Percorrer por autor "Cunha, Olga"
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- Adverse childhood experiences and aggression in adulthood : the moderating role of positive childhood experiencesPublication . Almeida, Telma Catarina; Cardoso, Jorge; Matos, Ana Francisca; Murça, Ana; Cunha, OlgaBackground: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a significant impact on a person's psychological development and predispose them to various harmful consequences in adulthood, such as different forms of aggression. Contrarily, positive childhood experiences (PCEs) operate as protective factors, buffering against the adverse effects of ACEs and promoting adaptive behaviors and psychological well-being. However, the role of PCEs in the relationship between ACEs and aggression remains relatively unexplored. Objective: To explore the moderation role of PCEs in the relationship between ACEs and aggression and its different components across sexes in a community sample. Methods: A sample of 1541 Portuguese adults answered an online protocol with a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale, the Childhood History Questionnaire, and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Results: ACEs were positively correlated with aggression, including physical and verbal aggression, anger, and hostility, with women reporting a higher prevalence of ACEs and higher levels of anger. Men revealed higher scores in physical and verbal aggression. Furthermore, moderation analyses clarified the moderating effect of PCEs on the relationship between ACEs and aggression in women and between ACEs and anger in both sexes. PCEs attenuate the adverse impact of ACEs, reducing aggression and anger levels. Conclusions: This study stresses the complex interplay between childhood experiences and adult aggression, highlighting the differential effects of ACEs and PCEs across men and women. By clarifying these dynamics, interventions can be tailored to bolster protective factors like PCEs. This will ultimately foster healthier developmental trajectories and reduce the prevalence of aggression in adulthood.
- Brief measure of affective lability among Portuguese community and justice samples : psychometrics and measurement invariancePublication . Almeida, Telma Catarina; Fernandes, Raquel Margarida; Cunha, OlgaAffective lability is a central feature of several emotional disturbances and is linked to aggressive and risky behaviors. This study aimed to analyze the psychometric properties of the Affective Lability Scale-18 (ALS-18) among a community sample and a sample of justice-involved adults. We also aimed to test the measurement invariance between sex and sample type. Results revealed good to excellent values of internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the original three-factor structure of the ALS-18 obtained good fits. The ALS-18 demonstrated measurement invariance across sex and sample type. The results support that ALS-18 is a valuable brief and useful measure of affective lability among male and female individuals for use in community and justice samples.
- Effectiveness of the motivational interviewing techniques with perpetrators of intimate partner violence : a non-randomized clinical trialPublication . Cunha, Olga; Almeida, Telma Catarina; Gonçalves, Rui Abrunhosa; Caridade, SóniaThe effectiveness of perpetrators’ intervention programs (PIPs) remains controversial. Readiness and motivation for change are associated with treatment success among intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators. In this study, we aimed to verify whether adding Motivational Interviewing Techniques (MIT) during the intake phase of a standard PIP (SPIP) increases treatment adherence. We also sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the MIT plus SPIP concerning an SPIP alone. In this non-randomized clinical trial, 50 participants were assigned to one of the two conditions SPIP alone or MIT plus SPIP. Data were collected at baseline and the end of the intervention. Proximal outcomes (dropout, intervention dose, motivation, attitudes toward IPV, problem-solving skills) and final outcomes (IPV perpetration, risk of IPV) were assessed. The Reliable Change Index (RCI) was also computed. Results indicated that SPIP plus MIT participants concluded the curriculum in a more advanced stage of change, revealed more readiness to change, evidenced greater clinical improvements, and displayed higher reductions in attitudes toward IPV, IPV perpetration, and recidivism risk than SPIP participants. These findings point to MIT’s ability to promote readiness to change and progression into the stages of change, enhancing intervention efficacy with IPV perpetrators. (NCT05484440)
- The impact of imprisonment on individuals’ mental health and society reintegration : study protocolPublication . Cunha, Olga; Rodrigues, Andreia de Castro; Caridade, Sónia; Dias, Ana Rita; Almeida, Telma Catarina; Cruz, Ana Rita; Peixoto, Maria ManuelaBackground: Prison sentences are a particular type of penalty that aim to reintegrate individuals into society. Nonetheless, research suggests that prison sentences have a null or a criminogenic effect on recidivism and a critical impact on inmates’ mental health, negatively interfering with their successful reintegration into society and recidivism. Prevalence rates of mental health disorders among individuals who commit crimes are high, but little is known about how incarceration perpetuates and/or worsens mental health symptoms. In the Portuguese context, no studies focused on understanding the impact of imprisonment on prisoners’ mental health. Thus, this project aims to understand incarceration’s mental health and well-being impact on male and female individuals convicted to prison, both while incarcerated and after release. Methods: The study will follow a quantitative cross-sectional design of male and female individuals in prison and parole, aiming to assess different samples at different moments of the prison sentence. It will also follow a longitudinal design in a subsample of male and female individuals sentenced to prison and on parole who will be followed for one year. Discussion: This study intends to have a meaningful impact on the understanding of imprisonment effects, giving important clues for developing and implementing evidence-based prevention and intervention strategies to address prisoners’ and ex-prisoners’ mental health and improve their ability to successfully reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism.
