Papers by Ana Teixeira de Melo
Psicologia, Jan 6, 2014
Resumo: Este artigo apresenta os resultados da avaliação da qualidade do planeamento de um Modelo... more Resumo: Este artigo apresenta os resultados da avaliação da qualidade do planeamento de um Modelo de Avaliação e Intervenção Familiar Integrada (MAIFI) tendo em vista a sua implementação em Centros de Apoio Familiar e Aconselhamento Parental. Utilizando-se uma adaptação da Técnica de Grupo Nominal, um painel de especialistas avaliou a proposta apresentada, quer no que diz respeito ao MAIFI, quer no que toca ao perfil de competências dos profissionais que o venham a implementar e ao plano de formação dos mesmos. As médias das avaliações quantitativas indicam resultados bastante satisfatórios considerando a relevância, a qualidade do enquadramento conceptual e da definição de objectivos, a adequação às características da população-alvo, a qualidade dos métodos propostos, dos recursos necessários e dos procedimentos de avaliação das propostas. Foi realizada uma análise do conteúdo da reunião de avaliação, sendo apresentadas e
The Family at the Center of Interdisciplinary Research in Complex Systems: A Call for Future Research Programs
Springer proceedings in complexity, 2013
In this communication we explore different lines of inquiry holding the family at the center of i... more In this communication we explore different lines of inquiry holding the family at the center of interdisciplinary research programs in complexity science which aim not only to understand family dynamics with relevance for therapeutic or developmental interventions but also to other fields of science. We define three levels of research in family complexity. Assuming the family as a complex system as the departure level we propose the exploration of two additional research directions, one from the family down, into the dynamics of its microsystems and using them as windows to understand the biopsiconeurological worlds, and one from the family up, using it as a relevant sample of broader social complex system. We discuss possible lines of inquiry for each level of family complexity science.
Psicologia: Teoria E Pesquisa, Mar 1, 2015
MAIFI) incorpora um processo de avaliação que visa informar a tomada de decisão em situações de r... more MAIFI) incorpora um processo de avaliação que visa informar a tomada de decisão em situações de risco psicossocial ou de perigo para a criança, bem como a elaboração de projetos de apoio à família. Os Instrumentos de Síntese da Avaliação Compreensiva no MAIFI (ISACM) foram construídos para apoiar a organização e síntese desse processo de avaliação. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as suas propriedades psicométricas no que diz respeito à validade de construto, validade concorrente e fidedignidade por avaliação da consistência interna das subescalas e acordo entre avaliadores. Os ISACM revelaram propriedades psicométricas bastante satisfatórias que permitem recomendar a sua utilização na organização e síntese de avaliações compreensivas. Palavras-chave: avaliação familiar, avaliação do risco, crianças em risco, capacidade parental, proteção da criança ABSTRACT -The Integrated Family Assessment and Intervention Model (IFAIM) incorporates an assessment process which aims to inform decision making in situations of psychosocial risk or danger for the child, as well as the elaboration or family support projects. The Instruments of Synthesis of Comprehensive Assessments in IFAIM (ISCAI) were built to support the organization and synthesis of this assessment process. The purpose of this study is to evaluate its psychometric properties concerning construct validity, concurrent validity and reliability, considering internal consistency and inter-rater agreement. The ISCAI revealed quite satisfactory psychometric properties which allow recommending its use in the organization and synthesis of comprehensive assessments.
Family Science, 2014
When citing please use the following: Melo, A. T., & Alarcão, M. (2o14). Beyond the family life- ... more When citing please use the following: Melo, A. T., & Alarcão, M. (2o14). Beyond the family life- cycle: Understanding family development in the 21 st century through complexity theories. Family
This paper describes an exploratory, discovery-oriented study, aimed at inspecting the structure ... more This paper describes an exploratory, discovery-oriented study, aimed at inspecting the structure and dynamics of emotional, behavioural and cognitive changes, as well as the coordination of these changes, by professionals participating in a specialized educational/training program. The program aimed at the implementation of a family assessment and intervention model for multichallenged families with at-risk, maltreated of neglected children. The authors combined a metaphorical approach to complexity and dynamic systems' theories, through the heuristic use of its core concepts, with grounded methods for qualitative analysis, in order to create a coding framework applicable to data collected from simple self-report measures of change. This coding schemed showed potential to illuminate individual processes of change and for application in other fields. This scheme was used with data collected throughout the 42 weeks duration of the program. The results, after binary conversion of the variables, were subjected to a hierarchical cluster analysis, in order to identify profiles of change. We obtained a final solution of 6 clusters, aggregating different properties of change and different evolution dynamics of the trajectories of change and change coordination. Implications for educational practice and for future studies are discussed.
Discussion: From Thinking to Performing Complexity
SpringerBriefs in complexity, 2020
The challenges of thinking complexity have led to the search for progressively more sophisticated... more The challenges of thinking complexity have led to the search for progressively more sophisticated models, simulations and other techniques that aim both at fundamental understanding and also at increasing our capability for better management of the world and its change processes. However, both the natural and the human social worlds reveal a pathway to complexity that has been underexplored: one where we cannot just learn about complexity, but need to learn to perform complexity. In this chapter, we review the grounds of our proposal of a new pragmatically-oriented theoretical framework for the practice of complex thinking. We reflect on how our proposal may address Morin’s call for a more “Generalised” approach to complexity, in contrast to modes of “Restricted Complexity”. We discuss the potential of our proposed definition and framework for Complex Thinking and its implications for future research and practice.
