Articles publicats en revistes (Psicologia Social i Psicologia Quantitativa)

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Convivialidad e identidad de barrio: un estudio de caso en un barrio superdiverso de Barcelona
(Universidad Politécnica Salesiana Ecuador, 2024-08-27) Saldivia Mansilla, Claudia; Carmona Monferrer, Moisés; Serrano Blasco, Javier
La convivialidad en barrios superdiversos ha sido estudiada en contextos anglosajones e hispanos; sin embargo, pocos investigadores han analizado la relación entre esta y la identidad de barrio. Esta última es un elemento de cohesión que puede facilitar la convivialidad. Por ello, este artículo se centra en indagar la conexión entre convivialidad e identidad de barrio, en un barrio superdiverso en Barcelona. Se utilizó una metodología cualitativa con un diseño de estudio de caso, en el que se entrevistaron a vecinos por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas, grupos focales y una reunión de discusión sistemática evaluadora con la comunidad. En total participaron 79 personas en todas las etapas de la investigación. En este vecindario específico, los resultados mostraron que la relación entre convivialidad e identidad de barrio está fundamentada en el tiempo de estancia de los vecinos y la interacción en comercios de barrio como espacios comunitarios informales. Pero estos aspectos están influidos también por el género, edad, y otros elementos de diversidad. Un obstáculo significativo fue el racismo “soterrado” de algunos vecinos nativos, el cual afecta la convivialidad y dificulta la identificación con el barrio de los vecinos migrantes. Se discuten estos resultados en base con aspectos teóricos y posibles implicancias prácticas.
Valoración de la creación de historias digitales como método para mejorar la comprensión psicosocial del comportamiento
(ICE Universitat de Barcelona, 2025-12-04) Saldaña Tops, Omar; Longares Hernández, Lara; Vicente-Cruz, Emerson; Espelt, Esteve; Rodríguez Carballeira, Álvaro
Introducción: El digital storytelling como método de aprendizaje se basa en la creación de historias por parte del alumnado, permitiéndoles contextualizar conceptos teóricos de forma creativa. Este estudio tiene el objetivo de examinar cómo valora el alumnado una actividad de creación de historias digitales en la enseñanza de Psicología Social. Método: La actividad consistió en definir 30 conceptos teóricos, elaborar una historia donde se representaban seis conceptos, grabarla en vídeo y elaborar un documento con su explicación teórica. Se realizaron tres tutorías de seguimiento. 153 participantes (85 % mujeres; edad: M = 19,78) contestaron un cuestionario en línea para valorar la actividad. Resultados: La mayoría mostró una alta satisfacción con las tareas (M = 3,14/4) y las tutorías (M = 3,52/4), no encontrándose diferencias importantes en función de los estilos de aprendizaje y otras variables relevantes del alumnado. Todas las tareas en las que se estructuraba la actividad fueron evaluadas positivamente, especialmente la elaboración de la historia (M = 7,97/10). Discusión: La creación de historias digitales parece ser un método con gran potencial para generar aprendizajes significativos que además resulta gratificante para la mayoría de estudiantes. Respecto a la actividad, se sugiere dar mayor apoyo para la edición del vídeo.
Assessing Transversal Competences in Professional Internships: The Role of Assessment Agents
(Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi, 2022) Romeo Delgado, Marina; Yepes i Baldó, Montserrat; González Argüello, Ma. Vicenta (María Vicenta); Burset, Sílvia; Martín Piñol, Carolina; Bosch, Emma
The assessment process in higher education considers four aspects: assessment agents, procedure, content, and scoring. In this study, we delve into the who. We analyze the role of transversal competence assessment agents in the framework of professional internships in university master's degree programs, comparing the suitability of their assessment based on their degree of experience in each master's program. Four university master's degree programs, in the field of human and social sciences, were analyzed. To ensure the degree of expert competence among the participating judges, the K coefficient was used. Two expert and two nonexpert judges independently assessed the critical incidents narrated by the students and inquired about the competences described in the curricula. The reliability index between the assessments from expert and nonexpert judges was analyzed. The results show greater reliability among the assessments of expert judges compared to nonexperts. As a result, we conclude the importance of basing the selection of assessors on objective expert competence and not on criteria more linked to academic management. It is also necessary to include the critical incident method as a systematic information collection system to explicitly assess transversal competences.
