Psychologica

AND THE SCREAMS, WHO CAN HEAR THEM? THE QUEBRA DE XANGÔ AND THE PSYCHIC SILENCING OF ANCESTRAL REPRESSION IN MACEIÓ

Renata Olivia Farias Santana

This work proposes a critical reflection on the psychic impacts of the violence suffered by the povos de terreiro (Afro-Brazilian religious communities) in Maceió, based on the emblematic episode of religious intolerance that occurred in Alagoas, known as the Quebra de Xangô, in 1912. Through the dialogue between psychoanalysis and religiosity, the research investigates how mechanisms of social repression, permeated by structural racism, affect the concepts of narcissism and the collective imaginary, contributing to both ancestral and subjective erasure. This is a qualitative, exploratory study grounded in literature review. Data sources were collected through platforms such as SciELO, Google Scholar, academic institution websites (repositories), scientific journal articles, theses, dissertations, and e-books. Thus, this work aims to foster discussion on the everyday forms of legitimizing racism, with the objective of valuing and preserving Afro-Brazilian traditions as unique expressions of national cultural diversity.

Healthy Lifestyles from the Perspective of Elementary School Children: A Qualitative Study

Silvana Martins

Objective: This study aimed to explore, describe, and interpret the meanings attributed by primary school–aged children to the concept of lifestyles related to their health.

Methods: A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study was conducted using a focus group with school-aged children. A question guide was developed based on the scientific literature on healthy lifestyles. The content analysis followed the assumptions underlying the thematic analysis proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006).

Results: Six main themes were identified, reflecting what children consider to be a healthy lifestyle. The themes of nutrition and interpersonal relationships generated the highest number of references in the analysis of the children’s narratives.

Conclusions: The children’s accounts highlight nutrition and interpersonal relationships as key determinants in adopting a healthy lifestyle. Community involvement (e.g., families, schools, stakeholders, and health care services) is essential in designing and implementing intervention programs that take children’s perspectives into account.

"Resposta Psicofisiológica ao Stress Durante um OSCE em Estudantes de Ciências do Desporto: VFC, Cortisol e Indicadores Subjetivos"

Silvia Burgos-Postigo

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la respuesta psicofisiológica al estrés de estudiantes del último año en la licenciatura en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte durante su Examen Clínico Objetivo Estructurado (ECOE). Un total de 48 estudiantes completaron un OSCE de 12 escenarios, mientras que la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (VFC), el cortisol salival, la activación cortical y el distrés subjetivo se monitorizaron antes y después de la evaluación. Los resultados mostraron cambios significativos en el dominio temporal de la VFC (RMSSD, pNN50) y los índices no lineales (SD1, SD2), lo que indica una mayor activación parasimpática después del OSCE. El cortisol salival y el distrés subjetivo (SUDS) estaban elevados antes del examen y disminuyeron significativamente después, lo que refleja ansiedad anticipatoria y recuperación post-estrés. Los niveles de cortisol se correlacionaron positivamente con múltiples parámetros de VFC y SUDS, lo que respalda el vínculo entre las respuestas endocrinas y autonómicas al estrés académico. Los hallazgos sugieren que los OSCE provocan una respuesta psicofisiológica medible, y el monitoreo de la VFC y el cortisol puede brindar información para intervenciones destinadas a mitigar el estrés y optimizar el desempeño de los estudiantes.

EMOTIONAL SCARS OF EARLY STRESS

Rafaela Matzenbacker

Early stress, defined as exposure to stressful events during critical periods of development, especially in childhood and adolescence, can significantly affect emotional regulation. Adverse experiences at these stages can impair the ability to process and respond appropriately to emotional stimuli, resulting in difficulties with emotional control, increased reactivity to stress, and greater vulnerability to disorders such as depression and anxiety. This systematic review analyzed the relationship between early stress and emotional regulation, highlighting the impacts on the brain structures involved. To this end, a search was conducted in the BVS, PsycINFO, and PubMed databases using the descriptors: “early life stress” OR “adverse childhood experiences” AND “emotion regulation.” After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 studies were selected to compose the final sample. The results showed a causal relationship between early adverse experiences and emotional regulation, in addition to identifying variables that influence this dynamic. The proposed interventions focus on improving emotional regulation strategies, with the aim of mitigating the effects of early stress on emotional development, offering individuals effective means to manage their emotions and promote psychological well-being.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Attachment, and Parenting in Individuals with Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies

Marta Maria Ceia Andrade

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are significant risk factors for substance use disorders, insecure attachment styles, and dysfunctional parental practices, with intergenerational impacts. This study aimed to (1) analyse the prevalence of ACEs in a sample of 85 people (56.5% male) undergoing treatment for addictive behaviors and dependencies, in outpatient units in Portugal, with children aged 3 and 18, and (2) to explore the associations between ACEs, attachment styles in adulthood, and parental styles. Self-report instruments were used to assess ACEs, attachment, and parenting styles. The majority (89.4%) reported at least one ACE (M = 3.45; SD = 2.23), with a higher incidence of emotional neglect, emotional abuse, and dysfunctional family environment; 84.7% had an insecure attachment. Although there were no associations between the number of ACEs and the type of attachment, statistically significant associations were observed between specific ACEs (e.g., emotional abuse, neglect, and imprisonment of a relative) and authoritarian and permissive parental styles. The results highlight the risk of maintaining the intergenerational trajectories of adversity and underline the importance of trauma-informed interventions centered on parenting and attachment.