Palmeira, Lara
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Palmeira
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Lara
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Lara Palmeira
Biography
Lara Sofia Nascimento Palmeira, Licenciada em Psicologia, Mestre em Psicologia Clínica e da Saúde e Doutorada em Psicologia pela Universidade de Coimbra. Concluiu o seu doutoramento em 2017 intitulado “When weight stigma gets under the skin: The development of Kg-Free: A new integrated acceptance, mindfulness, and compassion-based group intervention” onde investigou a eficácia de uma intervenção centrada na aceitação, atenção plena, e autocompaixão para mulheres com excesso de peso e obesidade. A sua investigação tem-se focado na aplicação das terapias cognitivo-contextuais de 3ªgeração (por exemplo, ACT, CFT, Mindfulness), mais especificamente sobre o papel das estratégias de regulação emocional no estigma e no bem-estar em pessoas com diversos problemas de saúde e também na implementação e teste de eficácia das intervenções grupais baseadas na aceitação, na compaixão e na atenção plena na promoção da saúde e bem-estar de diferentes populações.
Afiliação:
IJP - Instituto Jurídico Portucalense.
DPE - Departamento de Psicologia e Educação.
BB12-1036-0E27
55974094000
ABB-5495-2020Research Projects
Organizational Units
CINTESIS.UPT - Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde
Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde (CINTESIS.UPT), former I2P, is an R&D unit devoted to the study of cognition and behaviour in context. With an interdisciplinary focus, namely on Education, Translational and Applied Psychology
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Publication Open Access Efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an ACT and compassion-based intervention for women with breast cancer: Study protocol of two randomised controlled trials2025-01-03 - Trindade, Inês A.; Soares, Andreia; Skvarc, David; Carreiras, Diogo; Pereira, Joana; Lourenço, Óscar; Sampaio, Filipa; Sousa, Bruno de; Martins, Teresa C.; Boaventura, Paula; Marta-Simões, Joana; Galhardo, Ana; Pereira, Ana; Veloso, Bruna; Palmeira, Lara; Carvalho, Sérgio A.; Ferreira, Nuno; Matos, Marcela; Castilho, Paula; Teixeira, Ricardo João; Viegas, Marta; Borrego, Margarida; Dinis, Tomás Cabral; Pinto, Inês Félix; Martins, Leonor Santos; Hulbert-Williams, Nicholas J.; Moreira , HelenaBreast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women worldwide and carries a considerable psychosocial burden. Interventions based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and compassion-based approaches show promise in improving adjustment and quality of life in people with cancer. The Mind programme is an integrative ACT and compassion-based intervention tailored for women with breast cancer, which aims to prepare women for survivorship by promoting psychological flexibility and self-compassion. A pilot study of the Mind programme has shown acceptability and preliminary efficacy in improving quality of life and psychological health. This paper presents the study protocol of two randomised controlled trials that aim to test the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an optimised version of the Mind programme in women with breast cancer.Publication Open Access Illness Stigma and Shame in People With Chronic Illnesses vs. SARS-CoV-2 Survivors: Associations With Psychological Distress Through Psychological Flexibility and Self-Compassion2024-11-07 - Berglund, Saga; Danielsson, Anna; Støre, Siri Jakobsson; Carreiras, Diogo; Carvalho, Sérgio A.; Blomqvist-Storm, Michaela; Pinto, Helena; Palmeira, Lara; Pereira, Marco; Trindade, Inês A.Individuals with chronic illnesses and those infected with SARS-CoV-2 often face stigma, shame, and psychological distress related to their conditions. Higher psychological flexibility and self-compassion are often associated with less stigma and shame. Examining and comparing these experiences between people with chronic illness and people who have recovered from SARS-CoV-2 can provide valuable insights into the shared and unique challenges they encounter. This study aimed to compare these two groups, and used structural equation modelling to investigate the links between stigma, shame, and psychological distress, with a focus on the mediating roles of psychological flexibility and self-compassion in these associations. The study included 270 Portuguese participants (chronic illness: n = 104; SARS-CoV-2: n = 166), with an average age of 36.73 years and 86.6% of the sample being women. Results showed that the chronic