Family, Parenting and Child-Adolescent Development: An Ecological And Transactional View
Authorship
P.A.R.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
P.A.R.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.11.2026 16:00
02.11.2026 16:00
Summary
Childhood and adolescence are periods of particular vulnerability for the development of mental health problems, with the family being the most influential context in child-adolescent adjustment. In this sense, parental practices play a central role, postulating themselves as the main predictors of child development, while being conditioned by multiple family variables. Therefore, the objective of this work was to carry out a bibliographic review of recent scientific evidence on the influence of family dynamics on parenting and child-adolescent development. To do this, a systematic search was carried out in PsycInfo and Web of Science, selecting 17 studies published in the last ten years. The results indicate that parental characteristics and the quality of the couple relationship significantly influence the emotional and behavioral development of children, mainly through parental practices. Furthermore, family dynamics are explained by transactional processes, in which there is a bidirectional influence on parent-child relationships. Based on the reviewed literature, an intervention based on the ecological framework was designed, which addresses parenting and the different variables that modulate it. Ultimately, the need for interventions sensitive to the interactions present in family dynamics is emphasized, supporting a transactional conception of child and adolescent development.
Childhood and adolescence are periods of particular vulnerability for the development of mental health problems, with the family being the most influential context in child-adolescent adjustment. In this sense, parental practices play a central role, postulating themselves as the main predictors of child development, while being conditioned by multiple family variables. Therefore, the objective of this work was to carry out a bibliographic review of recent scientific evidence on the influence of family dynamics on parenting and child-adolescent development. To do this, a systematic search was carried out in PsycInfo and Web of Science, selecting 17 studies published in the last ten years. The results indicate that parental characteristics and the quality of the couple relationship significantly influence the emotional and behavioral development of children, mainly through parental practices. Furthermore, family dynamics are explained by transactional processes, in which there is a bidirectional influence on parent-child relationships. Based on the reviewed literature, an intervention based on the ecological framework was designed, which addresses parenting and the different variables that modulate it. Ultimately, the need for interventions sensitive to the interactions present in family dynamics is emphasized, supporting a transactional conception of child and adolescent development.
Direction
VILLAR TORRES, PAULA (Tutorships)
VILLAR TORRES, PAULA (Tutorships)
Court
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Chairman)
BARROSO HURTADO, MARIA (Secretary)
ANDRADE FERNANDEZ, ELENA MARIA (Member)
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Chairman)
BARROSO HURTADO, MARIA (Secretary)
ANDRADE FERNANDEZ, ELENA MARIA (Member)
Emotion regulation and substance use: a review of the empirical evidence
Authorship
M.A.P.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
M.A.P.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.11.2026 16:45
02.11.2026 16:45
Summary
Problematic substance use represents a major public health issue worldwide, closely linked to substance use disorders (SUD) and associated with substantial social, economic, physical, and psychological consequences. Recent literature has consistently identified a positive association between substance use and greater difficulties in emotion regulation (ER), showing that individuals with SUD tend to present greater difficulties in ER than healthy populations. This review examines recent studies on the relationship between ER and substance use in adult populations without comorbid mental disorders. The findings support previous research, revealing a positive association between emotion dysregulation (ED), problematic use, and higher SUD severity, with the strongest links observed for the dimensions of impulse control difficulties, limited access to regulation strategies, and non-acceptance of emotions. By focusing on general and clinical samples without additional psychopathology, the results suggest that the ER and substance use relationship is sufficiently robust and relatively independent of the presence of comorbidity. Finally, a preventive intervention is proposed for young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds who engage in risky alcohol and tobacco use without meeting SUD criteria, focusing on training the ER dimensions most strongly associated with substance use. This approach aims to strengthen early regulatory skills and prevent progression toward more severe patterns of use.
Problematic substance use represents a major public health issue worldwide, closely linked to substance use disorders (SUD) and associated with substantial social, economic, physical, and psychological consequences. Recent literature has consistently identified a positive association between substance use and greater difficulties in emotion regulation (ER), showing that individuals with SUD tend to present greater difficulties in ER than healthy populations. This review examines recent studies on the relationship between ER and substance use in adult populations without comorbid mental disorders. The findings support previous research, revealing a positive association between emotion dysregulation (ED), problematic use, and higher SUD severity, with the strongest links observed for the dimensions of impulse control difficulties, limited access to regulation strategies, and non-acceptance of emotions. By focusing on general and clinical samples without additional psychopathology, the results suggest that the ER and substance use relationship is sufficiently robust and relatively independent of the presence of comorbidity. Finally, a preventive intervention is proposed for young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds who engage in risky alcohol and tobacco use without meeting SUD criteria, focusing on training the ER dimensions most strongly associated with substance use. This approach aims to strengthen early regulatory skills and prevent progression toward more severe patterns of use.
Direction
MARTINEZ VISPO, CARMELA (Tutorships)
MARTINEZ VISPO, CARMELA (Tutorships)
Court
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Chairman)
BARROSO HURTADO, MARIA (Secretary)
ANDRADE FERNANDEZ, ELENA MARIA (Member)
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Chairman)
BARROSO HURTADO, MARIA (Secretary)
ANDRADE FERNANDEZ, ELENA MARIA (Member)
Indicated protocol for at-risk child and adolescent populations: a health intervention based on self-control and family involvement
Authorship
R.A.C.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
R.A.C.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.11.2026 17:30
02.11.2026 17:30
Summary
The present study aims to design a targeted psychological intervention for children and adolescents aged 10 to 15 years presenting impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and mild to moderate disruptive behaviours, with a preventive approach intended to avoid progression to more severe problems. The intervention is based on evidence-based cognitive-behavioural programs, mainly the Coping Power Program, adapting its core mechanisms to a feasible format in private psychological practice under the principle of flexibility within fidelity. The program is structured in 12 weekly sessions of 60 minutes alternating between the child and the parents, preceded by two preparatory sessions. It includes a three-month follow-up and incorporates training components in self-control, emotional regulation, and problem-solving for the child, as well as intervention in consistent parenting practices and positive reinforcement. The target population includes children at developmental risk without severe psychopathology, with active family participation. Assessment is conducted using standardized instruments and process rating scales. In conclusion, the proposed intervention is theoretically coherent, evidence-based, and potentially useful for clinical practice, although further research is needed to empirically evaluate its effectiveness.
The present study aims to design a targeted psychological intervention for children and adolescents aged 10 to 15 years presenting impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and mild to moderate disruptive behaviours, with a preventive approach intended to avoid progression to more severe problems. The intervention is based on evidence-based cognitive-behavioural programs, mainly the Coping Power Program, adapting its core mechanisms to a feasible format in private psychological practice under the principle of flexibility within fidelity. The program is structured in 12 weekly sessions of 60 minutes alternating between the child and the parents, preceded by two preparatory sessions. It includes a three-month follow-up and incorporates training components in self-control, emotional regulation, and problem-solving for the child, as well as intervention in consistent parenting practices and positive reinforcement. The target population includes children at developmental risk without severe psychopathology, with active family participation. Assessment is conducted using standardized instruments and process rating scales. In conclusion, the proposed intervention is theoretically coherent, evidence-based, and potentially useful for clinical practice, although further research is needed to empirically evaluate its effectiveness.
Direction
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Tutorships)
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Tutorships)
Court
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Chairman)
BARROSO HURTADO, MARIA (Secretary)
ANDRADE FERNANDEZ, ELENA MARIA (Member)
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Chairman)
BARROSO HURTADO, MARIA (Secretary)
ANDRADE FERNANDEZ, ELENA MARIA (Member)
Long-term unemployment and wellbeing: an exploratory review of the literature
Authorship
I.B.G.
Master's Degree in Psychology
I.B.G.
