Research lines
Subline 1: Developmental psychopathology: assessment, diagnosis and risk factors
Ezpeleta Ascaso, Lourdes
De la Osa Chaparro, Núria
Navarro Pastor, José Blas
Penelo Werner, Eva
The line on epidemiology and diagnosis studies epidemiological trends of disorders in childhood, as well as phenomenology, diagnostic definition, etiological risk factors, vulnerability and protection, course, comorbidity and differential diagnosis. The current project of the group focuses on the study of the evolutionary trajectories of different disorders, such as behavioral disorders, anxiety disorders or depressive disorders, from childhood, and the influence of risk and protective factors . The development of diagnostic instruments and the evaluation of childhood disorders are also objectives of this line.
Subline 2: Gene-Person-Environment Interaction: Risk and Resilience in the Mental Health and Psychopathology Continuum
Vidal Barrantes, Neus
Ballespí Sola, Sergi
This line of research focuses on various related topics, including:
1. Study of the interaction of psychological sensitivity with both adverse and positive environments to test whether this impacts both negative (psychopathology) and positive (wellbeing, creativity) outcomes, respectively, as well as its moderation by genetic factors.
2.Interaction between genotype, person and psychosocial environment on the development of schizotypal traits and the etiology of the psychosis spectrum. We investigate the psychological mechanisms that might mediate between risk factors and the development of psychopathology (e.g., disruptions in attachment, cognitive schemas, and mentalization).
3. Psychopathology research from a transdiagnostic perspective focused on the study of processes and ecological validity. We use Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM) to assess the dynamic person-environment interaction in real life and its impact on the expression of symptoms and positive psychological features.
Publications: Neus Vidal, Sergi Ballespí
Subline 1: Cognition and emotion: behavior, neural bases and implications for mental Health
Chanes Puiggrós, Lorena
This line of research is broadly interested in the cognitive and affective processes that ultimately enable a unified conscious experience. What organization and brain dynamics make them possible? How are they affected in the case of different mental disorders? We ask these questions in the context of new perspectives on perception and action, known as "Predictive coding." These perspectives emphasize that the brain is not "passively" waiting for the arrival of information through the different peripheral sensors (retina, cochlea, etc.) but is constantly anticipating what will happen next based on past experience, and preparing to receive it. the information you expect. Our approach is multidisciplinary and we use various techniques, including behavioral, non-invasive brain stimulation, and neuroimaging.
Theme 1: Model of the limbic workspace
This subline explores a new theoretical approach (Chanes & Barrett, 2016) that proposes a fundamental role for limbic cortical areas in 'high-level' processes such as consciousness. We are interested in identifying potential alterations in these areas in people with mental disorders, as well as exploring new diagnostic and treatment pathways related to non-invasive brain stimulation.
Ref: Chanes L, Barrett LF (2016). Redefining the role of limbic cortices in cortical processing. Trends in Cognitive Sciences 20(2), 96-106.
Theme 2: Emotional predictions and social perception
We have recently shown that predictive processes have an important impact on social perception (Chanes et al., In press). When a person displays a facial expression that we expect, we judge it to be more likable and more trustworthy. This subline focuses on investigating the extent of the impact of emotional predictions on social perception and behavior (for example, prosocial behavior), as well as the presence and impact of similar predictive processes in people with mental disorders.
Ref: Chanes L, Wormwood JB, Betz N, Barrett LF (2018). Facial expression predictions as drivers of social perception. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Publications: Lorena Chanes
Subline 2: Mentalization and psychopathology
Ballespí Solà, Sergi
Mentalization (MZ) is the ability to become aware of the mental states (emotions, thoughts, desires, impulses) underlying human behavior. It is difficult to make sense of human behavior without taking into account that it is motivated by mental states. This higher psychological process has been analyzed from different perspectives (Theory of Mind, social cognition, emotional intelligence, mind-mindedness, empathy, metacognition, insightfulness). The mentalization paradigm systematizes the field in accordance with advances in neuroscience. The MZ is interesting because it is altered when there is a mental disorder and it is the subject of work in all psychological treatments. Is it possible that it is a fundamental pillar for mental health?
This line analyzes the role of the MZ in the transitions between health and psychopathology, transcending the classic models of mental health and adopting evolutionary, trans-diagnostic, trans-symptomatic and trans-generational points of view. From a broad perspective (WHO), the value of mentalization in 'emotional metabolism' is analyzed, giving value to the symptom, functioning and psychological well-being. The objective is to demonstrate that MZ is resilience and that promoting it throughout life would improve global mental health (Ballespí et al., 2018). Ongoing projects:
1) Mentalization, psychopathology and functioning. We analyze, for example, whether MZ is a global risk/resilience factor, or how it moderates healthy and pathological functioning
2) Mentalization in the metabolism of discomfort. For example, the relationship between mentalization and somatization, or the role of MZ in trauma recovery is analysed.
3) Mentalization in the Spectrum of Social Anxiety. For example, the relationship between social cognition and social anxiety, or the role of hyper-mentalization is analysed.
