Exploring the impact of anxiety and depression symptoms on cognitive functions throughout aging

Abstract: Objective: Examine the correlation between depressive and anxiety symptoms and cognitive performance across adulthood, with particular attention to differences observed across age groups. Methods: 154 participants (45 young adults, 61 middle-aged adults, and 48 older adults) underwent neuropsychological assessment to evaluate cognitive performance and psychopathological symptomatology. Multivariate analyses were conducted with age group as the between-subject factor and sex and years of education as covariates. Partial correlations, controlling for sex and education, were used to examine the associations between emotional symptoms and cognitive performance in the total sample and by age group. Results: Young and middle-aged adults outperformed older adults across multiple domains, confirming the pattern of age-related cognitive decline. No significant differences were found in verbal fluency. Depressive and anxiety symptoms did not differ significantly between groups. Correlational analyses revealed no significant associations between depressive symptoms and cognitive performance in any group. Anxiety symptoms were negatively associated with executive functions and global cognition in the total sample, and these associations were stronger among older adults, extending to marginal associations with visuospatial working memory and cognitive flexibility. Conclusion: These findings suggest that anxiety symptoms, even below diagnostic thresholds, can negatively impact cognitive functioning, highlighting a modifiable vulnerability factor. Subclinical depressive symptoms showed no measurable impact. The results underscore the importance of investigating anxiety symptoms as a potential risk factor for cognitive performance across the lifespan and of developing strategies to promote cognitive health and preserve autonomy

Parental experiences of grief after perinatal loss: A qualitative systematic review

Perinatal loss disrupts the journey to parenthood, halting dreams and expectations surrounding the child and family. This study presents a systematic review of qualitative research on parental grief following perinatal loss, exploring emotional responses, gender differences, relational impacts, and the role of healthcare professionals. Following PRISMA guidelines, searches in Web of Science and Scopus identified 23 qualitative studies published between 2013 and 2023. Findings show that perinatal loss triggers profound distress, initially marked by shock, denial, and numbness, followed by guilt, envy, and isolation. Gender differences emerged: mothers more openly expressed grief, while fathers tended to suppress emotions. Healthcare professionals played a crucial role, with empathetic communication easing distress and insensitivity worsening grief. These results underscore the need for gender-sensitive and relationship-focused interventions to support parents coping with perinatal loss

Reputation in social perception: Validation of trustworthy and untrustworthy behavioural descriptions in European Portuguese

Reputation is an important cue for person perception and adequate behaviour. Its influence on behaviour might override first impressions from faces and constitutes an important information forintegrating person perception and creating predictions of other’s behaviour. The purpose of the present study was to create and validate a set of sentences describing “trustworthy” and “untrustworthy” previous behaviour (reputation). We generated a set of 97 sentences that were divided into three groups: trustworthy, untrustworthy and neutral. Trustworthy sentences elicited higher perceived trustworthiness compared to both neutral and untrustworthy sentences. Untrustworthy sentences elicited lower perceived trustworthiness compared to neutral sentences. This material seems to be effective in manipulatingperceived trustworthiness and could be used as stimuli in the study of Spontaneous Trait Inferences

Intervention mediated by the arts with a group of institutionalized young Angolan females

Sub-Saharan Africa faces immense challenges at various levels, including in mental health. We aim to understand the effectiveness of an arts-based intervention with particularly vulnerable populations. In this quasi-experimental study, with pre and post-tests, and non-randomized experimental and control groups, we describe an intervention with institutionalized female adolescents from Angola and report changes in anxiety and depression levels, and on their subjective experiences.Quantitative data shows that the post-test anxiety and depression levels of experimental group participants were lower than all the other groups/moments. Qualitative data shows: (1) that participantsexperienced personal growth, understood in terms of self-cceptance, responsibility and self confidence; hope, expressed by the desire to continue developing skills and to live a purposeful life; and a greater interconnectedness with the broader system of the reception center; (2) an increase in focus, dynamism and spontaneity, results that are seldom reported in the literature.This study reflects the importance of offering arts-based programs for adolescents from vulnerable backgrounds, namely residents of institutional care units and that this programs should be guided bythe principles of freedom of expression and non-judgement

