The Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Porto invited CIPER Behavioral Regulation research group director Pedro Teixeira to deliver a talk on the role of psychedelics in mental and behavioral health.

The lecture explored various aspects of psychedelic substances, starting with an introduction to what psychedelics are, their history, and their classification. Pedro Teixeira provided an overview of psychedelic science, highlighting recent research advancements and the resurgence of interest in these substances as therapeutic tools. Specifically, the lecture addressed the effects of psychedelics on behavioral and public health, emphasizing their potential role in promoting long-term behavior changes

The CIPER-SR research team contributed to the 6th Portuguese Psychologists' Association Congress, held from September 25th to 27th in Lisbon.

Pedro Teixeira participated in a panel discussion titled Psicadélicos - Gloriosos (?) Anos 20 (Psychedelics — The Glorious (?) 2020s), exploring the role of psychedelics in mental health, well-being, and society.

Jorge Encantado and PhD student Laura Carvalho gave two presentations. The first, Ayahuasca Use and Public Health in Portugal, shared results from a study comparing public health indicators between Portuguese ayahuasca users and the general population, examining the impact of ayahuasca on physical and mental health. The second presentation, Mental Health Practitioners’ Attitudes and Beliefs About Psychedelic Substances, presented findings on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Portuguese mental health professionals regarding the potential of psilocybin and MDMA in treating mental health conditions.

Psicadélicos - Em Português, authored by Pedro Teixeira, is an essay providing an overview of the main topics surrounding psychedelics, including their history, potential therapeutic uses, mechanisms of action, and associated risks and precautions.

The publication, from Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, also examines the scientific and cultural renaissance of psychedelics, discussing recent research developments and the ethical and legal challenges these substances present. In addition to dispelling common misconceptions, the book aims to inform both the general public and health professionals about the current state of this field and the potential of psychedelics as tools for psychological well-being and behavior change.

Psicadélicos - Em Português is an essential read for those looking to better understand this expanding topic.

The CIPER-SR team participated in the 38th European Health Psychology Society Conference, held in Estoril from September 3rd to 6th, contributing with both a roundtable discussion and a poster presentation.

The roundtable, titled The Psychedelic Renaissance: Opportunities for Behavior Change and Psychological Well-Being, featured researchers Pedro Teixeira, Jorge Encantado, PhD student Laura Carvalho, collaborating researcher Talea Cornelius, and physician Pedro Rodrigues. The session aimed to present update on psychedelic research in behavioral and health psychology as well as discuss mechanisms of change in psychedelic interventions in relation to theories in health psychology. 

PhD student Laura Carvalho also presented a poster with preliminary data from the study Health Behavior Change Through Psychedelics: An International Survey, which indicated that psychedelic users reported positive changes in key health-related behaviors, such as reduced alcohol consumption and increased intake of fruits and vegetables.

In May 2024, the Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos published the collection Pela Sua Saúde - Atividade Física e Bem-Estar, which includes the book Motivações para uma Vida Ativa by Pedro Teixeira.

This book aims to provide evidence-based insights to the general public to support behavior change toward a more active lifestyle. Alongside presenting current theories on the motivational components of behavior change, it also details strategies and techniques to help initiate and sustain active behaviors.

Teixeira, P., & Encantado, J. (2023). Psicadélicos, Saúde Pública e Mudança Comportamental. In Figueiredo, I. C., Corvacho, M., & Mota, P. (Eds.), Psicadélicos e Saúde Mental (1st, pp. 208-219). LIDEL. https://m.lidel.pt/pt/catalogo/ciencias-da-saude/psiquiatria-psicologia-clinica/psicadelicos-em-saude-mental/

Veiga, D., Peralta, M., Gouveia, É. R., Nascimento, M. de M., Carvalho, L., Encantado, J., & Marques, A. (2024). Moderating Effect of Muscular Strength in the Association between Cardiovascular Events and Depressive Symptoms in Middle-Aged and Older Adults—A Cross Sectional Study. Geriatrics, 9(2), 36.

Rodrigues, B., Encantado, J., Franco, S., Silva, M. N., & Carraça, E. V. (2024). Psychosocial correlates of physical activity in cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Cancer Survivorship: Research and Practice.