Pedro Gamito

Population ageing has increased the need for accessible and effective interventions to support cognitive functioning in older adults. This study examined the effects of virtual reality-based cognitive stimulation (VR-CS), paper-and-pencil cognitive stimulation (PP-CS), and socioemotional skills training (SEST) in community-dwelling older adults, while exploring whether baseline cognitive reserve moderated intervention outcomes. Sixty-five older adults attending a community program were allocated to one of three intervention groups: VR-CS, PP-CS, or SEST. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention assessments of global cognitive functioning, subjective memory complaints, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and functional ability. Cognitive reserve was assessed at baseline using the Cognitive Reserve Questionnaire. Linear mixed-effects models showed a significant improvement in global cognitive functioning over time, with cognitive reserve moderating intervention effects across groups. Participants with lower and average cognitive reserve improved across all intervention modalities, whereas those with higher cognitive reserve showed cognitive gains mainly in the VR-CS and PP-CS groups. Subjective memory complaints increased in the SEST group, possibly reflecting enhanced self-awareness or metacognitive monitoring. No significant effects were observed for depressive symptoms or life satisfaction. These findings suggest that cognitive reserve may help identify which older adults benefit most from different intervention formats, supporting more personalized approaches to cognitive and socioemotional stimulation in community settings.

Background: Police and security professionals are routinely exposed to potentially traumatic events as part of occupational duties, placing them at increased risk for post-traumatic stress and broader psychological difficulties. This study aimed to identify latent classes of proximal traumatic exposure among Portuguese police/security professionals and examine their associations with PTSD symptoms and general psychological distress. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with Portuguese police/security professionals (N = 644). Latent class analysis (LCA) was applied to 17 indicators of potentially traumatic events coded as directly experienced or witnessed, derived from the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, and general psychological distress was assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory. Exploratory receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses examined whether counts of proximal traumatic events could approximate the LCA-derived classes. Results: A three-class solution was identified, comprising low proximal exposure (37.3%), moderate proximal exposure (40.7%), and high proximal/cumulative exposure (22.0%) classes. The classes reflected a graded cumulative pattern of exposure across traumatic event categories, rather than clearly distinct qualitative configurations defined by specific event types. Higher exposure classes were associated with progressively higher PTSD symptoms and psychological distress, and these associations remained significant after adjustment for sociodemographic and occupational variables. Exploratory receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed that a simple count of proximal traumatic event categories closely approximated the empirically derived class structure within the present sample. However, the resulting thresholds are sample-specific, exploratory, and should not be interpreted as validated screening cutoffs. Conclusions: Proximal traumatic exposure among police/security professionals appears to follow a graded cumulative structure associated with increased PTSD symptoms and psychological distress. The person-centered analysis provided an empirical test of whether exposure was organized according to qualitatively distinct event configurations or primarily along a cumulative gradient. In this sample, cumulative exposure burden emerged as the dominant organizing dimension. The count-based approximation requires external validation before any screening or decision-making application can be considered.

Background: Studies on the association between cognitive dysfunction and criminality have shown that individuals in prison, particularly repeat offenders and those convicted of violent crimes, tend to exhibit difficulties in cognitive, social, and emotional functioning. The objective of this study was to evaluate and characterize cognitive and executive functioning of incarcerated individuals, while also seeking to understand the impact of incarceration on executive functions. Methods: The sample consisted of 30 participants at various stages of their sentences. Neuropsychological assessments were conducted using cognitive screening tests and tests directed to assess executive functions and decision making. Results: Neurocognitive performance was within normative ranges. Selective associations between sentence duration and specific executive functions were observed, suggesting a relationship with criminal severity indicators. Decision-making also appeared impaired, as no evidence of learning was found and deck selection focused on more disadvantageous decks. Conclusions: These findings a relationship between indicators of criminal severity and specific aspects of executive functioning and decision making, rather than a generalized cognitive impairment. However, these conclusions require further research under this topic in larger and more diverse samples.