Master's Degree in Psychology
Defense date
02.19.2026 16:00
02.19.2026 16:00
Summary
There is ample evidence of the negative impact of unemployment on the psychological and social well-being of the population. However, this evidence is mixed, due to the existence of factors that can modulate these negative effects over time. Therefore, the objective of this Master's Thesis (TFM) was to conduct an exploratory review of the literature that synthesises the findings on the effects of long-term unemployment on well-being and its different dimensions (physical, mental, social and environmental), considering the psychosocial factors involved and the short- and long-term impacts. To this end, a search was conducted using the PsycINFO and Web of Science databases, from which, after a systematic extraction process, 105 studies were finally included in the review. The results consistently pointed to the fact that long-term unemployment has significant negative effects in all areas, which are exacerbated by the length of time spent out of work. The effects are particularly pronounced among recent graduates, people approaching retirement age, women during pre- and post-natal periods, immigrants, people at risk of poverty and those with pre-existing physical or mental health problems. These effects can be mitigated through psychosocial and community programmes, with an emphasis on personalised care, improving labour market integration and facilitating self-employment through strategies such as social entrepreneurship.
There is ample evidence of the negative impact of unemployment on the psychological and social well-being of the population. However, this evidence is mixed, due to the existence of factors that can modulate these negative effects over time. Therefore, the objective of this Master's Thesis (TFM) was to conduct an exploratory review of the literature that synthesises the findings on the effects of long-term unemployment on well-being and its different dimensions (physical, mental, social and environmental), considering the psychosocial factors involved and the short- and long-term impacts. To this end, a search was conducted using the PsycINFO and Web of Science databases, from which, after a systematic extraction process, 105 studies were finally included in the review. The results consistently pointed to the fact that long-term unemployment has significant negative effects in all areas, which are exacerbated by the length of time spent out of work. The effects are particularly pronounced among recent graduates, people approaching retirement age, women during pre- and post-natal periods, immigrants, people at risk of poverty and those with pre-existing physical or mental health problems. These effects can be mitigated through psychosocial and community programmes, with an emphasis on personalised care, improving labour market integration and facilitating self-employment through strategies such as social entrepreneurship.
Direction
Montes Piñeiro, Carlos (Tutorships)
Montes Piñeiro, Carlos (Tutorships)
Court
ALCARAZ GARCIA, MIGUEL ANGEL (Chairman)
RODRIGUEZ CASAL, MAURO LUCIO (Secretary)
MARTIN RAJO, MONTSERRAT (Member)
ALCARAZ GARCIA, MIGUEL ANGEL (Chairman)
RODRIGUEZ CASAL, MAURO LUCIO (Secretary)
MARTIN RAJO, MONTSERRAT (Member)
Programe to improve self-care in woman who are in process of leaving prostitution
Authorship
C.B.V.
Master's Degree in Psychology
C.B.V.
Master's Degree in Psychology
Defense date
02.19.2026 17:00
02.19.2026 17:00
Summary
Prostitution is one of the most lucrative businesses in the world and mainly uses women as objects of production. Most of these women are migrants, poor and have family responsibilities, which puts them in a vulnerable situation. This vulnerability is what drives them into prostitution, but it increases once they are inside, as they are exposed to different forms of violence that prevent them from seeing other alternatives, making it difficult for them to leave and keeping them in that situation. To address the factors that encourage women to remain in prostitution, we have developed an intervention program aimed at improving self-care in women who are in the process of leaving prostitution. We seek to achieve this by working in the following areas: the importance of health, self-esteem, emotions, setting boundaries and stigma. In this way, we generate protective factors in women who are already prepared to make the decision to leave prostitution, which can serve as reinforcement for them to initiate the change. Throughout this work, we explain how each of the program sessions would be carried out, based on a theoretical framework that reflects the needs identified in this population. After that, we will discuss the results we hope to obtain, followed by a discussion and, finally, a section on conclusions, limitations and future guidelines. This last section highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the program, as well as suggestions that could be implemented in the future to improve it.
Prostitution is one of the most lucrative businesses in the world and mainly uses women as objects of production. Most of these women are migrants, poor and have family responsibilities, which puts them in a vulnerable situation. This vulnerability is what drives them into prostitution, but it increases once they are inside, as they are exposed to different forms of violence that prevent them from seeing other alternatives, making it difficult for them to leave and keeping them in that situation. To address the factors that encourage women to remain in prostitution, we have developed an intervention program aimed at improving self-care in women who are in the process of leaving prostitution. We seek to achieve this by working in the following areas: the importance of health, self-esteem, emotions, setting boundaries and stigma. In this way, we generate protective factors in women who are already prepared to make the decision to leave prostitution, which can serve as reinforcement for them to initiate the change. Throughout this work, we explain how each of the program sessions would be carried out, based on a theoretical framework that reflects the needs identified in this population. After that, we will discuss the results we hope to obtain, followed by a discussion and, finally, a section on conclusions, limitations and future guidelines. This last section highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the program, as well as suggestions that could be implemented in the future to improve it.
Direction
MIRON REDONDO, MARIA LOURDES (Tutorships)
MIRON REDONDO, MARIA LOURDES (Tutorships)
Court
ALCARAZ GARCIA, MIGUEL ANGEL (Chairman)
RODRIGUEZ CASAL, MAURO LUCIO (Secretary)
MARTIN RAJO, MONTSERRAT (Member)
ALCARAZ GARCIA, MIGUEL ANGEL (Chairman)
RODRIGUEZ CASAL, MAURO LUCIO (Secretary)
MARTIN RAJO, MONTSERRAT (Member)
Cognitive remediation program for executive funcioning for adults with alcohol use disorder
Authorship
U.C.P.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
U.C.P.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.11.2026 16:00
02.11.2026 16:00
Summary
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is associated with cognitive impairment. Deficits in executive functions are connected to a lack of adherence to treatment and consumption maintenance, which has negative consequences upon quality of life. Cognitive remediation has proved effective in improving executive function and supporting other treatments aimed at maintaining abstinence, but it presents high rates of treatment abandonment, insufficient measurment of functional outcomes and a lack of long-term evaluation. An intervention aimed at improving performance in inhibition, planning and decision-making in order to reduce relapse risk and foster adherence is presented. Eleven group format sessions were designed to be implemented in alcoholism treatment units of the Galician health service. A psychoeducative component for encouraging adherence to the cognitive remediaton program was included. It is expected that executive functioning improvements enhance adherence to psychological treatments for AUD and its efficacy. A one-year follow-up evaluation of abstinence, quality of life and self-efficacy improvements is proposed.
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is associated with cognitive impairment. Deficits in executive functions are connected to a lack of adherence to treatment and consumption maintenance, which has negative consequences upon quality of life. Cognitive remediation has proved effective in improving executive function and supporting other treatments aimed at maintaining abstinence, but it presents high rates of treatment abandonment, insufficient measurment of functional outcomes and a lack of long-term evaluation. An intervention aimed at improving performance in inhibition, planning and decision-making in order to reduce relapse risk and foster adherence is presented. Eleven group format sessions were designed to be implemented in alcoholism treatment units of the Galician health service. A psychoeducative component for encouraging adherence to the cognitive remediaton program was included. It is expected that executive functioning improvements enhance adherence to psychological treatments for AUD and its efficacy. A one-year follow-up evaluation of abstinence, quality of life and self-efficacy improvements is proposed.
Direction
CORRAL VARELA, MARIA MONTSERRAT (Tutorships)
CORRAL VARELA, MARIA MONTSERRAT (Tutorships)
Court
SANTIAGO MARIÑO, MARIA JOSE (Chairman)
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Secretary)
Rodríguez Salgado, Dolores (Member)
SANTIAGO MARIÑO, MARIA JOSE (Chairman)
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Secretary)
Rodríguez Salgado, Dolores (Member)
False Memories in Bilingual Contexts: When Language Shapes Memory
Authorship
M.C.C.P.
Master's Degree in Psychology
M.C.C.P.
Master's Degree in Psychology
Defense date
02.18.2026 19:00
02.18.2026 19:00
Summary
María Camila Carvajal Paniagua 4 Abstract Memory does not function as an exact record of experience, but rather as a dynamic, reconstructive system that is susceptible to distortions. Within this framework, the present study is grounded in the misinformation paradigm and aims to examine how the language in which information is processed may modulate the formation of false memories in bilingual individuals. Based on dual-process models of thinking and the Foreign Language Effect (FLE), it was hypothesized that the use of a second language could promote more deliberative processing and, therefore, reduce the incorporation of misleading information. To test this main hypothesis, an experimental study was conducted with 65 spanish-english bilingual participants, using visual materials, descriptive narratives of the events, and recognition tests. The data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM), examining the effects and interactions among item type, language, and the order of stimulus presentation. The results revealed a significant effect of language, with a higher rate of incorrect responses in English (OR = 1.64, p .001), which does not support the main hypothesis. In addition, source monitoring was less accurate in English (B = -1.34, p .001), whereas confidence judgments did not show significant differences across languages. Overall, these findings suggest that language acts as a modulator in memory retrieval and that the formation of false memories depends on the interaction between linguistic and contextual variables.
