Adaptation of an Emotional Stroop Test for Screening of Suicidal Ideation in Portugal.

Cognitive instruments, especially those with emotional components, may be useful to address the limitations of self-report scales commonly used to assess suicidal ideation. The aim of this study was to develop an emotional Stroop test for screening suicidal ideation in Portugal. The project was developed in five phases using different samples for each phase. The first two phases were focused on the formulation of the potential words that would compose the slides. For this purpose, five biology teachers (neutral slide) and five mental health professionals (positive and negative slides) were invited to help choose the words that were most representative for each slide. The third phase validated the words defined in the previous phase. In this phase, 300 university students participated (Mage = 21.66; SD = 3.67; 68% female). They rated the words on a Likert scale in terms of their frequency of use, familiarity, level of understanding, and degree of image evocation. In the fourth phase, the researchers developed the complete version of the test, which consists of three slides with neutral, positive, and negative emotional stimuli, consecutively. Finally, in the fifth phase, we validated the final version of the test through a comparative study between a clinical group and a non-clinical group, each one composed by 50 participants (Mage = 32; SD = 9.70; 55% female). Results indicated that the clinical group demonstrated significantly higher scores for depression and suicidal ideation and lower scores for the three Stroop tasks. Words related to negative emotions were strongly correlated with suicidal ideation. Finally, the three Stroop slides explained 74.1% of the variance in suicidal ideation. These findings suggest that this test can be a viable complementary measure in the psychological assessment of suicide ideation, and intervention in the field of suicide prevention in Portugal.

Psychometric Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Modern Homonegativity Scale among Portuguese College Students.

The studies focused on analysing attitudes toward homosexuality show that the manifestation of homonegativity has evolved into more modern forms. We therefore propose using instruments that capture subtle aspects in discrimination against gay and lesbian people. The objective of this study is twofold. First, we aim to adapt and validate the Portuguese version of the Modern Homonegativity Scale. Second, we set out to analyse the modern homonegativity shown by Portuguese university students. The scale includes two parallel subscales (MHS-Gay Men and MHS-Lesbian Women), each with 12 items. Six hundred and forty-one Portuguese college students between 18 and 27 years of age participated in the study (Mage = 21.23; SD = 1.88). The results demonstrate the unidimensionality of the scale and a high degree of internal consistency, along with satisfactory fit indices. Those people who identified as male and heterosexual showed greater modern homonegativity. We conclude that the Portuguese version of the MHS is valid and reliable for evaluating modern homonegativity in Portugal.

Loneliness Perceptions in Older Portuguese Gay and Bisexual Men.

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of loneliness among gay and bisexual men in Portugal over 60 years old. Despite the growth of the older population in Portugal, the social isolation and loneliness experiences in older gay and bisexual men is only beginning to be understood. A structured electronic inquiry with 35 gay and bisexual men over 60 years of age from Portugal (mean age was 66.45 years (SD = 4.45) was used, ranging from 60 to 77 years). Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, comparing self-perceived loneliness levels by sexual orientation and by levels of loneliness. The recurrent themes in the narratives of loneliness perception of the participants in the study were as follows: Mental Health, Support System, Dating and Relationships, Discrimination, Coping, Personal Characteristics, and Coming-out issues. Differences between sexual orientation and levels of loneliness were also found.

The Impact of Shift Work on Occupational Health Indicators among Professionally Active Adults: A Comparative Study.

The analysis of the impact of shift work on occupational health still needs further contributions. Therefore, we developed this research with the purpose of assessing the impact of shift work on occupational health indicators, namely burnout, work-engagement, occupational self-efficacy, and mental health functioning (symptoms of depression and anxiety), by comparing workers who did shift work (44.2% of participants) with workers who did not (55.8% of participants). A total of 695 Portuguese professionally active adults between 18 and 73 years of age (Mage = 37.71; SD = 12.64) participated in this study and completed a survey containing a sociodemographic questionnaire and four occupational health measures: The Burnout Assessment Tool, The Work-Engagement questionnaire (UWES), The Occupational Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and the BSI-18 for mental health symptoms. Results showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) for all indicators, demonstrating that participants who worked shifts presented lower scores of work-engagement and occupational self-efficacy, and higher scores of burnout, depression, and anxiety when compared to participants who did not work shifts. Linear regressions showed that shift work explained significant but low percentages of anxiety symptoms, low work-engagement, depression symptoms, low occupational self-efficacy, and burnout. We concluded that non-standard working hours (by shifts) are detrimental to employee occupational health, by increasing the risk of anxiety and depression levels, and burnout, and by reducing work-engagement (as a well-being indicator) and occupational self-efficacy perceptions.