Family therapy has advanced, since its inception, in close connection with systems' sciences and ... more Family therapy has advanced, since its inception, in close connection with systems' sciences and cybernetics. However, it has not kept up with the new developments in Complexity sciences. In this paper, we propose that the core concepts of Complexity may be worth inspecting, although with caution, to help the field develop a deeper understanding of therapeutic family dynamics. Inspired by Complexity approaches we propose the adoption of a research program aiming to understand family complexity. Specifically, we propose, as a first step, the use of grounded theory, guided by complexity concepts, to identify and describe core coordination variables, control parameters, dynamical patterns and pattern dynamics of therapeutic family change. We defend that these Grounded Theories of Family Complexity may then provide a foundation mathematical modeling of family change processes.
Psicologia & Sociedade, Apr 1, 2009
Os Centros de apoio Familiar e aconselhamento Parental constituem, no panorama dos serviços socia... more Os Centros de apoio Familiar e aconselhamento Parental constituem, no panorama dos serviços sociais portugueses, uma tipologia relativamente recente de serviços de apoio familiar dirigidos a crianças e jovens em situação de risco e suas famílias. No entanto, tendem a operar de formas muito distintas, carecendo ainda de enquadramento técnico e legal adequado. No presente artigo, revêem-se os objetivos dos CaFaP e apresenta-se uma proposta de um Modelo Global de Organização destes serviços, para que se apresentem como recursos eficazes de apoio ao trabalho solicitado pelos tribunais e pelas Comissões de Protecção de Crianças e Jovens, bem como de suporte à própria comunidade, na protecção e promoção do bem-estar das famílias, crianças e jovens. O modelo apresentado pretende oferecer um enquadramento de base que permita uniformizar práticas e metodologias e facilitar o desenvolvimento de esforços futuros de investigação e avaliação da eficácia dos serviços prestados. : crianças em risco; serviços centrados na família; intervenção familiar; comunidade; avaliação psicológica; maus tratos. tHE CENtERS FOR FaMIlY SUPPORt aNd PaRENtal COUNSElING: PROPOSal OF a GlOBal ORGaNIZatION MOdEl ABSTRACT: the Centros de apoio Familiar e aconselhamento Parental (CaFaP, Center for Family Support and Parental Counseling) correspond, in the Portuguese reality of Portuguese services, to a category of services designed to support families with at-risk children and youth. However, these services tend to operate in many different ways, still without legal and technical framing. In the present article, one aims to review the CaFaP's objectives and present a Global Organization Model for these services, so they can operate as effective support resources for the activities of the courts, the child protection services and the community in the protection and promotion of families', children's and youth's well-being. With the purpose of creating common practices and methodologies, the proposed model offers a basic framework for the development of future research and evaluation efforts in regard to the efficacy of the services provided.
Journal of Family Psychotherapy, 2013
Multisystemic, strength-based, in-home, collaborative familycentered programs have been advocated... more Multisystemic, strength-based, in-home, collaborative familycentered programs have been advocated as an efficacious means to help multichallenged families living in poverty. The Integrated Family Assessment and Intervention Model (IFAIM) was developed in Portugal to assist the child protection system in conducting child protection assessments and in supporting multichallenged families with at-risk children and youth to overcome the risks and guarantee the child's safety. This article describes a single case study evaluating the process and outcome of the implementation of IFAIM with a multichallenged family referred by a child protection agency. The results support IFAIM's efficacy in promoting clinical significant changes in family and parental functioning through supporting the family with a focus on its strengths and key family resilience processes.
Contemporary Family Therapy, Nov 4, 2011
In this article we describe the Integrated Family Assessment and Intervention Model (IFAIM), a mu... more In this article we describe the Integrated Family Assessment and Intervention Model (IFAIM), a multi-systemic, collaborative, strength-based, and family-focused in-home approach developed and implemented in Portugal. IFAIM is designed to assess and to support multi-challenged poor families, commonly known as multi-problem families, at psychosocial risk, with maltreated or neglected children. It integrates clinical, educational, social, community and forensic concerns, and practices under a systemic, narrative, and collaborative umbrella. IFAIM's theoretical foundations and background, its main characteristics, stages of implementation, and research directions are described and a case illustration is presented. Keywords Child maltreatment Á Collaborative practices Á Integrative model Á In-home family therapy Á Multi-challenged families
A Relational Framework for Complexity and Complex Thinking
SpringerBriefs in complexity, 2020
In this chapter, we make a brief presentation of the ontological and epistemological assumptions ... more In this chapter, we make a brief presentation of the ontological and epistemological assumptions of a relational worldview that provide the grounds for a relational conceptualisation of complexity and complex thinking and for bridging and integrating different perspectives. We discuss the role of the observer in the construction of Complexity and its implications for how to define and think about the complex. We highlight the role of the nature of the coupling between the Observer and the world in producing knowledge and guiding the action of the Observer. From a relational perspective on complexity, we proceed with a discussion of the relative status of statements about complexity and the role of numerous constraints in the construction of knowledge, including the observer’s own structural determination. We discuss the implications of a relational worldview for making judgments about complexity, namely the complexity of the thinking.
