Articles publicats en revistes (Psicologia Clínica i Psicobiologia)

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Large-scale population data enrichment in mental health research
(Springer Nature, 2024-10-01) Nees, Frauke; Renner, Paul; Holz, Nathalie E.; Polemiti, Elli; Siehl, Sebastian; Hese, Sören; Schepanski, Kerstin; Schumann, Gunter; The environMENTAL Consortium
This Comment explores new approaches to enrich large-scale population data, including incorporating macro-environmental and digital health measures.
Exploring Metacognition in a Spanish-Speaking Population: Adaptation and Validation of the Metacognition Self-Assessment Scale (MSAS)
(Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), 2025) Alabèrnia Segura, Miquel ; Mullins, Danielle; Carulla Flix, Anna ; Feixas i Viaplana, Guillem
El presente estudio tiene como objetivo adaptar y validar la Escala de Autoevaluación de la Metacognición (MSAS) para población de habla hispana. Empleando un enfoque modular de la metacognición, esta investigación se centra en analizar subfunciones específicas de la metacognición, como la auto-monitorización, la autoevaluación y la selección de estrategias. Una muestra de 138 individuos de habla hispana participó en el estudio, que incluyó tanto la traducción del MSAS, como la realización de pruebas de fiabilidad y validez. Los resultados del análisis factorial confirmatorio apoyan la estructura original del MSAS, que incluye cuatro factores: Autorreflexión, Distancia Crítica, Comprensión de la Mente del Otro y Dominio. Además, se estableció la validez convergente del MSAS con la Escala de Alexitimia de Toronto (TAS-20), demostrando una fuerte correlación negativa entre ambos instrumentos. Esta adaptación y validación de la versión en español del MSAS proporciona un valioso instrumento disponible para fines clínicos y de investigación. Esta contribución sienta las bases para inves
Psychosocial functional recovery in patients with bipolar disorder in remission: Which symptoms hold them back?
(Elsevier B.V., 2026-02-14) Bonnín Roig, Caterina del Mar; Montejo Egido, Laura; Torrent Font, Carla; Sánchez-Moreno, José; Diego-Adeliño, Javier de; Solé Cabezuelo, Brisa; Roca Tutusaus, Xavier; Hidalgo Mazzei, Diego; Borràs, Roger; Clougher, Derek; Valentí Ribas, Marc; Martínez-Arán, Anabel, 1971-; Cardoner, N. (Narcís); Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-
Background: Subthreshold depressive symptoms significantly hinder functional recovery in bipolar disorder (BD). While most studies use a global score to assess the impact of these symptoms on functioning, this study examines which specific subthreshold depressive symptoms mostly impede functional recovery in patients with BD in remission. Method: The sample comprised a total of 413 patients with BD. Subthreshold depressive symptoms were assessed using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and psychosocial functioning was measured with the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST). Bivariate analyses were performed to identify items from the HAM-D as well as other clinical and demographic variables associated with functional impairment. Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted including the variables that demonstrated significant associations in the bivariate analyses. Results: The linear regression model for the FAST total score demonstrated that "psychomotor retardation" (item 8) had the strongest association on psychosocial functioning (β = 6,9; p < 0,001), followed by "feelings of guilt" (item 2) (β = 5,75; p < 0,001) "work and activities" (item 7) (β = 5,38; p < 0,001) and "somatic anxiety" (item 11) (β = 3,45; p < 0,001). Other significant clinical variables included antipsychotic use, older age, fewer years of education and male sex. This model explained 39,6% of the variance in the FAST total score (R2 = 0,396; Adjusted R2 = 0,375; F(399,13) = 20,04; p < 0,001). Conclusions: Specific subthreshold symptoms, including psychomotor retardation, apathy, guilt and somatic anxiety significantly influence psychosocial functioning. These findings highlight the importance of specifically targeting these symptoms to achieve functional recovery, even when patients are clinically stable.