The Impact of Internet Addiction and Job Satisfaction on Mental Health Symptoms among a Sample of Portuguese Workers.

Not many studies assessing the impact of internet addiction (IA) and job satisfaction (JS) on mental health symptoms (MHS) among active workers exist. Therefore, the purpose of this study was as follows: (a) to assess the presence of criteria for IA among a sample of active workers; (b) to analyze differences in IA, JS and MHS, by gender; (c) to analyze association levels among IA, JS, and MHS; and (d) to determine the predictive effect of IA and JS on MHS. In total, 1064 participants (Mage = 40.66; SD = 12.02) completed a survey containing four categories of measures: demographic information, internet addiction, job satisfaction, and mental health symptoms (anxiety and depression). Results showed a presence of 13.3% for IA among the sample. Male participants showed higher scores of IA and JS but lower scores of overall MSH than female participants did. Significant positive correlations were found between overall IA and MHS, and significant negative correlations were found between IA and JS, and MHS and JS. Hierarchical linear regression analysis showed that strong predictors of MHS were age (being older), gender (being female), not having enough economic funds, being unsatisfied with the leadership in the job, being unsatisfied with the nature of the job, and having higher scores in salience and excessive use regarding IA. In conclusion, addiction to internet technology is a risk factor with implications for occupational satisfaction and mental health.

Mediating Effect of Burnout on the Association between Work-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health Symptoms.

The purpose of this study was: (1) to assess levels of burnout, work-related quality of life (WRQoL) and mental health symptoms among a sample of active workers living in Portugal; (2) to analyze differences in burnout, WRQoL and mental health symptoms by gender and shift work; (3) to analyze association levels among all variables under study; (4) to determine the predictive effect of burnout and WRQoL on mental health symptoms; and (5) to assess the mediating effect of burnout on the association between WRQoL and mental health symptoms. Eight-hundred and forty-one Portuguese active workers between 18 and 67 years of age participated in this study (Mean = 37.23; SD = 11.99). Results showed that women participants scored higher in burnout and mental health symptoms, and lower in overall WRQoL, than men; additionally, participants who worked in shifts presented higher mental health symptoms. Significant correlations were found for all variables and regression analysis demonstrated that 56% of the overall variance of mental health symptoms was explained by older age, shift work, lower WRQoL, and burnout (exhaustion and cognitive impairment). Finally, the mediation effect of burnout on the association between WRQoL and mental health symptoms was statistically significant. These findings are useful for health professionals and health managers who work in the field of occupational health in identifying variables affecting burnout, WRQoL and mental health symptoms.

Intimate Dynamics and Relationship Satisfaction among LGB Adolescents: The Role of Sexual Minority Oppression.

Adolescent lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) romantic partners face the challenge of developing satisfactory relationships while managing stressors associated with being members of a stigmatized minority group due to their sexual minority status. The aims of this study were to explore and describe relationship dynamics among LGB adolescents that are in committed same-sex relationships in Portugal, to assess levels of satisfaction with their relationships, and to assess whether LGB oppression was associated with the likelihood of anticipating and experiencing problems within the relationship. A sample of 182 self-identified LGB adolescents (mean age = 17.89 years; SD = 1.99), completed an online survey consisting of various sociodemographic measures, a relationship dynamics questionnaire, a self-assessment of relationship satisfaction, and an adapted version of the Gay and Lesbian Oppressive Situations Inventory. Results show that participants were highly satisfied with their relationships, except those who were non-monogamous and less committed to their relationships. Participants showed moderate levels of LGB oppression situations, and, as demonstrated by the hierarchical multiple regression analysis, age (being older), having lower levels of commitment, and being exposed to higher levels of exclusion, rejection, and separation were strong predictors of lower levels of relationship satisfaction.

Sexually Explicit Online Media Use and Sexual Behavior among Sexual Minority Men in Portugal.

