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)

Abstract

Introduction

The Group of Studies and Research on Psychology and Cognition (GEPESPSI) in Brazil has developed important academic and clinical actions on mental health in contexts of difficult psychological handling.

Objectives

GEPESPSI organized a symposium to discuss the psychological effects of isolation due to the strict measures of social distancing.

Methods

11 psychologists and one speech language pathologist discussed possible contributions to face social distancing in their specific fields of expertise in a virtual symposium of two days. The themes were: university teaching; support to the development of social and emotional competencies among children; the threat of the death of dreams in a phenomenological perspective; resilience and self-esteem; the repercussions of the lack of the school space for socialization; psychological tools for facing isolation; the challenges and perspectives of women who are victims of violence; online therapy for children; the health of workers; suicidal behavior; formulation of educational policies for remote learning and family mental health.

Results

1094 people were enrolled with an average of 400 people participating in each period. 91,1% of which were graduate students of a university. 55,7% were students of Psychology, 12,8% of Pedagogy, 6% of Physical Therapy among other courses. 39,8% of them were from the city of Santos, the others were from different regions of the country.

Conclusions

The feedback given by the participants was positive and involved gains such as sharing experience and knowledge but mainly creating connections to exchange psychological tools as a way of facing the difficulties of social distancing among researchers and graduate students.