A qualitative study exploring mental health professionals’ perspectives, opinions, and attitudes on the state of service users’ rights
(Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2024-10-15) Eiroá Orosa, Francisco José; Pradillo Caimari, Cristina
Background: The rights of mental health service users are a subject of profound debate. In this article, we aim to examine mental health professionals’ perspectives, opinions, and attitudes on the state of service users’ rights. Methods: We conducted a thematic analysis of eleven focus groups involving mental health professionals. Results: Through this process, we identified two main meta-themes that shed light on the challenges faced by mental health service users: ‘Transforming the therapeutic relationship’ and ‘Societal determinants of service users’ rights’. Within the former meta-theme, we identified the following themes: ‘Diversifying mental health knowledge’, ‘Risk-protection tensions’, and ‘Being (ir)responsible’. Within the latter meta-theme we identified ‘Determinants inside the clinics’ and ‘Determinants outside the clinics.’ Conclusions: Reflecting on these themes could potentially encourage new strategies to support professionals in overcoming the subjective barriers that prevent their adherence to rights-based mental health care models.
Sex and APOE ε2 Interactive Effects on the Longitudinal Change in Cognition in a Population-Based Cohort of Older Adults with Vascular Risk Factors
(MDPI, 2025-11-01) Lamonja-Vicente, Noemí; Dacosta-Aguayo, Rosalia; López-Olóriz, Jorge; Prades-Senovilla, Laia; Soriano Raya, Juan José; Clemente, Immaculada; Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; Barrios Cerrejón, M. Teresa; López Cancio, Elena; Cáceres, Cynthia; Millán, Mónica; Torán, Pere; Pera, Guillem; Carmona-Cervelló, Meritxell; Herrero, Cecilia; Montero Alía, Pilar; Palau-Antoja, Maria; Hernández Pérez, María; Canento, Tamara; Gonzalez Fuxa, Ana; Mataró Serrat, Maria; Via i García, Marc
Cognitive aging trajectories differ widely across individuals, and genetic factors such as APOE and BDNF polymorphisms may contribute to this variability. While APOE ε4 has been widely studied, the influence of APOE ε2, particularly in interaction with sex, remains underexplored. This study aims to examine the longitudinal trajectory of APOE ε2 individuals on cognitive performance, and their interactions with sex, age, and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, in a population-based cohort of older adults with vascular risk. We analyzed data from 386 participants (mean age: 71.8) from the Barcelona-AsIA Neuropsychology Study, followed over a 7-year period. Verbal memory, verbal fluency, and visuospatial domains were assessed. Linear regression models tested associations between cognitive change and genotypes, controlling for age, sex, education, depression, and vascular risk. Interaction terms and permutation testing were applied. Regression to the mean (RTM) effects were assessed. BDNF showed no significant associations with cognitive performance. RTM effects were evident across subgroups, particularly among ε2 carriers, suggesting this phenomenon partly explains the divergent results over time. APOE ε2 does not confer a consistent protective effect on cognition over time. Our results highlight that APOE ε2 may be detrimental to verbal memory in aging males.
When to use Bootstrap-F in one-way repeated measures ANOVA: Type I error and power
(Facultad de Psicología de la Universidad de Oviedo y el Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos del Principado de Asturias, 2025) Blanca Mena, M. José; Bono Cabré, Roser; Arnau Gras, Jaume; García-Castro, F. Javier; Alarcón Postigo, Rafael; Vallejo, Guillermo
Background: With repeated measures, the traditional ANOVA F-statistic requires fulfillment of normality and sphericity. Bootstrap-F (B-F) has been proposed as a procedure for dealing with violation of these assumptions when conducting a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. However, evidence regarding its robustness and power is limited. Our aim is to extend knowledge about the behavior of B-F with a wider range of conditions. Method: A simulation study was performed, manipulating the number of repeated measures, sample sizes, epsilon values, and distribution shape. Results: B-F may become conservative with higher values of epsilon, and liberal under extreme violation of both normality and sphericity and small sample sizes. In these cases, B-F may be used with a more stringent alpha level (.025). The results also show that power is affected by sphericity: the lower the epsilon value, the larger the sample size required to ensure adequate power. Conclusions: B-F is robust under non-normality and non-sphericity with sample sizes larger than 20-25.
