Works presented

Summary
Adolescence is a stage of growth and formation marked by physical, emotional and social changes that are fundamental for emotional well-being and psychological development. In this context, the use of social media has acquired special importance, since adolescents have been adapting to these new technological tools as they have emerged, shaping their individual and collective development. The aim of this Final Degree Project was to know the relationship between the time spent using social media and self-esteem in adolescence. For this purpose, a rapid literature review was carried out, consisting of an initial search for systematic reviews in Epistemonikos and a systematic search for primary studies in the Pubmed database. After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the total number of articles included in the review was 8. The synthesis of the evidence shows that most of the studies found a statistically significant negative relationship between self-esteem and time spent using social media. At an applied level, these results point to the need to develop preventive programs on the use of social media in both school and family settings. Future research could further investigate the role of possible mediating variables in the relationship between self-esteem and social media use, such as loneliness.

Direction
GOMEZ SALGADO, PATRICIA (Tutorships)

Court
Mirón Redondo, María Lourdes (Chairman)
TORRES MAROÑO, MARIA DEL CARMEN (Secretary)
MARTIN RAJO, MONTSERRAT (Member)

Summary
Chronic pain affects the quality of life of those who suffer from it, not only due to the limitations associated with pain and comorbid symptoms, but also because it affects social relationships and work status. There are numerous forms of treatment, but lately virtual reality (VR) is on the rise, as it provides the ability to recreate pain experiences more easily, as well as a distraction factor that helps the patient better cope with the pain situation. This systematic review focuses on analyzing the effectiveness of VR techniques to treat chronic pain. For this purpose, a search was carried out in the PsychInfo and PubMed databases, with which 10 articles were selected based on the established inclusion and exclusion criteria. The work was carried out following the PRISMA methodology, and the risk of bias of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane tool for randomized trials. The mayority of the results obtained showed that, in general, and despite the heterogeneity of the procedures used, VR is effective in treating chronic pain, achieving a reduction in the intensity of the participants' pain. The chronic pain condition with the best results was low back pain, while for fibromyalgia, VR was not effective. The evidence obtained is robust since the risk of bias of the studies was low, except for the blind condition, which is difficult to achieve given the nature of the intervention. In conclusion, VR appears effective in treating chronic pain. However, it would be important, for future research, to have a standardized procedure that would allow more generalizable and comparable conclusions between studies to be drawn.

Direction
Carrillo De la Peña, María Teresa (Tutorships)

Court
PONTE FERNANDEZ, DOLORES (Chairman)
Rodríguez Holguín, Socorro (Secretary)
Castro Bolaño, Maria Cristina (Member)

Summary
People whose suicide risk is being evaluated have too many reasons to not being sincere. The emotional Stroop task has been studied as a way to deal with this problem and showed promising results, so this work’s objective is to check the scientific literature to see if the last 10 years of work allows to get a clear answer to whether the task can be used in suicide risk evaluation. The first attempts at duplicating the initial results showed different results, putting into doubt the utility of the task. Following these results, many studies of the psychometric properties of the emotional Stroop task were conducted and found that the task had poor properties overall and changes had to be made if for it to be used. A new version of the task, made using suggestions from previous studies, has shown promising results, but it is still too soon, and more research is needed. The same can be said about the predictive capabilities of the task due to lack of research in the area.

Direction
Álvarez Cruz, Antonio Alfonso (Tutorships)

Court
Mirón Redondo, María Lourdes (Chairman)
TORRES MAROÑO, MARIA DEL CARMEN (Secretary)
MARTIN RAJO, MONTSERRAT (Member)

Summary
Internet abuse has increased significantly in the adolescent age group, giving rise to concerns about its repercussions. In view of this situation, there is a need to implement preventive programmes that address this problem at an early stage. The aim of this paper is to analyse the existence of programmes designed to prevent Internet addiction in adolescents and to obtain information on their effectiveness. For this purpose, a systematic review was carried out in three databases, identifying nine articles that met the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to the results obtained, most of the studies reviewed indicate that preventive programmes are effective in reducing Internet misuse, abuse or addiction in adolescents, with eight of the nine programmes reviewed showing positive results. Furthermore, several of these studies incorporate additional variables such as social skills, mental health, academic motivation and self-regulation, also showing positive effects in these areas. Therefore, it is concluded that a preventive treatment of this phenomenon is possible and that the preventive programmes implemented so far are useful to prevent the development of Internet addiction in adolescents.

