal. We also show authentic vocalizations and laughs (i.e. main efects of authenticity and emotion) to be perceived as more authentic, arousing and contagious than acted vocalizations and cries, respectively. In conclusion, we show new evidence that the recognition of emotional authenticity can be manifested at the level of the autonomic nervous system in humans. Notwithstanding, given its novelty, further independent research is warranted to ascertain its psychological meaning.
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.
Do parents of children with cancer want to participate in treatment decision-making?
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2020) Salvador, Ágata; Crespo, Carla Alexandra Mesquita; Roberto, Magda Sofia; Barros, Luísa; HEI-LAB - Human Environment Interaction Lab
Purpose: This study aimed to describe parents’ preferences regarding their role in treatment decision-making when a child has cancer and examines whether their preferences were related to the parents (sex and education level), patients’ characteristics (age group and treatment status), and healthcare context features (parents’ perception of family-centered care). Methods: Two-hundred and twenty-eight parents of children/adolescents with cancer were recruited from two Portuguese pediatric oncology wards. Participants provided sociodemographic and clinical information. The Control Preferences Scale for Pediatrics was used to assess the parents’ preferred role in treatment decision-making. The Measure of Process of Care assessed the parents’ perception of family-centered care (family-centered services and providing general information subscales). Results: Results showed that parents preferred a passive-collaborative role (44.8%), followed by collaborative (27.8%), passive (20.9%) and active-collaborative (6.5%). None preferred an active role. Chi-square test showed that most of the parents preferring an active-collaborative role had higher education degrees, while those preferring a passive role had lower education degrees. Additionally, groups did not differ according to the parents’ sex, patients’ age and treatment status. A multivariate analysis of variance showed that parents preferring an active-collaborative role reported lower scores on family-centered services compared to those preferring passive-collaborative and passive roles. Finally, no differences were found concerning providing general information scores. Conclusions: This study’s findings may guide professionals in identifying parents’ preferences regarding their participation in treatment decision-making process. Mapping their preferences may support professionals in promoting desirable levels of parental involvement when decisions are necessary in pediatric oncology context.

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