Consensus on Subdomains and Measures of Relevance to Affective and Social Cognition Research on Bipolar Disorder (CAS-BD); Outcomes and Recommendations From an International Society for Bipolar Disorders Targeting Cognition Taskforce Study
(John Wiley & Sons, 2026-03-01) Van Rheenen, Tamsyn E Van; Lewandowski, Kathryn E; Pinkham, Amy; Varo, Cristina; Caruana, Georgia F.; Gruber, J.; Zarp, Jeff; Young, Allan H.; Yatham, Lakshmi N.; Vieta i Pascual, Eduard, 1963-; Torres, Ivan J.; Tsapekos, Dimosthenis; Sumiyoshi, Tomiki; Stokes, Paul R. A.; Schaffer, Ayal; Purdon, Scot E.; Porter, Richard J.; McIntyre, Roger S.; Martínez-Arán, Anabel, 1971-; López Jaramillo, Carlos; Lafer, Beny; Kessing, Lars Vedel; Kjærstad, Hanne Lie; Hasler, Gregor; Gallagher, Peter; Douglas, Katie; Dols, Annemiek; Carvalho, André F.; Burdick, Katherine E.; Bowie, Christopher R.; Bonnín Roig, Caterina del Mar; Balanzá-Martínez, Vicent; Miskowiak, Kamilla W.
Background The Consensus on subdomains and measures of Affective and Social cognition for research on Bipolar Disorder (CAS-BD) project aimed to formulate preliminary consensus-based recommendations for assessing affective and social cognition in BD. Methods Three sequential surveys administered to experts on affective and social cognition in BD were conducted using the Delphi process. Experts responded to questions regarding affective and social cognition subdomains and rated their importance to research on BD. Experts also nominated measures, rated them for suitability, and ranked them by preference for use. Consensus was defined as ≥ 80% agreement. Results 31 experts completed the initial survey, with 20–23 completing subsequent surveys. Consensus was obtained for the subdomain structure of both affective cognition and social cognition, and the definition of each subdomain within. Explicit emotion regulation was ranked as being of highest priority for further research on affective cognition, and theory of mind as highest priority for further research on social cognition. The top-preferenced measures of all affective cognition subdomains were considered by consensus to be suitable for use in BD research. Agreement that the top-preferenced measures of social cognition were suitable ranged from 71.5% to 95.3%. Discussion Expert consensus on subdomains and measures of affective and social cognition for research on BD was obtained via a staged approach. Prior familiarity may have influenced some experts' rankings, but generally there was a notable lack of consistency in the use of available measures by BD experts. This reaffirms the need for more specific guidance and validated batteries of social and affective cognition to direct the field and allow for more consistency and replication of research in the future.
An Exemplary Life? A Personal Construct Analysis of the Autobiography of Rudolf Hoess, Commandant of Auschwitz
(Taylor & Francis, 2014-08-27) Reed, Nick; Winter, David A., 1950- ; Schulz, Joerg; Aslan, Esther; Soldevilla Alberti, Joan Miquel; Kuzu, Duygu
This article analyzes the autobiography of Rudolf Hoess, commandant of Auschwitz. Textual grid, ABC, and self-characterization analyses of the autobiography are used to construe Hoess’s writing. The textual grid analysis suggests that Hoess saw his adult self as being different from others but his young self as similar to Jews. Conflicts in self-construing are identified. The ABC analysis indicates that, from his perspective, it made sense for Hoess to choose not to leave the concentration camp service. The self-characterization analysis focuses on whether Hoess experienced Kellyan guilt and it suggests that he did, but in unexpected contexts.
Characteristics of the construct systems of women victims of intimate partner violence
(Taylor & Francis, 2014) Soldevilla Alberti, Joan Miquel; Feixas i Viaplana, Guillem; Varlotta, Nicolás; Cirici i Amell, Roser
The aim of this study was to explore the structural characteristics of the construct systems of women who had suffered intimate partner violence (IPV). We compared a group of 40 women victims of IPV and 40 controls using the symptom check list (SCL-90-R) and the repertory grid technique (RGT). IPV victims showed more psychological symptoms, higher polarization and unidimensional thinking, and more implicative dilemmas than the comparison group. In contrast to previous assumptions and ﬁndings about their low self-esteem, no signiﬁcant differences were found with the control group in the actual self–ideal self discrepancy measure of the RGT. These cognitive characteristics of the construct system should be taken into account in efforts to assist IPV victims psychologically. For example, if results were conﬁrmed by further studies, interventions should give priority to dilemma resolution over self-esteem enhancement as a focus of therapy.