Introduction: This study aimed to describe sexually explicit online media (SEOM) use among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Portugal and to examine any associations between exposure to SEOM depicting unprotected anal intercourse and engaging in unprotected anal sex. Methods: This study recruited 1577 MSM living in Portugal with Internet access, who ranged in age from 18 to 74 years old (Mage = 35.69, SDage = 11.16). Participants were recruited via websites, e-mail and social media. 67.3% (n = 1061) of sample participants self-identified as gay, and 32.7% (n = 516) claimed to be bisexual. The survey included four categories of questions/measurements, encompassing demographic information, SEOM use, explicit imagery of protected/unprotected anal sex and sexual behavior. Results: The study results suggest that Portuguese MSM frequently use SEOM and that they possess a stated preference for SEOM displaying unprotected anal sex. Furthermore, this study's findings indicate that self-identified gay men more frequently engage in unprotected sex than self-identified bisexual men. Finally, the study revealed that a preference for viewing SEOM displaying unprotected sex and higher levels of arousal attributed to direct SEOM exposure are significant predictors of having receptive anal sex without condoms.

Qualidade do sono e funcionamento sexual em adultos saudáveis / Sleep quality and sexual functioning in healthy adults

INTRODUÇÃO: Não existem investigações científicas suficientes, sobretudo com população normativa, que evidenciem a associação entre a qualidade do sono e o funcionamento sexual. MÉTODO: Participaram deste estudo 945 indivíduos saudáveis, 62% mulheres, 38% homens, média de 34,27 anos (desvio‐padrão=15,82), que preencheram um questionário sociodemográfico, a versão portuguesa do Questionário de Sono de Oviedo e a versão portuguesa do Questionário de Funcionamento Sexual do Massachusetts General Health Hospital. RESULTADOS: Verificaram‐se níveis moderados de satisfação subjetiva com o sono e níveis baixos de insónia e hipersónia. No entanto, as mulheres sofrem mais deste tipo de perturbações do sono. A satisfação subjetiva com qualidade do sono está positivamente correlacionada com o funcionamento sexual geral e todas as suas respetivas dimensões e a insónia está negativamente correlacionada com o funcionamento sexual e todas as suas respetivas dimensões. Da submissão dos itens à análise de regressão linear, testou‐se o modelo de predição do funcionamento sexual geral em função das variáveis da qualidade do sono, tendo‐se obtido um modelo estatisticamente significativo (p < 0,001), sendo que as variáveis em questão explicam 7% do funcionamento sexual geral, com valores β para a satisfação subjetiva com o sono de 0,189 e para a insónia de ‐0,140. DISCUSSÃO: Com base nos resultados obtidos, é possível comprovar que quanto maior a qualidade do sono, maior é o funcionamento sexual e que o mesmo é influenciado negativamente sobretudo pela insónia

INTRODUCTION: There are not enough scientific investigations, especially with a normative population, that show the association between sleep quality and sexual functioning. METHOD: 945 healthy individuals, 62% female, 38% male, mean age 34.27 years (standard deviation=15.82), who completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Portuguese version of the Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire and the Portuguese version of the Massachusetts General Health Hospital‐Sexual Functioning Questionnaire entered this study. RESULTS: Moderate levels of subjective satisfaction with sleep and low levels of insomnia and hypersomnia were observed. However, women suffer more from these forms of sleep disorders. Subjective satisfaction with sleep quality is positively correlated with overall sexual functioning and all of its dimensions, and insomnia is negatively correlated with sexual functioning and all of its dimensions. From the linear regression analysis, the model of prediction of general sexual functioning was tested according to sleep quality variables, and a statistically significant model was obtained (p <0.001), with the variables in question explaining 7% of general sexual functioning, with β values ??for subjective satisfaction with sleep of 0.189 and for insomnia of ‐0.140. DISCUSSION: Based on the results obtained, it is possible to demonstrate that the higher the quality of sleep, the greater the sexual functioning, and that it is negatively influenced mainly by insomnia

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Perceived Emotional Intelligence: what is its influence in Subjective Well-Being? / Inteligência Emocional Percebida: qual a sua influência no Bem-Estar Subjetivo? / Inteligencia Emocional Percibida: ¿cuál es su influencia en el bienestar subjetivo?

In this article we propose to explore the Perceived Emotional Intelligence influence in Subjective Well-Being. To do so, we carry out a quantitative, transversal study adopting a descriptive approach and inter-subject correlational design. The sample is formed of n = 1377 Portuguese and Brazilian participants, between 18 and 81 years of age, of whom 57.8% identified themselves as female and 42.1% as male, 44.4% were Portuguese and 54.9% were Brazilian. In terms of education 38,1% had a post-graduate/master, 33,2% had a first degree/diploma, 14.9% had up to 12 years of schooling and 13.8% had a Ph.D./post-Ph.D. Participants answered the Assessing Emotions Scale and the Reduced Version of the Portuguese Scale of Positive and Negative Affect. There are differences in many dimensions of PEI, according to socio-demographic characteristics and high perception of the competences forming EI is associated with SWB and has a great effect on predicting the variance of Positive Affect.

