FFCS - Dissertações de Mestrado / Master Dissertations
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- A relação entre experiências adversas na infância, traços de personalidade borderline e consumo de substâncias psicoativasPublication . Marques, Mariana Amaro Bravo; Azeredo, Andreia Alexandra CunhaChildhood adverse experiences have been recognized as risk factors for the development of psychopathology, particularly regarding their association with borderline personality traits and the use of psychoactive substances. These phenomena, intrinsically related to high emotional vulnerability, relational instability, and dysfunctional affect regulation strategies, are of particular relevance within the scope of clinical research and the design of preventive strategies. The present study, developed within the second year of the Master’s Degree in Clinical and Health Psychology at the Portuguese Catholic University, Braga Regional Center, Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, aimed to examine the relationship between childhood adverse experiences, borderline personality traits, and psychoactive substance use. The sample consisted of 390 Portuguese adults, assessed through a quantitative, cross-sectional design, using validated self-report instruments (ACE, BSL-23, ASSIST, and EDS-20). The results of the correlational analyses revealed significant positive associations between adverse childhood experiences, the intensity of borderline personality traits, and increased substance use. Mediation analyses confirmed that childhood adversity is not directly related to substance use but exerts its influence indirectly, mediated by elevated borderline personality traits. Accordingly, it can be concluded that adverse childhood experiences promote the development of borderline personality traits, which in turn increase vulnerability to substance use. These findings not only clarify the process through which early adversity translates into psychopathological risk but also highlight the specific role of borderline traits as a central mechanism of vulnerability. By elucidating this pathway, the study underscores the necessity of clinical interventions that systematically incorporate the assessment of life history and personality traits, fostering early screening, targeted prevention, and therapeutic strategies tailored to individuals’ risk profiles.
- A ética do dom e a generatividade em famílias : o olhar dos cuidadores informaisPublication . Magalhães, Ana Cristina Torres Arantes; Raguso, FabriziaThis qualitative study aimed to explore how the ethics of gift-giving and generativity are expressed in the daily experiences of informal caregivers within a family setting. The research is based on the relational-symbolic model of Cigoli and Scabini (2006, 2014), in dialogue with the ideas of Mauss (2003) and Lévinas (1980), who highlight the concepts of gift and ethical responsibility toward the Other; along with the psychological and developmental perspectives of Erikson (1950) and McAdams & St. Aubin (1992); and the relational sociological framework proposed by Donati (2003). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and the construction of genograms with eight Portuguese caregivers, analyzed using categorical content analysis. Three central themes emerged: the ethics of the gift as a relational structure supporting the commitment to care, even without immediate reciprocity; generativity, expressed through intergenerational transmission of values and identity development; and family reciprocity, experienced amid tensions, commitments, and the preservation of bonds. The transmission of values to future generations appeared as an independent dimension, emphasizing its role in renewing the family legacy. Findings show that informal caregiving is experienced as a positive relational act, characterized by dedication and the challenges from limited formal support. Despite these challenges, caregivers say that their commitment to the person they care for is a key factor in overcoming difficulties and maintaining care. This study highlights the importance of enhancing family support systems and public policies that maintain not only the quality of life for the cared-for individual but also the health and dignity of caregivers.
- Luto antecipatório, sobrecarga, vinculação e sentido de vida : um estudo descritivo-analítico com cuidadores familiares portuguesesPublication . Cunha, Júlia Maria Teixeira da; Gonçalves, ArmandaObjetivo: O luto antecipatório éum fenómeno emergente entre os cuidadores familiares portugueses que permanecepouco explorado, especialmente na forma como se relaciona com a sobrecarga, avinculação e o sentido de vida. Este estudo teve como objetivo explorar essasassociações. Métodos: Desenvolveu-se um estudo quantitativo,descritivo-analítico, com uma amostra de conveniência constituída por 60cuidadores familiares portugueses. Os participantes eram maioritariamente dosexo feminino (83.3%), com idades entre os 23 e os 72 anos (M = 51.07; DP =9.20). Os instrumentos aplicados foram o Inventário de Luto para os Cuidadoresde Marwit-Meuser–Forma Reduzida, a Escala de Zarit, o Experiences in CloseRelationships–Relationship Structures Questionnaire e o Questionário do Sentidoda Vida. Resultados: Verificou-se uma relação significativa, positiva emoderada entre o Luto Antecipatório e a Sobrecarga (rs = .83, p < .01).Verificou-se também uma relação significativa com a Vinculação, nomeadamenteuma relação negativa e baixa entre o Evitamento e a Preocupação e Sentimento deIsolamento (rs = -.26, p = .04). Quanto ao Sentido de Vida, verificou-se umarelação significativa negativa e baixa entre o Luto Antecipatório e a Presença(rs = -.33, p = .01), bem como uma relação significativa positiva e moderadacom a Procura (rs = .46, p = .001). Conclusões: Os resultados reforçam anecessidade de intervenções psicológicas que promovam a adaptação ao processode luto antecipatório, através do reconhecimento e elaboração da perda.