Parental reactions to children’s negative emotions and their emotion regulation in the early school years: The mediating role of parental competence

Parents are the primary agents of emotion socialization and play a crucial role in their children’s emotion regulation. In this context, it is important to investigate how parents’ reaction to children’s negative emotions are related to their children’s emotional regulation, as well as possible mechanisms in this association, such as parental competence. The present study aimed to analyse the association between parental reactions to children’s negative emotions and their emotional regulation, mediated by parental competence. Parents (129 mothers and 45 fathers) of a child (n = 174) who attended the first cycle of basic education (M = 7.89; SD = 1.32; 50.6% girls) reported about their perception of reactions to children’s negative emotions, parental competence, and children’s emotion regulation. Data was collected online. Mediation analysis revealed that supportive reactions were related to children’s greater emotion regulation, whereas nonsupportive ones were related to children’s greater emotional lability/negativity. Importantly, these direct effects were differently mediated by parental self-efficacy and satisfaction (i.e., parental competence). The findings highlight the influence of parenting on children’s socioemotional adjustment and may inform intervention programs targeting parents and young children

Adaptação ao stress competitivo em atletas portugueses: O papel da avaliação cognitiva

Abstract: This study analyses the role of cognitive appraisal processes in the adaptation to a stressful situation, providing indications about emotions, coping, and coping effectiveness. The study includes 229 male athletes (59.8%) and 154 female athletes (40.2%), with ages between 14 and 37 years old (M = 22.85; SD = 5.35) divided between individual (n = 157; 41%) and team sports (n = 226; 59%). The evaluation protocol included cognitive appraisal, emotions, and coping measures. The main results were: (a) challenge, coping, and control perceptions were related to positive emotions, attribution of beneficial effects to negative emotions, and use of active problem solving; and (b) threat perception was related to anxiety and other negative emotions. In conclusion, this study shows that more adaptive patterns of primary (high challenge and low threat perceptions) and secondary (high coping and control perceptions) cognitive appraisals correspond to a higher tendency to adapt positively to stressful events.Resumo: Este estudo analisa o papel dos processos de avaliação cognitiva na adaptação a uma situação de stress, fornecendo indicações sobre emoções, coping e eficácia do coping. A amostra inclui 229 atletas do sexo masculino (59,8%) e 154 do sexo feminino (40,2%), com idades entre os 14 e os 37 anos (M = 22,85; DP = 5,35), distribuídos entre modalidades individuais (n = 157; 41%) e coletivas (n = 226; 59%). O protocolo de avaliação incluiu medidas de avaliação cognitiva, emoções e estratégias de coping. Os principais resultados foram: (a) perceções de desafio, coping e controlo estiveram associadas a emoções positivas, atribuição de efeitos benéficos às emoções negativas e utilização de estratégias ativas de resolução de problemas; e (b) a perceção de ameaça esteve associada à ansiedade e a outras emoções negativas. Em conclusão, este estudo mostra que padrões mais adaptativos de avaliação cognitiva primária (perceção elevada de desafio e baixa de ameaça) e secundária (perceções elevadas de coping e controlo) correspondem a uma maior tendência para uma adaptação positiva a eventos stressantes

Análise dos itens da Escala de Avaliação da Garra: Versão internacional em língua portuguesa

