Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida
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As experiências de inclusão de famílias de alunos com medidas adicionais em pré-escolar e 1º ciclo
No full textDissertação de Mestrado apresentada no ISPA – Instituto Universitário para obtenção de grau de Mestre na especialidade de Psicologia EducacionalA inclusão educativa constitui, atualmente, um dos maiores desafios e compromissos
das escolas, ao procurar assegurar a equidade, a participação e o direito à aprendizagem de
todas as crianças. No contexto português, o Decreto-Lei n.º 54/2018 veio consolidar um
paradigma de educação inclusiva, promovendo a colaboração entre a escola e a família e
salientando medidas que respondem à diversidade dos alunos. Contudo, a forma como estas
medidas são vivenciadas pelas famílias permanece pouco explorada, sobretudo relativamente a
crianças com medidas adicionais no Pré-Escolar e no 1.º Ciclo do Ensino Básico.
O presente estudo teve como objetivo compreender as experiências das famílias no
processo de inclusão escolar, analisando as suas perceções acerca da participação no percurso
educativo dos filhos, das práticas de inclusão e dos desafios enfrentados. Assim sendo, foi
adotada uma metodologia qualitativa, realizando uma entrevista semi-estruturada a 30 famílias
(nove do Pré-Escolar e 21 do 1.º Ciclo). Os dados foram sujeitos à análise de conteúdo de
Bardin (2013), organizada em categorias e subcategorias que refletiram as dimensões centrais
da investigação.
Os resultados enfatizaram quatro aspetos principais: (1) a valorização da inclusão
como um direito essencial, associado à equidade, ao sentimento de pertença e à valorização da
diversidade; (2) a insuficiência de recursos e as dificuldades na comunicação escola – família;
(3) a participação parental limitada em processos de decisão; e (4) a necessidade de práticas
pedagógicas flexíveis e de uma relação colaborativa com os docentes.
Em suma, este estudo reforça a relevância da voz das famílias na construção de uma
escola verdadeiramente inclusiva. Valorizar as suas perspetivas permite não apenas
compreender os obstáculos ainda presentes, mas também identificar caminhos que promovam
práticas pedagógicas mais equitativas, colaborativas e centradas nas necessidades reais dos
alunos. Assim, reforça-se a necessidade de transformar o quadro legislativo em práticas
consistentes no quotidiano escolar, assegurando a todas as crianças oportunidades efetivas de
participação, de aprendizagem e de desenvolvimento.Educational inclusion is currently one of the greatest challenges and commitments
facing schools as they seek to ensure equity, participation, and the right to learning for all
children. In the Portuguese context, Decree-Law No. 54/2018 consolidated a paradigm of
inclusive education, promoting collaboration between schools and families and highlighting
measures that respond to student diversity. However, how these measures are experienced by
families remains largely unexplored, especially in relation to children with additional measures
in preschool and the first cycle of basic education.
The present study aimed to understand the experiences of families in the process of
school inclusion, analyzing their perceptions about participation in their children's educational
journey, inclusion practices, and the challenges faced. Therefore, a qualitative methodology
was adopted, conducting a semi-structured interview with 30 families (nine from preschool and
21 from primary school). The data were subjected to Bardin's (2013) content analysis, organized
into categories and subcategories that reflected the central dimensions of the research.
The results emphasized four main aspects: (1) the value of inclusion as an essential
right, associated with equity, a sense of belonging, and the appreciation of diversity; (2)
insufficient resources and difficulties in communication between schools and families; (3)
limited parental participation in decision-making processes; and (4) the need for flexible
teaching practices and a collaborative relationship with teachers.
In short, this study reinforces the importance of families' voices in building a truly
inclusive school. Valuing their perspectives allows us not only to understand the obstacles that
still exist, but also to identify ways to promote more equitable, collaborative teaching practices
that focus on the real needs of students. Thus, it reinforces the need to transform the legislative
framework into consistent practices in everyday school life, ensuring that all children have
effective opportunities for participation, learning, and developmen
Empathy and internalising problems in preadolescence: Exploring gender variations
No full textDissertação de Mestrado apresentada no ISPA – Instituto Universitário para obtenção de grau de Mestre em Psicologia na especialidade de Psicologia e Psicopatologia do Desenvolvimento.Empathy is a complex, multidimensional construct that plays a fundamental role in emotional and social development, comprising both cognitive and affective components. Cognitive empathy involves understanding another person’s emotional state, while affective empathy refers to the shared emotional experience in response to another’s feelings (Eisenberg et al., 2015; Shamay-Tsoory, 2011). Although typically associated with prosocial behaviour, elevated levels of affective empathy may also contribute to psychological vulnerability, particularly internalising problems such as anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints (Achenbach, 1966; Tone & Tully, 2014). Internalising problems are characterised by inward-focused emotional distress and self-directed symptoms, often difficult to detect through external observation.
