ESS - LRP - Comunicações em eventos científicos
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Browsing ESS - LRP - Comunicações em eventos científicos by Author "Almeida, Raquel Simões de"
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- Effectiveness of virtual reality in reducing public speaking anxiety: A pilot studyPublication . Oliveira, Maria; Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Gomes, Paulo Veloso; Donga, João; Marques, António; Teixeira, Bruno; Pereira, Javier; Simões de Almeida, Raquel; Machado Veloso Gomes, Paulo Sérgio; Rucha das Dores da Costa Donga, João Paulo; Pereira da Silva Marques, António JoséPublic speaking anxiety (glossophobia) is a manifestation of social anxiety that affects a significant portion of the population, jeopardizing performance in academic, professional, and social contexts. This pilot study examines the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) as a therapeutic tool for reducing public speaking anxiety. Over six VR simulation sessions, the physiological responses of 30 participants, including heart rate (HR) and electrodermal activity, were monitored alongside psychometric assessments. Results demonstrated a significant reduction in HR and improved self-efficacy. These findings recommend combining VR with traditional therapeutic approaches and emerging neuroscience-based methods, such as neurofeedback, to create more personalized treatment interventions.
- Forest bathing environments in virtual reality: enhancing well-being through immersive nature experiencesPublication . Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Gomes, Paulo Veloso; Marques, António; Pereira, JavierThe present study proposes an innovative approach to promote wellbeing by developing forest bathing environments in virtual reality (VR). Forest bathing, a practice rooted in traditional Japanese culture, involves immersing oneself in a forest atmosphere to enhance physical and mental health. VR technology enables the opportunity to recreate and simulate these natural environments, allowing individuals to experience the benefits of forest bathing regardless of their physical location and limitations of physical access to natural environments. This study aims to design and evaluate the effectiveness of a VR forest bathing environment in improving well-being, stress reduction, and overall relaxation.
- Self-management web application for persons with schizophreniaPublication . Domingues, José; Gomes, Paulo Veloso; Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Martins, Constantino; Fonseca, Nuno; Santos, Joaquim; Marques, António; Pereira, JavierThis paper describes a web-based application with the purpose of improving the selfmanagement of people with schizophrenia. The main objective with the creation of a web application for mental health management was to provide easy and convenient access to resources, information, and tools that can help individuals manage their mental health issues more effectively and with greater autonomy. The application integrates different functionalities, such as stress management system, problem solving tools, medication control, symptoms monitoring and social interaction. In addition to self-management, the application facilitates interaction between the person with schizophrenia and the health professional through telemonitoring systems, reducing risks and increasing the patient’s quality of life.
- The use of artificial intelligence in interactive virtual reality adaptive environments with real-time biofeedback applied to phobias psychotherapyPublication . Gomes, Paulo Veloso; Sá, Vítor J.; Donga, João; Marques, António; Gomes, Bárbara; Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Pereira, JavierExposure therapy is a type of psychotherapy where the patient is gradually exposed to a fear situation. Patients may present different degrees of phobia, and the degree of phobia of each patient changes throughout the treatment. The use of Interactive Virtual Reality Adaptive Environments, where the interaction is personalized through real-time biofeedback mechanisms, allows the environment to adapt to the patients and their evolution throughout the treatment. The Artificial Intelligence affective algorithms continuously monitor the patient’s behavioral data and physiological responses to adjust the intensity and number of the stimuli. This real-time adaptation aims to personalize and optimize the exposure process, gradually desensitizing patients to their fears
- Virtual reality exposure therapy for Arachnophobia: A pilot studyPublication . Lopes, Inês; Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Gomes, Paulo Veloso; Sá, Vítor J.; Oliveira, Gonçalo; Marques, António; Machado Veloso Gomes, Paulo Sérgio; Sá, Vítor J.; Pereira da Silva Marques, António José; Simões de Almeida, RaquelArachnophobia is a chronic disorder leading to significant avoidance of spider-related situations. This pilot study examines the effectiveness of Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) for treating arachnophobia. The study included 25 participants who completed fear questionnaires and avoidance tests before, after and two weeks after the intervention. The intervention consisted of a session of progressive exposure to a novel and gamified virtual environment containing spiders. The results showed a significant reduction in fear and anxiety in relation to the phobic stimulus, suggesting that VRET is a promising approach for treating phobias, in controlled and safe environments.