Research & Data Analysis

  • The Complex Nature of Highly Sensitive People and Emotional Resilience

    —January 2025—

    Ainsworth, M. D. S. (1978). Patterns of attachment: A psychological study of the Strange Situation.Child Development, 49(1), 118–126.

    Bernstein, P. (2005). Intuition: What science says (so far) about how and why intuition works.

    Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Volume 1. Attachment. Basic Books.

    Dalgleish, T., Moradi, A. R., Taghavi, M. R., Neshat-Doost, H. T., & Yule, W. (2001). An experimental investigation of hypervigilance for threat in children and adolescents with PTSD. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 42(2), 235–246.

    Dörfler, V., & Ackermann, F. (2011). Understanding intuition: The case for two forms of intuition. Management Learning, 43(5), 545–564.

    Fischbein, E. (1982). Intuition and proof. For the Learning of Mathematics, 3(2), 9–24.

    Friedman, M. J. (2016). Posttraumatic stress disorder: The basics. Oxford University Press.

    Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—From domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.

    Leussink, F. (2023, May 2). Fleur Leussink on intuition (Episode 3) [Audio podcast episode]. In The Inner Call. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hiwBhzRfqHcF7Bxk4oWl3

    Pretz, J. E. (2011). Chapter 2: Types of intuition: Inferential and holistic. In M. Sinclair (Ed.), Handbook of intuition research (pp. 17–27). Edward Elgar Publishing.

    Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Viking.

  • How to Cope with the Trauma of Narcissistic Holiday Drama

    —December 2024—

    Boutilier, S., Jadidzadeh, A., Esina, E., Wells, L., & Kneebone, R. D. (2017). The connection between professional sporting events, holidays and domestic violence in Calgary, Alberta. SPP Research Paper, 10(12), 1–29.

    Cohn, E. G., & Rotton, J. (2003). Even criminals take a holiday: Instrumental and expressive crimes on major and minor holidays. Journal of Criminal Justice, 31(4), 351–360.

    Hyun, N. K., Park, Y., & Park, S. W. (2016). Narcissism and gift giving: Not every gift is for others. Personality and Individual Differences, 96, 47–51.

    Kirk, C. P., Sedikides, C., & Givi, J. (2024). Just because I'm great (and you're not): When, why, and how narcissistic individuals give gifts to others. Journal of Personality.

    Khurana, B., Prakash, J., & Loder, R. T. (2022). Assault-related injury visits in US emergency departments: An analysis by weekday, month and weekday-by-month. Chronobiology International, 39(8), 1068–1077.

    Khurana, B., Prakash, J., & Loder, R. T. (2023). Holiday effect on injuries sustained by assault victims seen in US emergency departments. Emergency Radiology, 30(2), 133–142.

    McClanahan, G. (2023, December 11). Domestic violence incidents tend to increase during holidays, experts say. Retrieved December 12, 2023.

  • Why Calm Triggers Trauma and Feels Uncomfortably Boring

    —December 2024—

    Adams, T. G., Kelmendi, B., Brake, C. A., Gruner, P., Badour, C. L., & Pittenger, C. (2018). The role of stress in the pathogenesis and maintenance of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Chronic Stress, 2, 2470547018758043.

    Brosschot, J. F., Gerin, W., & Thayer, J. F. (2006). The perseverative cognition hypothesis: A review of worry, prolonged stress-related physiological activation, and health. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 60(2), 113-124.

    Dube, S. R., Fairweather, D., Pearson, W. S., Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., & Croft, J. B. (2009). Cumulative childhood stress and autoimmune diseases in adults. Psychosomatic Medicine, 71(2), 243-250.

    Freimuth, M., Moniz, S., & Kim, S. R. (2011). Clarifying exercise addiction: Differential diagnosis, co-occurring disorders, and phases of addiction. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 8(10), 4069-4081.

    Kadojić, D., Demarin, V., Kadojić, M., Barac, B. S., & Ulhôa, M. A. (1999). Influence of prolonged stress on risk factors for cerebrovascular disease. Collegium Antropologicum, 23(1), 213-219.