4) Innovation to the extent of emotional meta-cognition and social cognition. Development of more ecological measures, implementing ICT and other technologies.
5) Applications of MZ in treatment and prevention. Study of derivative treatments such as the Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT), KidsTime, SchoolsInMind-Network or LightHouse Parenting, in contact with clinical centers.
Ref: Ballespí S, Vives J, Debbané M, Sharp C & Barrantes-Vidal N. (2018). Beyond diagnosis: Mentalization and mental Health from a transdiagnostic point of view in adolescents from non-clinical population. Psychiatry Research, 270, 755-763. Doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.10.048
Publicacions: Sergi Ballespí
Subline 3: Cognition and Gender: Implications in mental health
Subirà Álvarez, Susanna
Barajas Vélez, Ana
Gelabert Arbiol, Estel
Jódar Vicente, Mercè
Martín-Santos, Rocío
García Esteve, Luisa
Navarro Pastor, José Blas
This subline of research is based on the study of cognitive processes that influence the general functioning of patients with a mental disorder, specifically, psychotic spectrum disorders and perinatal affective disorders. The gender perspective is present transversally in the research carried out by the group.
Patients with psychotic disorders very often experience a reduction in neurocognitive capacity, such as in working memory, attention, planning problem solving and cognitive flexibility. This can lead to difficulties in the ability to think, concentrate and learn, being an important obstacle for the implementation of psychological interventions such as Metacognitive Training. This research subline is focused on the study of cognitive deficits as a risk factor for poor metacognitive processes, these last involved in the genesis and maintenance of psychotic symptoms.
Regarding the study of women's mental health in the perinatal period, this subline focuses on the study of the quality of mother-child interaction considered as an important environmental mediator between maternal perinatal mental disorder and child development. One of the lines of research in development is related to the importance of mother-baby interaction as a guarantee of healthy cognitive and psychological development in their offspring. Other objectives that arise have to do with the analysis of the influence of social cognition on the mother-infant interaction in a population of women with severe mental disorders, as well as the use of mobile applications in the management of depression and extend the research area on the prevention of perinatal mental health.
Publications: Susanna Subirà, Ana Barajas, Estel Gelabert, Mercè Jodar, Rocio Martín-Santos, Luisa García, Jose Blas Navarro
Subline 4: Neuropsychological sequelae in brain pathology
Barajas Vélez, Ana
Jódar Vicente, Mercè
Brain pathologies are highly prevalent: one in three people in the world suffers from some type of brain disease. They are the first cause of disability and the second cause of death. Some of these diseases refer to genetic alterations, metabolic diseases, strokes, brain tumours, neurodegenerative diseases, trauma, diseases caused by substance use or brain diseases due to infection (HIV, HCV, SARS-CoV-2), among other. In all these diseases, the basic and complex cognitive processes are affected, which, for the people who suffer from them, can lead to major problems in adapting to the environment, and can end up compromising people's dependency. These neuropsychological affectations include alterations both at the cognitive level (difficulties in attention, memory, language or reasoning) and at the behavioural or emotional level (difficulties controlling emotions or changes in behaviour such as irritability, impulsiveness, apathy or disinhibition).
This subline of research focuses on the study of the neuropsychological sequelae caused by these brain disorders and their clinical implications in terms of the early implementation of interventions aimed at restoring or compensating for such cognitive deficits. Specifically, and to date, it has focused on the study of the cognitive profile of patients affected by HIV, HCV, and SARS-CoV-2, in the latter case, in relation to the identification of cognitive consequences derived from damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB), our defense to protect our brain from external injuries, which would cause neuroinflammation, which could be responsible for neurological signs at the time of infection and subsequent cognitive sequelae (alterations in memory, attention, the ability to control and self-regulate our own behaviour).
Publications: Ana Barajas, Mercè Jodar
Subline: Eating and Body Image Disorders: Assessment, Prevention and Treatment.
Mora Giral, Maria Soledad
The line of Eating and Body Image Disorders: Assessment, Prevention and Treatment research has, for 27 years, investigated the epidemiology, risk factors, explanatory models, validation and adaptation of assessment instruments, as well as preventive and therapeutic intervention programs for eating, weight and body image disorders. Since 2001, the research activity has focused specifically on the universal and selective preventive interventions of the eating, weight and body image problems in school-aged adolescents. And, more recently, in health promotion programs aimed at creating a healthy food intake, cultivating healthy self-esteem, developing a positive body image and life skills, such as emotion management.
The prevention programs stem from various theoretical models (feminist model, non-specific vulnerability model and cognitive-social model) and have been carried out in different formats and activities (multimedia presentations, dramatic art, creation of critical videos and fine arts activities).