Abstract: Grit can be understood as an element of personality, being a positive and non-cognitive human characteristic, composed of two components: perseverance of effort and consistency of interests. Due to its social, professional, and educational impact, grit has become a construct of great interest. Although some instruments have been developed and adapted for its evaluation in different contexts, the absence of measures in Portuguese led to the development of the Grit Assessment Scale – International Version in Portuguese Language (EAGrit-LP), based on samples from Brazil and Portugal. Even though previous studies have investigated some evidence of validity for the instrument, its items had not yet been individually evaluated. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to perform an item analysis, using Item Response Theory. For this purpose, a sample of 1.050 Brazilians and 656 Portuguese individuals responded to the EAGrit-LP (aged between 17 and 71 years old; M = 24.1 years; SD = 9.2). The results showed that all items had appropriate infit and outfit indices, and that items difficulty was, in general, low. Six items displayed differential item functioning (DIF), based on participants’ gender and country of origin. These results can be used to revise the scale and guide the development of more challenging items, as well as to the development of normative tables that are specific to gender and country of origin.Resumo: A garra (grit) pode ser compreendida como um elemento da personalidade, sendo uma característica humana positiva e não cognitiva, composta por dois componentes: perseverança de esforço e consistência de interesses. Devido ao seu impacto social, profissional e educacional, a garra tornou-se um construto de grande interesse. Embora alguns instrumentos tenham sido desenvolvidos e adaptados para sua avaliação em diferentes contextos, a ausência de medidas em língua portuguesa levou ao desenvolvimento da Escala de Avaliação da Garra: Versão Internacional em Língua Portuguesa (EAGrit-LP), com base em amostras do Brasil e de Portugal. Apesar de estudos anteriores terem investigado algumas evidências de validade do instrumento, seus itens ainda não haviam sido avaliados individualmente. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma análise dos itens, utilizando a Teoria de Resposta ao Item. Para isso, uma amostra de 1.050 brasileiros e 656 portugueses respondeu à EAGrit-LP (com idades entre 17 e 71 anos; M = 24,1 anos; DP = 9,2). Os resultados mostraram que todos os itens apresentaram índices de infit e outfit adequados, e que a dificuldade dos itens foi, em geral, baixa. Seis itens apresentaram funcionamento diferencial do item (differential item functioning; DIF), com base no gênero e no país de origem dos participantes. Esses resultados podem ser utilizados para revisar a escala e orientar o desenvolvimento de itens mais desafiadores, bem como para a construção de tabelas normativas específicas para gênero e país de origem

Os princípios éticos dos psicólogos portugueses: Uma avaliação passados onze anos

Several changes were implemented in the psychology profession after the Order of Portuguese Psychologists was created. A set of ethical principles to guide psychological practice was established. Eleven years after the several changes have been initiated in the professional practice in Portugal, this study analyzes whether there are changes in the valuation of the fundamental ethical principles of Portuguese psychologists. To this end, data from 2009 and 2020 was compared. On a grading scale from 1 to 5, Portuguese psychologists allotted the importance to each general principle. We found Competence and Responsibility decreased after 11 years, and Integrity and Beneficence and Non-Maleficence increased from 2009 to 2020. We also found that Psychologists with more experience valued more the Respect for people’s rights and dignity, Integrity, and Beneficence and non-maleficence than those with lesser years of experience. Order of Portuguese Psychologists and the existence of an ethics code seems to have improved the professional identityVárias mudanças foram sendo implementadas na profissão de psicólogo com a criação da Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses. Uma das mais importantes foi o estabelecimento de um conjunto de princípios éticos que visam orientar a prática psicológica. Onze anos após o seu estabelecimento e considerando as várias alterações na prática profissional da Psicologia em Portugal, este estudo pretende analisar se houve alterações na valorização dos princípios éticos por parte dos psicólogos portugueses. Deste modo, foram comparados dados de 2009 e 2020. Numa escala de 1 a 5, os psicólogos portugueses atribuíram importância a cada princípio geral. Constatou-se que os princípios da Competência e da Responsabilidade diminuíram na importância relativa atribuída, após 11 anos, quando comparados com a Integridade e a Beneficência e Não Maleficência. Também se verificou que psicólogos com mais experiência atribuem maior importância relativa aos princípios do Respeito pela dignidade e direitos das pessoas, Integridade e Beneficência e Não Maleficência quando comparados com profissionais com menos anos de experiência. A criação da Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses e a existência de um código deontológico parecem ter contribuído para o fortalecimento da identidade profissional

Agir rapidamente com base nos sentimentos!: Teorias ingénuas dos jogadores de futsal sobre o uso dos sentimentos no decorrer das suas ações