    Ulhôa, M. A., Marqueze, E. C., Kantermann, T., Skene, D., & Moreno, C. (2011). When does stress end? Evidence of a prolonged stress reaction in shiftworking truck drivers. Chronobiology International, 28(9), 810–818.

    Ploesser, M., Silverman, S., Lomeli Diaz, J. D., Zincke, M. T., & Taylor, M. B. (2024). The link between traumatic stress and autoimmune rheumatic diseases: A systematic scoping review. Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, 69, 152558.

  • Understanding Attachment Styles in Relationships

    —September 2024—

    Belsky, J. (2010). Developmental origins of attachment styles. Attachment & Human Development, 12(4), 347–359.

    Bonanno, G. A. (2004). Loss, trauma, and human resilience: Have we underestimated the human capacity to thrive after extremely aversive events? American Psychologist, 59(1), 20–28.

    Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. Basic Books.

    Del Giudice, M. (2019). Sex differences in attachment styles. Current Opinion in Psychology, 25, 1–5.

    Davila, J., Burge, D., & Hammen, C. (1997). Why does attachment style change? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 73(4), 826–838.

    Feeney, J. A., & Noller, P. (2007). Attachment style and romantic love: Relationship dissolution. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.

    Finzi, R., Cohen, O., Sapir, Y., & Weizman, A. (2000). Attachment styles in maltreated children: A comparative study. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 31(2), 113–127.

    Simpson, J. A. (1990). Influence of attachment styles on romantic relationships. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 59(5), 971–980.

    Woodhouse, S., Ayers, S., & Field, A. P. (2015). The relationship between adult attachment style and post-traumatic stress symptoms: A meta-analysis. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 35, 103–117.

  • The Untold Truth of Trauma Bonds and Stockholm Syndrome

    —August 2024—

    Bower, B. (1981). Consequences of captivity. Science News, March Issue.

    Chang, C. L. H. (2011). The dilemma of renqing in ISD processes: Interpretations from the perspectives of face, renqing, and guanxi of Chinese cultural society. Behaviour & Information Technology, 31(5), 481–493.

    Corrado, R. R., & Tompkins, E. (1989). A comparative model of the psychological effects on the victims of state and anti-state terrorism. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 12(4), 281–293.

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    Rahe, R. H., & Genender, E. (1983). Adaptation to and recovery from captivity stress. Military Medicine, 148(7), 577–585.

    Speckhard, A., Tarabrina, N., & Mufel, N. (2005). Stockholm effects and psychological responses to captivity in hostages held by suicidal terrorists. In Psychological Responses to the New Terrorism: A NATO-Russia Dialogue (pp. 139–155). IOS Press.

    Xu, Y., Jiao, L., Xu, R., Feng, Q., Wang, F., Jiang, J., & Chen, C. (2018). The process and characteristics of psychological kidnapping: An indigenous model of corruption in China. Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology, 12, e13.

  • Growing Up with a Narcissistic Sociopath Stepfather: A Personal Testimony

    —July 2024—

    Besser, A., & Priel, B. (2010). Grandiose narcissism versus vulnerable narcissism in threatening situations: Emotional reactions to achievement failure and interpersonal rejection. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 29(8).

    Johnson, S. A. (2019). Understanding the violent personality: Antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy, & sociopathy explored. Journal of Psychology and Psychotherapy, 7(2), 1-9.

    McCarthy, J. B. (1990). Abusive families and character formation. American Journal of Psychoanalysis, 50(2), 181-196.

    Simeon, D., Guralnik, O., Schmeidler, J., Sirof, B., & Knutelska, M. (2001). The role of childhood interpersonal trauma in depersonalization disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 158(7), 1027-1033.

    Schwardmann, P., & van der Weele, J. (2019). Deception and self-deception. Nature Human Behaviour, 3, 1055-1061.

    Ullrich, S., & Coid, J. (2010). Antisocial personality disorder—Stable and unstable subtypes. Journal of Personality Disorders, 24(2), 171-187.

    Wilkes, B. C. (2007). Brain fiction: Self-deception and the riddle of confabulation. Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology, 15(1).

  • Breaking Free from Manipulation and Overcoming Social Exclusion

    —June 2024—

    Antal, C. (2003). Forcible 'Deprogramming,' the Japanese State, and International Human Rights. Journal of Unification Studies, 5, 51-68.