María Camila Carvajal Paniagua 4 Abstract Memory does not function as an exact record of experience, but rather as a dynamic, reconstructive system that is susceptible to distortions. Within this framework, the present study is grounded in the misinformation paradigm and aims to examine how the language in which information is processed may modulate the formation of false memories in bilingual individuals. Based on dual-process models of thinking and the Foreign Language Effect (FLE), it was hypothesized that the use of a second language could promote more deliberative processing and, therefore, reduce the incorporation of misleading information. To test this main hypothesis, an experimental study was conducted with 65 spanish-english bilingual participants, using visual materials, descriptive narratives of the events, and recognition tests. The data were analyzed using generalized linear mixed models (GLMM), examining the effects and interactions among item type, language, and the order of stimulus presentation. The results revealed a significant effect of language, with a higher rate of incorrect responses in English (OR = 1.64, p .001), which does not support the main hypothesis. In addition, source monitoring was less accurate in English (B = -1.34, p .001), whereas confidence judgments did not show significant differences across languages. Overall, these findings suggest that language acts as a modulator in memory retrieval and that the formation of false memories depends on the interaction between linguistic and contextual variables.
Direction
FERNÁNDEZ REY, JOSÉ (Tutorships)
DIAZ LAGO, MARCOS (Co-tutorships)
FERNÁNDEZ REY, JOSÉ (Tutorships)
DIAZ LAGO, MARCOS (Co-tutorships)
Court
JIMENEZ GARCIA, LUIS MIGUEL (Chairman)
Gómez Salgado, Patricia (Secretary)
Gómez Roman, Cristina (Member)
JIMENEZ GARCIA, LUIS MIGUEL (Chairman)
Gómez Salgado, Patricia (Secretary)
Gómez Roman, Cristina (Member)
Proposal of psychological intervention centred in the trauma in people with Severe Mental Disorder: Application to the context of a Centre of Psychosocial and Labour Rehabilitation.
Authorship
D.C.M.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
D.C.M.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.13.2026 10:00
02.13.2026 10:00
Summary
People with Severe Mental Disorder frequently present a history of potentially traumatic experiences that may interfere with the achievement of rehabilitation goals and the construction of meaningful life project. In the context of Psychosocial and Vocational Rehabilitation Centers, this difficulties highlight the need for specific psyhocological interventions that are trauma-informed and personal-oriented. The aim of this paper is to design a psychological intervention to people with Severe Mental Disorder, focused on emotional regulation, cognitive coping strategies and the reconstruction of personal identity. The program is strutured on a progresive manner, combining group sessions and individual sessions, and integrates elements of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy with narrative approaches, including the selective adaptation of exercises from the Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy (NECT) model. The proposed intervention prioritizes emotional safety, personal control and voluntary participation, avoiding direct traumatic exposure, and it is adapted to the characterics and needs of a community-based rehabilitation context. Finally, the potencial of the program, its limitations and possibilities for transfer to other community mental healths settings are discussed, emphasizing the importance of integrative, meaning-oriented interventions in recovery processes.
People with Severe Mental Disorder frequently present a history of potentially traumatic experiences that may interfere with the achievement of rehabilitation goals and the construction of meaningful life project. In the context of Psychosocial and Vocational Rehabilitation Centers, this difficulties highlight the need for specific psyhocological interventions that are trauma-informed and personal-oriented. The aim of this paper is to design a psychological intervention to people with Severe Mental Disorder, focused on emotional regulation, cognitive coping strategies and the reconstruction of personal identity. The program is strutured on a progresive manner, combining group sessions and individual sessions, and integrates elements of trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy with narrative approaches, including the selective adaptation of exercises from the Narrative Enhancement and Cognitive Therapy (NECT) model. The proposed intervention prioritizes emotional safety, personal control and voluntary participation, avoiding direct traumatic exposure, and it is adapted to the characterics and needs of a community-based rehabilitation context. Finally, the potencial of the program, its limitations and possibilities for transfer to other community mental healths settings are discussed, emphasizing the importance of integrative, meaning-oriented interventions in recovery processes.
Direction
SANTIAGO MARIÑO, MARIA JOSE (Tutorships)
SANTIAGO MARIÑO, MARIA JOSE (Tutorships)
Court
DOALLO PESADO, SONIA (Chairman)
CORRAL VARELA, MARIA MONTSERRAT (Secretary)
VILLAR TORRES, PAULA (Member)
DOALLO PESADO, SONIA (Chairman)
CORRAL VARELA, MARIA MONTSERRAT (Secretary)
VILLAR TORRES, PAULA (Member)
ARREA Program: Emotional Self-Regulation and Autonomy
Authorship
L.M.C.V.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
L.M.C.V.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.13.2026 10:00
02.13.2026 10:00
Summary
This Master's Thesis aims to design a preventive intervention proposal for adolescents to prevent the development of emotional difficulties during emerging adulthood. The ARREA program: Emotional Self-Regulation and Autonomy, is based on the social-emotional learning model proposed by CASEL, focusing on emotional self-regulation and the development of autonomy. The proposal is conceived as a universal prevention intervention designed for implementation in educational settings, targeting students from 4th year of ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education) to 2nd year of Bachillerato (Upper Secondary Education). The program is structured into four modules: emotional self-regulation, goal setting and time management, decision-making, and problem-solving; developed across 14 weekly group sessions. Program evaluation is conducted using instruments that assess emotional distress and the skills trained, including pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up measurements. This proposal aims to provide participants with skills that facilitate an adaptive transition toward emerging adulthood and prevent the onset of mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of their integration into the educational process.
This Master's Thesis aims to design a preventive intervention proposal for adolescents to prevent the development of emotional difficulties during emerging adulthood. The ARREA program: Emotional Self-Regulation and Autonomy, is based on the social-emotional learning model proposed by CASEL, focusing on emotional self-regulation and the development of autonomy. The proposal is conceived as a universal prevention intervention designed for implementation in educational settings, targeting students from 4th year of ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education) to 2nd year of Bachillerato (Upper Secondary Education). The program is structured into four modules: emotional self-regulation, goal setting and time management, decision-making, and problem-solving; developed across 14 weekly group sessions. Program evaluation is conducted using instruments that assess emotional distress and the skills trained, including pre-intervention, post-intervention, and follow-up measurements. This proposal aims to provide participants with skills that facilitate an adaptive transition toward emerging adulthood and prevent the onset of mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of their integration into the educational process.
Direction
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Tutorships)
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Tutorships)
Court
VAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
MARTINEZ VISPO, CARMELA (Secretary)
ROMERO TRIÑANES, ESTRELLA (Member)
VAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
MARTINEZ VISPO, CARMELA (Secretary)
ROMERO TRIÑANES, ESTRELLA (Member)
Relapse prevention associated with alcohol use from an ecological approach: design of a social skills program at the Érguete Association
Authorship
D.E.B.
Master's Degree in Psychology
D.E.B.
Master's Degree in Psychology
Defense date
02.19.2026 18:00
02.19.2026 18:00
Summary
The present study aims to design a psychosocial intervention program oriented toward relapse prevention in individuals undergoing a recovery process for Substance Use Disorder, with a specific focus on alcohol consumption as a risk factor present in various social contexts. From a biopsychosocial perspective, relapse is understood as a complex and multidimensional process influenced by individual, relational, and community factors. Based on a theoretical review grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model (1987), the study analyzes relapse processes, risk and protective factors, and the role of social skills as a key resource for coping with social pressure and the cultural normalization of alcohol within the Spanish context. On this basis, a group-based program is designed for adult residents of supported housing for treatment (VAT), within the framework of the work carried out by the Érguete Association. The program incorporates the use of podcasting as a methodological intervention tool and is structured into eight ninety-minute sessions. Throughout the sessions, training is provided in effective communication, assertiveness, emotional regulation, decision-making, and the strengthening and rebuilding of social support networks, using speech and listening as central tools. The proposal is implemented through a participatory methodology and includes an evaluation system aimed at assessing perceived changes in social skills, self-efficacy, and the management of alcohol-related risk situations.