Publicacions: Marisol Mora
Subline 2: Eating and weight-related problems
Sánchez Carracedo, David
Fornieles Deu, Albert
Anastasiadou, Dimitra Tatiana
This line of research, developed by UCAP (the Research Unit on Eating and Weight-Related Behaviors), is based on an integrated approach to the study of shared risk factors for eating and weight-related problems (EWRP). EWRP include, among other issues, disordered eating, weight stigma, weight-control behaviors, body dissatisfaction, overweight and obesity. The study of these problems has traditionally followed quite separate paths, either by mental-health professionals (disordered eating) or else by public-health and biomedicine professionals (overweight and obesity). This line, however, studies the broad spectrum of problems previously outlined by means of a new, integrated approach.
The main objectives of this line of research are the following:
- The epidemiological study of EWRP and of their interrelations
- The study of risk factors shared by EWRP (e.g., media influence; dieting; weight stigma; body dissatisfaction; weight-related teasing)
- The design and adaptation of instruments for assessing relevant variables
- The development and evaluation of integrated prevention and intervention programs
- The study of the efficacy of psychological interventions for EWRP integrating new technologies
- The study of the effects of family participation in addressing EWRP.
Publications: David Sánchez, Albert Fornieles, Dimitra Tatiana Anastasiadou
Subline 1: Neuroimaging in mental health, neuropsychology , and prevention and promotion in health psychology
Deus Yela, Joan
Gutiérrez Rosado, Teresa
Dr. Joan Deus coordinates a consolidated research group (SGR) recognized by the Generalitat of Catalonia with more than 20 years of experience, in which several lines of research come together. Among them, we present in this subline two of the research areas:
a) Neuroimaging in mental health and neuropsychology, led by Dr. Joan Deus, studies the structure and function of the human brain in relation to neuropsychological, neurological and neuropsychiatric functioning. Currently, he focuses on the study of possible alterations of functional MRI and structural MRI, in relation to psychopathological and neuropsychological variables, in patients with chronic pain of the fibromyalgia type and with chronic neuropathic and osteoarticular pain. Neuroanatomical and functional alterations of the brain are also studied in other neuropsychiatric and neuropsychological pathologies of neurodevelopment. It is located in the Magnetic Resonance Research Unit (UIRM) of the Hospital Universitario del Mar-IMIM, coordinated by Dr. Pujol Nuez, and the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB). They collaborate with the Melbourne Neuropsychiatric Center of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne (Australia), led by Dr. B. Harrison.
b) The prevention and promotion of community health and well-being, led by Dr. Teresa Gutiérrez, is framed within the discipline of health psychology with an approach based on the social determinants of health, salutogenic models and the search for equity in health. The main works carried out in recent years have focused on the prevention of addictive behaviors and the promotion of integral health in sexuality, mainly in the stages of adolescence and youth. They also work on the evaluation and promotion of resilience in different groups, the impact of human strengths on health and well-being, and the humanization of health care in the health system.
Publications: Joan Deus, Teresa Gutiérrez
Subline 2: Approaching chronic pain from a biopsychosocial and multidisciplinary perspective
Feliu Soler, Albert
Luciano Devis, Juan Vicente
The AGORA Group carries out patient-oriented research with a high translational value in clinical practice, focusing mainly on the economic evaluation of non-pharmacological treatments (mindfulness, acceptance and commitment, physical exercise, etc.) and pharmacological treatments for the management of chronic pain, in the neurobiological underpinnings of chronic pain and in the psychometric analysis of the measures usually administered to these patients.
More specifically, the AGORA Group is interested in studying which treatments are effective and cost-effective for patients with chronic pain, in which specific patient profiles (clusters) these treatments are most effective and how they act at the cognitive, affective and physiological level.
The AGORA research group is the result of the synergistic collaboration between professors of psychology at the UAB and health professionals from different Catalan research institutes. The group belongs to the Innovation Network of New Technologies in Mental Health (TECSAM), is recognized and funded as a consolidated group by AGAUR (Generalitat de Catalunya; 2021 SGR 721) and is part of the Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP; CB22/02/00052)
Scientific objectives:
- Analysis of the effectiveness and cost-utility of non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments for patients with chronic pain.
- Psychometric analysis of patient-reported outcomes (PROMs).
- Structural and functional analysis of brain areas that can predict response to treatments, as well as brain areas that are susceptible to change through therapy.
- Analysis of the role of psychoneuroimmunological and endocrine variables in the prediction and mediation of treatment results.
- Study of the impact on physical and mental health of therapies-activities carried out in nature in healthy people and in people with mental health problems or with chronic pain.
Dr. Feliu stands out for his scientific background in the field of clinical trials with third-generation cognitive-behavioral therapies and multicomponent programs. In addition, as a psychologist and biologist, he has a special interest in the study of the psychophysiological mechanisms of treatments for different mental disorders and for persistent pain and in the identification of markers that allow predicting the clinical response to therapy.
Dr. Luciano is a specialist in the design and execution of clinical trials testing psychological and pharmacological therapies for patients with persistent pain. In addition, it has a special interest in the psychometric analysis of measures of quality of life, functionality, anxiety-depression, etc., and of third-wave constructs such as psychological (in)flexibility, acceptance or dimensions of mindfulness.
Publications: Albert Feliu, Juan Vicente Luciano