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- Interdependency between oxytocin and dopamine in trust-based learning in micePublication . Budniok, Samuel; Callaerts-Vegh, Zsuzsanna; Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian; Bosmans, Guy; D’Hooge, RudiOxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide implicated in complex social behaviors such as trust and attachment, yet the neural mechanisms underlying its effects remain unclear. OT is thought to modulate behavior by enhancing salience of social cues and attenuating prediction error (PE) processing, the discrepancy between expected and actual outcomes that drives learning. Since both salience coding and PE processing involve dopamine (DA), we investigated OT and DA interdependency in social safety learning using the social transmission of food preference (STFP) paradigm. In STFP, mice overcome neophobia towards novel food after a conspecific demonstrator signals its safety. We interpreted STFP acquisition as a functional parallel to human trust-based learning and found that OT enhanced demonstrated food preference in a trust acquisition condition, but only when DA signaling was intact. In a trust violation condition, the expectation of food safety was violated by pairing demonstrated food with lithium chloride (LiCl)-induced aversion. Updating was blocked after OT administration and non significantly reduced after DA depletion, resulting in a continued preference for demonstrated food. However, this effect was absent when OT was administered under DA depletion. These findings reveal a functional interaction between the OT and DA systems in social safety learning, which may have important implications for OT’s potential in treating disorders involving DA dysfunction.
- Collaborative development of a scoping review protocol to map instruments assessing the parent–infant relationship: An International Initiative from COST Action TREASUREPublication . Brandão, Sónia; Talmon, Anat; Gieysztor, Ewa; Souto, Patrícia; Soares, Andreia; Silva, Rosa; Gonçalves, Patrícia; Prata, Paula; Şensoy, Özlem; Akgül, Esra Ardahan; Pinar, Semra; Uriko, Kristiina; Sevgili, Seda Ardahan; Bulut, Elif; Shigdel, Rajesh; Gülaldı, Demet; Freitas, Otília; Onel, Aycin Ezgi; Dikmen-Yildiz, Pelin; Power, Carmen; Lochmannová, Alena; d'Orsi, Dora; Koç, Özlem; Sönmez, Tuğçe; Brandão, Tânia; Azevedo, Diana; Miloseva, Lence; Bolacali, Edanur Tar; Aksoy, Bahar; Markaj, Mirlinda; Sousa, Gilberta; Akik, Burcu Kömürcü; Carone, Nicola; Gencpinar, Pinar; Yıldırım, Ayça Demir; Koyu, Hazal Özdemir; Abreu, Wilson; Esencan, Tuğba Yılmaz; Santos, Margarida Reis; Santos, Mario; Can, Remziye; Zietlow, Anna-Lena; Caparros-Gonzalez, RafaelEarly relational health during the first 24 months of life is a key determinant of child development and wellbeing. During this postnatal period, the parent–infant relationship plays a central role in emotional regulation, bonding, and developmental trajectories. Although the broader early relational health framework encompasses the first 1,000 days of life, this scoping review focuses specifically on the postnatal phase, where parent–infant interactions are directly observable and measurable. However, existing assessment instruments vary widely in their conceptual focus, scope, and characteristics, and no comprehensive review has systematically mapped tools used to assess the parent–infant relationship during early infancy. In response to this gap, a transdisciplinary working group within the COST Action CA22114 – TREASURE collaboratively developed a scoping review protocol to systematically map instruments assessing the parent–infant relationship from birth to 24 months of age. This Brief Report describes the collaborative methodological process underpinning the protocol’s development. The process followed an iterative, consensus-driven approach involving multidisciplinary experts from multiple COST member countries. Through structured online meetings, the group clarified core constructs and established the age range using the Population–Concept–Context (PCC) framework. The JBI methodology for scoping reviews was adopted and aligned with PRISMA-ScR standards to ensure transparency and reproducibility. Progressive drafting, internal peer review, and iterative refinement led to the final protocol, which was registered on the Open Science Framework .The resulting protocol provides a replicable methodological framework for mapping instruments that assess the parent–infant relationship in the first two years of life. This Brief Report presents a framework for collaborative protocol development in international research networks, promoting shared knowledge generation in early relational health research and offering potential applicability to other COST initiatives.
