http://hdl.handle.net/10174/29566 2026-04-04T20:03:08Z 2026-04-04T20:03:08Z Ambriz, Mario Candeias, Adelinda http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40791 2026-02-04T15:48:39Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Effects of the Optimistic Stress Management Programme on the physical and psychological well-being of nurses Authors: Ambriz, Mario; Candeias, Adelinda Abstract: This presentation explores the effects of the "Optimistic Stress Management Programme" on the physical and psychological well-being of nurses. Nurses are a highly stressed population, with 86% working under high or moderate stress , and burnout affecting around 25%. The program's goal was to equip nurses with tools to mitigate stress and deal effectively with occupational stress. Hypotheses tested included whether the program decreased cortisol levels (a salivary biomarker) and reduced the subjective intensity of stress. Contributions include integrating psychophysiological measures in research and reinforcing the importance of stress management programs. The conclusion emphasizes the need to equip nurses with tools for self-awareness, coping, and burnout prevention.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Figueiredo, Inês Santos, Graça Matias, Ana Rita http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40790 2026-02-04T15:45:45Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: How does horses heal? An overview of the literature on the impacts of equine-assisted services on human’s health and resilience Authors: Figueiredo, Inês; Santos, Graça; Matias, Ana Rita Abstract: Since the beginning of the century, the World Health Organization (WHO) has considered stress as the health epidemic of the 21st century, acknowledging its devastating effects on our emotional and physical health. In the last few years, lifestyles, and rhythms, as well as various traumatic, sudden, and uncontrollable events (unexpected wars, COVID pandemic, natural disasters and economic crisis) escalated distress, and anxiety feelings, more visible in vulnerable populations. The need to develop programs for stress intervention has increased and there is some research on interventions with horses, but it is still too general and scattered. Recognizing the importance that Equine Assisted services (EAS) might have as a support for the health and well-being of various populations, this study aimed to collect the latest published works focusing on using horses for mental support. We aimed to identify and describe key concepts and information about these interventions, highlighting populations, contexts, methodologies, and results, to deepen the contribution that EAS may offer as an approach to deal with stressful or difficult events. Preliminary results, reviewed herein, suggest that the implicit features of the horse (as a social, sensitive, fearful, and powerful animal) by eliciting emotions and attachment, might be the basis for their potential therapeutic role. From the review emerged the several theories that have been constructed about the working mechanisms in EAS, all recognizing their meaningful potential to enhance resilience and mental health, across various contexts. But it also identifies the several limitations in the existing literature. The implications and recommendations for future research are discussed, demanding more objective and adequate methodologies, to fully understand EAS effectiveness in mental health, in different settings and age groups

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Félix, Adriana Candeias, Adelinda http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40697 2026-02-04T11:32:07Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Impacts of Sustainable Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset on Psychological Well-being in Portuguese Youth. Authors: Félix, Adriana; Candeias, Adelinda Abstract: Mindset orientations play an important role in psychological adjustment and well-being among young people. This study examined the relationship between growth and fixed mindsets and psychological well-being, stress, and optimism in Portuguese youth, as well as gender differences in mindset orientations. The sample consisted of 736 students aged between 15 and 27 years. The results showed that growth mindset was positively associated with well-being and optimism and negatively related to stress, whereas fixed mindset was associated with higher stress and lower well-being. Significant gender differences were found, with females reporting higher levels of growth mindset and lower levels of fixed mindset. Overall, the findings highlight the relevance of promoting a sustainable mindset to support mental health and positive developmental outcomes in youth.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Candeias, Adelinda Miranda, Lucia Félix, Adriana http://hdl.handle.net/10174/40694 2026-02-04T11:29:26Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Empowering Young Minds: Digital Stories Enhancing Social-Emotional Learning through Computational Thinking in Portuguese Children Authors: Candeias, Adelinda; Miranda, Lucia; Félix, Adriana Abstract: A apresentação do projeto COMPUSEL investigou o impacto da integração da Aprendizagem Socioemocional (SEL) com o Pensamento Computacional (CT) através de histórias digitais em 18 alunos do ensino primário em Portugal. O estudo quase-experimental, com 12 semanas de intervenção, demonstrou melhorias significativas nas competências de Auto-Consciência, Auto-Gestão, Consciência Social e Competências de Relacionamento. Professores relataram maior motivação e melhoria na resolução de problemas sistemática. A intervenção provou ser eficaz para o desenvolvimento cognitivo e emocional, embora a Tomada de Decisão Responsável necessite de estratégias adicionais. O projeto oferece uma abordagem inovadora e sustentável para a educação

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