Browsing by Author "Soutelo, Ana Paula"
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- Assessing the efficacy of the ‘Bicho De 7 Cabeças’ B-learning school-based program in enhancing mental health literacy and reducing stigmaPublication . Meilsmeidth, Gislene; Trigueiro, Maria João; Simões-Silva, Vítor; Simões de Almeida, Raquel; Portugal, Paula; Gomes, Paulo Veloso; Sousa, Sara; Campos, Filipa; Monteiro, Pedro; Soutelo, Ana Paula; Marques, AntónioThe prevalence of mental disorders in adolescents has a considerable impact on daily life, restricting tasks and diminishing overall quality of life while potentially leading to stigmatization. This study aims to measure the impact of a mental health literacy intervention program, called “Bicho de 7 Cabeças” project, in b-learning format, on the increase of knowledge and the decrease of stigma in young people from Póvoa de Varzim, in Portugal. A quasi-experimental study was conducted, from November 2022 to May 2023, involving an experimental group (“Bicho de 7 Cabeças” protocol) and an active control group (informational brochures), utilizing a pre-test/post-test design. Mental Health Literacy Measure-MHLM, Mental Health Promoting Knowledge Scale-MHPK-10, Mental Illness Knowledge Schedule-MAKS, Reported and Intended Behaviour Scale-RIBS, and Community Attitudes toward People with Mental Illness-CAMI were used. A total of 504 young students from the 9th grade enroll in this study, with a mean age around 14 years old. There is a significant difference between stigma (p <.001) and knowledge (p <.001) scores at baseline and follow-up. The results of this study shows that interventions aimed at young people for the promotion of mental health literacy and stigma reduction are needed and more initiatives should be implemented in schools to address these problems.
- Enter the virtual forest: exploring the benefits of forest therapy in a digital worldPublication . Soutelo, Ana Paula; Simões De Almeida, Raquel; Sousa, Ana Rita; Simões-Silva, Vítor; Monteiro, Maria Luís; Portugal, PaulaOne of the many challenges of this urbanization is significantly reflected in the distribution of urban green spaces, which may still not meet the needs of all inhabitants and preclude the many benefits that urban green spaces bring to mental health. From this perspective, Shinrin-Yoku emerged a traditional Japanese practice known as Forest Therapy (FT) or Forest Bathing (FB), as a natural health treatment. Using virtual reality, in addition, makes it possible to reproduce scenarios or environments that, in certain contexts, it would be almost impossible to recreate in real life. Thus, VR can provide opportunities and allow many more people to benefit from the best therapies and positive outcomes. It’s important to note that the research on this union is still in its early stages, however, exploring this field represents, in many ways, a unique opportunity for healthcare, and would reach a wider population, providing the best possible therapy for everyone who could benefit from it.
- The use of digital technologies to promote physical activity in mental healthcare settings: A scoping reviewPublication . Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Soutelo, Ana Paula; Portugal, Paula; Marques, António; Pereira da Silva Marques, António José; Simões de Almeida, Raquel; Soutelo, Ana Paula; Portugal, PaulaOver the past decade, there has been an increase in the number of digital technologies available for mental health purposes. At the same time, engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to promote mental health and well-being, but activity levels are still low in people with mental illness due to several factors. The aim of this study is to identify and better understand what digital technologies are available for physical activity promotion in mental healthcare contexts. A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley scoping review framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Systematic literature searches of PsycINFO, Academic Search Complete, Web of Science, and PubMed was performed with a focus on the last ten years. Overall, 11 papers were included. Data was charted and synthesized, and a narrative synthesis was conducted. This scoping review provides a broad overview of the digital tools or technologies that are being used, such virtual reality, wearable devices and mobile applications, and the health benefits or barriers associated with their use for people with mental illness in clinical settings. The results also show that digital technologies could promote willingness to engage in physical activity. Conclusions: These findings could guide further research on how digital technologies for physical activity promotion can be effectively integrated into psychosocial rehabilitation settings and support mental health and recovery.
- Virtual reality therapy: the power of role-playing social skillsPublication . Soutelo, Ana Paula; Sousa, Ana Rita; Monteiro, Maria Luís; Fernandes, Ângela; Coelho, Tiago; Portugal, PaulaRole-play (RP) is a technique for teaching communication and training interpersonal skills, known for its effective way of transmitting learning, in which simulation is one of its main distinguishing features. Social skills, moreover, are behaviors that involve the interpersonal relationship carried out in each social context. Although social skills training is consensually considered one of the most beneficial approaches to improving social functioning in individuals with mental illness, long-term motivation deficits diminish its effectiveness. Virtual reality technology effectively solves the motivation problem, providing a realistic and immersive experience that allows for role-playing of social skills. They provide presence and allow individuals to practice and enhance their social skills. The benefits of both RP and VR technology are clear, and the combination of the two has even greater potential. However, there is still a limited amount of research on the impact of VR in the practice of RP, so further investigation is crucial.