Delusional self-confidence? Trait perseverance is associated with increased brain activity reflecting confidence about own performance in a dot random motion task
(Elsevier Ltd., 2025-12-01) Recio, Guillermo; Korb, Sebastian; Blanco Blanes, Àngel; Valenzuela, Rafael; Pestana, José Vicente; Codina, Núria (Codina Mata)
Most people perform best when being moderately challenged, while their motivation drops for very easy or very difficult tasks. We investigated the impact of task difficulty on task engagement, mood state, and the P3 component of the event-related brain potential (ERPs) reflecting the formation of confidence about performance. A group of young adults completed a random dot motion task with easy, moderate, and difficult blocks. We analyzed possible moderation effects of personality traits and self-regulation, as they explain tendencies to keep consistent motivation and persevere despite difficulties. Results showed, contrary to hypotheses, a benefit in mood and engagement when the task was easy rather than moderate or difficult. Interestingly, low perseverance predicted confidence about own performance when the task was easy, as evidenced in larger P3 amplitude. In contrast, participants scoring high in perseverance showed greater confidence in their responses in the difficult condition. Results did not support an explanation in terms of affect regulation. We propose that uncertainty about one's own ability could activate top-down confidence in persevering individuals, and the belief that if they work hard, will eventually succeed. This top-down confidence in the brain may be the source of the sustained effort characteristic of perseverance.
Moderating effect of the domains of the cognitive reserve index questionnaire (CRIq) on longitudinal change slopes in episodic memory across the cognitive aging continuum
(Nature Publishing Group, 2026-01-19) Arora, Sonali; Lojo-Seoane, Cristina; Leiva Ureña, David; Pérez-Blanco, Lucía; Mallo, Sabela C.; Nieto-Vieites, Ana; Pereiro, Arturo X.
Cognitive reserve (CR) hypothesis predicts reduced impact of aging and neurodegeneration on cognition in adults who have lived in cognitively stimulating environments. Our study tested the moderating role of socio-behavioral CR proxies on longitudinal episodic memory (EM) decline, one of the cognitive domains that has been suggested to be most sensitive to early deterioration in presymptomatic stages of dementia. 323 participants (≥ 50 years old) from CompAS study were classified into four groups based on baseline diagnosis and progression at 18–24 (T1) and 48–70 months (T2): Subjective cognitive complaints (SCC) who remain stable (SCC-stable), Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who remain stable (MCI-stable), SCC who progressed to MCI (Prog-to-MCI), and SCC or MCI who progressed to dementia (Prog-to-Dem). Mixed models analyzed changes across EM measures of immediate and long delay with and without cued recall from the Spanish CVLT to account for the EM processes of encoding and consolidation in the short and long term. Domains from Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (School, Work and Leisure) were tested as moderators of longitudinal EM trends in progression groups across two nested models. Our results confirm the CR hypothesis:1) steeper memory decline observed in all progression groups compared to SCC-stable, especially at T2 relative to baseline; 2) Higher CRIq-School and CRIq-Work scores moderated changes in EM measures in participants who progress to MCI and who progress to dementia compared to SCC-stable group; 3) CR moderation effect was stronger at T2. Our findings support the validity of CR proxies of Education and Occupation in attenuating memory decline along the continuum of subjective and objective cognitive decline.
Chronic time pressure as a predictor of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress
(BioMed Central, 2025-10-24) Ogden, Ruth; Schoetensack, Christine; Klegr, Tereza; Pestana, José Vicente; Valenzuela, Rafael; Goncikowska, Katarzyna; Giner-Domínguez, Georgina; Papastamatelou, Julie; Chappuis, Sébastien; Fernández Boente, Mónica; Meteier, Quentin; Černohorská, Vanda; Codina, Núria (Codina Mata); Martin-Söelch, Chantal; Wittmann, Marc; Witowska, Joanna
Background: Despite advances in technology and labour-saving devices, chronic time pressure, or the sense that you do not have enough time, is increasing globally. The implications of this for health and wellbeing are poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the impact of chronic time pressure on experiences of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in a European sample. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed. A sample of 7,570 individuals, representative of the populations of the UK, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Czechia and Poland in terms of age and gender participated. Participants completed a questionnaire containing demographic questions, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 to measure symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress and the Chronic Time Pressure Inventory to measure feelings of harriedness and cognitive awareness of time shortage. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine the predictive value of chronic time pressure on experiences of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Results: Chronic time pressure was a significant predictor of symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress in all countries studied, accounting for between 5 and 24% of the variance in depression, anxiety and stress scores. Two factors of chronic time pressure differentially predicted symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Whilst feeling harried was universally associated with increased scores for depression, anxiety and stress, cognitive awareness of time shortage was not consistently predictive of depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusions: Chronic time pressure is associated with reduced wellbeing. Feeling chronically harried is associated with increased experiences of the symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. The results emphasize the need for governments, employers and healthcare providers to prioritise reducing time pressure as a mechanism of improving wellbeing.