    Dubrow-Eichel, S. K. (1990). Deprogramming: A case study. Part 1: Personal observations of the group process. Cultic Studies Journal, 7(2), 174-216.

    Galanti, G. (1993). Cult conversion, deprogramming, and the triune brain. Cultic Studies Journal, 10(1), 45-52.

    Lalich, J., & Tobias, M. (2006). Take back your life: Recovering from cults and abusive relationships. Bay Tree Publishing.

    Shengold, L. (1989). Soul murder: The effects of childhood abuse and deprivation. Yale University Press.

    Szimhart, J. (2003). Razor's edge indeed: A deprogrammer's view of harmful cult activity. In J. R. Lewis (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of New Religious Movements (pp. 457-478). Oxford University Press.

    Ventegodt, S., Andersen, N. J., & Kandel, I. (2009). An ethical analysis of contemporary use of coercive persuasion ("brainwashing," "mind control") in psychiatry. Journal of Alternative Medicine Research, 1(2), 177-188.

  • Reclaiming Your Identity After Co-Dependency and Coercive Control

    —May 2024—

    Bacon, I., Conway, J. (2023) Co-dependency and Enmeshment — a Fusion of Concepts. Int J Ment Health Addiction 21, 3594–3603.

    Guillory, L. E., & Gruenfeld, D. H. (2010). Fake it till you make it: How acting powerful leads to feeling empowered. Manuscript in preparation.

    Irwin, H. I. (1995). Codependence, narcissism, and childhood trauma. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 51, 658–665.

    Jenkinson, Gillian (2016) Freeing the authentic self: phases of recovery and growth from an abusive cult experience. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

    Singer, M. T. (1978). Therapy with ex-cult members. Journal of the National Association of Private Psychiatric Hospitals, 9(4), 14–18.

    Stafford, L. L. (2001). Is Condependency a Meaningful Concept? Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 22(3), 273–286.

  • Healing from Narcissistic Abuse, Cult Trauma, and Survivors’ Shame

    —April 2024—

    Duron, J. F., Johnson, L., Hoge, G. L., & Postmus, J. L. (2021). Observing coercive control beyond intimate partner violence: Examining the perceptions of professionals about common tactics used in victimization. Psychology of Violence, 11(2), 144–154.

    In Nelson, P. T. (Ed) (2012). Self-esteem grows with realistic expectations in Families Matter! A Series for Parents of School- Age Youth. Newark, DE: Cooperative Extension, University of Delaware.

    Morgan, J.P., Jr. (1991), What is codependency? J. Clin. Psychol., 47: 720-729.

    Mosunic, Chris. (2023). The power of setting intentions & how to set mindful ones.

    Polivy, J. The false hope syndrome: unrealistic expectations of self-change. Int J Obes 25 (Suppl 1), S80–S84 (2001).

    Twentyman, C.T. and Plotkin, R.C. (1982), Unrealistic expectations of parents who maltreat their children: An educational deficit that pertains to child development†. J. Clin. Psychol., 38: 497-503.

    Wilson, J. P., Droždek, B., & Turkovic, S. (2006). Posttraumatic Shame And Guilt. Trauma, Violence & Abuse, 7(2), 122–141.

  • Navigating the Heartbreak of Being Left Behind: Discard Phase

    —April 2024—

    Campbell, W. K., & Foster, J. D. (2007). The narcissistic self: Background, an extended agency model, and ongoing controversies. In C. Sedikides & S. Spencer (Eds.), The self (pp. 115-138). Psychology Press.

    Gentile, B., Miller, J. D., Hoffman, B. J., Reidy, D. E., Zeichner, A., & Campbell, W. K. (2013). A test of two brief measures of grandiose narcissism: The narcissistic personality inventory-13 and the narcissistic personality inventory-16. Psychological Assessment, 25(4), 1120-1136.

    Levine, A., & Heller, R. (2010). Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find. Publisher.

    Pincus, A. L., & Lukowitsky, M. R. (2010). Pathological narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 6, 421-446.

  • When Affection Turns Into Abuse and the Mask Falls: Devaluation Phase

    —March 2024—

    American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

    Levine, A., & Heller, R. (2010). Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find. Publisher.

