In a world that has increasingly turned to virtual solutions, the field of psychology is no exception. The recent research article, "Brazilian researchers meet online to discuss social distancing: Results from the first symposium of the group of studies and research on psychology and cognition (GEPESPSI)," offers a wealth of insights that can significantly benefit practitioners. This blog aims to distill these findings into actionable strategies that can help improve your practice.
Key Takeaways from the Symposium
The symposium brought together 11 psychologists and one speech language pathologist to discuss various aspects of social distancing and its psychological effects. Here are some of the key themes and insights:
- University Teaching: The importance of adapting teaching methods to better support students' mental health during remote learning.
- Social and Emotional Competencies: Strategies for developing these competencies among children in a virtual environment.
- Phenomenological Perspective: Understanding the "death of dreams" and its psychological impact.
- Resilience and Self-Esteem: Tools for building resilience and maintaining self-esteem during challenging times.
- Socialization: Addressing the repercussions of the lack of school space for social interaction.
- Isolation Tools: Psychological tools for facing isolation effectively.
- Women and Violence: Challenges and perspectives of women who are victims of violence.
- Online Therapy for Children: Best practices for conducting online therapy sessions with children.
- Worker Health: Addressing the mental health of workers in various sectors.
- Suicidal Behavior: Understanding and mitigating suicidal tendencies during social isolation.
- Educational Policies: Formulating effective policies for remote learning.
- Family Mental Health: Supporting family mental health during extended periods of social distancing.
Implementing Symposium Insights in Your Practice
Based on the symposium's findings, here are some practical steps you can take to enhance your practice:
1. Adapt Your Teaching Methods
If you are involved in educational settings, consider integrating mental health support into your remote teaching methods. This could involve regular check-ins with students, providing resources for mental health, and creating an inclusive virtual classroom environment.
2. Develop Social and Emotional Competencies
Focus on activities that promote social and emotional learning (SEL) among children. This could include virtual group activities, SEL-focused games, and regular discussions about emotions and coping strategies.
3. Address the Psychological Impact of Isolation
Utilize psychological tools and techniques discussed during the symposium to help clients manage the effects of isolation. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and resilience training can be particularly effective.
4. Support Victims of Violence
For practitioners working with women who are victims of violence, it's crucial to understand the unique challenges they face during social distancing. Develop tailored interventions that provide emotional support and practical resources.
5. Enhance Online Therapy for Children
Online therapy with children requires special considerations. Use engaging and interactive methods to keep children involved. Techniques such as storytelling, games, and creative arts can make sessions more effective.
6. Promote Worker Mental Health
With many people working from home, addressing worker mental health has become more important than ever. Offer virtual workshops on stress management, provide resources for mental health support, and encourage a healthy work-life balance.
7. Address Suicidal Behavior
Practitioners should be vigilant about the signs of suicidal behavior, especially during periods of isolation. Regular check-ins, creating safety plans, and providing emergency resources are crucial steps in mitigating risks.
Encouraging Further Research
The symposium highlighted the importance of continuous research and collaboration. As a practitioner, you can contribute to this ongoing effort by:
- Participating in virtual symposiums and conferences.
- Collaborating with fellow professionals to share insights and strategies.
- Engaging in research projects that explore new methods and tools for supporting mental health.
By staying informed and actively participating in the professional community, you can ensure that your practice remains effective and responsive to the evolving challenges posed by social distancing.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Brazilian researchers meet online to discuss social distancing: Results from the first symposium of the group of studies and research on psychology and cognition (GEPESPSI).