Direction
CUTRIN MOSTEIRO, OLALLA (Tutorships)

Court
PONTE FERNANDEZ, DOLORES (Chairman)
Rodríguez Holguín, Socorro (Secretary)
Castro Bolaño, Maria Cristina (Member)

Summary
The objective of this literature review is to analyze the impact of precompetitive anxiety on sports performance and examine what factors influence precompetitive anxiety. To this end, a bibliographic search has been carried out in the Web of Science (WoS) database of the most recent research on anxiety in the sports context; specifically, in the moment before the competition in different sports. To carry out the systematic review, 10 articles have been selected. The results indicate that precompetitive anxiety is a complex phenomenon, since it depends on various variables, such as the type of sport (individual or collective), sporting level, gender, context, motivational and social climate, as well as characteristics. individual. The factor mainly linked to precompetitive anxiety is self-confidence, which is inversely correlated with self-confidence, so it would be necessary to work on the self confidence of athletes to reduce anxiety levels. Finally, the importance of training athletes in emotional management to improve their well-being and optimize sports performance is emphasized. Coaches and psychologists are also invited to become aware of the importance of managing precompetitive anxiety appropriately to provide better performance and well-being in athletes. This includes specific and personalized programs, which prioritize reinforcing self-confidence and fostering supportive motivational and social climates that reward effort more than victory.

Direction
ARCE FERNANDEZ, CONSTANTINO (Tutorships)

Court
ARCE FERNANDEZ, CONSTANTINO (Student’s tutor)

Summary
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an intense and persistent condition that is associated with both physical symptoms and an important level of comorbidity with other disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. One of the most affected populations is war veterans, who are often impacted due to prolonged exposure to traumatic events and constant threats to their physical integrity. The Emotional Stroop Task is a test that evaluates the impact of emotional stimuli, such as words related to threatening or traumatic situations, on selective attention processes and cognitive control. The objective is to name the colour in which the words are written, and longer response times are observed for words that are emotionally relevant to the individual. The purpose of this study is to analyse the differences observed between war veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and those without the condition in the execution of the task. To achieve this, a literature review was conducted, and a total of 10 articles were selected for an in-depth analysis. The main results indicate that war veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder show greater delays in naming the colour of words related to combat compared to other word categories and the control group. Despite methodological differences among the reviewed studies, the results are consistent, demonstrating an attentional bias in these individuals toward threatening stimuli.

Direction
Álvarez Cruz, Antonio Alfonso (Tutorships)

Court
PONTE FERNANDEZ, DOLORES (Chairman)
Rodríguez Holguín, Socorro (Secretary)
Castro Bolaño, Maria Cristina (Member)

Summary
Motivation is a highly influential psychological construct when it comes to practicing sports, and numerous studies have been conducted to improve it. This paper examines goal setting and its relationship with sports performance, also considering the influence of motivational climate and other psychological factors. To achieve this, a literature review of nine articles sourced from the Web of Science and Scopus databases was conducted, and the results were analyzed collectively. The findings reveal a positive relationship between goal setting and sports performance, with a particular emphasis on process goals and task-oriented goals, which also provide numerous psychological benefits. On the other hand, outcome goals also yield significant results, albeit to a lesser extent than the former, and they do not contribute to psychological improvement in other areas. Similarly, ego-oriented goals positively influence performance but may generate negative psychological effects under certain circumstances. Regarding the motivational climate, a combination of cooperative and competitive approaches is supported to optimize performance. Additionally, it is shown that other factors, such as feedback, the availability of facilities, and recognition, can positively influence motivation and commitment. In conclusion, setting different types of goals and having a supportive environment where cooperation and competitiveness prevail can significantly enhance sports performance and promote athletes' psychological well-being.