    Miller, J. D., & Campbell, W. K. (2008). Comparing clinical and social‐personality conceptualizations of narcissism. Journal of Personality, 76(3), 449-476.

    Raskin, R., & Hall, C. S. (1979). A narcissistic personality inventory. Psychological Reports, 45(2), 590.

  • Caught in the Illusion of Love with a Narcissist: Idealization Phase

    —March 2024—

    Campbell, W. K., Bonacci, A. M., Shelton, J., Exline, J. J., & Bushman, B. J. (2004). Psychological entitlement: Interpersonal consequences and validation of a self-report measure. Journal of Personality Assessment, 83(1), 29–45.

    Exline, J. J., Baumeister, R. F., Bushman, B. J., Campbell, W. K., & Finkel, E. J. (2004). Too proud to let go: Narcissistic entitlement as a barrier to forgiveness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 87(6), 894–912.

    Greenberg, E. (2016). The narcissistic/borderline couple: New approaches to marital therapy (2nd ed.). Routledge.

    Greenberg, E. (2018). The narcissistic love script: The five stages of narcissistic relationship patterns. Rowman & Littlefield.

    Miller, J. D., & Campbell, W. K. (2008). Comparing clinical and social-personality conceptualizations of narcissism. Journal of Personality, 76(3), 449–476.

  • Uncovering the Narcissistic Love Script: Early Signs of Manipulation in the Grooming Phase

    —February 2024—

    Campbell, W. K., Foster, J. D., & Finkel, E. J. (2002). Does self-love lead to love for others? A story of narcissistic game playing. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 83(2), 340–354.

    Miller, J. D., & Campbell, W. K. (2008). Comparing clinical and social-personality conceptualizations of narcissism. Journal of Personality, 76(3), 449–476.

    Tangney, J. P., Stuewig, J., & Mashek, D. J. (2007). Moral emotions and moral behavior. Annual Review of Psychology, 58, 345–372.

  • When Love is Toxic: Recognizing and Escaping Normalized Abuse

    — Febryary 2024—

    Bremner, J. D. (2006). Traumatic stress: effects on the brain. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 8(4), 445-461.

    Durvasula, R. (2015). Should I stay or should I go: Surviving a relationship with a narcissist. Post Hill Press.

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    Sroufe, L. A. (2005). Attachment and development: A prospective, longitudinal study from birth to adulthood. Attachment & Human Development, 7(4), 349-367.

    Teicher, M. H., & Samson, J. A. (2016). Childhood maltreatment and psychopathology: A case for ecophenotypic variants as clinically and neurobiologically distinct subtypes. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(6), 539-546.

    Van der Kolk, B. A., Roth, S., Pelcovitz, D., Sunday, S., & Spinazzola, J. (2005). Disorders of extreme stress: The empirical foundation of a complex adaptation to trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 18(5), 389-399.

  • Healing from an Abusive Past, Navigating Adulthood and the Risks of Diagnosis

    —January 2024—

    Herman, J. L. (1992). Complex PTSD: A syndrome in survivors of prolonged and repeated trauma. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 5(3), 377-391.

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    Kinniburgh, K. J., Blaustein, M., Spinazzola, J., & Van der Kolk, B. A. (2005). Attachment, self-regulation, and competency: A comprehensive intervention framework for children with complex trauma. Psychiatric Annals, 35(5), 424-430.

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    Smith, R. A., & et al. (2019). The Wheel of Life Assessment: A Tool for Enhancing Well-being and Fulfillment.

    Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. New York, NY: Viking.

  • Unmasking Narcissism: Origins, NPD Misdiagnosis, and Identifying Narcissistic Fleas

    —January 2024—

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  • Exposing Real-Life Stories of Manipulation and Emotional Abuse

    —December 2023—

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    Gladstone, G. L., Parker, G. B., Mitchell, P. B., Malhi, G. S., Wilhelm, K. A., & Austin, M. P. (2004). Implications of childhood trauma for depressed women: an analysis of pathways from childhood sexual abuse to deliberate self-harm and revictimization. American Journal of Psychiatry, 161(8), 1417-1425.

