Under the motto “Psychology today: new competencies and tools in times of crisis,” nearly 900 students, teachers, and psychology professionals from up to 22 different countries attended ISEP’s 1st International Virtual Congress, which was held from May 5 to 7 in a 100% virtual environment.
Transforming the Current Context into Opportunity
The current situation has forced companies and professionals from any sector to reinvent themselves and adapt to this new social reality. In the case of the Superior Institute of Psychological Studies (ISEP), the decision was made to offer psychology professionals from anywhere in the world the opportunity to learn about the new challenges they face and what intervention tools they have available to address them.
Thus, during the 3 days of the virtual psychology congress, attendees were able to enjoy more than sixty activities, which allowed them to delve into different areas related to psychology, education, and neurosciences from a current perspective, demonstrating that the so-called “crisis” we are experiencing is nothing more than an opportunity to continue acquiring new knowledge.
Psychology Workshops: Putting Knowledge into Practice
The congress kicked off with Carme Crespo, Ivan Alsina, Joan Deus, Andrés Bellido, Eva López, Ana Saz, Raquel Molero, and Pedro Martín Barrajón, who were in charge of conducting various practical workshops on online therapy, emotional regulation, suicide, trauma, grief, intellectual disability, returning to school, and school violence and bullying.
Thanks to all of them, the attendees, divided into small working groups, were able to acquire specific knowledge and apply it through practical activities.
Consequences of the Current Crisis as the Focus of the Conferences
Next, it was the turn of the plenary conferences, which aimed to make attendees reflect on aspects that, as a consequence of the current context, have gained importance in recent weeks.
Thus, Pablo Fernández Berrocal explained the importance of developing emotional intelligence, a topic also addressed by Sònia Cervantes when presenting the emotional implications derived from confinement.
For their part, José Anicama and Ruth Pizarro prompted reflection on the evolution of psychotherapy, while Ana Villarrubia highlighted the importance of carrying out rapid and effective therapeutic intervention to prevent anxiety and depression.
Regarding Anabel González, she analyzed the trauma currently experienced by the population, in contrast to the neoliberal perspective used by Jorge Barudy to analyze the current context.
In the case of José Antonio Molina, one of the problems most aggravated by the current situation, addictions, was addressed; while Juan Fernando Bou focused on the main challenges of educational coaching in times of change.
In the field of neurosciences, Raúl Espert spoke about the existing gut-brain connection in times of crisis; while Eric García López showed the advances in forensic neuropsychology and, Jorge Raúl Palacios addressed the topic of neuroeconomics applied to the current consumer.
Finally, Andrés Mauricio Santacoloma explained the importance of play as a behavior modification tool; and Jaime Humberto Moreno emphasized the role of parents in the 21st century.
Presentation of Communications from Congress Participants
Beyond the workshops and conferences held, ISEP’s 1st International Virtual Congress also had a space dedicated to the exhibition of scientific articles, publications, dissertations, and master’s final projects.
With this, congress participants had the opportunity not only to present their communications to the rest of the congress attendees but also to exchange opinions and knowledge about them through different discussion forums.
The Scientific Committee Awards the Two Best Communications Presented at the Congress
It should be noted that the 45 communications presented at the congress were evaluated by a Scientific Committee made up of twenty academics from 6 different countries, with the aim of awarding the two best communications.
Thus, after a long deliberation, the Scientific Committee concluded that the first prize went to the communication by Guadalupe Martín-Mora and Isabel Borrego titled “ICT Tools and Digital Natives: Gamification and Learning Innovation in School 2.0“; while the second prize was awarded to the communication “Implementation of “Family Connections” in an association of relatives of people with personality disorder” carried out by Sara Fonseca-Baeza, Verónica Guillén, Heliodoro Marco, Isabel Fernández, Amanda Díaz, Azucena García-Palacios, Cristina Botella, and Rosa Baños.
Likewise, the Scientific Committee also wanted to value and recognize the quality of the following communications:
- “Theoretical framework and treatment proposal for the Meaning in Life. A systematic review” by Manuel Frías Rico and Inés Bárcenas.
- “Attentional neurobehavioral profile in adolescents with and without Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity” by Miquel Ginard.
- “Psychological assistance to healthcare professionals in times of crisis: a case study” by Paloma Ruiz.
- “Fair educational responses in times of social isolation” by Francisco Samuel Mendoza.
- “Residential care for minors: an intervention experience in times of COVID-19” by Beatriz Galván.
- “Proposal for a Psychotherapeutic Group in a Day Hospital for Eating Disorders” by Gonzalo Rey, Aida Fernández, and Daniel Barcenilla.
ISEP thanks you all for your participation
Finally, from ISEP, we want to thank all attendees, speakers, workshop leaders, communicators, members of the scientific committee, and the more than 30 national and international universities, associations, and professional colleges that have contributed to the realization of ISEP’s 1st International Virtual Congress, since without them, it would not have been possible.
We hope to see you all at the next Congress!