Child sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church in Spain: A descriptive study of abuse characteristics, victims' faith, and spirituality
(American Psychological Association, 2021) Pereda Beltran, Noemí; Segura, Anna
Objective: The goal of this study was to examine a sample of 38 adult victims of child sexual abuse (CSA) by representatives of the Spanish Catholic Church. Method: An ad-hoc battery of questions divided into five sections was created: (a) Participant's general personal information, faith, religion and belief system; (b) sexual victimization by the Church; (c) sexual victimization committed by other persons; (d) other forms of caregiver victimization; (e) perception of the impact of the abuse on faith and spirituality. Results: Most of the victims are pubescent males, who experience contact sexual abuse, including high levels of penetration, by a priest or pastor. Victims tended to disclose their abuse, in adulthood, to someone close to them. Official reports were generally addressed to the Catholic Church rather than to police officers or the legal system. More than half of those who reported abuse stated that it had had a negative impact on their well-being. Victims also reported an acute reduction in their faith in God and the Church and other experiences of sexual and caregiver victimization. Conclusions: The results obtained in this first study to focus on the phenomenon of CSA by the Catholic Church in Spain are relevant enough to continue working on this area and to tailor specific intervention and prevention programs for these victims that address their spiritual damage.
Body‐related attentional bias as mediator of the relationship between body mass index and body dissatisfaction
(J. Wiley, 2020-07) Porras-García, Bruno; Ferrer, Marta (Ferrer García); Yilmaz, Lena; Sen, Yigit Onur; Olszewska, Agata; Ghiţă, Alexandra; Serrano Troncoso, Eduardo; Treasure, Janet; Gutiérrez Maldonado, José
Body image disturbance, consisting of an affective (body dissatisfaction) and perceptual (body distortion) component, is not only found in eating disorders, but is also present in healthy individuals, affecting their psychological well- being and everyday life. A higher body mass index is associated with higher body dissatisfaction, whereas results in relation to body distortion are mixed. Furthermore, body dissatisfaction is associated with a weight-related atten- tional bias. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of a weight- related attentional bias in the relationship between body mass index and body image disturbance. Forty-one college women took part in a virtual reality and eye tracking procedure, in which the illusion of owning a virtual avatar with their body measurements was induced. During this procedure, body-related attentional bias was measured and afterwards body image disturbance was assessed. Mediation analysis revealed that weight-related attentional bias mediated the relationship between body mass index and body dissatisfaction (but not distortion). These findings suggest that modifying weight-related attentional bias would be a useful treatment target for improving body dissatis- faction. In addition, virtual reality technology could serve as an innovative method for modifying attentional bias in an ecologically valid way.
Dialogue and Dominance in Couple Therapy for Depression: Exploring Therapists’ Responses in Creating Collaborative Moments
(Wiley, 2020-09-01) Artigas Miralles, Lourdes; Vilaregut, Anna; Feixas i Viaplana, Guillem; Mateu Martínez, Clara; Seikkula, Jaakko; Vall Castelló, Berta
Previous investigations have found specific communication patterns in couples dealing with depression, specifically when depression concurs with conjugal conflicts. The presence of these patterns can reflect couples’ difficulties in engaging in collaborative communication during their sessions, posing a real challenge for therapists. This exploratory study uses a dialogical approach to examine issues of dominance and type of dialogue in two couples who differed in terms of their levels of dyadic adjustment. The therapists’ reactions were explored in order to detect the kinds of responses that were most effective at engendering a collaborative attitude in therapy sessions. The method used to analyze the dialogue was Dialogical Investigations of Happenings of Change (DIHC). Results on dominance indicated that the degree of quantitative and semantic dominance displayed by a different member of the couple in each case was illustrative of their relational dynamics, while in both cases interactional dominance was exercised by the therapists. Results on dialogue revealed that dialogic dialogue might help to coconstruct new shared meanings of depression. The findings indicated that certain responses by therapists as part of the dialogue could be useful in bringing about a reduction in hostility between the members of a couple, provided that the responses are maintained over the course of the session. Some research and clinical implications that emerge from the results are discussed.