- Living with a veteran with trauma: Impact on family functioning using the genogram as a research toolPublication . Brites, Rute; Nunes, Odete; Hipólito, João; Brandão, Tânia; Correia, António; Nunes, CristinaIntroduction: Although the psychological impact of war on veterans, particularly the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has been well documented, the long-term effects on their families have been less widely studied. Research suggests that veterans’ trauma can disrupt relationships and contribute to secondary/intergenerational trauma within the family. Objective: This study uses genograms to explore how PTSD symptoms experienced by veterans have influenced family rela tionships over time, and to uncover patterns of intergenerational and systemic impact in families of Portuguese Overseas War veterans. Method: A qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with 32 families (each comprising a veteran, their spouse, and at least one adult child) was used (n=100). The data were synthesized into genograms to visually map family structure, relationship quality, and patterns of psychological distress. Cross-family analysis was then conducted to identify common relational themes. Results: Families were clustered into four main impact groups: maximum negative impact, limited negative impact, no impact, and protective impact. These classifications reflect variations in family functioning, mental health symptoms, and relational patterns. In some families, the veteran’s trauma appeared to affect multiple subsystems, while in others, spouses played a buffering/protective role. A fifth group was identified, with no consistent pattern. Conclusion: Findings emphasize the complexity and variability of trauma transmission within families, highlighting both vul nerability and resilience. Using genograms proved effective in capturing systemic dynamics. These results emphasize the importance of adopting a family-systems approach in the clinical treatment of veterans affected by PTSD and suggest avenues for future research.
- Stability and changes in loneliness profiles across adolescence: The effects of intraindividual characteristics on the transitions across timePublication . Ribeiro, Olívia; Rubin, Kenneth H.; Santos, AntónioAdopting a person-centered approach with longitudinal data, our study examined the stability and transitions of loneliness profiles across three consecutive years, during adolescence. We also explored the lasting effects of loneliness and the role of intraindividual characteristics—sex, self-worth, social acceptance, friendships competence, and social withdrawal—in predicting transitions between profiles. Data were collected from an initial sample of Portuguese adolescents. Our findings also suggest lasting effects, as adolescents with a history of loneliness were more likely to report feeling lonely again later. Intraindividual characteristics also impacted on the transitions among profiles. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of recognizing loneliness as a multidimensional experience with a potentially discontinuous developmental trajectory.
- Promoting socioemotional development in early childhood: Implementation and evaluation of the VIPP-SD parenting intervention in PortugalPublication . Verissimo, Manuela; Guedes, Maryse; Fernandes, Marilia; Fernandes, Carla; Santos, Carolina; Diniz, Eva; Oliveira, Paula; Negrão, Mariana; Sampaio, Filipa; Bakermans-Kranenburg, MarianThe prevention of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems in children is a critical scientific and public health priority. Research highlights maternal sensitivity—defined as a caregiver’s ability to perceive, interpret, and respond appropriately to their child’s cues—and consistent but non-coercive discipline as key factors in reducing these behavioral issues. The Video-feedback Intervention to Promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD) aims to enhance maternal sensitivity and promote non-coercive discipline strategies. Meta-analyses have demonstrated its effectiveness in improving parental sensitivity, limit-setting practices, and child attachment security, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged families. However, evidence on its impact on externalizing behaviors remains mixed, with some studies suggesting delayed or context-specific effects. This project aims to evaluate VIPP-SD’s impact on parental sensitivity, discipline, child behavioral problems, and parental mental health in Portugal. Additionally, it seeks to assess the intervention’s cost-effectiveness by analyzing health outcomes, resource utilization, and associated costs. The program consists of a baseline visit, four intervention sessions, and optional booster sessions, focusing on themes such as sensitive responsiveness, positive reinforcement, and empathetic boundary-setting. 120 families from vulnerable populations in Portugal will be recruited and randomly assigned to the VIPP-SD intervention or the same number of contacts without feedback on parenting. Trained interveners will deliver the intervention. Pre- and posttest assessments include observed and self-reported parenting behaviors, parental mental health, quality of life, and resource use. Follow-up assessments include questionnaires on parent and child variables. Discussion The study aims to provide robust evidence to inform health policy decisions and prioritize cost-effective early interventions that improve developmental outcomes, reduce societal costs, and support family well-being.