Abstract: Athletes often report relying on their gut feelings to guide their decisions. This paper examines this reliance through a social-cognitive approach, focusing on players’ beliefs about how they use feelings, thoughts, or a simple assessment of the situation when making decisions. In Study 1, we first asked athletes about how they define “actions” and “changes of action” in a sports context and then inquired them about how they would justify their decisions to make such changes – whether through feelings, thinking, or a simple apprehension of the situation. Study 2 replicates these questions and explores whether the justifications for changes of action vary in different contextual characteristics (ambiguity, dynamism, or complexity) represented through a set of futsal game scenarios (photos). The results of both studies clearly show that, although athletes believe they make decisions based on all three sources of information, they predominantly rely on their feelings to guide most of their action decisions, particularly when the actions are fast-paced, dynamic, and complex. These findings are discussed in relation to theories that highlight the role of feelings as a valuable source of information in decision-making and action.Resumo: Frequentemente ouvimos atletas relatar que tomaram as suas decisões com base no que estavam a sentir. Este artigo parte de uma abordagem sociocognitiva para analisar a confiança que os atletas depositam nesses seus sentimentos, explorando as crenças que os jogadores têm sobre como usam os seus sentimentos, pensamentos ou meras avaliações das situações para tomar decisões. No Estudo 1, começámos por questionar atletas sobre como definem “ações” e “mudanças de ação” no contexto desportivo, e em seguida indagámo-los sobre possíveis justificações para mudanças de ação – se estas ocorrem com base em sentimentos, pensamentos ou numa avaliação da situação no imediato. O Estudo 2 replica estas questões e explora se as justificações para mudanças de ação variam consoante diferentes características contextuais (como a ambiguidade, o dinamismo ou a complexidade), representadas num conjunto de cenários (fotografias) de jogo de futsal. Os resultados de ambos os estudos mostram que, embora os atletas relatem tomar as suas decisões com base nas três fontes de informação, tendem a confiar predominantemente nos seus sentimentos para orientar a maioria das suas decisões, sobretudo quando estas dizem respeito a ações rápidas, dinâmicas e complexas. Estes resultados são discutidos à luz das teorias que salientam o papel dos sentimentos como uma fonte valiosa de informação na tomada de decisão e na ação

A centralidade da pandemia por COVID-19 e sintomas de trauma em enfermeiros/as: O papel mediador da inflexibilidade psicológica

Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with negative psychological consequences, particularly amongst frontline workers, such as nurses; however, little is known about modifiable mechanisms underlying the development of such outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of psychological inflexibility in the relationship between the centrality of the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and post-traumatic stress symptoms in nurses. Methods: The sample consisted of 672 Portuguese nurses, whose data was collected online, through self-report questionnaires. Correlation analyses were conducted to explore associations between variables, and the PROCESS macro was used to perform regression-based mediation analyses. Results: The observed results confirmed psychological inflexibility as a putative mediator between the centrality of the COVID-19 outbreak and trauma symptoms in nurses. Implications: These findings suggest that interventions directed at reducing psychological inflexibility are likely to attenuate the deleterious effects of the centrality of the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses’ post-traumatic distress.Resumo: Contexto: A pandemia por COVID-19 tem sido associada a consequências psicológicas nefastas, particularmente entre trabalhadores da linha da frente, como enfermeiros/as, no entanto, pouco se sabe sobre os mecanismos modificáveis subjacentes ao desenvolvimento destes resultados. Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo examinar o papel mediador da inflexibilidade psicológica na relação entre a centralidade da emergência da pandemia por COVID-19 e os sintomas de stresse pós-traumático em enfermeiros/as. Métodos: A amostra foi constituída por 672 enfermeiros/as portugueses/as, cujos dados foram recolhidos online, através de questionários de autorrelato. Foram realizadas análises de correlação para explorar associações entre variáveis, e o macro PROCESS foi utilizado para realizar análises de mediação baseadas em modelos de regressão. Resultados: Os resultados observados confirmaram a inflexibilidade psicológica como um mediador putativo entre a centralidade da pandemia por COVID-19 e sintomas de trauma em enfermeiros/as. Implicações: Estes resultados sugerem que as intervenções direcionadas para reduzir a inflexibilidade psicológica poderão atenuar os efeitos deletérios da centralidade da emergência da pandemia por COVID-19 nos sintomas pós-traumáticos de enfermeiros/as