VirtualPain. Preliminary findings from a group-based digital therapeutics intervention for fibromyalgia
(SAGE Publications, 2024-04-01) Vilalta-Abella, Ferran; Porras-García, Bruno; Ghiţă, Alexandra; Vacas, Montserrat; Prat-Galbany, Mónica; Gutiérrez Maldonado, José
Introduction: Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disorder characterized by chronic pain, with significant medical, psychological, and socio-economic implications. Although there is limited evidence, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown to be effective in improving FM symptoms. An alternative to enhance CBT effectiveness is to incorporate digital therapeutics (DTx). Aim: We conducted a pilot study to investigate whether the addition of a DTx intervention (VirtualPain)to cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBGT) can reduce pain perception and associated symptoms in patients with FM. Method: Ten patients with FM were initially recruited from a public hospital in Barcelona. The treatment consisted of 6 weeks of VirtualPain group sessions and 16 weeks of CBGT. Measures of catastrophizing, self-efficacy, and coping were recorded before, during, and after the protocol. In the DTx sessions, pain intensity was recorded before and after each session. Results: The program (DTx and CBGT) showed asignificant improvement in pain-related self-efficacy and relaxation measures. Improvement in pain perception was observed only after the DTx intervention. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary results regarding the addedvalue ofDTx(VirtualPain) as part of a CBGTfor FM. The use of the program has facilitated a significant reduction in pain perception in each of the VirtualPain sessions, which provides further evidence of how this technology can be beneficial for improving FM treatments.
Abuso Sexual y Diagnóstico de Patología Límite en la Adolescencia: una Revisión Sistemática
(Consejo General de Colegios Oficiales de Psicólogos, 2026) Costa, Xavier; Cabré, Marta; Pereda Beltran, Noemí
La violencia sexual afecta a cerca de uno de cada cinco adolescentes en España, con una prevalencia mayor en chicas que en chicos, similar a otros países europeos. Esta experiencia puede impactar gravemente en la salud mental y el desarrollo, siendo el Trastorno Límite de la Personalidad (TLP) una consecuencia destacada. En el presente estudio se ha llevado a cabo una revisión sistemática siguiendo la metodología PRISMA, con el objetivo de analizar los resultados de aquellos trabajos publicados en la última década (2013-2023) sobre la relación entre el abuso sexual en la infancia y el diagnóstico de TLP. La finalidad de esta revisión es proporcionar a los profesionales hispanoparlantes una actualización sobre esta relación para mejorar su conocimiento y práctica clínica. De un total de 439 artículos, 27 cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. De las conclusiones destacamos que el abuso sexual en la infancia es un factor asociado significativamente con el desarrollo del TLP en la adolescencia, aunque la polivictimización parece su predictor más fiable. En cuanto a la prevalencia, el abuso sexual es más frecuente en muestras clínicas y judiciales, especialmente en mujeres. La revisión concluye que la violencia sexual en la infancia es un factor relevante en el desarrollo del TLP, siendo fundamental evaluarlo en las consultas clínicas iniciales debido a su impacto en la salud mental.
Evaluación de la victimización en la infancia y adolescencia: un enfoque desde la victimología del desarrollo en España
(Consejo General de Colegios Oficiales de Psicólogos, 2026) Pereda Beltran, Noemí; Greco, Ana Martina; Montiel Juan, Irene
A pesar de los avances legislativos y sociales, la violencia contra niños, niñas y adolescentes sigue siendo un problema de salud pública poco abordado con herramientas de evaluación específicas. Este artículo examina la prevalencia de la victimización infantil y adolescente en España evaluada a través del Cuestionario de Victimización Juvenil (JVQ) desde la perspectiva de la victimología del desarrollo. Este instrumento permite evaluar múltiples formas de violencia (por delitos comunes, maltrato por cuidadores, entre iguales, sexual, comunitaria y electrónica) desde la perspectiva de los propios menores. Se analizan diversas versiones del JVQ adaptadas al contexto español y se presentan datos obtenidos en diferentes comunidades y grupos de riesgo. Los resultados muestran una alta prevalencia de polivictimización, especialmente en adolescentes en contextos clínicos, judiciales y de protección. Se concluye que es urgente mejorar la detección temprana y la evaluación de la violencia infantil mediante herramientas adaptadas y fundamentadas en la victimología del desarrollo, así como ampliar la investigación a poblaciones vulnerables y menores de 12 años. Se destaca también la necesidad de trasladar estos hallazgos e instrumentos a la práctica profesional y al diseño y evaluación de políticas públicas.