- Beyond the destination: A qualitative study on how experiencing leisure traveling shapes mental health among older adultsPublication . von Humboldt, Sofia; Ilyas, Namrah; Maria Pereira Leal, IsabelLeisure traveling holds the potential to positively influence the emotional and mental health of older adults, a population increasingly recognized for its unique well-being challenges. This study aims to: a) assess the emotional experiences of leisure traveling among older adults; and b) analyze how leisure traveling influences the mental health of older adults. A total of 784 older adults from three nationalities, aged 65 to 82 years (M = 71.4; SD = 4.47), participated in the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, and content analysis was employed. For the first objective, eight themes emerged: (1) Less loneliness and isolation (88.3%); (2) Increased selfconfidence (84.9%); (3) Meaningful relationships (75.2%); (4) Opportunities for physical activity (70.1%); (5) Personal growth (66.4%); (6) Improved sense of agency (61.2%); (7) Enhanced coping skills (59.5%); and (8) Increased perceived well-being (57.3%). For the second objective, four themes emerged: (1) Less depressive symptoms (78.3%), (2) Reduced stress and anxiety (77.3%), (3) Cognitive flexibility (75.3%), and (4) Improved sleep quality (63.9%). Portuguese older adults focused on less loneliness and isolation (88.3%) and reduced stress and anxiety (77.3%). English older adults emphasized meaningful relationships (75.2%) and less depressive symptoms (78.3%), while Brazilian participants highlighted opportunities for physical activity (70.1%) and cognitive flexibility (75.3%). Leisure traveling enriches older adults’ lives by enhancing mental health, highlighting its vital role in promoting multifaceted well-being in later life.
- From abuse to offense: The legacy of childhood sexual abuse on the psychological functioning of men who perpetrated child sexual abusePublication . Sousa, Marta; Cunha, Olga; Gonçalves, Tânia; Gonçalves, Rui; de Castro Rodrigues, AndreiaBackground: Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is often considereda significant factor associated with sexual offending in adulthood.However, the specific role of this experience in the commission ofsexual offenses remains unclear. Objective: This study aimed to exam-ine differences in emotional functioning (i.e. symptomatology, self-esteem) and dysfunctional thinking patterns between men convictedof CSA with and without a personal history of CSA. Participants andSetting: The sample consisted of 109 adult men found guilty of com-mitting CSA, divided into two groups: those who reported havingexperienced CSA (n = 26) and those who did not (n = 83). Methods:Participants were evaluated on several dimensions, including socio-demographic and legal variables, history of sexual, physical, and psy-chological abuse, substance use, psychopathology, aggression, self-esteem, victim empathy, and cognitive distortions. Results: Those witha history of CSA showed more psychological symptoms, greater levelsof aggression, and lower self-esteem compared to those without sucha history. They also demonstrated more distorted beliefs related tosexual drive. Conclusions: The findings highlight important implica-tions for prevention and intervention, suggesting that individuals witha history of CSA may present distinct emotional and cognitive needscompared to those without such experiences.
