Repositório do ISPA
Institutional Repository of Ispa-University Institute
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Voices from the rainbow: Exploring participants’ experiences in an online LGBTIQ+-Affirmative Psychoeducation Program
Publication . Ancín-Nicolás, Ruth A.; Collado, João Carlos; Lopez-Sáez, Miguel A.; Gonzalez, António-José
Background/Objectives: This article highlights the importance of addressing the mental health of LGBTQ people, specifically through psychoeducation/intervention programs. The primary objective was to understand the effects of participating in an online affirmative program. The theoretical frameworks of the minority stress model and the concept of decompensation were used to understand and address disparities with the general population. Methods: A detailed protocol was designed to understand the participants’ experiences. An analysis of the results was carried out using a content analysis of the data collected from a convenience sample of participants from two groups. Results: The findings show that the participants’ experiences were satisfactory, especially with developing coping skills and changing their attitudes towards homophobia, also showing improvements in mental health indicators. Conclusions: This study concludes that online LGBTQ-affirmative psychoeducation programs can be positive in enhancing the mental health and well-being of the LGBTQ population. The research highlights the importance of extending these programs to LGBTQ family members. It is also important to acknowledge the specificities of each subgroup.
Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Version of The PERMA-Profiler
Publication . Alves, Marcela Almeida; Palmer, Stephen; Gouveia, Maria João
This study evaluates the psychometric properties of a Portuguese version of The PERMA Profiler in a sample of 1258 Portuguese adults (72.3% females) with a mean age of 36.74 years (SD = 11.313). The PERMA Profiler is a questionnaire that assesses the five dimensions of psychological flourishing, according to Seligman’s well-being theory. According to this theory, the well-being pillars known by the acronym PERMA are positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test Seligman’s model. Results support a reasonable model fit for the five-factor model, but based on the results of bootstrap sample analysis the model was not confirmed. There is also a lack of discriminant validity between PERMA constructs and a lack of validity and reliability of engagement factor. Internal consistency was satisfactory for all five sub-scales, except for engagement. Concurrent validity was demonstrated through the strong and very strong correlations between the PERMA factors and Flourishing Scale.
A Portuguese version of The PERMA Profiler is a new tool to assist researchers to refine the measurement and understanding of well-being in Portuguese cultures. Future recommendations and limitations are highlighted.
Coping and positive body image in young women with breast cancer: The buffering role of social support
Publication . Almeida, Márcia; Griff, Maria Inês; Brandão, Tânia
Background/Objectives: Considering the unique body image challenges faced by young women with breast cancer, this study aims to deepen our understanding of how coping strategies and perceived social support contribute to fostering positive body image in this population. This is an important issue as body image is capable of influencing women’s self-esteem and psychological adaptation to breast cancer. Methods: A sample of 157 young women with breast cancer (M age = 41.43; SD = 6.05; Min 26 years, Max 50 years), 43% of whom had undergone breast reconstruction, completed an online survey. The survey included measures of coping strategies, positive body image, and perceived social support. Results: No significant differences in coping strategies, perceived social support, or positive body image were observed based on reconstruction status. Moderation analyses revealed that both avoidant and problem-focused coping were significantly associated with positive body image at moderate and high levels of perceived social support, but not at low levels of perceived social support. Perceived social support moderated the relationship between coping strategies and positive body image in women with breast cancer. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of social support in enhancing the effectiveness of both avoidant and problem-focused coping strategies in promoting positive body image. Future interventions should prioritize strengthening social support networks to optimize psychological outcomes in this population.
Understanding recruiters’ acceptance of artificial intelligence: Insights from the technology acceptance model
Publication . Filomena Almeida; Silva, Ana Junça; Lopes, Sara L.; Braz, Isabel
The 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.
As tutorias no ensino superior: Avaliação pelos estudantes
Publication . Almeida-Rocha, T.; Queiroz, F.; Loureiro, F.; Primoroso, D.; Vargas-Moniz, M. J.; Ispa - Instituto Universitário
No contexto académico, a Tutoria abrange todo o apoio e orientação disponibilizado por um/a responsável (o/a Tutor/a) a um/a estudante (o/a tutorando/a) que
estabelecem um contacto formal focado no processo de superação de eventuais dificuldades e/ou na aquisição de competências específicas relacionadas com a vida
académica .
1
As tutorias no Ensino Superior são uma estratégia que facilita a integração académica e social dos/as estudantes, uma vez que promove : Dinâmicas de integração
do estudante na comunidade académica; conhecimento acerca de procedimentos e práticas institucionais; formação académica, profissional e pessoal do estudante;
gestão de expetativas e de dificuldades reais e antecipadas.
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Desde 2010 que o ISPA adotou um sistema de Tutorias para orientação e suporte que procura desenvolver competências académicas, cognitivas, afetivas, de
autonomia, comunicacionais, sociais e culturais dos/as estudantes.
Objetivo: Introduzir uma dinâmica de reflexão e análise conjunta para compreender o contributo do programa tutoria para o desenvolvimento académico e pessoal
de estudantes, orientadas para o bem-estar e integração de estudantes nos contextos do ensino superior.