Neuropsychological long-term sequelae of perinatal asphyxia
(Informa UK, 2001) Mañeru Zunazarren, Cristina; Junqué i Plaja, Carme, 1955-; Botet Mussons, Francisco; Tallada, Mercé; Guàrdia-Olmos, Joan, 1958-
Objective : To investigate the long-term neuropsychological consequences of perinatal asphyxia (PA). Methods : A group of adolescents were assessed with antecedents of mild ( n = 8) and moderate ( n = 20) PA, and a matched group of 28 healthy adolescents as a control group. Neuropsychological assessment included tests of memory, perceptual-motor skills, and frontal lobe functions, because these are areas of cognitive functioning susceptible to hypoxic conditions. Results : Subjects with moderate PA showed significant differences from the control group on tests related to delayed recall for both verbal and visual information, perceptual-motor speed, and tests assessing attention and executive functions. Conversely, subjects in the mild PA group exhibited scores which were similar to those of the control group in all the assessed variables. Conclusion : The present findings demonstrate that subtle but persistent neuropsychological deficits were observed in adolescents with antecedents of moderate PA, but not in those classified with mild asphyxia.
Experiencias de victimización y polivictimización en una muestra clínica de menores: Internalización, externalización y sintomatología psicopatológica general
(Fundació Orienta, 2013-04) Pereda Beltran, Noemí; Abad i Gil, Judit; Guilera Ferré, Georgina
El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la incidencia de victimización en una muestra clínica de adolescentes y evaluar el impacto de la polivictimización en su salud mental. La muestra la integraron 133 adolescentes de entre 12 y 17 años referidos a 13 centros de salud mental infantil y juvenil. Los resultados muestran que los adolescentes atendidos en servicios de salud mental tienen un nivel elevado de victimización, así mismo, ponen de manifiesto que la polivictimización se encuentra significativamente relacionada con el nivel de malestar psicológico, mostrando un impacto mayor que los tipos específicos de victimización.
Brain structure and function related to cognitive reserve variables in normal aging, mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
(Elsevier B.V., 2009-07) Solé Padullés, Cristina; Bartrés Faz, David; Junqué i Plaja, Carme, 1955-; Vendrell i Gómez, Pere; Rami González, Lorena; Clemente, Immaculada; Bosch Capdevila, Beatriz; Villar, Amparo; Bargalló Alabart, Núria; Jurado, Ma. Ángeles (María Ángeles); Barrios Cerrejón, M. Teresa; Molinuevo, José Luis
Cognitive reserve (CR) is the brain's capacity to cope with cerebral damage to minimize clinical manifestations. The 'passive model' considers head or brain measures as anatomical substrates of CR, whereas the 'active model' emphasizes the use of brain networks effectively. Sixteen healthy subjects, 12 amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 16 cases with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD) were included to investigate the relationships between proxies of CR and cerebral measures considered in the 'passive' and 'active' models. CR proxies were inferred premorbid IQ (WAIS Vocabulary test), 'education-occupation', a questionnaire of intellectual and social activities and a composite CR measure. MRI-derived whole-brain volumes and brain activity by functional MRI during a visual encoding task were obtained. Among healthy elders, higher CR was related to larger brains and reduced activity during cognitive processing, suggesting more effective use of cerebral networks. In contrast, higher CR was associated with reduced brain volumes in MCI and AD and increased brain function in the latter, indicating more advanced neuropathology but that active compensatory mechanisms are still at work in higher CR patients. The right superior temporal gyrus (BA 22) and the left superior parietal lobe (BA 7) showed greatest significant differences in direction of slope with CR and activation between controls and AD cases. Finally, a regression analysis revealed that fMRI patterns were more closely related to CR proxies than brain volumes. Overall, inverse relationships for healthy and pathological aging groups emerged between brain structure and function and CR variables.