The present study aims to design a psychosocial intervention program oriented toward relapse prevention in individuals undergoing a recovery process for Substance Use Disorder, with a specific focus on alcohol consumption as a risk factor present in various social contexts. From a biopsychosocial perspective, relapse is understood as a complex and multidimensional process influenced by individual, relational, and community factors. Based on a theoretical review grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model (1987), the study analyzes relapse processes, risk and protective factors, and the role of social skills as a key resource for coping with social pressure and the cultural normalization of alcohol within the Spanish context. On this basis, a group-based program is designed for adult residents of supported housing for treatment (VAT), within the framework of the work carried out by the Érguete Association. The program incorporates the use of podcasting as a methodological intervention tool and is structured into eight ninety-minute sessions. Throughout the sessions, training is provided in effective communication, assertiveness, emotional regulation, decision-making, and the strengthening and rebuilding of social support networks, using speech and listening as central tools. The proposal is implemented through a participatory methodology and includes an evaluation system aimed at assessing perceived changes in social skills, self-efficacy, and the management of alcohol-related risk situations.
Direction
López Durán, Ana (Tutorships)
López Durán, Ana (Tutorships)
Court
ALCARAZ GARCIA, MIGUEL ANGEL (Chairman)
RODRIGUEZ CASAL, MAURO LUCIO (Secretary)
MARTIN RAJO, MONTSERRAT (Member)
ALCARAZ GARCIA, MIGUEL ANGEL (Chairman)
RODRIGUEZ CASAL, MAURO LUCIO (Secretary)
MARTIN RAJO, MONTSERRAT (Member)
The (dis)illusion of control: anomie, neoliberalism and uncritical use of Artificial Intelligence
Authorship
L.F.P.
Master's Degree in Psychology
L.F.P.
Master's Degree in Psychology
Defense date
02.18.2026 16:00
02.18.2026 16:00
Summary
Artificial intelligence is a tool with great potential which already is having a great impact on society, transforming educational and working environments as well as everyday life. However, its characteristics highlight the need to investigate how people use this tool, particularly, the mechanisms that could explain why individuals engage on an uncritical use of it. The main goal of this study is to determine whether the uncritical use of artificial intelligence could be explained by self-efficacy, the disposition to critical thinking, need for closure, anomie and neoliberalism. To this end, a questionnaire was developed in which 146 participants responded to items related to these variables. The results reveal that both anomie and neoliberalism are related to an uncritical use of artificial intelligence, which may be due to, on the one hand, a need to restore control in a context of deregulation and, on the other hand, the need to obtain a competitive advantage. These findings are relevant because they seem to demonstrate the influence of macrosocial variables on the use of artificial intelligence without adequate critical questioning, which could have long-term implications related to the erosion of social connections and increased dependence on the tool.
Artificial intelligence is a tool with great potential which already is having a great impact on society, transforming educational and working environments as well as everyday life. However, its characteristics highlight the need to investigate how people use this tool, particularly, the mechanisms that could explain why individuals engage on an uncritical use of it. The main goal of this study is to determine whether the uncritical use of artificial intelligence could be explained by self-efficacy, the disposition to critical thinking, need for closure, anomie and neoliberalism. To this end, a questionnaire was developed in which 146 participants responded to items related to these variables. The results reveal that both anomie and neoliberalism are related to an uncritical use of artificial intelligence, which may be due to, on the one hand, a need to restore control in a context of deregulation and, on the other hand, the need to obtain a competitive advantage. These findings are relevant because they seem to demonstrate the influence of macrosocial variables on the use of artificial intelligence without adequate critical questioning, which could have long-term implications related to the erosion of social connections and increased dependence on the tool.
Direction
Dono Martín, Marcos (Tutorships)
Dono Martín, Marcos (Tutorships)
Court
JIMENEZ GARCIA, LUIS MIGUEL (Chairman)
Gómez Salgado, Patricia (Secretary)
Gómez Roman, Cristina (Member)
JIMENEZ GARCIA, LUIS MIGUEL (Chairman)
Gómez Salgado, Patricia (Secretary)
Gómez Roman, Cristina (Member)
Indicated prevention programme for cannabis use in institutionalised young people
Authorship
S.G.B.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
S.G.B.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.13.2026 10:45
02.13.2026 10:45
Summary
Cannabis use during adolescence represents a significant public health concern, particularly in contexts of high psychosocial vulnerability such as the juvenile justice system. The aim of the present study is to design an indicated prevention program for cannabis use among adolescents institutionalized under judicial measures. The program targets young people aged 14 to 18 who are serving a judicial measure under any of the regimes established within the juvenile justice system and who report previous cannabis use without meeting diagnostic criteria for a cannabis use disorder. The intervention is delivered in a group format, with the possibility of individual support, and integrates psychoeducational modules, motivational strategies, and social skills training from a cognitive-behavioral approach. As cannabis use is generally not possible during the period of institutionalization, the evaluation focuses on cognitive and motivational variables, such as beliefs and attitudes toward cannabis use and motivation for change. Despite its theoretical nature, the proposal provides a solid foundation for future implementation and empirical evaluation, with the potential to contribute to the prevention of cannabis use and to the improvement of psychosocial reintegration processes in this population.
Cannabis use during adolescence represents a significant public health concern, particularly in contexts of high psychosocial vulnerability such as the juvenile justice system. The aim of the present study is to design an indicated prevention program for cannabis use among adolescents institutionalized under judicial measures. The program targets young people aged 14 to 18 who are serving a judicial measure under any of the regimes established within the juvenile justice system and who report previous cannabis use without meeting diagnostic criteria for a cannabis use disorder. The intervention is delivered in a group format, with the possibility of individual support, and integrates psychoeducational modules, motivational strategies, and social skills training from a cognitive-behavioral approach. As cannabis use is generally not possible during the period of institutionalization, the evaluation focuses on cognitive and motivational variables, such as beliefs and attitudes toward cannabis use and motivation for change. Despite its theoretical nature, the proposal provides a solid foundation for future implementation and empirical evaluation, with the potential to contribute to the prevention of cannabis use and to the improvement of psychosocial reintegration processes in this population.
Direction
BARROSO HURTADO, MARIA (Tutorships)
BARROSO HURTADO, MARIA (Tutorships)
Court
VAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
MARTINEZ VISPO, CARMELA (Secretary)
ROMERO TRIÑANES, ESTRELLA (Member)
VAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
MARTINEZ VISPO, CARMELA (Secretary)
ROMERO TRIÑANES, ESTRELLA (Member)
Panic disorder and asthma in adults: clinical comorbidity and its impact
Authorship
I.G.A.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
I.G.A.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.11.2026 18:15
02.11.2026 18:15
Summary
The comorbidity between panic disorder and asthma has gained increasing clinical relevance in recent years, due to their frequent coexistence and mutual impact on respiratory control and quality of life. However, the scientific literature on the prevalence, bidirectionality, and clinical impact of this association remains limited and heterogeneous. The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the prevalence of panic disorder in adults with asthma, the directionality of the relationship, associated factors, and its impact on morbidity, asthma control, and quality of life. A systematic search was conducted in PsycINFO, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and MEDLINE up to November 2025, selecting 26 empirical studies (N=400,606 participants). The results indicate a prevalence of panic disorder in asthmatics between 6.5% and 19.6%, higher than in the general population, confirming bidirectional risk greater in women, severe asthma, and early onset. This comorbidity is consistently associated with poorer perceived asthma control, greater emergency use and rescue medication, functional limitation, and quality of life impairment, without clear differences in objective pulmonary function. These findings highlight the need for systematic panic disorder screening in asthmatics and integrated approaches to jointly assess and treat panic symptoms during routine asthma follow-up. Finally, a tailored group cognitive-behavioral program is proposed to reduce panic symptoms, optimize asthma control, and improve well being.
