Rosa Marina Afonso

Reminiscence, Psychological Well-Being, and Ego Integrity in Portuguese Elderly People

This paper analyzes the impact of a reminiscence program on the psychological well-being and ego integrity of elderly people with depressive symptomatology. Ninety people aged 65 and over participated in a quasi-experimental design with pretest and posttest evaluations. They were assigned to one of three groups: (a) experimental group (reminiscence sessions); (b) control group or (c) control-placebo group (weekly relaxation sessions). The results indicate that only the experimental group had significant increases in its overall psychological well-being and ego integrity. This suggests that the promotion of instrumental and integrative reminiscences is an important therapeutic tool for psychological well-being in elderly people with depressive symptomatology.

Efectos de un programa de reminiscencia sobre la sintomatología depresiva en una muestra de población mayor portuguesa

INTRODUCTION This study analyzed the effectiveness of an individual, delimited, semi-structured reminiscence program as an intervention strategy to reduce depressive symptomatology in a population of Portuguese old people. MATERIAL AND METHODS A semi-structured reminiscence program was developed in 5 individual sessions. The programs impact on depressive symptomatology was tested in 90 subjects aged over 65 years with depressive symptoms, no antidepressive medication, and no signs of dementia. In a randomized experimental design, participants were assigned to one of 3 groups: a) experimental group (exposed to the program); b) control group, or c) placebo-control group (with weekly relaxation sessions). Pre and post-test score differences in Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) (adapted by Gonçalves and Fagulha, 2000-2001, from the original developed by Radloff, 1977), were analyzed in all participants at the same time intervals. RESULTS In the experimental group, significant improvements were found in depressive symptomatology (t [29]=19.70, p<0.01); the mean values decreased from 39.87 (standard deviation [SD]=7.90) to 13.60 (SD=5.14). In the control group, a significant increase in depressive symptomatology was observed (z=-2.83; p<0.001); the mean values rose from 30.93 (SD=7.07) to 34.10 (SD=8.76). In the placebo-control group, depressive symptomatology was reduced (t [29]=2,52; p<0.05) from 33.967 (SD=7.37) to 30.57 (SD=9.94), although the difference was less significant than that observed in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that elaboration of positive and negative autobiographical memories, stimulation of instrumental and integrative reminiscences and narration of specific and positive autobiographical memories using the reminiscence program, as designed and analyzed in this study, may be a tool for psychological intervention to reduce depressive symptomatology in old age.

A quasi-experimental study of a reminiscence program focused on autobiographical memory in institutionalized older adults with cognitive impairment

Working with past memories through reminiscence interventions has been practiced for several decades with successful outcomes on mental health in older adults. Few studies however have focused on autobiographical memory recall in older individuals with cognitive impairment. This study aims to analyze the impact of an individual reminiscence program in a group of older persons with cognitive decline living in nursing homes on the dimensions of cognition, autobiographical memory, mood, behavior and anxiety. A two-group pre-test and post-test design with single blinded assessment was conducted. Forty-one participants were randomized to an experimental group (n=20) and a control group (n=21). The first group attended five weekly individual reminiscence sessions. Changes in the outcome measures were examined for cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment; Autobiographical Memory Test), behavior (Alzheimer Disease Assessment Subscale Non-Cog) and emotional status (Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia; Geriatric Depression Scale, and Geriatric Anxiety Inventory). Participants attending reminiscence sessions exhibited better outcomes compared to the control group in cognition, anxiety and depression (p<0.001), and presented a higher number of retrieved autobiographical events, specificity of evoked memories and positive valence of events (p<0.001), and also presented lower latency time for recalling events, and lower negative recalled events (p<0.01). This study supports the potential value of reminiscence therapy in improving the recall of autobiographical memory. Reminiscence therapy can be helpful to maintain or improve cognitive function, decrease anxiety and manage depressive symptoms and altered behavior, but further investigation is needed to clarify long-term effects.