This study explored the associations between cognitive and affective empathy and internalising problems in a normative sample of pre-adolescents, with a focus on gender differences and informant perspectives. Using self-, teacher-, and parent-reported data, it examined how empathy dimensions relate to internalising difficulties and whether these relationships vary by gender or informant.
Results showed that participants reported relatively high empathy, with girls scoring higher than boys, particularly in affective empathy. Affective empathy and self-reported internalising problems were significantly higher among children who reported being victims of bullying, and internalising problems were also higher among those receiving psychological support. Associations between empathy and internalising problems were only observed in self-reports, where affective empathy positively predicted internalising symptoms after controlling for gender. No significant effects were found in parent- or teacher-reports, and gender did not moderate the relationship.
These findings provide a nuanced understanding of empathy’s role in developmental psychopathology and have implications for early identification and intervention strategies targeting emotional well-being in youth.A empatia é um construto complexo e multidimensional que desempenha um papel fundamental no desenvolvimento emocional e social, abrangendo componentes cognitivos e afetivos. A empatia cognitiva envolve a compreensão do estado emocional de outra pessoa, enquanto a empatia afetiva refere-se à experiência emocional partilhada em resposta aos sentimentos do outro (Eisenberg et al., 2015; Shamay-Tsoory, 2011). Embora geralmente associada ao comportamento pró-social, níveis elevados de empatia afetiva podem também contribuir para a vulnerabilidade psicológica, nomeadamente para problemas internalizantes como ansiedade, depressão e queixas somáticas (Achenbach, 1966; Tone & Tully, 2014). Estes problemas caracterizam-se por sofrimento emocional orientado para o interior e sintomas autodirigidos, frequentemente difíceis de detetar através da observação externa.
O presente estudo explorou as associações entre empatia cognitiva e afetiva e problemas internalizantes numa amostra normativa de pré-adolescentes, com enfoque nas diferenças de género e nas perspetivas de diferentes informadores. Foram utilizados dados de autorrelato, professores e pais para examinar de que forma as dimensões da empatia se relacionam com dificuldades internalizantes e se estas relações variam em função do género ou do informador.
Os resultados mostraram que os participantes reportaram níveis elevados de empatia, sendo que as raparigas apresentaram valores superiores, sobretudo na empatia afetiva. A empatia afetiva e os problemas internalizantes autorrelatos foram mais elevados em crianças vítimas de bullying, e os problemas internalizantes também mais frequentes entre as que receberam apoio psicológico. As associações entre empatia e problemas internalizantes foram apenas observadas nos autorrelatos, onde a empatia afetiva surgiu como preditor positivo mesmo após controlar o género. Não foram encontrados efeitos significativos nos dados de pais ou professores, e o género não moderou a relação.
Estes resultados aprofundam a compreensão do papel da empatia na psicopatologia do desenvolvimento e apresentam implicações para a identificação precoce e para estratégias de intervenção dirigidas ao bem-estar emocional dos jovens
Trabalhar à sombra do erro: perfecionismo, síndrome do impostor e o efeito mediador do medo de falhar em treinadores
No full textDissertação de Mestrado apresentada no Ispa – Instituto Universitário para obtenção de grau de Mestre na especialidade de Psicologia ClínicaA presente dissertação tem como objetivo estudar a relação entre Perfecionismo e a Sindrome do Impostor, e o efeito mediador do Medo de Falhar nesta relação. Participaram 231 treinadores, com idades entre 18 e 73 anos (M = 37.21, DP = 13.27), maioritariamente homens (81.8%), de 22 modalidades, sobretudo em contexto amador (75.3%).
Para a recolha de dados, foram utilizados como instrumentos, a Sport Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Sport-MPS-2) (Gotwals et al., 2010), validada e adaptada para a população portuguesa por Laranjeira (2020) e adaptada neste estudo para treinadores, a versão adaptada por Ruivo (2022) da Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) (Clance, 1985) e a versão adaptada por Correia et al. (2016) da Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PFAI) (Conroy, et al. 2002).
