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- Development and validation of a Portuguese psychologist's empathy scale: A pilot studyPublication . Cruz, Márcia; Grilo, Ana; Custódio, Susana; Dores, Artemisa R.; Silva, Carina; Alves, Paulo; Dores, ArtemisaThe systematic assessment of empathy is essential for identifying psychologists' competencies and developmental needs, ultimately contributing to more effective clinical practice. Given the multidimensional nature of empathy, comprehensive evaluation requires consideration of its cognitive, affective, and behavioural dimensions. How ever, no existing instrument is specifically validated to assess psychologists' self-perceived empathy in clinical contexts. To address this limitation, the present pilot study aimed to develop and undertake a preliminarily validation of the Portuguese Psychologists' Empathy Scale (PPES), a self-report instrument designed to assess empathy among psychologists working in Portuguese-speaking contexts across these three components. The study proceeded in two phases: item construction and initial psychometric testing. A total of 106 Portuguese psychologists completed a 57-item Likert-type instrument. Bartlett's test of sphericity was significant (χ2 (45) = 811.56, p < .001), and the KMO index (0.73) indicated moderate adequacy for factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis revealed three core factors explaining 48% of the total variance, with strong internal consistency. A subsequent confirmatory factor analysis supported model refinement, leading to the removal of items with low factor loadings. The final PPES comprises 43 items distributed across cognitive (16), affective (16), and behavioural (11) dimensions. The findings provide encouraging preliminary evidence for the PPES, demon strating robust internal consistency and acceptable initial factorial validity. Nevertheless, further studies using independent samples and external validation procedures are required to fully establish its psychometric soundness and clinical applicability with Portuguese-speaking psychologists.
- Deep technologies and safer gambling: A systematic reviewPublication . Cardoso, Leonor G.; Barroso, Beatriz C. R.; Piccoli, Gloria; Peixoto, Miguel; Morgado, Pedro; Marques, António; Rocha, Carla; Griffiths, Mark D.; Queirós, Ricardo; Dores, Artemisa; Pereira da Silva Marques, António José; de Faria Távora Moreira Peixoto, MiguelDeep technologies combine engineering innovation and scientific findings to solve complex problems and are becoming particularly relevant to the gambling industry. With the global rise of gambling practices and the subsequent increase of gambling-related problems and disorders, deep technologies have emerged as a way to create safer online gambling environments. However, there is still limited knowledge regarding their applica bility and consequences. The present study systematically reviewed the existing literature on deep technologies in gambling environments, such as online casinos and betting platforms, and explored their potential benefits, risks, and effectiveness in promoting safer gambling experiences. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were conducted in Web of Sci ence, PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, and IEEE databases, and manually. A total of sixty-eight studies were included in the review. In general, four primary applications of deep technologies in online settings were found: (i) behavioural monitoring and feedback; (ii) predictive risk modelling; (iii) decision support and AI classifiers; and (iv) limit-setting/self-exclusion tools. They were primarily used to identify and classify problematic gambling, prompt individual action, regulate gambling behaviours, raise awareness of risk levels, promote responsible gambling practices, support research, interventions, and evaluate player protection initiatives. Together, the findings suggest that deep technologies offer ample opportunities to enhance gambler safety and reduce potential risks, although challenges may arise from their implementation, such as privacy and ethical concerns, malicious data use, misclassification of risk levels, and difficulties in large-scale application. Limitations and directions for future studies are discussed
- Preliminary results on the efficacy of a neurocognitive training programme with multisensory integration in Major Neurocognitive DisorderPublication . Pinto, Joana O.; Dores, Artemisa R.; Peixoto, Bruno; Barbosa, Fernando; Dores, Artemisa; Pinto, Joana ONeurocognitive training was associated with positive effects on global neurocognition in patients with Major Neurocognitive Disorders (ND). However, despite evidence linking sensory deficits to neurocognitive dysfunction in the older population, no prior intervention has targeted neurocognition, including the sensation domain. To explore the efficacy of neurocognitive training with a multisensory integration (MI) component, a sample of 110 older adults was recruited from both daycare centers and nursing homes. Of these, 46 were diagnosed with mild to moderate Major ND and completed a neuropsychological assessment protocol at pre-, post-intervention, and at a 4-month follow-up. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups: NeuroRi, a hands-on neurocognitive training programme; NeuroRi with a MI component; NeuronUP a technology-based programme; and passive control group. All but the passive group completed two sessions per week with neurocognitive tasks for four months. Although this is a pilot study, the preliminary results suggest that combining NeuroRi with MI may offer potential benefits across several neurocognitive domains, including sensory-perceptual functioning in mild to moderate Major ND. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and the complex design of the study. This work provides recommendations for the neurocognitive intervention, from planning to assessing meaningful changes, while recognizing the limitations of the study and the need for further research to confirm these preliminary results.