illness subgroup reported higher levels of illness stigma, anxiety, and depression, compared to the SARS-CoV-2 subgroup. Findings from the mediation analysis, revealed that the model fit exceptionally well, accounting for 48% of the variance in anxiety and 45% in depression symptoms across the entire sample. Most parameters were consistent between the two subgroups, except for the association between self-compassion and depression symptoms, which was only statistically significant in the chronic illness subgroup. In this group, both psychological flexibility and self-compassion mediated the association between stigma and shame with symptoms of anxiety and depression. In the SARS-CoV-2 subgroup, these processes mediated the association with anxiety, whereas psychological flexibility only mediated depression symptoms. The findings from this study provide directions for future research on the possible development or refinement of personalized psychological interventions targeting emotional distress in adults with chronic illnesses and viral disease recovery cohorts.Publication Open Access An individual participant data meta-analysis investigating the mediating role of eating behavior traits in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based weight management interventions2025-06-02 - Kudlek, Laura; Mueller, Julia; Colombo, Patricia Eustachio; Stephen J. Sharp; Boothby, Clare E.; Griffin, Simon J.; Butryn, Meghan; Chwyl, Christina; Forman, Evan; Hagerman, Charlotte; Hawkins, Misty; Juarascio, Adrienne; Knäuper, Bärbel; Kolehmainen, Marjukka; Levin, Michael E.; Lillis, Jason; Maiz, Edurne; Manasse, Stephanie; Palmeira, Lara; Pietiläinen, Kirsi H.; Sherwood, Nancy E.; Ahern, AmyIdentifying mechanisms of action can aid the refinement of weight management interventions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based interventions may support long-term weight management by improving self-regulation of eating behavior traits (EBTs). However, it remains unclear if changing EBTs like emotional eating, external eating, internal disinhibition, and restraint during ACT causes improved weight management.Publication Open Access eBEfree: Combining Psychoeducation, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion in an App-Based Psychological Intervention to Manage Binge-Eating Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial2025-03-29 - Senra, Hugo; Duarte, Cristiana; Carvalho, Sérgio A.; Simões, Luís; Ferreira, Cláudia; Palmeira, Lara; Matos, Marcela; Cunha, Marina; Castilho, Paula; Sousa, Bruno; Cordeiro, Luis; Pinto-Gouveia, JoséTo develop and test the effectiveness of the eBEfree program, a 12-session app-based version of a previously tested psychological intervention (BEfree) that combines psycho-education, self-compassion, mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to reduce binge-eating symptoms. Two-hundred participants with recurrent elevated binge-eating symptoms and a higher body weight were enrolled in a remote parallel-group randomized trial, of which 142 completed the initial assessment (70 in the intervention group). The end-of-treatment and follow-up assessments were conducted 12 weeks after the initial assessment and 26 weeks after the end of treatment, respectively. Intention-to-treat (ITT) analyzes were undertaken using frequentist linear mixed models and Bayesian hierarchical models to test the intervention effectiveness. 43 (waitlist control) and 29 (intervention) participants completed the end-of-treatment assessment, showing a high attrition rate (51%). ITT analyzes showed the eBEfree program to be associated with a significant reduction in binge eating symptomatology from baseline to end-of-treatment (β = −9.49, ρ < 0.0001, g = −1.17), and from end-of-treatment to 26-weeks follow-up (β = −6.01, ρ = 0.04, g = −1.08). At end-of-treatment, the intervention was also associated with a decrease in body mass index and depression symptomatology, as well as an improvement in dimensions of self-criticism and mindfulness. More than 80% of participants rated the quality of the program as positive and helpful. This trial suggests potential benefits of the eBEfree program to help individuals manage symptoms of binge-eating more effectively, reduce weight, and improve well-being and mental health. The intervention benefits should be confirmed in future larger trials. Treating binge-eating (BE) symptoms and associated comorbidities might be challenging for mental health services. Digital and app-based interventions can be a valuable resource to help people manage symptoms and improve well-being and mental health. The current trial