Os resultados mostram que existe uma associação positiva e estatisticamente significativa entre perfecionismo e síndrome do impostor. O mesmo se encontrou entre perfecionismo e medo de falhar, e medo de falhar e síndrome do impostor. Para além disto, verificou-se um efeito mediador do medo de falhar entre o perfecionismo e a síndrome do impostor. Os resultados apontam ainda para a importância de se trabalhar a reinterpretação do erro e a valorização do eu, reduzindo crenças de desvalor e vergonha de errar em treinadores.This dissertation aims to study the relationship between Perfectionism and Impostor Syndrome, and the mediating effect of Fear of Failure in this relationship. A total of 231 coaches participated, aged between 18 and 73 (M = 37.21, SD = 13.27), mostly men (81.8%), from 22 sports, mainly in an amateur context (75.3%).
For data collection, the Sport Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (Sport-MPS-2) (Gotwals et al., 2010), validated and adapted for the portuguese population by Laranjeira (2020) and adapted in this study for coaches, the version adapted by Ruivo (2022) of the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) (Clance, 1985), and the version adapted by Correia et al. (2016) of the Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PFAI) (Conroy, et al. 2002).
The results show that there is a positive and statistically significant association between perfectionism and impostor syndrome. The same was found between perfectionism and fear of failure, and fear of failure and impostor syndrome. In addition, a mediating effect of fear of failure was found between perfectionism and impostor syndrome. The results also point to the importance of working on reinterpreting mistakes and valuing the self, reducing beliefs of worthlessness and shame to fail in coaches
Hematological and blood chemistry profiles of the Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) in a Portuguese wildlife rehabilitation center
No full textThe Mediterranean pond turtle (Mauremys leprosa) is increasingly recognized as a sentinel species for freshwater ecosystem health due to its resilience to environmental pollutants. Despite its ecological significance, there is a lack of research on the blood profile of this vulnerable species. This study assessed the hematological and biochemical profile of healthy individuals admitted to Zoomarine’s Porto d’Abrigo rehabilitation center in southern Portugal between 2015 and 2024. This investigation revealed significant differences between the established data and the reference intervals reported in a Spanish study, notably in total erythrocyte (RBC) counts, packed cell volume (PCV), differential counts of lymphocytes and eosinophils, total protein (TP), creatine kinase (CK), potassium (K+), phosphorous (PHOS), and glucose (GLU) levels. Significant differences were also observed between captive and wild-rescued individuals in monocyte percentages, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and CK levels. No seasonal influence was detected except in the differential count of eosinophils. These findings indicate a possible geographical, environmental, and captivity-induced variation, providing the first comprehensive species-specific hematological and biochemical intervals for M. leprosa derived from a healthy population. This study enhances the understanding of M. leprosa health within a One Health framework by offering critical diagnostic benchmarks for veterinary care and facilitating conservation strategies.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia - FCT; ARNE
Understanding recruiters’ acceptance of artificial intelligence: Insights from the technology acceptance model
No full textThe integration of new technologies in professional contexts has emerged as a critical determinant of organizational efficiency and competitiveness. In this regard, the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recruitment processes facilitates faster and more accurate decision-making by processing large volumes of data, minimizing human bias, and offering personalized recommendations to enhance talent development and candidate selection. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) provides a valuable framework for understanding recruiters’ perceptions of innovative technologies, such as AI tools and GenAI. Drawing on the TAM, a model was developed to explain the intention to use AI tools, proposing that perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness influence attitudes toward AI, which subsequently affect the intention to use AI tools in recruitment and selection processes. Two studies were conducted in Portugal to address this research objective. The first was a qualitative exploratory study involving 100 interviews with recruiters who regularly utilize AI tools in their professional activities. The second study employed a quantitative confirmatory approach, utilizing an online questionnaire completed by 355 recruiters. The qualitative findings underscored the transformative role of AI in recruitment, emphasizing its potential to enhance efficiency and optimize resource management. However, recruiters also highlighted concerns regarding the potential loss of personal interaction and the need to adapt roles within this domain. The results also supported the indirect effect of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness on the use of AI tools in recruitment and selection processes via positive attitudes toward the use of these tools. This suggests that AI is best positioned as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for human decision-making. The insights gathered from recruiters’ perspectives provide actionable recommendations for organizations seeking to leverage AI in recruitment processes. Specifically, the findings show the importance of ethical considerations and maintaining human involvement to ensure a balanced and effective integration of AI tools.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia - FC