Direction
ARCE FERNANDEZ, CONSTANTINO (Tutorships)

Court
ARCE FERNANDEZ, CONSTANTINO (Student’s tutor)

Summary
Introduction: Cannabis is the most widely used illegal drug among adolescents in Spain. Early use produces changes in the structure and development of the brain, which has not yet completed its maturation, thus adolescence is a particularly vulnerable period. Objective: To identify and describe the effects of cannabis use on cognitive functions related to attention and memory in a population of adolescents and young adults. Method: A systematic literature review was carried out during November and December 2024. Eligibility criteria and search terms were defined, and the search began in the Web of Science, Dialnet, PubMed and Cochrane databases. After the search, 8 studies were selected to be included in the review. Results: Both memory and attention are impaired by cannabis use during adolescence. Episodic memory, verbal memory, selective attention and sustained attention show a poorer performance. However, the alerting system appeared to improve in the cannabis users, along with the processing speed. After a period of abstinence, the adolescent brain may be able to recover memory functions, but attention might require more time. Conclusions: More longitudinal studies are needed to investigate brain functioning under the influence of cannabis over time. Further research is also required to understand cannabis effects separately from alcohol and tobacco use, as these substances are frequently consumed alongside cannabis.

Direction
Cadaveira Mahía, Fernando (Tutorships)

Court
PONTE FERNANDEZ, DOLORES (Chairman)
Rodríguez Holguín, Socorro (Secretary)
Castro Bolaño, Maria Cristina (Member)

Summary
This study aimed to analyze the psychological variables that predict sustainable consumption, with a specific focus on the fashion industry, one of the most polluting sectors due to the rise of fast fashion. Through a literature review in the PsycInfo and Web of Science databases, 19 studies were identified adressing key factors such as biospheric values, positive emotions, and social identity have been identified as playing a fundamental role in promoting responsible behaviors. The findings also highlight significant differences across generations and genders. While Generation Z prioritizes environmental benefits, Millennials tend to focus more on economic factors. Additionally, women show greater involvement in collaborative consumption. However, practical, economic, and social barriers continue to perpetuate the attitude-behavior gap. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need for integrative and culturally tailored strategies to foster sustainable consumption. Although current research provides a solid foundation, limitations such as the predominance of studies conducted in Western contexts and the lack of longitudinal analyses present opportunities for future research.

Direction
ANDRADE FERNANDEZ, ELENA MARIA (Tutorships)

Court
ANDRADE FERNANDEZ, ELENA MARIA (Student’s tutor)

Summary
This thesis provides a comprehensive review of the relationship between time perception and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Through a theoretical framework that covers key definitions, the study addresses various aspects that influence temporal perception in children with ADHD compared to those without the disorder. Firstly, the differences in temporal perception between both groups are analyzed, detailing how ADHD affects the ability to perceive and manage time. Next, the brain mechanisms involved in time perception are explored, emphasizing the brain structures implicated in these processes. Additionally, variations in responses to external stimuli are examined, which are altered in individuals with ADHD. The study also identifies factors that influence the measurement of time perception, considering environmental, cognitive, and emotional influences. In doing so, it highlights the importance of these factors in interpreting results from time-related tasks. Furthermore, the impact of stimulus presentation type on performing time-related tasks is addressed, emphasizing differences between visual, auditory, and other types of stimuli. Both classical theories and new perspectives on the sense of time are reviewed, providing a broader conceptual framework for understanding temporal perception disorders in ADHD. Lastly, the neurological alterations associated with ADHD, as well as gender differences in temporal perception, are discussed. The thesis concludes with potential implications for future research and practical applications, proposing new research lines and potential therapeutic approaches. Time perception; ADHD; Brain function; Emotional influences; Gender differences

Direction
BLANCO RIAL, MANUEL JOSE (Tutorships)

Court
BLANCO RIAL, MANUEL JOSE (Student’s tutor)

Summary
Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation technique that modulates cognitive processes by altering brain oscillatory rhythms. Previous studies have demonstrated its efficacy in working memory (WM) using theta (4-8 Hz) and gamma (30-80 Hz) stimulation frequencies. However, there is still very little evidence regarding the use of the combined theta-gamma wave frequency, especially in healthy aging populations or within the continuum of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, the aim of this pilot study is to determine whether high-density tACS (HD-tACS) with combined theta-gamma frequencies (6 Hz and 50 Hz), applied to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), improves performance in a WM task in a sample of 16 individuals diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD). To test this, a single-blind, randomized, within-subject pilot study was conducted, in which 16 participants (11 men and 5 women) aged 57-83 years were evaluated up to three times on a visuospatial working memory task (match to sample). Between evaluation sessions, participants received either HD-tACS stimulation or a placebo. Behavioral data from the variables D prime, RT (Reaction Time)-Hits, RT-False Alarms, and RT-Correct Rejections were subjected to a 2x2 analysis of variance (ANOVA), with one main factor being Session (two levels: pre-intervention evaluation and post-intervention evaluation) and the other main factor being Treatment (two levels: real stimulation and placebo stimulation). The results showed only a marginally significant effect for the D prime variable in the main factor Session, meaning there were differences between pre- and post-stimulation sessions but not in relation to the type of stimulation received. No significant differences were found in the remaining variables. These findings do not support the initial hypothesis that combined theta-gamma HD-tACS improves WM performance compared to the placebo condition.