suggests the potential benefits of an app-based intervention (eBEfree program) to help people reduce BE symptoms and develop psychological strategies to promote well-being and mental health.Publication Open Access Individual participant data meta-analysis of eating behaviour traits as effect modifiers in acceptance and commitment therapy-based weight management interventions2025-04-10 - Kudlek, Laura; Colombo, Patricia Eustachio; Mueller, Julia; Sharp, Stephen J.; Boothby, Clare E.; Griffin, Simon J.; Butryn, Meghan; Chwyl, Christina; Forman, Evan; Hagerman, Charlotte; Hawkins, Misty; Juarascio, Adrienne; Knäuper, Bärbel; Kolehmainen, Marjukka; Levin, Michael E.; Lillis, Jason; Maiz, Edurne; Manasse, Stephanie; Palmeira, Lara; Pietiläinen, Kirsi H.; Sherwood, Nancy E.; Ahern , Amy L.Obesity care may benefit from precision approaches, matching patients to treatment types based on their individual characteristics, including eating behaviour traits (EBTs) like emotional eating, uncontrolled eating, external eating, internal disinhibition and restraint. Initial evidence suggests that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)-based interventions might address dysregulated EBTs more effectively than standard behavioural treatments. However, it is unclear if ACT is more effective for certain EBT levels.Publication Open Access Promoting teachers’ wellbeing using a compassionate mind training intervention: Exploring mechanisms of change2024-05-17 - Matos, Marcela; Galhardo, Ana; Albuquerque, Isabel; Cunha, Marina; Pedroso-Lima, Margarida; Maratos, Frances; Gilbert, Paul; Palmeira, LaraObjectives The current study aimed to examine the mechanisms of change of a compassionate mind training intervention for teachers (CMT-T). In particular, we examined whether changes in the three flows of compassion, fears of compassion, and emotions at work (safe, drive, and threat) mediated the effects of the CMT-T in burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress, and in overall positive affect. Methods As part of a two-arm randomized controlled trial and a stepped-wedge design, the study included all participants who completed the 8-week CMT-T intervention either at Time 1 or at Time 2 (n = 103). At pre- and post-intervention, participants completed measures of compassion, fears of compassion, emotional climate in the workplace, burnout, psychopathological symptoms, and positive affect.~ Results Mediation analyses revealed that increases in the flows of compassion and reductions in fears of compassion from others mediated the effects of CMT-T on teachers' depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout levels. In the case of the reduction in stress symptoms from pre- to post-intervention, compassion for self, fears of self-compassion, and fears of receiving compassion from others emerged as significant mediators of this change. The three flows of compassion and fears of compassion (for self and from others) were significant mediators of the impact of CMT-T on changes in teachers’ anxiety levels from baseline to post-intervention. A decrease in fears of compassion from others and an increase in drive emotions mediated changes in depressive symptoms following CMT-T. Concerning burnout, all flows of compassion and fear of compassion from others mediated the changes from baseline to post-intervention. Changes in positive affect following CMT-T were mediated by increases in the flows of compassion, and emotions related to soothing-safeness and drive systems in the workplace. Serial mediational models showed that the effect of CMT-T on teachers’ burnout was partially mediated by reductions in fears of compassion (for self and from others) and stress. Conclusions CMT-T effectively improves teachers’ wellbeing and reduces burnout and psychological distress through the cultivation of their ability to experience, direct, and be open to compassion, and the strengthening of the soothing-safeness and the drive systems in the school context. Preregistration The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: identifier, NCT05107323; Compassionate Schools: Feasibility and Effectiveness Study of a Compassionate Mind Training Program to Promote Teachers WellbeingPublication Open Access Children’s perspectives on using serious games as a complement to promoting their social–emotional skills2022-08-04 - Menezes, Paulo; Patrão, Bruno; Pereira, Sónia; Rocha, Vanessa; Mendes, Sofia; Tavares, Marta; Xavier, Ana; Palmeira, Lara; Vagos, PaulaThe use of serious games may be an appealing and complementary way to motivate curriculum-based social and emotional learning (SEL); still, investigation into this potential usefulness is scarce. This study aims to address the usefulness of serious games within the program ‘Me and Us of Emotions’. Specifically, we analyzed the differences in children’s satisfaction in sessions that did or did not use serious games as a complement to the intervention, explored the contribution of using serious games to the global satisfaction with the program, and explored children’s qualitative feedback regarding the sessions. The participants were 232 children (122 boys and 110 girls) aged between 8 and 12 years old (M = 9.09, SD = 0.80). The measures were based on the subjective appraisals of the sessions made by the participating children, including quantitative and qualitative assessments of the degree of satisfaction of the participants. The results showed that there were similar levels of satisfaction with the sessions that did or did not use serious games as a complement to the program. However, only satisfaction with the sessions that used serious games (and not satisfaction with the sessions that did not use them) contributed significantly to explaining both the enjoyment of the activities and the interest in the subjects. Satisfaction with serious games was significantly and positively associated with fun, easiness, ability to understand the session, and ability to cope with emotions. Qualitative analysis showed three main themes, namely: positive aspects, negative aspects, and opportunities for improvement of the program. Overall, these results indicate that children’s satisfaction with the ‘Me and Us of Emotions’ program is related to serious games, suggesting the relevance of using this complementary tool more often when intervening with younger generations.Publication Open Access Efectiveness of compassion‑based interventions for reducing stress in workers: A systematic review2025-05-13 - Martins, Fátima; Matos, Marcela; Palmeira, LaraObjectives With the increasing interest in compassion-based interventions for reducing stress, this systematic review aimed to assess their effectiveness in the workers. Method A comprehensive search across four databases (PsycARTICLES, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) on May 22, 2023, yielded 5,521 articles initially identified. Results After screening and applying inclusion criteria, 19 studies published between 2017 and 2023 were reviewed. The population included healthcare professionals (74%), educators (16%), and other worker groups (10%). The interventions studied included Compassionate Mind Training, Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion, Compassion Cultivation Training, Cognitively Based Compassion Training, and other adapted interventions. The studies reported significant reductions in stress and burnout, with most interventions delivered weekly over multiple sessions. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were standard, and 60% of the studies included follow-ups. Both in-person and web-based interventions demonstrated effectiveness in stress reduction, particularly for healthcare workers. Conclusions This review highlights the promise of compassion-based interventions in reducing workplace stress and the need for continued research, particularly through randomized controlled trials and research with diverse populations, to better understand and validate their long-term impact.Publication Restricted Access Building compassionate schools: Pilot study of a compassionate mind training intervention to promote teachers’ well-being2021-10-22 - Matos, Marcela; Albuquerque, Isabel; Cunha, Marina; Lima, Margarida Pedroso; Galhardo, Ana; Maratos, Frances A.; Gilbert, Paul; Palmeira, LaraMounting research has supported the beneficial effects of compassion-based interventions for improving psychosocial and physiological well-being and mental health. Teachers present a high risk of professional stress, which negatively impacts their mental health and professional performance. It is crucial to make compassion cultivation a focus in educational settings, supporting teachers in coping with the school context’s challenges, and promoting their mental well-being. This study aims to test the feasibility of the Compassionate Mind Training programme for Teachers (CMT-T), as well as to preliminary explore possible mechanisms of change. [...]Publication Open Access Promover a literacia emocional em crianças: O ciúme [materiais pedagógicos: poster]2025-05-12 - Xavier, Ana; Palmeira, Lara; Santos, Susana; Marques, Caroline; Bento, Diogo; Rodrigues, MariaPoster apresentado na 3ª Edição da Semana da Sustentabilidade: O futuro é hoje.