Structural brain changes and cognition in relation to markers of vascular dysfunction
(Elsevier B.V., 2012-05) Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; Soriano Raya, Juan José; Spulber, Gabriela; López Cancio, Elena; Arenillas, Juan Francisco; Bargalló Alabart, Núria; Galán, Amparo; Barrios Cerrejón, M. Teresa; Cáceres, Cynthia; Alzamora, María Teresa; Pera, Guillem; Kivipelto, Miia; Wahlund, Lars-Olof; Dávalos, Antoni; Mataró Serrat, Maria
The aim was to investigate the relationship between blood markers of vascular dysfunction with brain microstructural changes and cognition. Eighty-six participants from the Barcelona-Asymptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis (AsIA) neuropsychology study were included. Subjects were 50–65 years old, free from dementia and without history of vascular disease. We assessed correlations of blood levels of inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and resistin) and fibrinolysis inhibitors (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1] and A-lipoprotein (Lp (a)) with fractional anisotropy (FA) measurements of diffusion tensor images (DTI), regional gray matter (GM) volumes and performance in several cognitive domains. Increasing levels of C-reactive protein and PAI-1 levels were associated with white matter (WM) integrity loss in corticosubcortical pathways and association fibers of frontal and temporal lobes, independently of age, sex and vascular risk factors. PAI-1 was also related to lower speed and visuomotor/coordination. None of the biomarkers were related to gray matter volume changes. Our findings suggest that inflammation and dysregulation of the fibrynolitic system may be involved in the pathological mechanisms underlying the WM damage seen in cerebrovascular disease and subsequent cognitive impairment.
Cognitive patterns in relation to biomarkers of cerebrovascular disease and vascular risk factors
(Karger, 2013-10) Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; López Cancio, Elena; López-Olóriz, Jorge; Arenillas, Juan Francisco; Barrios Cerrejón, M. Teresa; Soriano Raya, Juan José; Galán, Amparo; Cáceres, Cynthia; Alzamora, María Teresa; Pera, Guillem; Toran, Pere; Dávalos, Antoni; Mataró Serrat, Maria
Background: Risk factors for vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) are the same as traditional risk factors for cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Early identification of subjects at higher risk of VCI is important for the development of effective preventive strategies. In addition to traditional vascular risk factors (VRF), circulating biomarkers have emerged as potential tools for early diagnoses, as they could provide in vivo measures of the underlying pathophysiology. While VRF have been consistently linked to a VCI profile (i.e., deficits in executive functions and processing speed), the cognitive correlates of CVD biomarkers remain unclear. In this population-based study, the aim was to study and compare cognitive patterns in relation to VRF and circulating biomarkers of CVD. Methods: The Barcelona-AsIA Neuropsychology Study included 747 subjects older than 50, without a prior history of stroke or coronary disease and with a moderate to high vascular risk (mean age, 66 years; 34.1% women). Three cognitive domains were derived from factoral analysis: visuospatial skills/speed, verbal memory and verbal fluency. Multiple linear regression was used to assess relationships between cognitive performance (multiple domains) and a panel of circulating biomarkers, including indicators of inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP) and resistin, endothelial dysfunction, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), thrombosis, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), as well as traditional VRF, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance index). Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, years of education and depressive symptoms. Results: Traditional VRF were related to lower performance in verbal fluency, insulin resistance accounted for lower performance in visuospatial skills/speed and the metabolic syndrome predicted lower performance in both cognitive domains. From the biomarkers of CVD, CRP was negatively related to verbal fluency performance and increasing ADMA levels were associated with lower performance in verbal memory. Resistin and PAI-1 did not relate to cognitive function performance. Conclusion: Vascular risk factors, and markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction predicted lower performance in several cognitive domains. Specifically, cognitive functions associated with CRP are typically affected in VCI and overlap those related to VRF. ADMA indicated a dissociation in the cognitive profile involving verbal memory. These findings suggest that inflammation and endothelial dysfunction might play a role in the predementia cognitive impairment stages.
