Articles - Maria Antonieta Arias Guerrero

Research

My academic and professional path has been guided by a sustained commitment to mental health, resilience, and the promotion of psychosocial well-being among vulnerable and culturally diverse populations. Since the beginning of my career, I have been deeply engaged in understanding how adversity, migration, and intercultural experiences shape emotional development, identity, and belonging.

Throughout my work, I have led research initiatives that bridge clinical practice and community engagement, focusing on areas such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Venezuelan migrants, emotional resilience in educational settings, and help-seeking behaviors in multicultural contexts. In 2021, I founded Instituto Infinitamente in São Paulo, Brazil — a clinical and research center dedicated to advancing mental health through an integrative and culturally responsive framework.

My research reflects not only a strong commitment to empirical inquiry but also a deep dedication to applying psychological science to real-world challenges, particularly those impacting historically underrepresented and vulnerable communities. Guided by principles of intercultural understanding and social responsibility, I strive to promote resilience, healing, and belonging across global contexts.

The following research projects, publications, and certifications exemplify my ongoing commitment to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting mental health equity in multicultural and intercultural settings.

Research Projects & Collaborations

2024 – Ongoing

Current Research Collaboration
Co-authoring an integrative literature review on resilience, mental toughness, distress tolerance, and attitudes toward seeking psychological help.
In collaboration with Louisiana Tech University – Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences (USA).
Role: Co-author – conceptual framework development, literature selection, thematic synthesis, and academic writing.
Manuscript in preparation.

2023 – Present

UNICEF Safe Family Support Program
Remote psychological support for children, adolescents, and families in vulnerable contexts.
Volunteer psychologist through United Nations Volunteers (UNV) | UNICEF Bolivia.

2023 – 2024

Support and Integration Program for Venezuelan Migrants with PTSD
Quantitative field study in Campinas (SP) using DASS-21 and PSS-10 to assess PTSD symptoms and support socioemotional integration.
Role: Principal investigator – study design, data collection, statistical analysis (SPSS), and manuscript preparation.
Manuscript in preparation following international publication invitation.

2023

Socioemotional Growth Program for Students
Design and facilitation of socioemotional development workshops for primary and secondary school students.
COC School, São Paulo, Brazil.

2021

Comprehensive Study on ADHD in Brazilian University Students
Quantitative study with ASRS V1.1 and QVA-R assessing distress, social adaptation, and academic performance among undergraduates.
Role: Principal investigator – protocol development, psychometric evaluation, statistical analysis, and reporting.

2017

Initial Research on ADHD and College Life
Early exploratory research on the effects of ADHD symptoms on the quality of life of college students.
Conducted as a scientific initiation project at Paulínia University Center, focusing on emotional, social, and academic challenges.

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2nd July 2024

Support and Integration Program for Venezuelan Migrants with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Campinas Region, State of São Paulo, Brazil

This study investigates the impact of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among Venezuelan migrants in the region of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. The main objective is to develop and implement a Support and Integration Program to reduce PTSD symptoms and improve the psychological well-being of these migrants.

Using a qualitative, descriptive and casi-experimental methodology, the severity of PTSD symptoms, levels of anxiety and depression, social functioning, quality of life, coping strategies, self-efficacy, resilience and levels of perceived stress were evaluated. Measuring instruments include structured interviews, evaluation scales such as the DASS-21 and PSS-10, direct clinical observation and review of documentary records.

The results revealed that a significant proportion of migrants present severe symptoms of PTSD, in addition to high levels of anxiety and depression, which negatively affects their quality of life and social functioning. The Support and Integration Program has shown to be effective in reducing these symptoms and improving the psychological well-being of participants, strengthening their self-efficacy and resilience through psychotherapeutic support sessions and coping skills.

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28th June 2021

Attention Deficit and/or Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in university students

Attention Deficit and/or hyperactivity disorder, commonly called just by its acronym, ADHD, it is currently widely studied and known, especially when we talk about children and adolescents, but this disorder
It often accompanies the individual throughout their life. The present study had aims to identify the frequency of ADHD symptoms through a survey of self-perception in first-year undergraduate students of undergraduate courses pedagogy or psychology. To collect data, partner questionnaires were used.
demographic, self-report scale for ADHD symptoms (ASPS) and questionnaire academic experiences, reduced version (QVA-R). The data were analyzed using
Descriptive statistics. The results indicate that 62.5% (n=26) participants indicate a suggestion of ADHD symptoms, 75% of whom are women. Other data evaluated found that 67% of those interviewed carry out some paid activity. However, further studies on ADHD in university students are suggested, with a larger sample and more comprehensive.

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28th November 2018

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Impact on the Quality of Life of College Students

This is a quantitative study that aimed to identify the frequency of symptoms of Attention Deficit and/or Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in undergraduate students and their impact on their academic adaptation. ADHD is a chronic neurobiological disorder characterized by inattention, restlessness and impulsivity. These characteristics can last a lifetime if not properly recognized and treated. For data collection, a socio-demographic questionnaire, self-report scale for ADHD symptoms (ASPS) and academic experiences questionnaire, reduced version (QVA-R) were used. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and found the prevalence of suggestions for diagnosing ADHD in females; that ADHD can negatively influence university life and a decrease in the adaptability of university students when compared to those without it.

My Certificates

Here you will find a compilation of my academic and professional records. I invite you to explore these documents that reflect my journey and commitment to excellence.