Direction
Díaz Fernández, Fernando (Tutorships)
CORREA JARABA, KENIA SHAILY (Co-tutorships)

Court
CORREA JARABA, KENIA SHAILY (Student’s tutor)
Díaz Fernández, Fernando (Student’s tutor)

Summary
Low tolerance to distress may be associated with poor emotional regulation and contribute to motivations for drinking as a way to cope with problems. Numerous studies in the literature have found that difficulties in emotional regulation are positively related to increased alcohol consumption. The aim of this study is to examine this relationship, taking into account the different dimensions of the Emotional Regulation Difficulties Scale (DERS) and gender differences, in a sample of 185 students from the University of Santiago de Compostela, aged between 19 and 21. To this end, participants completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). The results show that deficits in emotional regulation are significantly associated with heavy alcohol consumption, particularly in the dimensions of Goals, Clarity, Strategies, and Impulse. Specifically, Goals and Clarity are the dimensions that best predict AUDIT scores, accounting for 11.6% of the variance. However, no significant data were found regarding gender differences. The findings of this study highlight the importance of developing interventions that incorporate emotional skill-building as a key strategy for preventing and addressing excessive alcohol consumption.

Direction
RODRIGUEZ GONZALEZ, MARIA SOLEDAD (Tutorships)

Court
RODRIGUEZ GONZALEZ, MARIA SOLEDAD (Student’s tutor)

Summary
The study of negotiation and the skills required to carry it out effectively is a continuously growing field, just like the research on social desirability bias and its influence on the data collection process. This paper aims to study the relationship between this contaminating variable and the measurement of negotiation effectiveness, using W.F.G. Mastenbroek's model (1987; 1991) as a starting point. To achieve this, a negotiation effectiveness questionnaire and a social desirability measure were administered to two types of samples: one with experience in negotiation tasks within a contact center company in the labor sector, and another without experience, in order to test the possible effect of this bias and any potential differences between the two populations. Through the general factor analytic procedure developed by Ferrando et al. (2009), which controls the impact of social desirability on self-report measures, the distortion was analyzed, revealing that the negotiation effectiveness measure is sensitive to social desirability. Additionally, it was observed that individuals with less experience in negotiation tasks are more sensitive to this bias, leading to higher scores in negotiation effectiveness when not corrected. The implications of these findings in the context of personnel selection training are discussed.

Direction
Montes Piñeiro, Carlos (Tutorships)

Court
Mirón Redondo, María Lourdes (Chairman)
TORRES MAROÑO, MARIA DEL CARMEN (Secretary)
MARTIN RAJO, MONTSERRAT (Member)

Summary
Common mental disorders represent one of the main causes of work absenteeism with a significant impact on both workers and organizations. Return to work due to these disorders being a complex process that requires a comprehensive approach to address the barriers, facilitators and resources, which are necessary to allow sustainable reintegration. The main objective of this work was to review the available scientific evidence on returning to work after an absence due to common mental disorders, focusing on the worker's perspective, and seeking to identify both the facilitating factors and obstacles that affect return to work. The results reveal that the return to work process involves a complex interaction of barriers and facilitators that influence workers' experiences throughout the different phases of reintegration, from initial return to the sustainability of work participation. Among the most prominent barriers are the lack of appropriate accommodations in the work environment, the stigma associated with mental health conditions and the absence of structured support. On the contrary, the most relevant facilitators include the adaptation of tasks and schedules, social support from supervisors and colleagues, and clear and effective communication. In conclusion, the results of this study emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach that considers both work and personal aspects to effectively support workers with common mental disorders in their return to work and sustainability.

Direction
Montes Piñeiro, Carlos (Tutorships)

Court
Mirón Redondo, María Lourdes (Chairman)
TORRES MAROÑO, MARIA DEL CARMEN (Secretary)
MARTIN RAJO, MONTSERRAT (Member)