Most individuals experience at least one traumatic event during their lifetime, which can lead to the development of psychopathological symptoms and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). First responders (e.g., police officers, firefighters, emergency medical professionals) are exposed to traumatic events daily, making them particularly vulnerable to developing such symptoms. Using an online questionnaire, this study aimed to compare self-reported exposure to traumatic events and the presence of psychopathological and PTSD symptoms between a sample from the general community (n = 137) and first responders (n = 672) residing in Portugal. We also sought to identify factors associated with the development of PTSD symptoms. Results showed that although first responders reported higher exposure to traumatic events, there were no significant differences in PTSD symptoms between first responders and the general community. However, general psychopathological symptoms, particularly anxiety and depression, were higher in the general community than among first responders. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, obsessive–compulsive tendencies, hostility, paranoid ideation, psychoticism, and personally experienced traumatic events emerged as significant predictors of PTSD symptoms, whereas demographic variables showed no significant predictive value. The potential influence of factors such as terror management theory, training and education, professional selection, the “hero lifestyle”, and the “police culture” is discussed, along with implications and directions for future research.

Background: Studies on the association between cognitive dysfunction and criminality have shown that individuals in prison, particularly repeat offenders and those convicted of violent crimes, tend to exhibit difficulties in cognitive, social, and emotional func-tioning. The objective of this study was to evaluate and characterize the executive func-tioning of incarcerated individuals based on the severity of criminal behavior through the type of crime committed, number of previous arrests, and duration of the sentence im-posed, while also seeking to understand the impact of incarceration on cognitive func-tioning. Methods: The sample consisted of 50 participants at various stages of their sen-tences, who had been convicted of violent and non-violent crimes. Neuropsychological assessments were conducted using cognitive screening tests and tests directed to assess executive functions and decision making. Results: Significant effects were found mainly for sentence duration, which corresponded to the severity of the crime, suggesting a differentiation of subgroups based on cognitive abilities or impairments. Conclusions: These findings may support a relationship between criminal behavior and poorer cog-nitive ability, executive functioning and decision making. However, these effects were not consistent across cognitive domains nor when comparisons were done according to the type of crime (violent vs. non-violent) which highlight the need for further research under this topic.

Most individuals experience at least one traumatic event during their lives, which can lead to the development of psychopathological symptoms and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. First responders (e.g., police officers, firefighters, emergency medical professionals) are exposed to traumatic events daily, making them more vulnerable to developing these symptoms. Using an online questionnaire, we aimed to compare self-reported exposure to traumatic events and the presence of psycho-pathological and PTSD symptoms between a sample from the general community (n=137) and first responders (n=672) residing in Portugal. We also aimed to identify factors associated with the de-velopment of PTSD symptoms. Results showed that, although first responders reported higher exposure to traumatic events, there were no significant differences in PTSD symptoms between first responders and the general community; However, general psychopathological symptoms (anxiety and depression) were higher in the general community than for first responders. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, hostility, paranoid ideation, psychoticism, and personally experienced traumatic events emerged as predictors of PTSD symptoms, while demographic variables showed no significant predictive value. We discussed the potential influence of factors like terror management theory, training and education, selection, the 'hero lifestyle,' and the 'police culture' on the results and explored directions for future research.

In response to the growing cybersecurity problem, this study presents an innovative approach using virtual reality to train individuals in reducing the risk of cyberattacks. The research involved adult participants with or enrolled in higher education studies, who participated in a virtual reality task that simulates a typical workday in a corporate setting. Participants were divided into three groups: a control group engaged in tasks without cybersecurity threats, and two experimental groups exposed to cybersecurity threats, but one with feedback on performance and the other without feedback. By comparing the control group with the experimental groups, the findings suggest that virtual reality is a promising tool for delivering immersive and ecologically valid cybersecurity training. The presence of performance feedback within these simulations was crucial for participants to better comprehend the complexities of cyber threats. Additionally, within the experimental groups, risky behaviors displayed during the virtual tasks, along with participants’ age, emerged as predictors of their attitudes toward cybersecurity and cybercrime in organizational settings. In conclusion, by taking advantage of this cutting-edge virtual reality approach, individuals, businesses, and governments can foster more secure cybersecurity practices, contributing to a safer digital landscape for everyone.