Personality predicts internalizing symptoms and quality of life in police cadets: A comparison of artificial intelligence and parametric approaches
(BioMed Central, 2025-07-04) Buades-Rotger, Macià; Martínez Catena, Ana; Recio, Guillermo; Cano Gallent, Mireia; Niñerola, Jordi, 1977-; Figueras Masip, Anna, 1974-; Gallardo-Pujol, David
Background: Police cadets undergo persistent and elevated stress due to continuous training and evaluation. Identifying resilience and risk factors in this population can thus crucially inform management decisions within the police force. Here, in two large cohorts of police cadets (n=1069, 30% women and n=1377, 35% women) we investigated whether broad personality traits could predict internalizing symptoms (somatization, depression, and anxiety) as well as mental health-related quality of life (MHRQoL). Moreover, we compared seven popular artificial intelligence and linear regression models (Elastic Net, General Linear Model, Lasso Regression, Neural Networks, Random Forests, and Support Vector Regression) in predicting MHRQoL as a function of all other variables. Results: A Random Forest accounted for about half of the observed variance in MHRQoL, and outperformed all other models by up to 12% in an out-of-sample cross-validation. In all analyses, emotional stability emerged as the primary personality trait linked to MHRQoL, with anxiety and somatization symptoms partially mediating this relationship. Conclusions: Our findings delineate the personality factors that best predict internalizing symptoms and MHRQoL among cadets, and tentatively suggest that Random Forest models might be a powerful forecasting tool in police management.
Is There Such a Thing as a Hate Crime Paradigm? An Integrative Review of Bias-Motivated Violent Victimization and Offending, Its Effects and Underlying Mechanisms
(SAGE Publications, 2022) Díaz-Faes, Diego A.; Pereda Beltran, Noemí
Despite the growing number of bias-motivated violence studies, the evidence available remains limited, and there are several gaps in our understanding of the complex relationship between negative attitudes and biased violence. In addition, the literature on this topic has many facets and nuances and is often contradictory, so it is difficult to obtain a clear overall picture. Research has made good progress in this area, but it still suffers from a lack of systematization and from a highly segmented approach to victimization and offending. To contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the subject, this integrative narrative review provides a critical reappraisal of the theoretical, methodological, and empirical research from a systemic perspective. To this end, 134 academic publications on personality and social psychology, clinical psychology, sociology, criminology, and related disciplines were examined. The evidence suggests that although bias-motivated violence shares characteristics with other types of offensive behavior, it is actually a unique phenomenon due to its background rooted in prejudice, identity, and attitudes in which the intersection of individual, psychosocial, and ecological factors is especially relevant. The impact on the victim and their community is diverse, but it has a series of distinctive severe psychological consequences that significantly reduce the probability that incidents will be reported. Here, we present a series of findings and reflections on bias-motivated violence and provide recommendations for research, practice, and policy.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents in Europe: A Systematic Review
(SAGE Publications, 2021) Benavente, Beatriz; Díaz-Faes, Diego A.; Ballester Brage, Lluís; Pereda Beltran, Noemí
Objectives: The objective of this review is to provide a systematic and critical summary of findings regarding empirical studies conducted on commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) in Europe. The purpose is to gain an understanding of the characteristics and main topics addressed in European research on CSEC, identify gaps, and give suggestions for future studies. Method: The review was guided by the 'Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis¿Protocols'. A comprehensive search on several databases was conducted to identify published and unpublished empirical research on CSEC in Europe, revealing 3,846 documents. In total, 56 research papers that focused specifically on CSEC in European samples were included. Synthesis: Research concerning European studies of CSEC and trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation has developed significantly over the last 20 years but is still rather limited and mainly focused on the UK and Sweden. Most of the studies reviewed suffer from important methodological flaws such as an inaccurate definition of the phenomenon analyzed, small and convenience samples, and nonvalidated and nonspecific instruments. Conclusions: Findings from this study demonstrate the need for greater exploration and research around a number of areas of sexual exploitation of children in Europe. Further work is necessary in terms of capacity building, training, and awareness-raising for society as a whole and, specifically, professionals providing direct support to children and young people at risk of exploitation.