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  • Growing Up with a Narcissistic Sociopath Mother: A Personal Testimony

    —November 2023—

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    Johnson, S. A. (2019). Understanding the violent personality: Antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy, & sociopathy explored. Journal of Psychology and Psychotherapy, 7(2), 1-9.

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  • Early Childhood with a Narcissistic Psychopath Father: A Personal Testimony

    —November 2023—

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  • How to Recognize Manipulation and Protect Yourself from Toxic Behaviours

    —October 2023—

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  • Decoding Manipulative Tactics and Empowering Yourself Against Emotional Abuse

    —October 2023—

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  • An Introduction to My Journey Through Narcissistic Abuse

    —October 2023—

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  • How 30 Years of Experience Shaped My Understanding of Narcissism

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Abstract
The digital dimension is a possible gateway to improving issues linked to physical ones. By providing constant connection without limiting external factors such as location, time, or culture, online communities can fulfil motivational necessities and enhance accountability. However, despite the evident potential of digital platforms, there is little literature when it comes to exploring user engagement and specific considerations to have in account when establishing online communities. This paper contains an all-encompassing yet narrow literature review of the definition of online communities, the complexity of user engagement, examples of real online communities to promote physical activity and considerations when establishing online communities.

The Online Community Role in Physical Activity Interventions - January 2024 - Elsevier - Procedia Computer Science / Volume 239 , 2024, Pages 781-789 - Conference Full Paper

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to find what tools, techniques and strategies can be applied to online communities (OC) to positively impact its users’ engagement with OC dedicated to promoting physical activity (PA). Exploring the different elements that compose digital platforms (DP) that harbour OC can be an innovative step to evaluate the promotion of PA. This is especially helpful in light of the potential for internet-based interventions, which can reach a large number of users at reduced costs.

The work plan was divided into four different phases. Phase 1 encompassed the development of a scoping review on OC characteristics. Phase 2 covered an analysis of existing DP. Phase 3 was dedicated to a survey on user preferences and perceived impact. Finally, Phase 4 incorporated the final research discussion along with a conceptual framework and a set of guidelines.

The main findings indicate that OC should be harboured in DP optimised in website and app formats and that both are equivalently indispensable. We also found that a variety of details, OC features, OC content, user interaction strategies, and BCT are present in the current DP. Finally, we discovered that there appears to be a broad dissatisfaction with the features offered by OC.

Existing evidence is insufficient to draw objective conclusions, therefore more scientific studies on the various subjects must be carried out. Users’ preferences and perceived impact may initially appear to be at odds—users’ expectations of OC appear to be unmet, and user preferences need to be nurtured.

Where Physical and Digital Meet and Unite: An Online Community Approach - December 2023 - Scientific Paper Submitted

Abstract
The principal objective of the research is to provide a set of recommendations for the effective advancement of online communities (OC), elucidating its function as an instrument to motivate participation. Overall, the conceptual framework in this research offers significant material in favour of additional OC endeavours, pointing to possible benefits. The set of guidelines offers practical recommendations for maximising the influence of OC in this situation in addition to deepening our understanding of how OC influences participatory action. By concentrating on the development of OC, user engagement tactics, user preferences, and the perceived effects of OC, this study filled important knowledge gaps in the literature. The results highlight areas where OC can improve to better suit user preferences, allowing for a more thorough evaluation of its capacity to uphold long-term connections with users. The significance of key indicators, such as delivering reliable information, encouraging accountability, building relationships with users, and supporting user interactions, is highlighted by contrasting and comparing users' opinions and preferences for OC. To increase their efficacy, it would be beneficial for OC to think about and develop these indicators. All in all, these findings contribute to the broader field of OC and their potential to drive positive social change.

Online Communities as a strategy to improve Physical Activity: Conceptual Framework and a Set of Guidelines - December 2023 - Scientific Paper Submitted

Abstract
Considering the progressive worldwide decline of physical activity, the promotion of physical activity is integral to slowing the trend. The purpose of this thesis is to identify current online communities aiming to promote physical activity, their main characteristics and use, as well as their user preferences, and preferences. The research design is based on a four-year mixed methods research strategy using a convergent parallel design. That is, quantitative and qualitative data were collected at the same time and analysed separately. It is important to note that this thesis document is composed of scientific articles that address the various stages of the study. This research will contribute with a set of guidelines to potentially increase user retention in online communities, thus creating an opportunity for physical activity promotion as an attempt to minimize an already-identified worldwide health problem.

