Within this line of research, we are working on psychological interventions for the prevention and promotion of health and well-being in different contexts (face-to-face vs. online environments, schools, organizations, etc) and conditions (health, illness, disabilities, psychological disorders, stages and vital moments, interpersonal relationships, etc). We also investigate psychological aspects related to the use of ICT for health.
Specific thesis projects offered inside of this line of research include the following:
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Thesis Proposals |
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Psychology, health and the internet
"eHealth is not about technology; it's about people using technology for health purposes."
How can we improve social support and increase quality of life through ICTs? How can we reduce the impact of a chronic disease on daily life? Are smartphones really that bad for teenagers? Can we enhance the adoption of assistive technologies for ageing people? How do we design a psychological intervention to improve perceived quality of life?
Psychology plays a crucial role in health promotion and the improvement of quality of life through ICTs. The aim of our research lines is to analyse how ICTs are used to promote health among different groups (those suffering from rare diseases, children, teenagers, the elderly) both by professionals and citizens (ePacients) and what we can do to ensure that these technologies are put to the best possible use.
Research topics:
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Behavioural change in health How do we help people change their behaviour or daily routines? How do we design behavioural solutions for controlling diabetes, getting back in shape or any other need or interest? How do we help facilitate the move to online intervention? How do we increase engagement in health programmes? In sum, how do we develop effective behavioural changes? Behavioural change refers to the specific strategies used in interventions and its aim is to:
Behavioural change techniques are one of the most important factors in determining the success or failure of online interventions (e-health). Research topics:
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Dr Eulàlia Hernández i Encuentra |
PSiNET |
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Interpersonal relationships and psychotherapy Our research seeks to contribute to enhancing the quality of psychological interventions in both individual, couple and family therapy from an integrative perspective. Within this field, we pay special attention to the following topics: self-identity and change; relational welfare; narrative change; systemic therapy; grief therapy; couple and sexual therapy; and patterns of interpersonal interaction. We aim to carry out applied research projects focused on improving the socio-sanitary response to participants with different health problems, as well as promoting psychological and relational welfare in the community. Research topics:
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Dr Adrian Montesano del Campo | Intervention in Clinical and Health Psychology |
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Research in legal psychology Can psychological research favour criminal investigation? Is it possible to determine the mental processes of an individual who has committed a crime? Can we improve police and judicial intervention with victims and mitigate the effects of a traumatic experience? Our aim is to carry out research that answers these questions and thus contributes to and promotes the practice of psychology within the legal system.
Research topics:
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Dr Modesta Pousada Fernández | PSiNET |
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Virtual Communities of Practice for caregivers: a psychological approach
Caring for a person with a long-term condition has an impact on caregivers' health and diminishes their quality of life. Virtual communities of practice for caregivers can provide them with knowledge, social support and coping strategies.
Virtual communities of practice can be built intentionally to promote knowledge that facilitates quality care.
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PSiNET |
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Health Literacy "Health literacy means more than simply being able to read pamphlets, make appointments, understand food labels or comply with a doctor's prescribed orders."
Health literacy (HL) is an issue on the global agenda and one of the three pillars for health promotion.
It is not just a personal skill. It not only depends on the individual's skills but also on the community's resources as well as the complexity and demands of the health system.
HL aims to:
How does HL help people make better decisions about health?
How can social networks help spread and reinforce health-related messages, ultimately improving health?
What skills do people (professionals and citizens) need to navigate digital healthcare services?
Research topics:
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PSiNET |
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Psychopathology, Adaptation Processes and Resilience Our research uses the study of psychopathology and clinical psychology to better understand certain clinical disorders, their risk and protection factors and the processes behind adaptation to adversity. Thus, some of the topics addressed in the research include the evaluation and diagnosis of psychopathological conditions, the psychopathology of trauma, victimization and resilience processes, and response to psychosocial stressors (grief and loss, crisis intervention, care responsibilities, etc.).
Research topics:
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Dr Adrian Montesano del Campo | Intervention in Clinical and Health Psychology |