Este artigo propõe explorar a influência da Inteligência Emocional Percebida no Bem-Estar Subjetivo. Para tal, executa-se um estudo quantitativo, transversal, descritivo com design correlacional intersujeitos. A amostra é constituída por n = 1377 participantes entre 18 e 81 anos, dos quais 57,8% se identificaram com o género feminino e 42,1% com masculino, 44,4% eram portugueses e 54,9% eram brasileiros. Em termos de educação, 38,1% tinham pós-graduação/mestrado, 33,2% tinham licenciatura/bacharelato, 14,9% tinham até 12 anos de escolaridade e 13,8% tinham doutoramento/pós-doutoramento. Os participantes responderam à Escala de Avaliação de Emoções e à Versão Reduzida da Escala Portuguesa de Afeto Positivo e Negativo. Encontraram-se diferenças ao nível de grande parte das dimensões da Inteligência Emocional Percebida, em função de caraterísticas sociodemográficas e concluiu-se que uma elevada perceção das competências que enformam a Inteligência Emocional está associada com o BES e produz um grande efeito na predição da variância do Afeto Positivo.

Este artículo, propone explorar la influencia de la Inteligencia Emocional Percibida en el Bienestar Subjetivo. Se realiza un estudio cuantitativo y transversal descriptivo con diseño correlacional intersujetos. La muestra está formada por n = 1377 participantes entre 18 y 81 años,de los cuales el 57,8% se identificaron como mujeres y 42.1% como hombres. En cuanto a la nacionalidad, 44,4% eran portugueses y 54,9% eran brasileños. En términos de educación, 38,1% tenía un postgrado/máster, 33,2% tenía un primer grado/diploma, 14,9% tenía hasta 12 años de escolaridad y 13,8% tenía un PhD./post-PhD. Los participantes respondieron a la Escala de Evaluación de las Emociones y a la Versión Reducida de la Escala Portuguesa de Afecto Positivo y Negativo. Se encontraron diferencias en la mayoría de las dimensiones de la Inteligencia Emocional Percibida de acuerdo con las características sociodemográficas. Se concluyó que una alta Inteligencia Emocional Percibida está asociada con el Bienestar Subjetivo y tiene un gran efecto en la predicción del Afecto Positivo.

Perceived emotional intelligence assessment - the Portuguese validation of Schutte's Emotional Intelligence Scale (SEIS-P) / Avaliação da inteligência emocional percebida - validação portuguesa da Escala de Inteligência Emocional de Schutte (EIES-P) / Evaluación de la inteligencia emocional percibida - versión portuguesa de la Escala de Inteligencia Emocional de Schutte (EIES-P)

The aim of this study was to expand the (perceived) emotional intelligence scientific assessment domain and to validate the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale (SEIS) with Portuguese speaking adults. The research sample was composed of 2,380 subjects, all Portuguese speakers, with a mean age of 34.91 years. The factorial validity analysis produced four factors, similar to the international reference studies with this scale, which explained 45.56% of the total variance. In accordance with the theoretical and instrumental background, the four factors were named: Recognition of others' emotions; Recognition and communication of one's own emotions; Management of one's own emotions and Use of emotions. The adapted instrument presented valid psychometric characteristics for the assessment of perceived emotional intelligence, suggesting that the Portuguese version of the SEIS maintains the content validity and a regular structure, when compared to previously adapted and explored versions.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi expandir o domínio de avaliação científica da inteligência emocional (percebida) e validar a Escala de Inteligência Emocional de Schutte (SEIS) para adultos falantes de língua portuguesa. A amostra pesquisada foi formada por 2.380 indivíduos, todos falantes de português, com idade média de 34,91 anos. A análise da validade fatorial mostrou quatro fatores, semelhante aos estudos internacionais de referência com essa escala, que explicaram 45,56% da variância total. Em consonância com os antecedentes teóricos e instrumentais, os quatro fatores foram denominados: Reconhecimento das emoções dos outros; Reconhecimento e comunicação de suas próprias emoções; Gerenciamento de suas próprias emoções e Uso de emoções. O instrumento adaptado demonstrou características psicométricas válidas para avaliação da inteligência emocional percebida, sugerindo que a versão em português da SEIS mantém a validade do conteúdo e uma estrutura regular, em comparação com versões previamente adaptadas e exploradas.(AU)