Online Communities as a Tool to Promote Physical Activity - November 2023 - DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20895.57767 - Doctoral Thesis

Abstract
The principal objective of the research is to provide a set of recommendations for the effective advancement of online communities (OC), elucidating its function as an instrument to motivate participation. Overall, the conceptual framework in this research offers significant material in favour of additional OC endeavours, pointing to possible benefits. The set of guidelines offers practical recommendations for maximising the influence of OC in this situation in addition to deepening our understanding of how OC influences participatory action. By concentrating on the development of OC, user engagement tactics, user preferences, and the perceived effects of OC, this study filled important knowledge gaps in the literature. The results highlight areas where OC can improve to better suit user preferences, allowing for a more thorough evaluation of its capacity to uphold long-term connections with users. The significance of key indicators, such as delivering reliable information, encouraging accountability, building relationships with users, and supporting user interactions, is highlighted by contrasting and comparing users' opinions and preferences for OC. To increase their efficacy, it would be beneficial for OC to think about and develop these indicators. All in all, these findings contribute to the broader field of OC and their potential to drive positive social change.

Online Communities as a strategy to improve Physical Activity: Conceptual Framework and a Set of Guidelines - December 2023 - Scientific Paper Submitted

Abstract
Considering the progressive worldwide decline of physical activity, the promotion of physical activity is integral to slowing the trend. The purpose of this thesis is to identify current online communities aiming to promote physical activity, their main characteristics and use, as well as their user preferences, and preferences. The research design is based on a four-year mixed methods research strategy using a convergent parallel design. That is, quantitative and qualitative data were collected at the same time and analysed separately. It is important to note that this thesis document is composed of scientific articles that address the various stages of the study. This research will contribute with a set of guidelines to potentially increase user retention in online communities, thus creating an opportunity for physical activity promotion as an attempt to minimize an already-identified worldwide health problem.

Online Communities as a Tool to Promote Physical Activity - November 2023 - DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20895.57767 - Doctoral Thesis

Abstract
Objective: The primary objective of this online survey is to understand differences in user profile, user preferences, and perceived impact among the European population. Methods: The sample groups were based on the most recent report of the European country with the highest and lowest levels of physical activity. Cross-sectional online survey of population resident in Portugal and population resident in Finland were selected by simple random sampling. Responses were collected from the open-source tool LimeSurvey. IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences Statistics was used to analyse the acquired data. Results: A total of 538 responses were considered with 48.4% of respondents residing in Portugal, and 51.4% residing in Finland. About 38.5% of the general survey population regularly practice exercise, and 39.7% regularly engage in physical activity. Regarding the level of online community experience, responses were distributed between medium, moderately low, and very low. Overall, there is a significant relationship between both sample groups when it comes to physical activity, common emotions using online communities, user perception, preferences, and openness. Conclusion: Our survey results provide evidence to support that country of residence is related to user physical activity and highlight the importance of considering demographic factors to understand general population lifestyle choices.

Online Communities as a strategy to improve Physical Activity: a Survey on User Preferences and Perceived Impact - June 2023 - Scientific Paper Submitted

Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyse existing digital platform (DP) characteristics of online communities (OC) to promote physical activity (PA). Previously DP identified in our previous scoping review were matched against our inclusion criteria. Moreover, Google's related searches (i.e., ''People also searched for'') were used to find additional DP related to PA promotion. DP were included if mainly used to promote PA and were free of access. DP were excluded if used exclusively for research purposes, were under development, or were no longer active. An activity tracker with GPS was used to analyse more specific elements of DP. In addition to the general attributes of each DP, data was retrieved on user engagement strategies, BCT, and platform credibility. A total of 50 DP were found in our Google search. Fourteen OC from the Google search and 3 OC from our previous scoping review (n=17) were included in this study. Most DP (13; 64.70%) use an activity tracker—either external or internal—to support users on PA self-monitoring, almost all DP (16; 94.12%) included GPS connectivity features, and about half of selected DP (9; 52.94%) had a forum for community interaction. at least one BCT and only one BCT was reported among all DP. We found references to 26 (92.86%) of the 28 strategies used for analysis. While research on OC to promote PA and DP characteristics has been growing, existing DP does not provide detailed information on its attributes, nor comprehensive and specific data on engagement strategies.