Association between higher morning preference and better health-related quality of life in asthma
(2025) Patel, Neel; Deprato, Andy; Qian, Tina; Adan Puig, Ana; Akgün, Metin; Anderson, Augustus; Brickstock, Amanda; Eathorne, Allie; Garud, Arundhati; Haldar, Prasun; Jindal, Aditya; Jindal, Surinder Kumar; Kerget, Bugra; Moitra, Saibal; Mukherjee, Rahul; Semprini, Alex; Turner, Alice M.; Murgia, Nicola; Lacy, Paige; Moitra, Subhabrata
Background: Circadian preference for eveningness has been linked to a higher risk of asthma and allergies, but its association with health-related quality of life (HRQL) in asthma has not been studied yet. Objective: We aimed to investigate the associations between individual circadian preference and HRQL in asthma. Methods: Among 691 adult asthma patients from Canada, India, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, a digital questionnaire was administered to capture demographic information, social and psychologic attributes, comorbidities, and medication adherence. Circadian preference and HRQL were assessed by the reduced version of the morningness–eveningness questionnaire (rMEQ) and the short form of the chronic respiratory questionnaire,respectively. We analyzed the association between chronotype and HRQL using mixed-effect linear regression models. Results: Of all participants, 59% were female with a mean (standard deviation) age of 49 (17) years. Median (interquartile range) rMEQ total score was 17 (14-19). Mean (standard deviation) dyspnea, fatigue, emotional function, and mastery scores were 5.94 (1.2), 4.38 (1.3), 5.05 (1.3), and 1.96 (1.1), respectively. In regression analysis, a higher rMEQ total score (higher morningness) was associated with less fatigue (b 5 0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.04 to 0.09) and better emotional function (b 5 0.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.004 to 0.06), and these associations were mediated by less anxiety, depression, and alcohol abuse, and better sleep quality.Conclusion: Morning orientation is associated with better HRQL in patients with asthma. The results suggest that working with patients to promote schedules and habits related to morningness may be beneficial.
Contextualizando el bienestar psicosocial a través de la ciudadanía y los derechos humanos
(2019) Eiroá Orosa, Francisco José
Recientemente, movimientos y conceptos tales como la recuperación, de acuerdo con el uso del término acuñado por el movimiento de activismo en salud mental, ciudadanía (tanto como herramientas de participación como terapéutica) o la prescripción social, entre otros, han ampliado la gama de opciones terapéuticas de la práctica primaria y la salud mental mediante el fortalecimiento de los vínculos entre la salud, los servicios sociales y los recursos comunitarios. en línea con la decepción de algunas organizaciones de usuarios occidentales con la manera en que las administraciones públicas han absorbido sus reclamaciones, transformando un proceso de abajo hacia arriba en otro de arriba hacia abajo, se busca dis- cutir el papel que el compromiso social de la psicología debe desempeñar en este proceso. en contraste con conceptualizaciones vacías y supuestamente neutrales, promovemos la participación efectiva de profesionales y usuarios en la construcción, de abajo hacia arriba, de una psicología comprometida y capaz de utilizar intervenciones de participación comunitaria para mejorar y promover la salud mental.