El objetivo de este artículo fue expandir el dominio de evaluación científica de la inteligencia emocional (percibida) y validar la Escala de Inteligencia Emocional de Schutte (SEIS) para adultos hablantes de lengua portuguesa. La muestra investigada fue formada por 2380 individuos con una edad media de 34.91 años. El análisis de la validez factorial presentó cuatro factores, equiparable a los estudios internacionales de referencia con esta escala, que resultó el 45.56% de la varianza total. En conformidad con los antecedentes teóricos e instrumentales, los cuatro factores fueron denominados: Percepción emocional de los demás; Reconocimiento y comunicación de sus propias emociones; Gestión de sus propias emociones; y Utilización de emociones. El instrumento adaptado mostró características psicométricas válidas para evaluar la inteligencia emocional percibida, sugiriendo que la versión en portugués de la SEIS mantiene la validez del contenido y una estructura regular, en comparación con versiones previamente adaptadas y exploradas.(AU)

Depression and Quality of Life in Older Gay and Bisexual Men in Spain and Portugal.

The purpose of this study was to assess levels of depressive symptoms and quality of life in older gay and bisexual older Spanish and Portuguese men and explore associations between these two samples and these variables. Using online surveys, 191 older gay and bisexual men from Spain and Portugal (mean age = 70 years) completed the Spanish and Portuguese versions of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale and World Health Organization Instrument to Assess Quality of Life. Overall, moderate levels of depression and quality of life were found. Gay men and Spanish men report higher levels of depressive symptoms than bisexual and Portuguese men. Gay men score higher on physical health dimensions; bisexual men score higher on the social relationships dimension. Lower levels of physical health, psychological symptoms, and social relationships were significant predictors of depressive symptoms. These exploratory findings offer both similarities and differences between the samples from the two countries-and with U.S. data-and further evidence of the pervasive experience of depression in the lives of sexual minority older men with a renewed awareness of myriad contexts within which individuals age.

[Sleep quality and sexual functioning in healthy adults]. / Qualidade do sono e funcionamento sexual em adultos saudáveis.

INTRODUCTION: There are not enough scientific investigations, especially with a normative population, that show the association between sleep quality and sexual functioning. METHOD: 945 healthy individuals, 62% female, 38% male, mean age 34.27 years (standard deviation=15.82), who completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Portuguese version of the Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire and the Portuguese version of the Massachusetts General Health Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire entered this study. RESULTS: Moderate levels of subjective satisfaction with sleep and low levels of insomnia and hypersomnia were observed. However, women suffer more from these forms of sleep disorders. Subjective satisfaction with sleep quality is positively correlated with overall sexual functioning and all of its dimensions, and insomnia is negatively correlated with sexual functioning and all of its dimensions. From the linear regression analysis, the model of prediction of general sexual functioning was tested according to sleep quality variables, and a statistically significant model was obtained (p <0.001), with the variables in question explaining 7% of general sexual functioning, with ß values ??for subjective satisfaction with sleep of 0.189 and for insomnia of -0.140. DISCUSSION: Based on the results obtained, it is possible to demonstrate that the higher the quality of sleep, the greater the sexual functioning, and that it is negatively influenced mainly by insomnia.

Growing Older Out of the Closet: A Descriptive Study of Older LGB Persons Living in Lisbon, Portugal.

There is a paucity of information regarding the needs of older Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) adults in Portugal; to help address this imbalance, this article describes a sample of Portuguese LGB older adults living in the large, urban center of Lisbon. Specifically, the article describes (a) the broad sociodemographic characteristics of LGB 60 years of age or older; (b) the type and level of social support and the nature of interpersonal relationships of these older LGB persons; (c) their physical and sexual health; and (d) the experiences and concerns when accessing social and health-care services, including disclosing their identity to social and health professionals. Across these areas, we further seek to evaluate any differences attributable to gender and compare our results to those in the literature, largely derived from North American studies.

Affirmative Competence and Practices of Mental Health Professionals with LGB clients: An Ibero-American Study.