Measuring Happiness in Portuguese Adults: Validation of the CHQ - Covilha Happiness Questionnaire

This paper focuses on the study of happiness from two perspectives that have accompanied the historical evolution of its scientific study: its conceptual definition as a construct and its measurement. We aimed to integrate and analyze the development and validation of a new measure, adapted to the reality and socio-cultural specificities of Portugal, which struggles with particular socio-economic contingencies that have emerged contemporaneously. We also aimed to develop methodologies to obtain valid and updated data on psychosocial indicators of happiness and subjective well-being among the Portuguese population. This article thus explores the problem of measuring happiness within the complex conceptual context of (in) definition and operating (un)measurability. The article assumes the instrumental and descriptive objectives and attempts to contribute to the development and validation of a new instrument for assessing happiness. These objectives are founded on a multifactorial theoretical conception that incorporates personal, social and environmental dimensions, and which allows for the provision of specific indicators of happiness and an overall aggregated indicator. Method: This study was a cross-sectional survey of 645 Portuguese people. The Covilha’s Happiness Questionnaire (CHQ) uses 41 items to measure a person’s happiness. Results: Exploratory factor analysis revealed a well-fitting 5-dimensional factor structure (KMO = 0.914), with strong factor loadings and excellent internal reliability (Cronbach’sα = 0.921). The CHQ assessed the following dimensions: positive emotions, socially gratifying interactions, self-caring, participation in meaningful activities, and socio-economic structure engagement. Conclusion: The CHQ has good face validity and sound psychometric properties. It is a culturally adapted measure, thus user-friendly for researchers and others utilizing the scale.

Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Self-Esteem: Cross-Cultural Study in Portugal and Brazil

Internet addiction or problematic internet use has long been a matter of public concern. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship of internet addiction and self-esteem. The sample included 1399 Portuguese and Brazilian internet users, from 14 to 83 years old, who responded to the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) (Young, 1998b) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) (Rosenberg, 1989). A factor analysis of the IAT was conducted, revealing three factors: withdrawal & concealment, social & personal consequences, and excessive use. Using Pearson correlation, we found a negative correlation among internet addiction and self-esteem. Linear regression indicated that low self-esteem explained 11% of internet addiction, and negative feelings caused by internet addiction (withdrawal & concealment) explained 13% of self-esteem. In the analysis of the IAT, we found that the individuals with higher levels of internet addiction were: (a) man; (b) Brazilian; and (c) young (14 to 25 years old).

HIV Prevalence and HIV-Related Sexual Practices among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Portuguese Bathhouses

Background: To determine the perceived prevalence (the response of known HIV diagnosis) and trends of HIV infection among mem who have sex with men (MSM) frequenting gay bathhouses; and (2) to identify the risk factors associated sexual practices. Methods: A total of 424 MSM (Mean age 35.64, SD=10.05) recruited through informal social networks and the Internet participated in this study. Most participants were single and self-identified as gay (66.7%). Participants were asked to recall their sexual experiences while visiting a bathhouse for sexual purposes. Results: 9.4% (n=40) of participants reported being HIV positive and approximately 14.5% (n=62) reported not knowing their status. MSM visited the bathhouses 1.76 times per month (SD=2.12) and involved themselves with 3 men (on average) per each visit. Statistically significant differences between having sex with or without a condom were found (p<0.001) reflect that risky behavior occurs (95% CI). Risk practices involving fluid exchange (condomless practices) were also reported. Ejaculation in the mouth was reported by 29.3% to 48.9% of all participants, and ejaculation in the anus was reported by 15.8% to 17.4% of all participants. Linear regression indicated that sex role, substance use, sexual orientation and number of monthly visits were predictors of sexual practices involving fluid exchange. Conclusion: Results from this study show that HIV prevalence and HIV-related practices is high among MSM who use bathhouses to engage in sexual activity, and this can serve as a reference for researchers interested in these behavioral patterns and for local authorities aiming to promote health education among MSM.

The protective effect of job satisfaction in health, happiness, well-being and self-esteem.

The purpose of this article is to analyze the possible effects of job satisfaction on mental and physical health, happiness, subjective well-being and self-esteem. A total of 971 Portuguese-speaking adults participated in this study. Most participants reported high rates of satisfaction with their colleagues, the nature of their work and leadership, while reporting dissatisfaction with regard to salaries and promotions. Results indicated the existence of the protector effect of job satisfaction for health, happiness, subjective well-being and self-esteem, in addition to reinforcing the importance of maintaining a positive evaluation of one’s work. As a practical implication, the results may suggest that the effects of personnel management policies which emphasize job satisfaction could potentially lead to improvements in levels of health, happiness, subjective well-being and workers’ self-esteem, all of which are factors that can potentially improve organizational performance. The study also considered its limitations and the possibility for future investigation.