Generating synthetic task-based brain fingerprints for population neuroscience using deep learning
(Springer Nature, 2025-12-01) Serin, Emin; Ritter, Kerstin; Schumann, Gunter; Banaschewski, Tobias; Marquand, Andre; Walter, Henrik; The environMENTAL Consortium
Task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reveals individual differences in neural correlates of cognition but faces scalability challenges due to cognitive demands, protocol variability, and limited task coverage in large datasets. Here, we propose DeepTaskGen, a deep-learning approach that synthesizes non-acquired task-based contrast maps from resting-state (rs-) fMRI. We validate this approach using the Human Connectome Project lifespan data, then generate 47 contrast maps from 7 different cognitive tasks for over 20,000 individuals from UK Biobank. DeepTaskGen outperforms several benchmarks in generating synthetic task-contrast maps, achieving superior reconstruction performance while retaining inter-individual variation essential for biomarker development. We further show comparable or superior predictive performance of synthetic maps relative to actual maps and rs-connectomes across diverse demographic, cognitive, and clinical variables. This approach facilitates the study of individual differences and the generation of task-related biomarkers by enabling the generation of arbitrary functional cognitive tasks from readily available rs-fMRI data.
The neurobiology of altered states of consciousness induced by drumming and other rhythmic sound patterns
(New York Academy of Sciences., 2025-08) Aparicio-Terrés, Raquel; López-Mochales, Samantha; Díaz-Andreu, Margarita; Escera i Micó, Carles
Humans have long sought to alter their mental states through various cultural practices, with rhythmic sounds emerging as a prominent and enduring method. However, altered states of consciousness induced by rhythmic auditory stimulation have not been comprehensively addressed in academic research, and the associated cognitive and neural underpinnings remain enigmatic. This narrative review synthesizes the behavioral, cognitive, and neural correlates underlying non-ordinary experiences elicited by rhythmic sounds. The evidence gathered aligns with the notion that being exposed to these sounds facilitates a state of absorption and relaxation. The findings on the neural activity were diverse, reflecting the use of various methodologies in the reviewed studies.We discussed that altered states induced by rhythmic sounds may be explained by a mechanism involving the entrainment of thalamo-cortical pathways to low-frequency activity—a physiological state that also characterizes psychotic and psychedelic experiences. This proposal integrates insights from diverse findings, which reflect the variability in methodologies used to address these phenomena.
Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in Treating Borderline Personality Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
(2025-04-28) Nvo-Fernández, Marcelo; Salas, Fabiola; Miño-Reyes, Valentina; Ahumada-Méndez, Francisco; Medina, Pablo; Avello Sáez, Daniela; Floriano Landim, Síbila; Via i García, Marc; Napolitano, Nicholas; Leiva-Bianchi, Marcelo
Background: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is recommended by major health organizations for trauma treatment, but its efficacy for borderline personality disorder (BPD) remains unestablished. This study aims to evaluate EMDR's effectiveness in treating BPD through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and compare its outcomes with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).Methods: A total of 76 individuals participated in the RCT, with 18 patients (78% female) completing the study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either EMDR (n = 8) or CBT (n = 10) via teletherapy sessions. Trauma symptoms were assessed using the international trauma questionnaire (ITQ), BPD symptoms were assessed using the Personality Assessment Inventory-Borderline Features Scale (PAI-BOR), and post-traumatic growth (PTG) was assessed using the post-traumatic growth inventory (PTGI). Additionally, attentional evaluations were conducted at behavioral and electroencephalographic levels through an oddball paradigm. A final comparison was made between a participant who did not complete the therapeutic process and a participant who did.Results: Both EMDR and CBT treatments significantly improved trauma and BPD symptoms, as well as post-traumatic growth. The effect size was moderate for ITQ (η2 = 0.615) and PTGI (η2 = 0.610), and low for PAI-BOR (η2 = 0.147). Symptomatic participants showed a decrease in ITQ (p = 0.006) and PAI-BOR (p = 0.047) scores, and an increase in PTGI scores (p = 0.028).Conclusions: Both EMDR and CBT significantly improved trauma and BPD symptoms, as well as post-traumatic growth. Additionally, EMDR showed benefits in response accuracy and speed, with a correct response rate of 97% when comparing two participants (with and without therapy). However, completely clean electroencephalography (EEG) data were not obtained from both participants for a deeper comparison.

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