- Mental health and lifestyle factors among higher education students: a cross-sectional studyPublication . Almeida, Raquel Simões de; Rodrigues, Andreia; Tavares, Sofia; Barreto, João F.; Marques, António; Trigueiro, Maria João; Simões de Almeida, Raquel; Barreto, João Francisco; Pereira da Silva Marques, António José; Trigueiro, Maria JoãoThis study aimed to describe the lifestyle factors and mental health levels among higher education students and identify their predictors. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 745 students was conducted with students from the Polytechnic of Porto using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (CORE)-18, and FANTASTICO Lifestyle Questionnaire. The findings indicate that while students generally exhibited a positive lifestyle, they also experienced mild levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, nearing the moderate threshold. The DASS-21 Depression subscale was a significant predictor of both CORE-18 and FANTASTICO scores, underscoring the strong relationship between depression and overall well-being. Anxiety and stress were also predictors of CORE-18 scores, reflecting the negative impact of stress on students’ psychological well-being. Perceived health status and the male sex were associated with better outcomes on the DASS-21 and CORE-18, while the female sex predicted a healthier lifestyle, as measured by FANTASTICO. These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions that address mental health and promote healthy lifestyle choices in educational settings.
- Reading fluency of higher education studentsPublication . Sucena, Ana; Marques, Cátia; Silva, Ana; Carneiro, João Falcão; Sucena, AnaThe literature that links career development with reading skills is scarce. This study seeks to fill this gap, for which the reading f luency of college students was analyzed, taking into account the choice of more/less desirable courses. Desirability is based on the classifications for college access. 211 students participated in the study, 132 female, attending four courses: Mechanical Engineering, Health, Psychology, and Education, in three Portuguese Public Universities. The instruments used were the sociodemographic form and the Teste de Idade de Leitura (Reading Age Test – TIL). The results indicated that students attending less desirable courses (i.e., Education and Health) are significantly less fluent and; students who score lower on reading fluency are more likely to belong to the Education course. This study stresses the importance of the distribution of students by the different areas of studies should not reflect reading fluency asymmetries.
- Forms of interventions for problematic usage of the internet: A scoping reviewPublication . Dores, Artemisa; Dores, ArtemisaThis scoping review aims to identify current forms of interventions for Problematic Usage of the Internet (PUI) to inform more effective intervention and policy-making initiatives grounded in robust empirical evidence. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases until October 12, 2024. Empirical research presenting data on interventions for PUI and written in English was included without restrictions of age groups, types of interventions, or types of PUI. Five main forms of interventions for PUI were identified in the 77 studies included in the review, namely, pharmacotherapy, transcranial direct current stimulation, physical exercise, electroacupuncture, and psychotherapy or educational programs. Most studies were conducted in Asian and Middle-Eastern countries, and various validated instruments were used to assess PUI. Psychotherapy and education were the most common interventions in research. Apart from time spent online, positive results of the various interventions were reported on the respective PUI scales in most studies. However, studies with rigorous designs showed non-significant changes, suggesting that methodological differences may influence the reported outcomes. The different interventions reflect the multidimensional nature and complexity of PUI treatment and prevention strategies. Although current interventions show potential, more robust and rigorous study designs are necessary to draw definite conclusions. Further investigation is needed to understand the influence of comorbidities and the impact of individuals actively seeking help on treatment outcomes. Additionally, more substantial evidence is required to evaluate the effectiveness of PUI prevention efforts, particularly considering varying levels of PUI severity.
- Methylphenidate and P300 in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Barroso, Beatriz C. R.; Mendonça, Fabiana; Mazer, Prune; Prata, Catarina; Pinto, Joana O.; Mazer, Prune; Pinto, Joana OMethylphenidate (MPH) is a stimulant medicine often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as it may positively affect behaviour and brain activity. This work aims to systematise the current literature about the effects of MPH on the amplitude of P300 in individuals with ADHD. A systematic review and meta-analysis of empirical studies measuring P300 amplitude and comparing MPH administration to either a pre-MPH condition or healthy controls was conducted, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Our results revealed no overall (n = 13) significant differences between individuals diagnosed with ADHD and medicated with MPH and controls. Although, a moderation analysis by region found differences between both groups on frontal sites. When comparing the pre- and post-effects of MPH on the same individuals (n = 17), it appears that P300 amplitude tends to increase post-administration in central and posterior regions. In this second meta-analysis, a moderation by task revealed a larger effect size for go/no-go. In general, MPH was found to increase P300 amplitude in ADHD, somewhat normalising this aspect of their brain activity. The main limitations of the included studies are the insufficiently explained dosages and the skewness for male participants. Future research directions are discussed.