- The impact of positive childhood experiences : a systematic review focused on children and adolescentsPublication . Sousa, Marta; Machado, Ana Beatriz; Pinheiro, Marina; Pereira, Bárbara; Caridade, Sónia; Almeida, Telma Catarina; Cruz, Ana Rita; Cunha, OlgaChildhood and adolescence are crucial stages of life, characterized by significant changes that profoundly influence overall development. While positive childhood experiences (PCEs) can help mitigate the effects of adverse events during these formative years, they have not been as thoroughly researched. Then, this systematic review aims to address this gap by organizing the existing literature on PCEs and examining their impact on both positive and negative outcomes in children and adolescents. A search through databases such as B-On, PsycINFO, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Scielo, as well as supplementary searches, identified 30 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate that most studies were published in the last 4 years, primarily in the USA, and focused on community populations with mixed samples. In addition, the results reveal that among children and adolescents, higher levels of PCEs were associated with better mental health outcomes (e.g., reduced depressive symptoms, anxiety, self-harm, substance use, and suicidal ideation), improved psychosocial outcomes (e.g., enhanced adult functioning and future orientation), better academic achievement (e.g., reduced absenteeism and fewer academic difficulties), and some improvements in physical health (e.g., reduced chronic pain). However, the relationship between PCEs and behavioral outcomes showed mixed results. Strengthening efforts to promote PCEs and resources that support child and adolescent resilience is crucial. Further research involving diverse samples is needed to gain a deeper understanding of the role of PCEs.
- Positive childhood experiences and adult outcomes : a systematic reviewPublication . Cunha, Olga; Sousa, Marta; Pereira, Bárbara; Pinheiro, Marina; Machado, Ana Beatriz; Caridade, Sónia; Almeida, Telma CatarinaAlthough positive childhood experiences (PCEs) may serve as protective factors against the negative consequences of childhood adversity, they have been less extensively studied. However, more recently, there has been a growing interest in understanding the role of these experiences. This systematic review aims to address this research gap by systematizing the existing literature on PCEs and examining their relationship with both positive and negative outcomes. A comprehensive search of databases such as B-On, PsycINFO, PubMed, SCOPUS, and Scielo identified 87 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Different studies have employed various designs and samples to investigate the relationship between PCEs and adult outcomes. The findings suggest that higher levels of PCEs are consistently associated with better mental health outcomes, such as decreased depressive symptoms, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors, as well as improved psychosocial well-being, including reduced perceived stress and increased life satisfaction. Conflicting results were found for behavioral outcomes, physical health, stressful life events, and parenting and family functioning. In addition, the interaction effect of PCEs on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in adulthood is inconsistent. PCEs and ACEs appear to be independent sets of experiences that often coexist, with PCEs frequently not moderating the consequences of adversity on outcomes. More research with diverse samples is needed to better understand the role of PCEs.
- Prevalence and impact of revenge pornography on a sample of Portuguese womenPublication . Murça, Ana; Cunha, Olga; Almeida, Telma CatarinaVictims of revenge pornography (RP) suffer long-term psychological, personal, and social consequences, given that the spread of explicit content may continue to disturb them throughout their lives. However, there is a scarcity of studies on this phenomenon in Portugal. The present study aims to identify the prevalence of RP and analyze its impact on self-esteem, humiliation, depression, and anxiety, and compare victims and non-victims of RP on these same variables. The sample comprises 274 Portuguese women aged between 18 and 82. The data was collected through an online protocol consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Humiliation Inventory, and the Brief Symptoms Inventory. From the total sample, 45 (16.4%) participants reported at least one experience of RP. RP victims reported higher levels of humiliation, anxiety, and depression and lower levels of self-esteem than non-victims. However, only humiliation distinguished RP victims and non-victims. RP is a growing phenomenon enhanced by the intensified use of technology. Along with this phenomenon comes the impact on victims, which has long-term consequences. This study contributes to the scientific community since the scientific study of RP and its impact on victims is still incipient.