- Violência pelo parceiro íntimo : relação com a história de adversidade na infância e o bem-estar psicológicoPublication . Oliveira, Marta Gonçalves Teixeira Dias de; Azevedo, Ângela Maria Pereira e SáIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a problem with notable social relevance and is classified as a public health problem, impacting the victims vital areas, affecting both physical and mental health. The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between IPV, history of childhood adversity and psychological well-being in victims. It is a quantitative, correlational and cross-sectional study that used a non-probabilistic convenience sample composed of adult victims of IPV who have been, in the past 12 months or are currently, in a romantic relationship. To assess the main variables, the following instruments were applied: the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale, the Childhood Adversity History Questionnaire and the Psychological Well-Being Scale. The results revealed significant correlations between the main variables, confirming that greater exposure to childhood adversity is associated with a higher likelihood of intimate partner victimization and lower levels of psychological well-being, with significant differences observed in relation to sex. The findings highlight the importance of understanding the underlying factor in victims’ trajectories and underscore the need to consider the cumulative impact of adversity throughout the lifespan.
- Feridas precoces, vinculação e emoções : o papel destes fatores ao nível da agressividade em adultos portuguesesPublication . Antunes, Diana Filipa Pereira; Moreira, Diana Patrícia da Silva DiasThe aim of this study was to explore the relationship between adverse childhood experiences, attachment styles and emotional regulation, as well as the impact of these variables on levels of aggression in portuguese adults. The sample consisted of 401 participants (M = 29.63, SD = 12.45), and a quantitative methodology was adopted. The data collection protocol included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Family ACE Questionnaire (FAQ), Adult Attachment Scale – Short Form (AAS–SF), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale – Short Form (DERS–SF), Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) and Alcool Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The results showed that there was no statistically significant association between adverse childhood experiences and levels of aggression. On the other hand, positive correlations were identified between insecure attachment styles and aggression, with anxious attachment showing the greatest magnitude. Emotional regulation difficulties showed a moderate positive association with levels of aggression, emerging as the strongest predictor of this variable. Multiple regression analyses confirmed that attachment styles and difficulties in emotional regulation significantly predict aggression. In addition, statistically significant differences were found between the sexes. Males show higher levels of total and physical aggression, while females show higher levels of adverse childhood experiences. That said, the results obtained reinforce the importance and role of attachment styles and emotional regulation in terms of aggression in portuguese adults.
- Da vitimação à agressão : relação entre experiências adversas na infância, vinculação, consumo de álcool e agressividadePublication . Silva, Daniela Alves da; Moreira, Diana Patrícia da Silva DiasThe present study explores the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attachment styles, alcohol consumption, and aggression in a sample of 571 Portuguese adults (M = 29.64, SD = 12.55). Data were collected using a protocol consisting of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), the Adult Attachment Scale-R (AAS-R), the The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The results of the analyses indicate that both anxious and avoidant attachment styles are positively associated with aggression. Alcohol consumption is also positively related to aggression, whereas adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) show a more modest association. Significant differences in alcohol consumption were found across attachment styles, with higher levels among participants with an anxious attachment style. No significant differences were observed in the total number of ACEs across attachment styles, nor were there significant associations between ACEs and excessive alcohol consumption. Regarding sex differences, men reported significantly higher levels of alcohol consumption as well as physical and verbal aggression. Overall, the findings suggest that, among Portuguese adults, insecure attachment styles and alcohol consumption are important factors in explaining aggression, while the impact of ACEs appears to be less pronounced.
- Relacionamentos românticos : as componentes do amor e a qualidade das alternativasPublication . Silva, Francisca Faria da; Leite, Ângela Maria TeixeiraThis dissertation explores the relationship between the type of love experienced in a relationship and the quality of alternatives in romantic relationships. Love is understood as a complex of feelings, attitudes and states directed towards a partner, where attractive alternatives may emerge that threaten the primary relationship. The study included 427 participants, predominantly women of Portuguese nationality, with an average age of 28 years, with the majority of participants in a romantic relationship. For the investigation, the Triangular Love Scale (TLS-15) was utilized to assess levels of romantic love among individuals in relationships, along with the Quality of Alternatives subscale from the Investment Model Scale, which measures the extent to which an individual´s fundamental needs could be satisfied outside their current relationship. The results confirmed the validity of the instruments employed and revealed a significant negative correlation between Triangular Love Scale (TLS-15) scores and the perception of alternative relationship options. Gender differences were statistically significant, with women scoring higher in intimacy and commitment, while men and younger individuals tended to place greater value on external alternatives, exhibiting higher levels of passion. Additionally, individuals who reported a higher number of non-significant partners obtained higher scores on the Quality of Alternatives subscale, indicating that engaging in multiple relationships increases the perception of external alternatives. These findings reinforce the notion that love and commitment play a crucial protective role against external relational alternatives.