From abuse to offense: The legacy of childhood sexual abuse on the psychological functioning of men who perpetrated child sexual abuse
No full textBackground: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is often considereda significant factor associated with sexual offending in adulthood.However, the specific role of this experience in the commission ofsexual offenses remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to exam-ine differences in emotional functioning (i.e. symptomatology, self-esteem) and dysfunctional thinking patterns between men convictedof CSA with and without a personal history of CSA. Participants andSetting: The sample consisted of 109 adult men found guilty of com-mitting CSA, divided into two groups: those who reported havingexperienced CSA (n = 26) and those who did not (n = 83). Methods:Participants were evaluated on several dimensions, including socio-demographic and legal variables, history of sexual, physical, and psy-chological abuse, substance use, psychopathology, aggression, self-esteem, victim empathy, and cognitive distortions. Results: Those witha history of CSA showed more psychological symptoms, greater levelsof aggression, and lower self-esteem compared to those without sucha history. They also demonstrated more distorted beliefs related tosexual drive. Conclusions: The findings highlight important implica-tions for prevention and intervention, suggesting that individuals witha history of CSA may present distinct emotional and cognitive needscompared to those without such experiences.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia - FC
Beyond the destination: A qualitative study on how experiencing leisure traveling shapes mental health among older adults
No full textLeisure traveling holds the potential to positively influence the emotional and mental health of older adults, a population increasingly recognized for its unique well-being challenges. This study aims to: a) assess the emotional experiences of leisure traveling among older adults; and b) analyze how leisure traveling influences the mental health of older adults. A total of 784 older adults from three nationalities, aged 65 to 82 years (M = 71.4; SD = 4.47), participated in the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were
conducted, and content analysis was employed. For the first objective, eight themes emerged: (1) Less loneliness and isolation (88.3%); (2) Increased selfconfidence (84.9%); (3) Meaningful relationships (75.2%); (4) Opportunities for physical activity (70.1%); (5) Personal growth (66.4%); (6) Improved sense of agency (61.2%); (7) Enhanced coping skills (59.5%); and (8) Increased perceived well-being (57.3%). For the second objective, four themes emerged: (1) Less depressive symptoms (78.3%), (2) Reduced stress and anxiety (77.3%), (3) Cognitive flexibility (75.3%), and (4) Improved sleep quality (63.9%). Portuguese older adults focused on less loneliness and isolation (88.3%) and reduced stress and anxiety (77.3%). English older adults
emphasized meaningful relationships (75.2%) and less depressive symptoms (78.3%), while Brazilian participants highlighted opportunities for physical activity (70.1%) and cognitive flexibility (75.3%). Leisure traveling enriches older adults’ lives by enhancing mental health, highlighting its vital role in promoting multifaceted well-being in later life
Understanding PTSD in Portuguese Youth: Predictors and Risk Factors in a Multi‐Clinic, Treatment‐Engaged Sample
No full textPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in childhood and adolescence is common. Studies have focused on a small group of predictors related to the traumatic event and still focus on the adult population.To explore the prevalence of PTSD and to identify factors that potentially increase the risk for the development of PTSD in a clinical sample of children and adolescents. Eligibility criteria included: experienced at least one traumatic event; age between 7 and 18 years; follow‐up period of at least 1 month. Data collection was achieved by using: clinical records to obtain the patients’ clinical data; the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale and the Checklist of Potentially Traumatic Events in Children and Adolescents. A total of 101 participants were included. The prevalence of PTSD was 35.6%. For pre‐traumatic factors, significant association was found for age, suggesting increased likelihood of PTSD for older participants. Regarding the type of event, PTSD was significantly associated with interpersonal events. Participants who were a single intervenient (involved person) had increased odds for PTSD. It was found that the association with PTSD, in a decreasing manner, occurred with dissociative symptoms, followed by symptoms of Group C (avoidance), Group B (intrusive thoughts), Group E (activation and reactivity) and Group D (cognitions and mood). Dissociative symptoms were significantly associated with PTSD. The study provides evidence that several factors can predict the development of PTSD in childhood and adolescence. Awareness about these factors, healthcare workers’ specific training, and prevention and intervention strategies are the foundation to promote child well‐being throughout life
Effectiveness of empower-grief for relatives of palliative care patients: Protocol for an exploratory randomized controlled trial.