Online Communities as a strategy to improve Physical Activity: an Analysis of Platform Characteristics - June 2022 - Scientific Paper Submitted


.A scoping review was carried out to find existing literature characterising behaviour change techniques (BCT) of OC for PA promotion.

Online Communities to Improve Physical Activity: An Analysis of Behaviour Change Techniques - May 2022 - Conference Poster: Foundation for Science and Technology Annual Scientific Meeting - Conference Poster

Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyse existing digital platform (DP) characteristics of online communities (OC) to promote physical activity (PA). Previously DP identified in our previous scoping review were matched against our inclusion criteria. Moreover, Google's related searches (i.e., ''People also searched for'') were used to find additional DP related to PA promotion. DP were included if mainly used to promote PA and were free of access. DP were excluded if used exclusively for research purposes, were under development, or were no longer active. An activity tracker with GPS was used to analyse more specific elements of DP. In addition to the general attributes of each DP, data was retrieved on user engagement strategies, BCT, and platform credibility. A total of 50 DP were found in our Google search. Fourteen OC from the Google search and 3 OC from our previous scoping review (n=17) were included in this study. Most DP (13; 64.70%) use an activity tracker—either external or internal—to support users on PA self-monitoring, almost all DP (16; 94.12%) included GPS connectivity features, and about half of selected DP (9; 52.94%) had a forum for community interaction. at least one BCT and only one BCT was reported among all DP. We found references to 26 (92.86%) of the 28 strategies used for analysis.

Online Communities to Improve Physical Activity: An Analysis of Their Content and Features - February 2022 - DOI: 10.48528/ewzj-k395 - E-Health Seminar for Health, Wellbeing and Digital Technology - Full Paper Presentation

Abstract
This paper identifies a set of criteria associated with intelligent personal assistants (IPAs) to develop a framework for advantageous integration of IPAs in mobile apps for healthy lifestyle promotion. In other words, the goal is to consider the prospective attributes of integrating IPA in mobile apps to encourage online user interaction, prospectively triggering them into making behaviour changes. This was carried out by identifying the current factors of limitation found in literature and relating them to two distinct models with IPA incorporation conceptualized to manage and promote well-being and healthy lifestyles. The conclusion of this study reflects on specific features of a mobile app with IPA integration to boost motivation levels for behaviour change. It also highlights its contribution to incite the targeted users into making those daily life adaptations.

Healthy Lifestyle Promotion in Mobile Apps and Intelligent Personal Assistant Incorporation - February 2020 - Academic Paper

Abstract
This paper explores the concept and employment of gamification in mobile applications and analyzes its potential in healthy lifestyle motivation. More explicitly, the objective of this study is to idealize a gamification strategy for a health management mobile app to encourage healthy lifestyle behaviors in higher education students. This was assessed by looking into the game elements discussed in previous researches, considering the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and reflecting the prospective benefits of using gamification in health-related mobile apps to motivate online user interaction, thus increasing the likelihood of behavior changes.

Gamification on an Idealized Health Management App to Motivate Healthy Lifestyles - February 2020 - Conceptual Study

Abstract
Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to identify, characterize and synthesize existing literature on the use of online communities to promote physical activity and identify gaps to direct future research. Methods: Systematic searches were conducted in Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Xplore for studies published up to August 2020. The search terms included a combination of the following keywords: physical activity, sedentary, exercise, health, sport, brand, online community. No limits were used. Studies were included if they encompassed a full publication containing enough details on characteristics and described any feature primarily aiming at physical activity promotion. Results: A total of 21 different online communities were found in the total of 25 selected studies. Of those studies, all reported on at least one behaviour change technique, 68.2% (n=15) used websites to support the OC, 36% (n=9) reported on strategies to keep users engaged, 16% (n=4) comprised information related to the design process, and 16% (n=4) reported on OC effectiveness. Conclusion: Existing reports do not provide evident detailed information on the design process or user engagement strategies related to online communities, and only a few studies assess its effectiveness in improving physical activity. Further research is needed.