The comorbidity between panic disorder and asthma has gained increasing clinical relevance in recent years, due to their frequent coexistence and mutual impact on respiratory control and quality of life. However, the scientific literature on the prevalence, bidirectionality, and clinical impact of this association remains limited and heterogeneous. The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the prevalence of panic disorder in adults with asthma, the directionality of the relationship, associated factors, and its impact on morbidity, asthma control, and quality of life. A systematic search was conducted in PsycINFO, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and MEDLINE up to November 2025, selecting 26 empirical studies (N=400,606 participants). The results indicate a prevalence of panic disorder in asthmatics between 6.5% and 19.6%, higher than in the general population, confirming bidirectional risk greater in women, severe asthma, and early onset. This comorbidity is consistently associated with poorer perceived asthma control, greater emergency use and rescue medication, functional limitation, and quality of life impairment, without clear differences in objective pulmonary function. These findings highlight the need for systematic panic disorder screening in asthmatics and integrated approaches to jointly assess and treat panic symptoms during routine asthma follow-up. Finally, a tailored group cognitive-behavioral program is proposed to reduce panic symptoms, optimize asthma control, and improve well being.
Direction
VAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Tutorships)
VAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Tutorships)
Court
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Chairman)
BARROSO HURTADO, MARIA (Secretary)
ANDRADE FERNANDEZ, ELENA MARIA (Member)
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Chairman)
BARROSO HURTADO, MARIA (Secretary)
ANDRADE FERNANDEZ, ELENA MARIA (Member)
Clinical approach to BPD: description and analysis of an individual therapeutic trajectory
Authorship
A.I.D.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
A.I.D.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.13.2026 11:30
02.13.2026 11:30
Summary
The main objective of this study was to describe the therapeutic trajectory of Helena, a 25-year-old patient diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) who met 7 of the 9 proposed criteria for the disorder and presented with a comorbid eating disorder and cannabis use disorder. The assessment carried out through clinical interviews and standardized questionnaires revealed some of the problems the patient initially faced: difficulties with boundaries (marked by fear of abandonment), maladaptive emotional regulation behaviors (e.g., self-harm and substance use), emotional instability, outbursts of anger, feelings of emptiness, and dissociative symptoms. Exploring the contextual factors related to her life history enabled the development of an appropriate clinical formulation of the case, which served to design an intervention adapted to her specific needs. This intervention, based on psychoeducational principles, incorporated elements of both classical CBT and DBT, allowing for a comprehensive approach. The quantitative results regarding the post-intervention evaluation were unfavorable. Their analysis underscored the importance of considering the low dose and frequency of treatment, the clinical complexity of the case, and the influence of other clinical, situational, and evaluative factors.
The main objective of this study was to describe the therapeutic trajectory of Helena, a 25-year-old patient diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) who met 7 of the 9 proposed criteria for the disorder and presented with a comorbid eating disorder and cannabis use disorder. The assessment carried out through clinical interviews and standardized questionnaires revealed some of the problems the patient initially faced: difficulties with boundaries (marked by fear of abandonment), maladaptive emotional regulation behaviors (e.g., self-harm and substance use), emotional instability, outbursts of anger, feelings of emptiness, and dissociative symptoms. Exploring the contextual factors related to her life history enabled the development of an appropriate clinical formulation of the case, which served to design an intervention adapted to her specific needs. This intervention, based on psychoeducational principles, incorporated elements of both classical CBT and DBT, allowing for a comprehensive approach. The quantitative results regarding the post-intervention evaluation were unfavorable. Their analysis underscored the importance of considering the low dose and frequency of treatment, the clinical complexity of the case, and the influence of other clinical, situational, and evaluative factors.
Direction
OTERO LOPEZ, JOSE MANUEL (Tutorships)
OTERO LOPEZ, JOSE MANUEL (Tutorships)
Court
VAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
MARTINEZ VISPO, CARMELA (Secretary)
ROMERO TRIÑANES, ESTRELLA (Member)
VAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
MARTINEZ VISPO, CARMELA (Secretary)
ROMERO TRIÑANES, ESTRELLA (Member)
Ultreia Program: An intervention to improve well-being and reduce psychological distress in doctoral students
Authorship
S.B.K.M.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
S.B.K.M.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.13.2026 10:45
02.13.2026 10:45
Summary
Doctoral studies are a distinct and demanding stage of education. In this context, research has found that doctoral students have a higher prevalence of mental health problems. However, there is currently a lack of psychological interventions specifically designed for this population. Therefore, the aim of this Master’s Thesis is to design a psychological intervention for doctoral students, focusing both on reducing distress and promoting psychological wellbeing. The “Ultreia” program is based on the risk and protective factors identified in this population and is supported by a cognitive-behavioral approach and the transdiagnostic model. The intervention is organized into nine modules that combine one-hour group sessions via videoconference, conducted every two weeks, with content delivered through a mobile app, in which gamification is used as a strategy to support motivation and adherence. Follow-up assessments are planned at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Overall, this proposal aims to offer a psychological intervention that is specific, accessible, and adapted to the needs of doctoral students.
Doctoral studies are a distinct and demanding stage of education. In this context, research has found that doctoral students have a higher prevalence of mental health problems. However, there is currently a lack of psychological interventions specifically designed for this population. Therefore, the aim of this Master’s Thesis is to design a psychological intervention for doctoral students, focusing both on reducing distress and promoting psychological wellbeing. The “Ultreia” program is based on the risk and protective factors identified in this population and is supported by a cognitive-behavioral approach and the transdiagnostic model. The intervention is organized into nine modules that combine one-hour group sessions via videoconference, conducted every two weeks, with content delivered through a mobile app, in which gamification is used as a strategy to support motivation and adherence. Follow-up assessments are planned at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Overall, this proposal aims to offer a psychological intervention that is specific, accessible, and adapted to the needs of doctoral students.
Direction
MARTINEZ VISPO, CARMELA (Tutorships)
MARTINEZ VISPO, CARMELA (Tutorships)
Court
DOALLO PESADO, SONIA (Chairman)
CORRAL VARELA, MARIA MONTSERRAT (Secretary)
VILLAR TORRES, PAULA (Member)
DOALLO PESADO, SONIA (Chairman)
CORRAL VARELA, MARIA MONTSERRAT (Secretary)
VILLAR TORRES, PAULA (Member)
Immigration and participation
Authorship
C.M.G.
Master's Degree in Psychology
C.M.G.
Master's Degree in Psychology
Defense date
02.18.2026 17:00
02.18.2026 17:00
Summary
This paper describes the design of a social intervention project aimed at promoting the political and civic participation of migrants in Spain. The project is based on empirical evidence that contextualizes the situation of the migrant population and points to the existence of multiple barriers that limit the civic and political involvement of this group in host societies. A group intervention of a training and participatory nature is proposed, structured in five modules, which combines theoretical content and practical dynamics aimed at strengthening civic knowledge, developing skills for collective action, and creating networks among migrants. The program includes sessions focused on rights and forms of formal and informal political participation, knowledge of the local political and associative system, civic participation, leadership and political advocacy skills, and real community action through the development of a collective proposal.
This paper describes the design of a social intervention project aimed at promoting the political and civic participation of migrants in Spain. The project is based on empirical evidence that contextualizes the situation of the migrant population and points to the existence of multiple barriers that limit the civic and political involvement of this group in host societies. A group intervention of a training and participatory nature is proposed, structured in five modules, which combines theoretical content and practical dynamics aimed at strengthening civic knowledge, developing skills for collective action, and creating networks among migrants. The program includes sessions focused on rights and forms of formal and informal political participation, knowledge of the local political and associative system, civic participation, leadership and political advocacy skills, and real community action through the development of a collective proposal.
Direction
SABUCEDO CAMESELLE, JOSE MANUEL (Tutorships)
SABUCEDO CAMESELLE, JOSE MANUEL (Tutorships)
Court
JIMENEZ GARCIA, LUIS MIGUEL (Chairman)
Gómez Salgado, Patricia (Secretary)
Gómez Roman, Cristina (Member)
JIMENEZ GARCIA, LUIS MIGUEL (Chairman)
Gómez Salgado, Patricia (Secretary)
Gómez Roman, Cristina (Member)
ADHD Mechanics. Program for the prevention of behavioral problems in children with ADHD.