No full textBackground: Grief reactions of relatives of palliative care patients are seldom addressed. Most interventions focus on Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and not on its prevention. This is particularly relevant in palliative care, in which death is the result of a difficult period of a terminal illness, making caregivers particularly vulnerable to psychological distress. The purpose of the present exploratory trial is to test the efficacy of a selective intervention (Empower-Grief) for the initial problematic grief reactions and to study potential predictors of adherence and efficacy. Method: This is an exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) studying Empower-Grief compared with Treatment as Usual (TAU). Participants will be relatives or caregivers of palliative and oncological patients with initial indicators of risk of developing PGD and will be randomly allocated to Empower-Grief and TAU. Participants will be assessed prior, at the end and six months after the intervention. The primary outcome considered will be symptoms of PGD. The assessment includes measures of anxiety and depression, coping, attachment, psychological flexibility, posttraumatic growth, social support and therapeutic alliance. Results: The trial is ongoing. Forty-four participants will be invited to participate. Conclusion: This study addresses the need for the development of empirically grounded and feasible interventions aimed at dealing with initial problematic reactions in grief, exploring potential predictors and possible venues for personalizing intervention and understanding the mechanism through which these interventions operate
Perceção da situação e estratégias de coping em pessoas com níveis elevados e baixos de stress
No full textDissertação de Mestrado apresentada no Ispa – Instituto Universitário para obtenção de grau de Mestre na especialidade de Psicologia ClínicaA literatura existente aponta para uma ligação entre diferentes níveis de stress e a adoção de estratégias de coping. No entanto, torna-se relevante aprofundar e Compreender a interação entre diferentes níveis de stress, utilização de estratégias de coping e o contexto em que são utilizadas. Assim, este estudo tem como principais objetivos: (i) Explorar o que constituem experiências de stress para os participantes; (ii) Identificar estratégias de coping para lidar com o stress; e (iii) Comparar os grupos de pessoas com níveis mais elevados e níveis mais reduzidos de stress, relativamente à perceção de um stressor e ao tipo de estratégias de coping utilizadas. A amostra foi constituída por 29 indivíduos, permitindo aceder à perspetiva de dois grupos com diferentes níveis de stress e idades compreendidas entre os 21 e os 85 anos. Utilizou-se a variável respostas ao stress, relativamente a um acontecimento particular e, de seguida, realizou-se uma entrevista semiestruturada. A análise temática mista permitiu identificar três categorias relativamente à perceção de stress: Ameaça; Perda/Dano; e Desafio. No que diz respeito às estratégias de coping surgiram os seguintes temas: Ruminação; Evitamento; Comunicação; Suporte Emocional; Distratores de Ansiedade; Reestruturação Cognitiva; Resolução de Problemas; e Aceitação. Este estudo realça a existência de determinadas estratégias utilizadas apenas num certo contexto, i.e., estratégias somente adotadas em situações consideradas difíceis para os sujeitos. Para além disto, é evidenciada a adoção de diferentes estratégias, consoante os seus níveis de stress.ABSTRACT: The existing literature points to a link between different levels of stress and the adoption of coping strategies. However, it is important to delve deeper and understand the interaction between different levels of stress, the use of coping strategies and the context in which they are used. Therefore, the main goals of this study are: (i) To explore what constitutes stressful experiences for the participants; (ii) To identify coping strategies for dealing with stress; and (iii) To compare the groups of people with higher and lower levels of stress in terms of the perception of a stressor and the type of coping strategies used. The sample consisted of 29 individuals, allowing access to the perspective of two groups with different levels of stress and ages between 21 and 85. The variable responses to stress, in relation to a particular event was used, followed by a semi-structured interview. The mixed thematic analysis made it possible to identify three categories of perceived stress: Threat; Loss/Damage; and Challenge. Regarding coping strategies, the following themes emerged: Rumination; Avoidance; Communication; Emotional Support; Anxiety Distractors; Cognitive Restructuring; Problem Solving; and Acceptance. This study highlights the existence of certain strategies used only in a certain context, i.e., strategies only adopted in situations considered difficult for the subjects. In addition, the adoption of different strategies depending on their stress levels is evidenced