Online Communities as a strategy to improve Physical Activity: a Scoping Review on its Use and Characteristics - June 2021 - Scientific Paper Submitted

Abstract
This paper explores body representation in social media and discusses the possible outcomes of those campaigns on individuals’ body satisfaction and consequential behaviours. More explicitly, it approaches body satisfaction triggers within media trends among the male audience. This is achieved by reporting past literature associated with male body representation, exploring its potential influence on male body dissatisfaction, and by a discussion motivated by a case study on the Aerie Real body positivity movement. The final considerations of this paper present an outlook on gender inclusion for future body positivity campaigns.

Media Body Positivity for Men: A Case Study - February 2020 - Academic Case Study Paper

Abstract
This work aims to enlighten on the information and communication aspects of healthy lifestyle promotion in digital platforms. More explicitly, the objective is to explore communicational features in digital platforms and the interaction of its users to captivate the users’ attention and motivate them to make lifestyle changes. This will be performed using both the paradigm of complexity and the paradigm of technology. The contribution of this study is to define the main concepts explored in this topic, relate communication paradigms to potential information and communication strategies related to user interaction stimulation, and bring light to previous research on the subject of online platforms that focus on promoting healthy lifestyles. The findings in this research suggest that online communities can indeed inspire and support users through discussion. Although social media is a positive way to optimize access to information related to healthy lifestyles, the interaction within the platform is as important as the quality of the shared information. The reliability of the shared information has already been questioned. Therefore, it is recommended that health specialists endorse and disseminate quality information and motivate users to discover it. Considering that research in this area, particularly concerning social media promotion and healthy lifestyle is limited, future research is needed to extend studies on longitudinal relationships between social media promotion, health-related lifestyle, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour.

Information and Communication Aspects of Healthy Lifestyle Promotion in Social Media for Sedentary Communities - November 2019 - Academic Paper

Abstract
The purpose of this research is to evaluate how audiovisual sports advertising influences the self-perception and the socio-cultural perception of sedentary individuals. The goal is to understand the effect of the marketing strategies used by the sports industry's brands to create more effective audiovisual sports advertising.

This research explores the influence of sports audiovisual content in sedentary and athletic individuals, creating a bridge between sports advertising and body image. A bridge that many authors have identified to be missing. This research integrates a qualitative research strategy in a quasi-experimental approach, using mixed methods. Specifically, by applying an exploratory Online Research Survey on a heterogeneous population. And conducting a Focus Group Research with a sample of sedentary individuals from the Aveiro Municipality.

The evaluation was accomplished through the screening of a sports video in the second session of the Focus Group Research in which, after a 10-minute workout, the participants' behaviors were assessed with the use of an Observation Grid and a post-workout discussion. These methods were progressively used to cross information and contribute to the design of the sequential investigation steps.

We've concluded that there is a high chance that audiovisual sports advertising has a detrimental effect on both sedentary and athletic individuals. Results revealed a better performance and a more focused attitude during the test session. Sedentary individuals seem to be more critical of the female body than athletic individuals and, as opposed to individuals who consider themselves athletic, individuals who consider themselves sedentary will less likely feel especially motivated to exercise when watching inspirational fitness videos.

The Influence of Audiovisual Sports Advertising in Sedentary Individuals - December 2016 - DOI: 10.1109/TISHW.2016.7847778 - International Conference on Technology and Innovation in Sports, Health and Wellbeing - Full Paper and Presentation

Abstract
The digital dimension is a possible gateway to improving issues linked to physical ones. By providing constant connection without limiting external factors such as location, time, or culture, online communities can fulfil motivational necessities and enhance accountability. However, despite the evident potential of digital platforms, there is little literature when it comes to exploring user engagement and specific considerations to have in account when establishing online communities. This paper contains an all-encompassing yet narrow literature review of the definition of online communities, the complexity of user engagement, examples of real online communities to promote physical activity and considerations when establishing online communities.

The Influence of Audiovisual Sports Advertising in Sedentary Individuals - July 2016 - DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.20099.09764 - Master’s Thesis

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The Dark Side of iNZOI: What YouTubers Aren’t Telling You (2024)

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