A importância dos indicadores biomédicos no funcionamento sexual em adultos portugueses saudáveis

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of biomedical indicators, such as body mass index, blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, on sexual functioning in Portuguese adults. METHODS The sample consisted of 225 healthy individuals (non-smokers, women not taking contraceptive pill), aged 18-89 years (mean = 41 years), of whom 107 were males and 117 females. A Sociodemographic Questionnaire, the Portuguese version of the Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ) and biomedical indicators measurement devices were applied. RESULTS 59.6% (N = 134) of the participants presented levels for global sexual functioning below the expected values. Men scored better overall sexual functioning when compared to women, as well as the group of younger participants. Significant correlational values between BMI (r = -253, p <.001), glycemic index (r = -.230, p <.001), total cholesterol (r = -144, p < .05) and sexual functioning were obtained. The hierarchical regression model allowed to demonstrate the mediating effect of the biomedical variables on sexual functioning, explaining 31% (r2 = .31; p <.001) of the total variance. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS This research makes it possible to highlight the importance of biomedical indicators in sexual functioning, helping professionals working in this area to be aware of how biomedical contexts interfere with sexual expression.

Aging Perceptions in Older Gay and Bisexual Men in Portugal: A Qualitative Study

Aims and Objectives The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions toward aging among Portuguese gay and bisexual men over 60 years old. Background Despite the growth of the older population, and the increased visibility and acceptance of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people in Western countries, the experience of aging in older gay and bisexual men is only beginning to be understood. Design We used a qualitative research methodology, based on critical gerontology, for establishing research questions and to identify the perspectives on the aging process in older gay and bisexual individuals. Methods We used a structured electronic inquiry with 25 gay and bisexual men over 60 years of age from Portugal. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to help identify repeated patterns of meaning in the data set. Results The recurrent themes in the narratives of the aging experiences of the participants in the study were as follows: positive perceptions of aging, negative perceptions of aging, coping with being a gay/bisexual man and family ties, professional care, homophobia/discrimination, relationships and social support, intergenerational differences, mediating role of sexual orientation, sociopolitical changes, and personal characteristics. Conclusion Analysis of perceptions about the aging process in older gay and bisexual men emphasized the desire for normalization in the social awareness of sexual orientation. It is important to continue doing research on this topic and disseminate this information among professionals who work with older lesbian, gay, and bisexual people so that they may better understand how they can meet the specific needs of this population.

Mental Health Disparities Between Roma and Non-Roma Unemployment Insurance Beneficiaries inPortugal

Background: The Roma population, one of the largest minority groups in Europe, experience discrimination and stigma associated with marginalized social position. Few studies have examined mental illnesses in the Roma, and none have examined the Roma unemployment beneficiaries. The present study estimates mental health among Roma unemployment beneficiaries in comparison to non-Roma beneficiaries in Portugal. Design: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Two clinical psychologists working as research assistants surveyed unemployed individuals looking for jobs at employment agencies. The sample consists of 71 unemployed individuals, beneficiaries of unemployment insurance, and registered in the National Institute of Employment and Professional Training in Portugal. 43.7% were Roma (31) and 56.3% (40) non-Roma. Mean age was 39.93 years old (ranging from 18 to 65 years old; SD = 11.96). Demographics variables were ethnicity, age, gender, marital status, education, and time of unemployment in years. Mental health was assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). Results: Results for the comparison of the two samples indicate significant differences for several dimensions of mental health that are more severe for non-Roma participants, namely, Obsessive-Compulsiveness, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Depression, Anxiety, Paranoid Ideation, Psychoticism, and Global Severity. Conclusions: When compared to participants of specific groups of the general population in the same challenging crisis and conjuncture such as unemployment, the Roma participants appear to have specific resilience processes, or some cultural and ethnic specificities when coping with mental health/ disease factors, as evidenced in the lower distress and lower levels of psychiatric disorders when compared to unemployed non-Roma individuals. As such, the unemployment condition seems to have a much more negative impact on the mental health of non-Roma participants than in the mental health of Roma participants.