Authorship
M.D.L.M.M.V.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
M.D.L.M.M.V.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.13.2026 12:15
02.13.2026 12:15
Summary
The objective of this Master's Thesis is to design an intervention proposal aimed at preventing behavioral problems in minors with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by promoting inhibitory control and emotional regulation. To this end, a program has been developed for children between the ages of 8 and 11 and their parents, structured in ten 90-minute sessions, to be carried out in a healthcare setting. The proposal is based on Barkley's explanatory model of ADHD (1997) and draws on proven programs with similar objectives. The intervention with children focuses on psychoeducation and training in inhibitory control and emotional regulation, while with parents, the focus is on psychoeducation, modifying family dynamics, and learning evidence-based strategies. The intervention is evaluated using a pre-post design, with standardized instruments and selfreports to analyze the participants' progress and change throughout the program. Thus, the intervention is considered viable and responsive to the demands of families.
The objective of this Master's Thesis is to design an intervention proposal aimed at preventing behavioral problems in minors with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by promoting inhibitory control and emotional regulation. To this end, a program has been developed for children between the ages of 8 and 11 and their parents, structured in ten 90-minute sessions, to be carried out in a healthcare setting. The proposal is based on Barkley's explanatory model of ADHD (1997) and draws on proven programs with similar objectives. The intervention with children focuses on psychoeducation and training in inhibitory control and emotional regulation, while with parents, the focus is on psychoeducation, modifying family dynamics, and learning evidence-based strategies. The intervention is evaluated using a pre-post design, with standardized instruments and selfreports to analyze the participants' progress and change throughout the program. Thus, the intervention is considered viable and responsive to the demands of families.
Direction
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Tutorships)
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Tutorships)
Court
VAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
MARTINEZ VISPO, CARMELA (Secretary)
ROMERO TRIÑANES, ESTRELLA (Member)
VAZQUEZ RODRIGUEZ, MARIA ISABEL (Chairman)
MARTINEZ VISPO, CARMELA (Secretary)
ROMERO TRIÑANES, ESTRELLA (Member)
Mutual aid group to promote social inclusion and support for BEME scholarship recipients in Galicia.
Authorship
M.N.M.
Master's Degree in Psychology
M.N.M.
Master's Degree in Psychology
Defense date
02.18.2026 18:00
02.18.2026 18:00
Summary
This Master’s thesis explores the experiences of young people returning to Galicia through the BEME scholarship. This experience is not limited to physical relocation or the completion of postgraduate studies; rather, it involves navigating emotions, reconstructing identities, and facing the adaptational challenges inherent to migratorial return. For many of these individuals, returning means encountering a territory that is part of their family history but had not been their homeland directly, nor have had living experiences there, generating simultaneous feelings of closeness and estrangement. In this context, a Mutual Aid Group was created to provide a safe space where participants can support one another throughout their migrational process. This group seeks to promote networking and a sense of belonging. Through this collective space, the aim is for the return to be experienced in a less solitary way, strengthening personal and community resources that contribute to social integration and emotional well-being during this new stage in Galicia.
This Master’s thesis explores the experiences of young people returning to Galicia through the BEME scholarship. This experience is not limited to physical relocation or the completion of postgraduate studies; rather, it involves navigating emotions, reconstructing identities, and facing the adaptational challenges inherent to migratorial return. For many of these individuals, returning means encountering a territory that is part of their family history but had not been their homeland directly, nor have had living experiences there, generating simultaneous feelings of closeness and estrangement. In this context, a Mutual Aid Group was created to provide a safe space where participants can support one another throughout their migrational process. This group seeks to promote networking and a sense of belonging. Through this collective space, the aim is for the return to be experienced in a less solitary way, strengthening personal and community resources that contribute to social integration and emotional well-being during this new stage in Galicia.
Direction
FERNANDEZ FERNANDEZ, CONCEPCION (Tutorships)
FERNANDEZ FERNANDEZ, CONCEPCION (Tutorships)
Court
JIMENEZ GARCIA, LUIS MIGUEL (Chairman)
Gómez Salgado, Patricia (Secretary)
Gómez Roman, Cristina (Member)
JIMENEZ GARCIA, LUIS MIGUEL (Chairman)
Gómez Salgado, Patricia (Secretary)
Gómez Roman, Cristina (Member)
Child abuse and mental health in penitentiary populations: a systematic review with an intervention proposal
Authorship
M.N.R.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
M.N.R.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.13.2026 11:30
02.13.2026 11:30
Summary
This study is identified as a systematic review with the aim of analyzing the prevalence of child abuse in the prison population, its relationship with the presence of mental disorders, and the possible moderating effect of the prison environment itself. To this end, articles available in the Web of Science and PsycInfo databases published in English or Spanish between 2015 and 2025 on the adult prison population were included. Those not related to the topic, articles without access to the full text, and systematic reviews or meta-analyses were excluded, leaving us with a total of 22 articles and 9,405 participants. The findings show a high prevalence of child abuse, especially emotional abuse, and a consistent relationship with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use, among other disorders. In addition, the accumulation of adverse experiences in childhood and the potentially retraumatizing nature of prison underlie relevant variables. Among the limitations of this study are the predominance of cross-sectional designs and the use of self-reports. Finally, based on the PAIEM program and taking into account the relevant findings, an intervention proposal was made based on taking into account childhood trauma in the incarcerated population when improving psychological well-being and reintegration.
This study is identified as a systematic review with the aim of analyzing the prevalence of child abuse in the prison population, its relationship with the presence of mental disorders, and the possible moderating effect of the prison environment itself. To this end, articles available in the Web of Science and PsycInfo databases published in English or Spanish between 2015 and 2025 on the adult prison population were included. Those not related to the topic, articles without access to the full text, and systematic reviews or meta-analyses were excluded, leaving us with a total of 22 articles and 9,405 participants. The findings show a high prevalence of child abuse, especially emotional abuse, and a consistent relationship with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use, among other disorders. In addition, the accumulation of adverse experiences in childhood and the potentially retraumatizing nature of prison underlie relevant variables. Among the limitations of this study are the predominance of cross-sectional designs and the use of self-reports. Finally, based on the PAIEM program and taking into account the relevant findings, an intervention proposal was made based on taking into account childhood trauma in the incarcerated population when improving psychological well-being and reintegration.
Direction
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Tutorships)
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Tutorships)
Court
DOALLO PESADO, SONIA (Chairman)
CORRAL VARELA, MARIA MONTSERRAT (Secretary)
VILLAR TORRES, PAULA (Member)
DOALLO PESADO, SONIA (Chairman)
CORRAL VARELA, MARIA MONTSERRAT (Secretary)
VILLAR TORRES, PAULA (Member)
Functional Improvements of Neuropsychological Intervention in Social Cognition after Acquired Brain Injury: A Systematic Review
Authorship
R.N.S.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
R.N.S.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.11.2026 16:45
02.11.2026 16:45
Summary
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is associated with cognitive, emotional, and behavioural sequelae that significantly affect a person's overall functioning. Among these sequelae, deficits in social cognition are a key factor, as they hinder the understanding of social cues, behaviour regulation, and the quality of interpersonal interactions. The aim of this study is to determine whether neuropsychological interventions in social cognition in people with ABI produce functional improvements. A systematic review was conducted that included experimental studies in the adult population with ABI that evaluated functional outcomes after an intervention in social cognition. Eleven studies (N = 587) were included, mostly with samples of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in subacute or chronic phases. The interventions were heterogeneous, with a predominance of multicomponent and group-format programmes. The results showed functional improvements mainly in communication and social behaviour, especially in proximal measures and in the achievement of individualised goals, while the effects on social participation, emotional well-being and quality of life were more inconsistent. Overall, the evidence suggests that ecological interventions, focused on functional skills and contextualised, can promote relevant improvements in everyday functioning.
Acquired brain injury (ABI) is associated with cognitive, emotional, and behavioural sequelae that significantly affect a person's overall functioning. Among these sequelae, deficits in social cognition are a key factor, as they hinder the understanding of social cues, behaviour regulation, and the quality of interpersonal interactions. The aim of this study is to determine whether neuropsychological interventions in social cognition in people with ABI produce functional improvements. A systematic review was conducted that included experimental studies in the adult population with ABI that evaluated functional outcomes after an intervention in social cognition. Eleven studies (N = 587) were included, mostly with samples of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in subacute or chronic phases. The interventions were heterogeneous, with a predominance of multicomponent and group-format programmes. The results showed functional improvements mainly in communication and social behaviour, especially in proximal measures and in the achievement of individualised goals, while the effects on social participation, emotional well-being and quality of life were more inconsistent. Overall, the evidence suggests that ecological interventions, focused on functional skills and contextualised, can promote relevant improvements in everyday functioning.