Tract-specific fractional anisotropy predicts cognitive outcome in a community sample of middle-aged participants with white matter lesions
(International Society for Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, 2014-05) Soriano Raya, Juan José; Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; López Cancio, Elena; Bargalló Alabart, Núria; Arenillas, Juan Francisco; Barrios Cerrejón, M. Teresa; Cáceres, Cynthia; Toran, Pere; Alzamora, María Teresa; Dávalos, Antoni; Mataró Serrat, Maria
Cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) have been consistently related to cognitive dysfunction but the role of white matter (WM) damage in cognitive impairment is not fully determined. Diffusion tensor imaging is a promising tool to explain impaired cognition related to WMLs. We investigated the separate association of high-grade periventricular hyperintensities (PVHs) and deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMHs) with fractional anisotropy (FA) in middle-aged individuals. We also assessed the predictive value to cognition of FA within specific WM tracts associated with high-grade WMLs. One hundred participants from the Barcelona-AsIA Neuropsychology Study were divided into groups based on low- and high-grade WMLs. Voxel-by-voxel FA were compared between groups, with separate analyses for high-grade PVHs and DWMHs. The mean FA within areas showing differences between groups was extracted in each tract for linear regression analyses. Participants with high-grade PVHs and participants with high-grade DWMHs showed lower FA in different areas of specific tracts. Areas showing decreased FA in high-grade DWMHs predicted lower cognition, whereas areas with decreased FA in high-grade PVHs did not. The predictive value to cognition of specific WM tracts supports the involvement of cortico-subcortical circuits in cognitive deficits only in DWMHs.
Understanding social cognition in children with cerebral palsy: exploring the relationship with executive functions and the intervention outcomes in a randomized controlled trial
(Springer Verlag, 2024-09-01) García-Galant, María; Blasco, Montse; Moral‑Salicrú, Paula; Soldevilla, Jorge; Ballester Plané, Júlia; Laporta-Hoyos, Olga; Caldú i Ferrús, Xavier; Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; Alonso Curcó, Xènia; Toro Tamargo, Esther; Meléndez Plumed, Mar; Gimeno, Francisca; Leiva Ureña, David; Boyd, Roslyn; Pueyo Benito, Roser
Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) experience Social Cognition (SC) difficulties, which could be related to executive functioning. While motor interventions are common, there is limited knowledge about the impact of cognitive interventions on SC in this population. This study examined the relationship between SC and Executive Function (EF) skills and the effectiveness of an EF intervention that included some SC tasks for improving SC in children with CP. SC and EF domains were assessed in 60 participants with CP (30 females; 8–12 years). The relationship between SC and EF baseline scores was analyzed by bivariate correlations and contingency tables. Participants were matched by age, sex, motor ability, and intelligence quotient and randomized into intervention or control groups. The intervention group underwent a 12-week home-based computerized EF intervention. Analysis of covariance was used to examine differences in SC components between groups at post-intervention and 9 months after. Significant positive correlations were found between the SC and EF scores. The frequencies of impaired and average scores in SC were distributed similarly to the impaired and average scores in EFs. The intervention group showed significant improvements in Affect Recognition performance post-intervention, which were maintained at the follow-up assessment, with a moderate effect size. Long-term improvements in Theory of Mind were observed 9 months after. Conclusions: This study highlights the association between SC and EFs. A home-based computerized cognitive intervention program improves SC in children with CP. Including SC tasks in EF interventions may lead to positive short- and long-term effects for children with CP.
Deep versus periventricular white matter lesions and cognitive function in a community sample of middle-aged participants
(Cambridge University Press (CUP), 2012) Soriano Raya, Juan José; Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; López Cancio, Elena; Bargalló Alabart, Núria; Arenillas, Juan Francisco; Barrios Cerrejón, M. Teresa; Cáceres, Cynthia; Toran, Pere; Alzamora, María Teresa; Dávalos, Antoni; Mataró Serrat, Maria
The association of cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) with cognitive status is not well understood in middle-aged individuals. Our aim was to determine the specific contribution of periventricular hyperintensities (PVHs) and deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMHs) to cognitive function in a community sample of asymptomatic participants aged 50 to 65 years. One hundred stroke- and dementia-free adults completed a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and brain MRI protocol. Participants were classified according to PVH and DWMH scores (Fazekas scale). We dichotomized our sample into low grade WMLs (participants without or with mild lesions) and high grade WMLs (participants with moderate or severe lesions). Analyses were performed separately in PVH and DWMH groups. High grade DWMHs were associated with significantly lower scores in executive functioning (−0.45 standard deviations [SD]), attention (−0.42 SD), verbal fluency (−0.68 SD), visual memory (−0.52 SD), visuospatial skills (−0.79 SD), and psychomotor speed (−0.46 SD). Further analyses revealed that high grade DWMHs were also associated with a three- to fourfold increased risk of impaired scores (i.e.,<1.5 SD) in executive functioning, verbal fluency, visuospatial skills, and psychomotor speed. Our findings suggest that only DWMHs, not PVHs, are related to diminished cognitive function in middle-aged individuals. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1–12)