- Perceived parental emotional availability, emotion regulation, and health-related quality of life in adolescentsPublication . Simão, Sofia; Diniz, Eva; Babore, Alessandra; Brandão, Tânia; Diniz, EvaThis study examines differences in perceived parental emotional availability, emotion regulation (ER), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adolescents, considering gender, age, and family structure. It also assesses contextual differences in ER (at home vs. at school) and investigates the mediating role of ER in the relationship between perceived parental emotional availability and HRQoL. The sample consisted of 202 Portuguese adolescents (M age = 13.44 years, SD = 1.01; 52.5% girls) who participated in this cross-sectional study. Self-report scales were used to assess perceived emotional availability, ER, and HRQoL, with data collected during classes using a paper-and-pencil procedure. The results showed that girls’ perceptions of mother and father emotional availability were smaller than perceptions reported by boys; girls reported lower HRQoL. Also, adolescents from divorced/separated families reported higher levels of expressive suppression at home and lower HRQoL. Both maternal and paternal perceived emotional availability were positively associated with better HRQoL in adolescents. Furthermore, expressive suppression (within the home context) and cognitive reappraisal (within the school context) partially explained these associations. These findings have important implications for both practice and research, highlighting the significance of perceived parental emotional availability and the role of ER in enhancing adolescents’ HRQoL.
- Exploring associations between infant attachment, maternal sensitivity, and attention to maternal emotion expressionsPublication . Peltola, Mikko J.; Biro, Szilvia; Huffmeijer, Rens; Sinisalo, Hanneli; Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marian; IJzendoorn, Marinus H. vanRecent studies have indicated that patterns of infant‐caregiver attachment are associated with differences in infants’ processing of social signals of emotion, such as facial expressions. In the current longitudinal study we extended this line of research to social signals of actual attachment figures by investigating whether 7‐month‐old infants’ neural and attentional responses to their mother's angry and happy facial expressions are associated with infants’ attachment security to the mother at 12 months of age. At 7 months , we measured event‐related potentials (ERP) to the mother's angry and happy faces and attention dwell times to the mother's and a stranger's angry and happy faces, and maternal sensitivity was assessed during free play. At 12 months (n = 69), infant attachment was assessed with the Strange Situation procedure. In infants who were later classified as having secure attachment, the Nc ERP component indexing attention allocation was larger to maternal happy than angry expressions, whereas no difference in Nc amplitudes to maternal facial expressions was observed in infants with later insecure attachment. We speculate that this may indicate greater approach motivation triggered by the reward value of happy faces in securely attached infants through repeated experiences of positive interaction with the caregiver. Studies have indicated that different patterns of infant‐caregiver attachment are associated with infants’ processing of emotion expressions. We investigated whether infants’ attachment security is related to attentional and neural responses to their mother's facial expressions. Infants with secure attachment displayed larger attention‐related brain responses to their mother's happy than angry faces, no difference was found in insecurely attached infants.This may indicate greater reward value associated with happy faces in securely attached infants through repeated experiences of positive interaction with the caregiver.
- Menopause and weight loss (ME-WEL) randomised controlled trial: An e-health cognitive-behavioural group intervention for weight management in postmenopausal womenPublication . Leitão, Mafalda; Pérez-López, Faustino; Marôco, João; Pimenta, Filipa; Pimenta, Filipa; Maroco, JoãoBackground: Successful weight management is important for menopausal women, given the high prevalence of overweight and obesity. This study evaluated the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioural e-Health group intervention for weight management in postmenopausal women with overweight or obesity. The intervention incorporates the Health Action Process Approach, Health Belief Model, Oxford Food and Activity Behaviours, and Behaviour Change Techniques. Methods: This randomised controlled trial involved 27 participants − 13 in the intervention group (IG), who received an 8-week intervention, and 14 in the control group (CG), who received an informative leaflet. Five longitudinal assessments were performed. All variables were measured using quantitative instruments, and Body Mass Index was calculated from self-reported weight and height. Latent growth models (LGM) were conducted according to the intention-to-treat principle. Results: The LGM showed that some weight management strategies increase significantly over time in IG (energy compensation, regulation: rule setting) and regarding subjective well-being (positive affect and satisfaction with life). Additionally, the IG showed a decrease in emotional and uncontrolled eating, and an increase in self-esteem and health-related determinants. Discussion: Long-term effects of this cognitive-behavioural intervention were found in some measures, while others only increased for a certain period. Increasing session frequency and incorporating monthly maintenance sessions are recommended to achieve more sustainable results over time.