Toward a (“Dissolved”) Psychology of Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Relations: A Complexity-Informed Proposal
Review of General Psychology, Jul 20, 2022
Our world is in a state of critical transition demanding new, creative, ecosystemically fit and s... more Our world is in a state of critical transition demanding new, creative, ecosystemically fit and sustainable responses to complex challenges. We need both new types of knowledge and new modes of knowledge production. Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinarity have the potential to support more congruently complex forms of knowledge (differentiated, integrated, recursive, emergent, ecosystemically fit). Their success is dependent on a deeper understanding of their own organizational complexity. In this paper, I highlight key knowledge gaps and research questions for the development of a richer knowledge base to guide the intentional management and facilitation of Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinary Relations toward creative and abductive outcomes. I defend the investigation of creativity and abduction, as hallmarks of the complexity of Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinarity, from a process, relational and complexity-informed perspective, mobilizing contributions from Psychology. I discuss Psychology’s modes of engagement with Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinarity in addressing complex challenges. In this context, I introduce the notion of “dissolution” as an Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary relational process supporting the theoretical, methodological and pragmatic enrichment or transformation and increased complexity of different disciplines, bodies of knowledge or modes of knowing. Finally, I propose a new domain for research and practice: a (“Dissolved”) Psychology of Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Relations.
Journal of Community Psychology, Aug 12, 2015
Communities play a special role in the development of families and their children. Community-base... more Communities play a special role in the development of families and their children. Community-based family support is recognized as an efficient and respectful way of helping families with complex lives. Researchers who strive to produce and share relevant knowledge with them should be concerned with the development, implementation, and assessment of these programs as well as working with the community itself to build the knowledge-guiding program development and community action. In this brief report, the authors report the process and results of 4 collaborative community reflection meetings aimed at strengthening and promoting the positive development of the families and children in the communities. We present the results of a qualitative analysis aimed at describing the communities' preferred future and identifying the processes leading to them.
An Operational Framework for Complex Thinking
SpringerBriefs in complexity, 2020
In this chapter, we present a detailed description of the framework for Complex Thinking introduc... more In this chapter, we present a detailed description of the framework for Complex Thinking introduced in previous chapters. We present and define a set of 9 dimensions for complex thinking and a total of 24 properties to guide practice. We discuss the current stage of development of the framework and set up a number of questions to be addressed by future investigations.
Introduction: Thinking Complexity
SpringerBriefs in complexity, 2020
The history of Humanity is a history of transformation of the ways humans have coupled with, and ... more The history of Humanity is a history of transformation of the ways humans have coupled with, and acted, in relation to the world (Baggini 2018), in its different dimensions. Different modes of thinking, framed by different value systems, have prompted and promoted distinct modes of action. The necessity to think complexity is widely expressed in the literature (Gershenson and Heylighen 2004). It is visible in the circulation of concepts such as ‘complex thinking’, ‘complexity thinking’, ‘complex systems thinking’, amongst others. However, the definition of these concepts is not always clear and their usage may relate to very different ontological, epistemological and pragmatic stances (Melo et al. 2019). Following the seminal contributions of Morin (1990, 2005, 2014) and his focus on the epistemic implications of Complexity, we defend the development of the concept of Complex Thinking as a particular mode of coupling with the world which is congruent with its complexity. We introduce key features to which, we believe, any proposal for Complex Thinking must attend to, and a number of dimensions entering into its conceptualisation. We introduce our proposal of a framework for complex thinking grounded in a relational perspective and in the following features: differentiation, integration/interconnectedness, recursiveness and emergence.
Complex Thinking as the Complexity of the Coupling Observer—World: Processes and Outcomes
SpringerBriefs in complexity, 2020
The qualitative report, Feb 27, 2017
This paper reports an exploratory discovery-oriented study aimed at inspecting change processes a... more This paper reports an exploratory discovery-oriented study aimed at inspecting change processes and dynamics in families referred by the Courts and Child Protection Services for family assessment in the Integrated Family Assessment and Intervention Model (IFAIM; Melo & Alarcão, 2011, 2013) due to child neglect. The families received support for change during an assessment aimed at facilitating and exploring their potential for change. The parents reported, in quantitative diaries, their family's experiences and changes inside and outside the sessions. We coded the data with a qualitative coding-scheme emergent from a preliminary qualitative exploration based on grounded theory methods and sensitizing concepts from Complexity Science and Dynamic Systems Theories. Core categories of Trajectories of States, Trajectories of Coordination and Influence and Other Coordination Effects emerged as relevant indicators to understand the families' potential for change, describing basic dynamic change processes and contributing to understand therapeutic outcomes. We discuss the implications of the results and directions for future studies.
Uploads
Papers by Ana Teixeira de Melo