Using the FRIENDS Programs to Promote Resilience in Cross-Cultural Populations

Perceções dos psicólogos portugueses acerca da aceitabilidade de uma intervenção dirigida a crianças inibidas em idade pré-escolar

“…This is consistent with prior evidence, suggesting that non-verbal forms of social and affective communication (e.g., human touch) are frequently more valued than verbal ones in the Portuguese context (Guedes et al, 2019). The perspectives of Portuguese practitioners also support the idea that establishing eye contact to be brave can generate discomfort and need to be adapted in some cultural contexts (Barrett et al, 2014;Sonderreger & Barrett, 2004), using more natural and gradual practice approaches.…”

“…The perspectives of practitioners implementing the FRIENDS group anxiety intervention program targeted at school-aged children also appeared to support that the previously described intervention principles, their related contents (i.e., social, emotional and problem-solving skills, self-reward, support network identification) and activities (i.e., play-oriented techniques, like puppets, story books and colouring activities) were transculturally relevant (Barrett, Cooper, & Guarjado, 2014). This seemed to be also the case in Portugal, where practitioners also reported a high involvement of highly anxious children in the intervention activities (Pereira, Marques, Russo, Barros, & Barrett, 2014).…”

“…According our theoretical framework (Rubin et al, 2009), participants acknowledge that it is important to intervene on child's self-perceptions that can be negatively affected by the recognition of child's less proficient social behaviors. Consistent with the recent integration of experiential approaches in interventions targeting child anxiety (Barrett et al, 2014), participants recommended to combine social skills training and gradual exposure with the promotion of child's emotional acceptance toward BI/AW. The suggestion to introduce acceptance-based intervention objectives and contents is also in line with the idea that normalizing anxiety-related problems can be particularly relevant among LatinX populations to reduce the stigma related to mental health issues (Pina et al, 2009).…”

“…With respect to the structure of the intervention sessions, the views of Portuguese psychologists seem to support that play-oriented techniques are transculturally relevant, especially for young children (Barrett et al, 2014). More specifically, participants acknowledged the advantages of free play for child interest and tolerance toward session length.…”

“…This seemed to be also the case in Portugal, where practitioners also reported a high involvement of highly anxious children in the intervention activities (Pereira, Marques, Russo, Barros, & Barrett, 2014). However, practitioners implementing the FRIENDS programs recognized that culturally-sensitive modifications may be needed, namely in: (1) the contents related to self-esteem and establishing eye contact to be brave; (2) the involvement of family in the intervention; and (3) the use of culturally-relevant examples, creative activities and materials (Barrett et al, 2014;Sonderegger & Barrett, 2004).…”