Background Available empirical evidence on participant-level factors associated with dropout from psychotherapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is both limited and inconclusive. More comprehensive understanding of the various factors that contribute to study dropout from cognitive-behavioural therapy with a trauma focus (CBT-TF) is crucial for enhancing treatment outcomes. Objective Using an individual participant data meta-analysis (IPD-MA) design, we examined participant-level predictors of study dropout from CBT-TF interventions for PTSD. Methods A comprehensive systematic literature search was undertaken to identify randomised controlled trials comparing CBT-TF with waitlist control, treatment-as-usual or another therapy. Academic databases were screened from conception until 11 January 2021. Eligible interventions were required to be individual and in-person delivered. Participants were considered dropouts if they did not complete the post-treatment assessment. Findings The systematic literature search identified 81 eligible studies (n=3330). Data were pooled from 25 available CBT-TF studies comprising 823 participants. Overall, 221 (27%) of the 823 dropped out. Of 581 civilians, 133 (23%) dropped out, as did 75 (42%) of 178 military personnel/veterans. Bivariate and multivariate analyses indicated that military personnel/veterans (RR 2.37) had a significantly greater risk of dropout than civilians. Furthermore, the chance of dropping out significantly decreased with advancing age (continuous; RR 0.98). Conclusions These findings underscore the risk of premature termination from CBT-TF among younger adults and military veterans/personnel. Clinical implication Understanding predictors can inform the development of retention strategies tailored to at-risk subgroups, enhance engagement, improve adherence and yield better treatment outcomes.

(1) Background: To mitigate COVID-19 transmission, global public health interventions were swiftly implemented. However, a comprehensive understanding of individual variations in adhering to these recommendations remains elusive. Addressing this gap is crucial for effectively managing future epidemic and pandemic scenarios. This study aims to explore individual differences in attachment, emotion regulation, and risk for COVID-19 infection using virtual reality (VR). (2) Methods: The sample included 73 (88%) university students and 10 (12%) university staff. Participants completed questionnaires on sociodemographic information, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Experiences in Close Relationships—Relationship Structures Questionnaire, and the fear of COVID-19 Scale. Additionally, each participant engaged in five daily situations using a VR simulator to assess the risk of COVID-19 infection. (3) Results: Our study revealed that high levels of attachment anxiety, difficulties controlling impulsive behaviors, and limited access to emotion regulation strategies were strong predictors of elevated risk of COVID-19 infection. Conversely, high levels of fear of COVID-19 and attachment avoidance were associated with lower risk of COVID-19 infection. (4) Conclusions: We discuss the importance of policymakers and health professionals being aware of some psychological characteristics that make it difficult for some individuals to adhere to public health measures involving social distancing.

Background and Aims Substance use disorders (SUD) are associated with cognitive deficits that are not always addressed in current treatments, and this hampers recovery. Cognitive training and remediation interventions are well suited to fill the gap for managing cognitive deficits in SUD. We aimed to reach consensus on recommendations for developing and applying these interventions. Design Delphi approach with two sequential phases: survey development and iterative surveying of experts. Setting Online study. Participants During survey development, we engaged a group of 15 experts from a working group of the International Society of Addiction Medicine (Steering Committee). During the surveying process, we engaged a larger pool of experts (n=53) identified via recommendations from the Steering Committee and a systematic review. Measurements Survey with 67 items covering four key areas of intervention development, i.e., targets, intervention approaches, active ingredients, and modes of delivery. Findings Across two iterative rounds (98% retention rate), the experts reached a consensus on 50 items including: (i) implicit biases, positive affect, arousal, executive functions, and social processing as key targets of interventions; (ii) cognitive bias modification, contingency management, emotion regulation training, and cognitive remediation as preferred approaches; (iii) practice, feedback, difficulty-titration, bias-modification, goal setting, strategy learning, and meta-awareness as active ingredients; and (iv) both addiction treatment workforce and specialized neuropsychologists facilitating delivery, together with novel digital-based delivery modalities. Conclusions Expert recommendations on cognitive training and remediation for SUD highlight the relevance of targeting implicit biases, reward, emotion regulation, and higher-order cognitive skills via well-validated intervention approaches qualified with mechanistic techniques and flexible delivery options.