Direction
CORRAL VARELA, MARIA MONTSERRAT (Tutorships)
CORRAL VARELA, MARIA MONTSERRAT (Tutorships)
Court
SANTIAGO MARIÑO, MARIA JOSE (Chairman)
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Secretary)
Rodríguez Salgado, Dolores (Member)
SANTIAGO MARIÑO, MARIA JOSE (Chairman)
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Secretary)
Rodríguez Salgado, Dolores (Member)
Attachment, parenting and emotional regulation in eating behaviour and childhood obesity: a review of the evidence
Authorship
V.P.E.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
V.P.E.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.11.2026 17:30
02.11.2026 17:30
Summary
Obesity in childhood and adolescence is a public health problem with multiple causes, in which psychological and relational factors, developed early in the family context, play an important role. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the empirical evidence on the influence of family variables, such as the quality of the early parent-child bond and parenting and feeding practices, on the risk of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Scientific articles published since 2015 were reviewed through systematic searches in the PsycInfo and Web of Science databases, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria that resulted in the final selection of 17 studies. The results indicate significant associations between attachment insecurity, the use of controlling parenting practices, and an increased risk of childhood overweight and obesity, relationships that are largely mediated by emotional dysregulation and patterns of emotional eating in children. In addition, evidence suggests the presence of bidirectional relationships between parental and child variables. Based on these findings, a family-based preventive intervention programme is proposed, aimed at strengthening the quality of the emotional bond, promoting responsive parenting, and encouraging the development of adaptive emotional and eating regulation throughout childhood and adolescence.
Obesity in childhood and adolescence is a public health problem with multiple causes, in which psychological and relational factors, developed early in the family context, play an important role. The aim of this systematic review was to analyse the empirical evidence on the influence of family variables, such as the quality of the early parent-child bond and parenting and feeding practices, on the risk of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Scientific articles published since 2015 were reviewed through systematic searches in the PsycInfo and Web of Science databases, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria that resulted in the final selection of 17 studies. The results indicate significant associations between attachment insecurity, the use of controlling parenting practices, and an increased risk of childhood overweight and obesity, relationships that are largely mediated by emotional dysregulation and patterns of emotional eating in children. In addition, evidence suggests the presence of bidirectional relationships between parental and child variables. Based on these findings, a family-based preventive intervention programme is proposed, aimed at strengthening the quality of the emotional bond, promoting responsive parenting, and encouraging the development of adaptive emotional and eating regulation throughout childhood and adolescence.
Direction
VILLAR TORRES, PAULA (Tutorships)
VILLAR TORRES, PAULA (Tutorships)
Court
SANTIAGO MARIÑO, MARIA JOSE (Chairman)
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Secretary)
Rodríguez Salgado, Dolores (Member)
SANTIAGO MARIÑO, MARIA JOSE (Chairman)
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Secretary)
Rodríguez Salgado, Dolores (Member)
From early adversity to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI): A review of the empirical evidence
Authorship
L.P.B.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
L.P.B.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.13.2026 12:15
02.13.2026 12:15
Summary
This master’s thesis is a literature review, with the main objective of analysing the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) in the adolescent population, identifying the most relevant types of ACE, the mediating mechanisms involved, the moderating variables and the role of gender. To this end, a literature search was conducted in the PsycInfo and Medline databases, from which a total of 21 articles were included. The literature review allows us to conclude that there is a consistent association between exposure to ACEs and NSSI during adolescence, mediated mainly by emotional dysregulation and moderated by multiple personal, interpersonal, and contextual factors that amplify and/or attenuate its effects. In turn, gender is identified as a relevant variable due to its differential role in the impact of ACEs on NSSI. Finally, based on these findings, a group intervention aimed at adolescents with ACEs is proposed, based on the development of alternative emotional regulation strategies to NSSI.
This master’s thesis is a literature review, with the main objective of analysing the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) in the adolescent population, identifying the most relevant types of ACE, the mediating mechanisms involved, the moderating variables and the role of gender. To this end, a literature search was conducted in the PsycInfo and Medline databases, from which a total of 21 articles were included. The literature review allows us to conclude that there is a consistent association between exposure to ACEs and NSSI during adolescence, mediated mainly by emotional dysregulation and moderated by multiple personal, interpersonal, and contextual factors that amplify and/or attenuate its effects. In turn, gender is identified as a relevant variable due to its differential role in the impact of ACEs on NSSI. Finally, based on these findings, a group intervention aimed at adolescents with ACEs is proposed, based on the development of alternative emotional regulation strategies to NSSI.
Direction
ROMERO TRIÑANES, ESTRELLA (Tutorships)
ROMERO TRIÑANES, ESTRELLA (Tutorships)
Court
DOALLO PESADO, SONIA (Chairman)
CORRAL VARELA, MARIA MONTSERRAT (Secretary)
VILLAR TORRES, PAULA (Member)
DOALLO PESADO, SONIA (Chairman)
CORRAL VARELA, MARIA MONTSERRAT (Secretary)
VILLAR TORRES, PAULA (Member)
Functional connectivity alterations in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease in relation to plasma pTau217
Authorship
Á.A.S.R.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Á.A.S.R.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.11.2026 18:15
02.11.2026 18:15
Summary
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) was used to assess functional connectivity (FC) as a potential biomarker to detect the presence of neuropathological processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In a sample of 240 individuals with early-stage AD, FC patterns were related to plasma levels of pTau217, a non-invasive biomarker that reflects the presence of amyloid deposits and tau pathology. Using multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA), voxel clusters were identified whose connectivity patterns varied according to pTau217 levels. Subsequently, seed-to-voxel analyses were performed, using these clusters as seeds to determine the directionality of FC. Overall, higher pTau217 levels were associated with disconnection among several functional networks, including the default-mode network (DMN), the salience network (SAL), the frontoparietal control network (FPCN), the somatomotor network (SMN), and the dorsal attention network (DAN). In addition, an aggregated measure of FC revealed that these alterations were affecting cognition. These findings are consistent with the conceptualization of AD as a disconnection syndrome and with the existence of progressive network dysfunction. These results support the potential of FC as a biomarker capable of detecting neuropathological processes in AD, with clinical implications for evaluating the effectiveness of neuropsychological interventions.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) was used to assess functional connectivity (FC) as a potential biomarker to detect the presence of neuropathological processes associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In a sample of 240 individuals with early-stage AD, FC patterns were related to plasma levels of pTau217, a non-invasive biomarker that reflects the presence of amyloid deposits and tau pathology. Using multivoxel pattern analysis (MVPA), voxel clusters were identified whose connectivity patterns varied according to pTau217 levels. Subsequently, seed-to-voxel analyses were performed, using these clusters as seeds to determine the directionality of FC. Overall, higher pTau217 levels were associated with disconnection among several functional networks, including the default-mode network (DMN), the salience network (SAL), the frontoparietal control network (FPCN), the somatomotor network (SMN), and the dorsal attention network (DAN). In addition, an aggregated measure of FC revealed that these alterations were affecting cognition. These findings are consistent with the conceptualization of AD as a disconnection syndrome and with the existence of progressive network dysfunction. These results support the potential of FC as a biomarker capable of detecting neuropathological processes in AD, with clinical implications for evaluating the effectiveness of neuropsychological interventions.
Direction
GALDO ALVAREZ, SANTIAGO (Tutorships)
GALDO ALVAREZ, SANTIAGO (Tutorships)
Court
SANTIAGO MARIÑO, MARIA JOSE (Chairman)
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Secretary)
Rodríguez Salgado, Dolores (Member)
SANTIAGO MARIÑO, MARIA JOSE (Chairman)
GOMEZ FRAGUELA, Xosé Antón (Secretary)
Rodríguez Salgado, Dolores (Member)
Design of an affective-sexual intervention programme for people with schizophrenia.
