A research team from the Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC) of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra (FPCEUC) is conducting a study on some unusual experiences and unusual perceptions that people can feel throughout their lives.
Like this work, the researchers intend to validate an instrument to evaluate these experiences – called Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences – and better understand the contribution of some psychological aspects, such as emotional regulation and self-compassion, to the development of these experiences, as well as their impacts on mental health.
People interested in participating in the study are invited to fill out a questionnaire online (with an estimated duration of 30 minutes, available at https://limesurvey.fpce.uc.pt/limesurvey/index.php/516645). There are only two requirements to fulfill to participate: be between 18 and 65 years of age and have Portuguese nationality.
The research team explains that “although these unusual experiences do not represent, in themselves, a psychopathological condition, it is known that they are associated with a greater risk of developing mental health problems. On the other hand, in people who already have mental health difficulties, these experiences seem to be associated with a worse prognosis.” “Therefore, improving our understanding of these experiences could play a very important role in the early detection and prevention of various mental health problems”, they conclude.
This work is developed as part of the doctorate of FPCEUC student, Diana Carvalho, and is supervised by FPCEUC professor and CINEICC researcher, Paula Castilho.
Additional questions about this study can be sent to [email protected].
Tags: Study unusual experiences unusual perceptions Portuguese population seeks volunteers