- Executive function in gambling disorder: A meta-analysis on neuropsychological evidencePublication . Peixoto, Miguel; Dores, Artemisa; Monteiro, Maria; Marques, António; Barbosa, Fernando; Pereira da Silva Marques, António José; Dores, Artemisa; de Faria Távora Moreira Peixoto, MiguelGambling disorder (GD) is associated with defcits in various cognitive functions. Specifcally for executive function (EF), previous fndings are inconsistent, despite defcits being reported for shifting, inhibition, planning, and working memory domains. Although a worse performance in EF measures related to GD severity is often reported, there is a need to clarify current evidence. This study aims to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis to clarify the association between EF defcits and GD. The current study followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses protocols. The meta-analysis used a random efects model and robust variance estimation to analyze the data, using Hedge’s g to report efect sizes. A total of 21 studies were systematically reviewed, of which 17 were included for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was performed for shifting, inhibition, planning, and verbal fuency. Due to a lower number of studies, working memory data was systematically reviewed, but no meta-analysis was performed. Significant efect sizes were found for shifting and inhibition, indicative of defcits in participants with GD. No signifcant defcits were found for the other EF domains. Working memory results revealed inconsistent evidence, even when divided into verbal and visuospatial modalities. There is enough evidence of defcits in shifting and inhibition in participants with GD. However, better sample characterization should be considered in future studies to better understand the sources of potential heterogeneity. Consideration of gambling severity as a continuous variable could allow for a more detailed analysis of EF alterations across the various degrees of GD.
- General achievement goals orientation scale: factorial analysis in high school studentsPublication . Gomes, Andreia; Azevedo, Ângela Sá; Dias, Paulo César; Guimarães, Teresa; Lima, Isabel; Salgado, Ana; Salgado, Ana IsabelThis paper aims to present the results of the Portuguese adaptation of General Achievement Goal Orientation Scale (GAGOS; McInerney & Yeung, 2000). This instrument has five different motivation scales: Motivation Value, Global Motivation, General Mastery, General Performance and General Social. The work of adaptation consisted in a exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency analysis from the data of two samples of 617 and 418 High School students. The results suggest a solution with good psychometric properties, in terms of validity as acceptable fidelity, with differences per gender and relationship with age and education level. The results discussed and suggestions presented.
- Translation and validation of the Portuguese version of the internet severity and activities addiction questionnaire (ISAAQ-10) towards the identification of problematic social media use: A population studyPublication . Dores, Artemisa R.; Antunes, Cátia; Geraldo, Andreia; Carvalho, Irene P.; Marques, António; Pereira, Ilídio; Chamberlain, Samuel R.; Lochner, Christine; Ioannidis, Konstantinos; Dores, Artemisa; Geraldo, Andreia; Pereira da Silva Marques, António JoséProblematic usage of the internet (PUI) refers to a pattern of internet use that results in negative consequences in an individual’s life. It encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, which require assessment in terms of both severity and diversity, for a comprehensive understanding. This study aimed to translate the Internet Severity and Activities Questionnaire (ISAAQ-10) into Portuguese, to analyze its psychometric properties and to explore the validity of the ISAAQ-10 social networking use activity score towards identifying problematic social media use. A snowball sampling method was used, with participants completing an online survey comprising sociodemographic questions and the Portuguese versions of the ISAAQ-10, Internet Addiction Test-10 (IAT-10), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale–Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), and Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS). The psychometric analysis included internal reliability testing using Cronbach’s alphas and test-retest reliability, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and convergent validity testing between the ISAAQ-10 and IAT-10. The concurrent validity of the ISAAQ-10 was also examined. A total of 590 young adults (85.1 % female), aged between 18 and 35 years, participated in this study. The ISAAQ-10 presented good internal consistency ( α =0.93), with a test-retest correlation of r = 0.865; 95 % CI: 0.669–0.939. and a unidimensional structure that explained 48.3 % of the total variance. The convergent validity of the ISAAQ-10’s total score was established through a high Pearson’s correlation (r = 0.574; p ≤ .001) with the IAT-10’s total score. Pearson’s correlations between the ISAAQ-10 gaming activity score and the IGDS9-SF (r = 0.873; p < .001), and between the ISAAQ-10 social networking use activity score and the BSMAS (r = 0.670; p < .001), respectively, supported the instrument’s concurrent validity. This work provides support for the Portuguese translation of the ISAAQ-10, which can be employed to identify the severity of problematic usage of the internet in a population sample. It also provides the first validation of the ISAAQ-10 social networking use activity score, which can be employed to identify problematic social media use within a predominately female university student sample. This study further establishes the ISAAQ-10 as a valid and reliable tool for population studies and, specifically, for the identification of problematic social media use.