- Resilience and hopelessness mediate the relationship between benevolent childhood experiences and life satisfaction : evidence from a cross-cultural studyPublication . Sever, Melih; Tatlıcıoğlu, Oktay; Almeida, Telma Catarina; Azeez, E. P. Abdul; Caridade, Sónia; Cunha, OlgaBackground: A growing body of literature focuses on the role of benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) in predicting adulthood well-being, in addition to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). However, cross-cultural differences are generally ignored in this endeavor. Hence, this study aimed to explore the role of BCEs in predicting life satisfaction, resilience, and hopelessness. We also examined the potential of resilience and the role of hopelessness in mediating the relationship between BCE and life satisfaction. Methods: A total of 850 university students from Turkey (n = 371), Portugal (n = 248), and India (n = 231), aged 17 to 58 years (M = 22.12, SD = 4.41), participated in the study. Participants completed an online protocol consisting of measures to assess BCEs, life satisfaction, resilience, and hopelessness. Results: BCEs, hopelessness, and life satisfaction have significantly differed among the samples based on the country of residence. BCEs were positively correlated to resilience and life satisfaction and negatively to hopelessness. In the sequential mediation model, after controlling for country and sex, resilience and hopelessness sequentially mediated the relationship between BCEs and life satisfaction. BCEs were associated with life satisfaction, resilience, and hopelessness across countries and sexes. The model explains 42.8% of the variability. Conclusion: Despite differences between countries, BCEs are important predictors of adult well-being in all three countries and should be monitored along with ACE. Further, resilience seems to have an important role in lowering the negative consequences of lower BCEs and feelings of hopelessness, pointing to the need to strengthen psychological resilience among adults.
- The role of positive childhood experiences in the link between childhood maltreatment and affective lability in a sample of incarcerated men and womenPublication . Almeida, Telma Catarina; Fernandes, Raquel Margarida; Cunha, OlgaBackground: Individuals with a history of child maltreatment (CM) tend to show high affective lability (AL) and criminal behavior. However, positive childhood experiences (PCEs) may act as a protective factor even in the presence of child maltreatment. Objective: The present study aimed to analyze the relationship between CM, PCEs, and AL in adulthood, identify the predictors of AL and analyze the moderating role of PCEs in the relationship between CM and AL in a sample of 424 incarcerated men (n = 343) and women (n = 81), aged between 18 and 73 years (M = 37.88). Methods: Participants responded to an online protocol consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale (BCEs), and the Affective Lability Scale – Short Version (ALS-18). Results: CM was positively associated with AL and negatively associated with PCEs, and PCEs are negatively associated with AL. Regression analyses, after controlling for age, sex, and education, confirmed the role of PCEs on AL, above and beyond CM. However, moderation analysis showed that PCEs did not moderate the relationship between CM and AL for either men or women. Conclusions: These results highlight the complexity of human development and behavior from early childhood into adulthood. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of PCEs in the relationship between ACEs and AL among inmates in order to develop more appropriate prevention and intervention programs.
- When good experiences matter : positive childhood experiences as a moderator between adverse childhood experiences and psychopathic traits in community and justice-involved samplesPublication . Cunha, Olga; Sousa, Marta; Almeida, Telma Catarina; Guarda, Renata; Cruz, Ana RitaAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to negative outcomes in behavior, mental health, and personality, including psychopathic traits. Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) may buffer these effects, but their role in this context remains underexplored. This study examined the association between ACEs, PCEs, and psychopathic traits, and explored whether PCEs moderate the ACEs-psychopathic traits relationship. The study included 1138 adults residing in Portugal, comprising 710 community participants recruited online (M age = 25.36), and 428 justice-involved individuals (M age = 41.03) recruited from 10 national prisons. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale, the Benevolent Childhood Experiences Scale, and the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale – Short Form. Results revealed a high prevalence of both ACEs and PCEs in both samples, with justice-involved individuals reporting a higher frequency of ACEs. The justice-involved sample also exhibited the highest scores on total psychopathy and across all psychopathy facets. No moderating effect of PCEs was found in the justice-involved sample; however, significant effects emerged in the community sample for total psychopathy and the interpersonal, affective, and lifestyle facets. These findings highlight the differential impact of PCEs across populations and suggest that their protective role may be diminished in contexts of more severe and persistent adversity.