There are not many studies about affirmative competence and practices among mental health professionals working with Lesbian, Gay, and/or Bisexual (LGB) clients. Thus, the objectives of this research are to assess the levels of affirmative competence and practices of professionals in Ibero-American countries. The sample consists of 630 mental health professionals from various countries whose ages range from 22 to 75 years old, with a mean age of 41.46 years. The study utilizes the following measures: a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Sexual Orientation Counselor Competency Scale, and the Affirmative Practice Questionnaire. Results show that mental health professionals who present higher levels of Affirmative Competence are those who have higher levels of education and training on LGBT topics, show left-wing political affiliations, self-identify as LGB, and have no religious affiliations. Regarding Affirmative Practices, it was found that single participants show lower practices, and more studies are needed to better understand this result. Regression models demonstrate that Affirmative Practices and Competences are predicted by the hypothesized variables, namely, religious and political beliefs, and training/education. Hence, this study indicates that mental health professionals could undergo some type of academic or professional training and/or possess experience in regard to working with LGB clients, in order to enhance their approach when working with this population.

A importância dos indicadores biomédicos no funcionamento sexual em adultos portugueses saudáveis / The importance of biomedical indicators in sexual functioning in healthy Portuguese adults

Introdução: Na presente investigação pretendeu-se analisar a influência de indicadores biomédicos, tais como o índice de massa corporal, glicémia, colesterol total, triglicerídeos, pressão arterial sistólica e pressão arterial diastólica, no funcionamento sexual em adultos portugueses. Métodos: A amostra foi constituída por 225 indivíduos saudáveis (não fumadores, mulheres não tomando pílula contracetiva), entre os 18 e os 89 anos (média = 41), 107 do sexo masculino e 117 do feminino. Aplicaram-se um questionário sociodemográfico, a versão portuguesa do Massachusetts General Hospital Sexual Functioning Questionnaire (MGH-SFQ), e dispositivos de medida de indicadores biomédicos. Resultados: Dos participantes, 59,6% (n = 134) apresentaram níveis para o funcionamento sexual global abaixo dos valores esperados, os homens pontuaram melhor funcionamento sexual global quando comparados com as mulheres, assim como o grupo dos participantes mais novos. Destacam-se os níveis de correlação significativa entre o IMC (r = −0,253; p < 0,001), a glicémia (r = −0,230; p < 0,001), o colesterol total (r = −0,144; p < 0,05) e o funcionamento sexual. O modelo de regressão hierárquica permitiu demonstrar o efeito mediador das variáveis biomédicas sobre o funcionamento sexual, explicou 31% (r2 = 0,31; p < 0,001) da variância total. Discussão e conclusões: Esta investigação permite evidenciar a importância dos indicadores biomédicos no funcionamento sexual, ajuda os técnicos que trabalhem nessa área a estarem atentos ao modo como os contextos biomédicos interferem na expressã̃o sexual

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

[The importance of biomedical indicators in sexual functioning in healthy Portuguese adults]. / 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.

Efficacy of a socioemotional learning programme in a sample of children with intellectual disability.

Socioemotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing social and emotional competences through which the child learns to recognize and manage emotions, care for others, make good decisions, behave responsibly and ethically, develop positive relationships and avoid negative behaviours (Promoting social and emotional learning: Guidelines for educators, 1997). To promote the development of these competences, specific programmes are developed. This study aims to analyse the impact of a SEL programme among children with intellectual disability. Two groups were established, control and experimental, and the Test of Emotion Comprehension (TEC) (Test of emotion comprehension - TEC, 2000; Les émotions à l'école, émotions et apprentissage, 2004) was applied to both as pre- and post-test. The programme was implemented in the experimental group, based on simply illustrated stories alluding the basic emotions. The findings suggest that the programme is effective in the development of socioemotional competences (SEC) in subjects with intellectual disabilities, evidencing the positive effects that the intervention programme had with the experimental group.

The Relationship Between Emotional Intelligence and Internet Addiction Among Youth and Adults.

This study aimed to compare emotional intelligence (EI) levels and Internet addiction (IA) by gender and age groups and to assess the predictive relationship between EI and IA. One thousand four hundred thirteen young people and adults participated in the study. Participants were between 17 and 81 years old (M = 38.70 years old, SD = 13.72 years old); 42.2% were male, whereas 57.5% were female. We used a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Schutte Emotional Intelligence Scale (Schutte, Malouff, & Bhullar, 2009), and the Internet Addiction Test (Young, 1998) as data collection instruments. Results showed that there is a weak, but statistically significant, negative relationship between EI and IA. We found higher levels of EI in older people and in women than in the youngest participants and in men. No relevant prevalence of IA was found in the participants of this study.