Authorship
L.V.P.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
L.V.P.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.13.2026 11:00
02.13.2026 11:00
Summary
People with schizophrenia experience numerous difficulties related to sexuality, with various factors associated with them. The aim of this Master's Thesis is to design an affective-sexual intervention programme aimed at young people (aged 18-30) with schizophrenia, which addresses the main factors related to this area, to promote the establishment and maintenance of appropriate and satisfying intimate relationships. The programme, which is cognitive-behavioural in nature, consists of a pre- and post-intervention assessment protocol and three subsequent follow-ups, which will allow for the analysis of the results obtained and their maintenance over time. It comprises 27 intervention sessions, in a group format of between 6 and 8 people, grouped into 6 content modules: 1) sexuality and intimate relationships, 2) safe sex, 3) difficulties in sexual functioning, 4) risky behaviours in sexual relationships, 5) self-concept, self-esteem, cognitions and emotions related to the affective-sexual sphere, and 6) social and communication skills training, coping strategies and problem solving. This programme takes a comprehensive approach to the sexuality and intimate needs of people with schizophrenia, contributing to their emotional well-being and a fuller recovery.
People with schizophrenia experience numerous difficulties related to sexuality, with various factors associated with them. The aim of this Master's Thesis is to design an affective-sexual intervention programme aimed at young people (aged 18-30) with schizophrenia, which addresses the main factors related to this area, to promote the establishment and maintenance of appropriate and satisfying intimate relationships. The programme, which is cognitive-behavioural in nature, consists of a pre- and post-intervention assessment protocol and three subsequent follow-ups, which will allow for the analysis of the results obtained and their maintenance over time. It comprises 27 intervention sessions, in a group format of between 6 and 8 people, grouped into 6 content modules: 1) sexuality and intimate relationships, 2) safe sex, 3) difficulties in sexual functioning, 4) risky behaviours in sexual relationships, 5) self-concept, self-esteem, cognitions and emotions related to the affective-sexual sphere, and 6) social and communication skills training, coping strategies and problem solving. This programme takes a comprehensive approach to the sexuality and intimate needs of people with schizophrenia, contributing to their emotional well-being and a fuller recovery.
Direction
BARROSO HURTADO, MARIA (Tutorships)
BARROSO HURTADO, MARIA (Tutorships)
Court
MIGUEZ VARELA, MARIA DEL CARMEN (Chairman)
VAZQUEZ GONZALEZ, FERNANDO LINO (Secretary)
AMENEDO LOSADA, MARIA ELENA (Member)
MIGUEZ VARELA, MARIA DEL CARMEN (Chairman)
VAZQUEZ GONZALEZ, FERNANDO LINO (Secretary)
AMENEDO LOSADA, MARIA ELENA (Member)
Family conflict and emotional regulation in children and adolescents
Authorship
I.V.P.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
I.V.P.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.13.2026 11:45
02.13.2026 11:45
Summary
Interparental conflict has been identified as a relevant risk factor for emotional development during childhood and adolescence. However, the available evidence shows heterogeneous findings, particularly regarding emotion regulation. In this context, the present study examines the relationship between interparental conflict, including intimate partner violence, and emotion regulation in children and adolescents through a systematic review of the scientific literature. To this end, a search was conducted in specialized databases, and empirical studies meeting the established inclusion criteria were selected. The results of the review indicate that family conflict is generally associated with greater difficulties in emotion regulation during childhood and adolescence, both in contexts of general interparental conflict and in situations involving intimate partner violence. Nevertheless, the findings are not fully homogeneous across the reviewed studies. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that this relationship is influenced by several family and relational variables, such as parental cooperation, the quality of parent and child interactions, and other characteristics of the family context. The methodological heterogeneity observed in the assessment of both interparental conflict and emotion regulation limits direct comparison of results and the identification of consistent patterns. Overall, the findings highlight the relevance of interparental conflict as a risk factor for the development of emotion regulation and the need for further research using longitudinal designs and more homogeneous methodologies.
Interparental conflict has been identified as a relevant risk factor for emotional development during childhood and adolescence. However, the available evidence shows heterogeneous findings, particularly regarding emotion regulation. In this context, the present study examines the relationship between interparental conflict, including intimate partner violence, and emotion regulation in children and adolescents through a systematic review of the scientific literature. To this end, a search was conducted in specialized databases, and empirical studies meeting the established inclusion criteria were selected. The results of the review indicate that family conflict is generally associated with greater difficulties in emotion regulation during childhood and adolescence, both in contexts of general interparental conflict and in situations involving intimate partner violence. Nevertheless, the findings are not fully homogeneous across the reviewed studies. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that this relationship is influenced by several family and relational variables, such as parental cooperation, the quality of parent and child interactions, and other characteristics of the family context. The methodological heterogeneity observed in the assessment of both interparental conflict and emotion regulation limits direct comparison of results and the identification of consistent patterns. Overall, the findings highlight the relevance of interparental conflict as a risk factor for the development of emotion regulation and the need for further research using longitudinal designs and more homogeneous methodologies.
Direction
LOPEZ ROMERO, MARÍA LAURA (Tutorships)
LOPEZ ROMERO, MARÍA LAURA (Tutorships)
Court
MIGUEZ VARELA, MARIA DEL CARMEN (Chairman)
VAZQUEZ GONZALEZ, FERNANDO LINO (Secretary)
AMENEDO LOSADA, MARIA ELENA (Member)
MIGUEZ VARELA, MARIA DEL CARMEN (Chairman)
VAZQUEZ GONZALEZ, FERNANDO LINO (Secretary)
AMENEDO LOSADA, MARIA ELENA (Member)
Program for the Prevention of Emotions Problems and the Promotion of a Positive Identity in LGBTIQ+ Adolescents
Authorship
A.V.D.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
A.V.D.
Master's Degree in General Health Psychology
Defense date
02.13.2026 12:30
02.13.2026 12:30
Summary
This Master’s Thesis aims to design a preventive intervention program for LGBTIQ+ adolescents, focused on preventing emotional problems and promoting a positive identity. Based on evidence highlighting increased psychological vulnerability among this population during adolescence, a group-based, psychoeducational, and integrative intervention adapted to the Spanish context is proposed. The program targets adolescents aged 12 to 18 years and is structured into four interconnected modules: emotional awareness and regulation, self-esteem and positive identity, resilience and coping strategies, and social support and sense of belonging. The intervention consists of 14 weekly sessions of 60 minutes, using active and experiential methodologies grounded in cognitive-behavioral principles, emotional intelligence frameworks, and an LGBTIQ+-affirmative approach. An evaluation proposal is also included, combining quantitative and qualitative measures, implementation fidelity assessment, and medium- and long-term follow-up. Overall, this work presents a structured and feasible preventive intervention with potential to enhance psychological well-being and strengthen personal and social resources among LGBTIQ+ adolescents.
This Master’s Thesis aims to design a preventive intervention program for LGBTIQ+ adolescents, focused on preventing emotional problems and promoting a positive identity. Based on evidence highlighting increased psychological vulnerability among this population during adolescence, a group-based, psychoeducational, and integrative intervention adapted to the Spanish context is proposed. The program targets adolescents aged 12 to 18 years and is structured into four interconnected modules: emotional awareness and regulation, self-esteem and positive identity, resilience and coping strategies, and social support and sense of belonging. The intervention consists of 14 weekly sessions of 60 minutes, using active and experiential methodologies grounded in cognitive-behavioral principles, emotional intelligence frameworks, and an LGBTIQ+-affirmative approach. An evaluation proposal is also included, combining quantitative and qualitative measures, implementation fidelity assessment, and medium- and long-term follow-up. Overall, this work presents a structured and feasible preventive intervention with potential to enhance psychological well-being and strengthen personal and social resources among LGBTIQ+ adolescents.
Direction
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Tutorships)
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Tutorships)
Court
MIGUEZ VARELA, MARIA DEL CARMEN (Chairman)
VAZQUEZ GONZALEZ, FERNANDO LINO (Secretary)
AMENEDO LOSADA, MARIA ELENA (Member)
MIGUEZ VARELA, MARIA DEL CARMEN (Chairman)
VAZQUEZ GONZALEZ, FERNANDO LINO (Secretary)
AMENEDO LOSADA, MARIA ELENA (Member)