Tractography of sensorimotor pathways in dyskinetic cerebral palsy: Association with motor function
(American Neurological Association, 2024-10) Caldú i Ferrús, Xavier; Reid, Lee B.; Pannek, Kerstin; Fripp, Jurgen; Ballester Plané, Júlia; Leiva Ureña, David; Boyd, Roslyn; Pueyo Benito, Roser; Laporta-Hoyos, Olga
Objectives: Neuroimaging studies of dyskinetic cerebral palsy (CP) are scarce and the neuropathological underpinnings are not fully understood. We delineated the corticospinal tract (CST) and cortico-striatal-thalamocortical (CSTC) pathways with probabilistic tractography to assess their (1) integrity and (2) association with motor functioning in people with dyskinetic CP. Methods: Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance images were obtained for 33 individuals with dyskinetic CP and 33 controls. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) for the CST and the CSTC pathways were compared between groups. Correlation analyses were performed between tensor metric values and motor function scores of participants with dyskinetic CP as assessed by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), the Bimanual Fine Motor Function (BFMF), and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS). Results: White matter integrity in both the CST and the CSTC pathways was reduced in people with dyskinetic CP. The GMFCS, MACS and, less commonly, the BFMF were associated with FA and, particularly, MD in most portions of these pathways. Interpretation: The present study advances our understanding of the involvement of white matter microstructure in sensorimotor pathways and its relationship with motor impairment in people with dyskinetic CP. Our results are consistent with well-described relationships between upper limb function and white matter integrity in the CST and CSTC pathways in other forms of CP. This knowledge may ultimately help prognosis and therapeutic programmes.
Navigating identity dilemmas in protest: Everyday discursive strategies of engagement in the Catalan independence movement
(Wiley, 2025-05-22) Pradillo Caimari, Cristina
Over the past decade, large-scale protests have been pivotal in shaping institutional dynamics and triggering societal change. Despite increased academic attention, the understanding of participants' experiences remains limited. This paper argues for adopting an actor-centered perspective to gain novel insights into protest dynamics. Specifically, we focus on the everyday dilemmas of protest participation. We present the Catalan pro-independence protest cycle (2012–2020) as an instrumental case illustrating lay participants' engagement in mass demonstrations. Drawing on 30 open-ended interviews with ordinary actors, we conducted a discursive and rhetorical analysis. Our results show that, when faced with dilemmatic experiences, ordinary participants adopt various discursive strategies that allow them to both engage with and distance themselves from (part of) the movement's collective identity. Four main patterns were identified: avoiding identification with independentism, rejecting the stigmatized characterization of pro-independence participants, framing participation as non-political, and engaging in heterodox participation. Finally, we discuss the role of dilemmas in protest involvement.
Decent Work dimensions as a demand and or a resource: Association with workers’ risk behaviours
(European Commission, 2025-12) Bellu, Alice Perséfone Monteiro; Pais, Leonor; Mónico, Lisete S. M.; Berger, Rita, 1959-; da Costa, Maria Clara; dos Santos, Nuno Rebelo
Decent Work (DW), the 8th Sustainable Development Goal of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, encompasses seven dimensions, reflecting people’s work aspirations. Using the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) theory, this study explores how DW dimensions can simultaneously function as resources (when adequately met) and demands (when requiring significant effort to address deficits). Using a non-experimental, cross-sectional design, with data collected through standardized questionnaires from active workers in Spain (n=1313) and Portugal (n=494), this study explores configurations of DW dimensions as demands and/or resources and their association with self-reported risk behaviours like alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity. A two-step cluster analysis identified four Decent Work Demands and Resources (DWDaR) profiles: Demanding, Resourceful, Rich, and Poor DW. "Adequate working time and workload" included the highest demand, while "Fundamental principles and values at work" showed the highest resource. The profiles showed significant differences in risk behaviours. The Demanding DW profile was associated with lower alcohol consumption and physical activity compared to the Resourceful DW profile. Participants in the Poor DW profile exhibited lower physical activity than those in the Resourceful DW profile. No significant differences in smoking behaviours were observed among the profiles. This study integrates JD-R theory with DW, offering practical and theoretical implications for policymakers, organizations and future research.

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