- Inteligência emocional e estilos de gestão de conflitos : comparação entre trabalhadores permanentes e trabalhadores temporáriosPublication . Alves, Catarina Borlido; Lopes, Sílvia Pereira; Rodrigues, Anabela SantosThis study falls within the field of research on emotional intelligence and conflict management styles among permanent and temporary employees, aiming to understand the possible relationship between these variables among Portuguese workers. A sample of 298 individuals was used, in which the only inclusion criteria were fluency in Portuguese, currently being in the labor market, and being able to read and write. The study has a quantitative methodology, is cross-sectional in nature, has a descriptivecorrelational design, and its sample was obtained by a non-probabilistic convenience method. The majority of the sample are women. In order to characterize the study participants, they responded to a sociodemographic questionnaire. Emotional intelligence (EI) was measured using the Portuguese version of the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (Wong & Law, 2002), with 16 items. For conflict management styles, the Ragim Organizational Conflict Inventory-II (ROCI-II) was used, adapted for the Portuguese population by Dimas (2007), with 28 items. The results of this research show that emotional intelligence (EI) is positively related to integrative and compromising conflict management styles. These results suggest that higher levels of emotional intelligence (EI) tend to favor constructive and collaborative approaches to conflict resolution, regardless of the contractual relationship.
- Violências nas relações íntimas : crenças dobre a legitimação da violência e o consumo de substânciasPublication . Armada, Ana Carolina Pimenta; Azevedo, Ângela Maria Pereira e SáViolence in Intimate Relationships (VIR) is a highly prevalent phenomenon within the Portuguese population, whose increasing relevance has driven extensive research in the field of psychology. This study aims to examine the relationship between IPV, beliefs about the legitimation of violence, and substance use among Portuguese emerging adults. To achieve this objective, a quantitative, descriptive-correlational study was conducted with a sample of 366 participants who had been involved in an intimate relationship within the past 12 months, were of Portuguese nationality, and aged between 18 and 40 years. The majority of participants identified as female (72.7%) and held higher education qualifications. The instruments used to assess the study variables included the Conjugal Violence Inventory (C.V.I.), the Beliefs About Conjugal Violence Scale (B.A.C.V.), The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), and a Sociodemographic Questionnaire. The results revealed a significant relationship between violence in intimate relationships and legitimizing beliefs, as well as between violence in intimate relationships and substance use, confirming that individuals with higher levels of substance use and more permissive beliefs tend to report higher levels of violence. It was also found that male participants and those with lower educational attainment reported stronger legitimizing beliefs. The results are discussed within the theoretical framework, highlighting their implications for psychological intervention and the prevention of intimate partner violence in clinical and community contexts.
- Relação entre as estratégias de gestão de conflitos e o trabalho emocional : o papel moderador da satisfação no trabalhoPublication . Matos, Catarina Jacinta Vieira; Rodrigues, Anabela SantosThe modern workplace has become increasingly complex, driven by globalization, technological advancements, and rising professional expectations, all of which demand greater emotional and cognitive effort from employees. Within this context, emotional labor and conflict management are particularly relevant due to their impact on employee wellbeing and organizational effectiveness. Emotional labor, defined as the effort to regulate emotional expressions in accordance with organizational expectations, may lead to negative outcomes such as burnout and dissatisfaction. Conflict common in organizational settings requires effective management strategies that can transform tensions into opportunities for development. Although empirical studies exploring the relationship between these variables remain limited, job satisfaction is believed to function as a moderating factor. Specifically, it may influence how individuals cope with emotional demands and manage conflict, encouraging more constructive approaches.This quantitative study aimed to examine the moderating role of job satisfaction in the relationship between conflict management strategies and emotional labor. The sample was composed of 143 participants aged 18 and older, all employed in Portugal. Data were collected through a survey comprising a sociodemographic questionnaire, the ROCI-II, the Emotional Labor Scale, and the Cuestionario de Satisfacción Laboral 10/12. Results indicated moderate to high levels of emotional labor and high levels of job satisfaction. Statistically significant relationships were found between certain conflict management strategies and dimensions of emotional labor. Moreover, job satisfaction was shown to moderate the relationship between emotional labor and the collaborative conflict management strategy. These findings underscore the importance of organizational practices that foster job satisfaction as a means of reducing the negative impacts of emotional labor and workplace conflict.