Trabajos de Titulación - Ingeniería Psicología Clínica
URI permanente para esta colecciónhttps://dspace.ucacue.edu.ec/handle/ucacue/1865
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Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Terapia cognitivo conductual como tratamiento para el consumo de cannabis en adolescentes.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Valdez Tutillo, Karen Nathaly; Campoverde Pesantez, Augusta Ximena; 0302386453Introduction. Cannabis use in adolescence is a growing concern due to its impact on young people's mental health and social integration. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been established as one of the most relevant strategies for addressing this problem, as it focuses on modifying thoughts and behaviors associated with substance use and strengthening relapse prevention skills. Objective. To describe the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a therapeutic intervention to reduce cannabis use in adolescents through a literature review. Methodology. The study was conducted through a descriptive literature review by consulting academic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO. Articles published in the last ten years were included, prioritizing studies in Spanish and English that evaluated the effectiveness of CB in adolescents who use cannabis. Results. The studies reviewed show that CBT contributes to reducing cannabis use in adolescents, preventing relapse, and strengthening coping skills. Recent research indicates that CBT-based programs achieve reductions in consumption of between 20% and 40%. Conclusion. Although cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in reducing cannabis use, more studies employing more rigorous methodologies in varied contexts are required to achieve a deeper understanding of its effectiveness and adapt its implementation to the specific needs of this population.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Eficacia de la estimulación magnética transcraneal en adolescentes con autismo: Una revisión bibliográfica.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Morales Almeida, Cristopher Sebastián; Pacheco Iñiguez, Nataly Gabriela; Vintimilla Espinoza, María José; 0104783733; 0104912050Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that originates in early childhood and affects key areas of an individual’s life, including academic, social, and personal aspects. Given the limitations of conventional treatments, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a non-invasive technique with therapeutic potential for this population. This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of TMS in adolescents with ASD through a descriptive literature review. The studies included in this research were retrieved from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The selection criteria focused on adolescents diagnosed with ASD and treated with TMS according to various protocols. The findings of the reviewed studies revealed several benefits of TMS, including reduction in irritability, repetitive behaviors, and stereotypies, as well as improvements in emotional self-regulation, cognitive flexibility, social skills, and sustained attention. Despite these promising results, the evidence remains preliminary; therefore, the efficacy of TMS cannot yet be considered fully established, as limitations including small sample sizes, lack of protocol homogeneity, and the absence of controlled clinical trials with placebo groups restrict the evidence, positioning current findings as preliminary and limited.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Estimulación magnética transcraneal como tratamiento de las funciones cognitivas, conductuales y sociales en niños y adolescentes en el trastorno del espectro autista: Una revisión bibliográfica.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Arias Quevedo, Ruben Anthony; Alvarez Saquinaula, Daniel Felipe; 0705254852Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in social functioning, cognitive flexibility, and behavioral and emotional self-regulation. Its prevalence in children and adolescents has driven the search for interventions that complement traditional approaches, which often show limited efficacy. In this context, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) has been proposed as a non-invasive neuromodulation technique with therapeutic potential. Objective: This study aims to summarize the available scientific evidence on the use of rTMS for the treatment of cognitive, behavioral, and social functions in children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD. Methodology: A qualitative literature review was conducted using scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Taylor & Francis). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, allowing the selection of studies published between 2012 and 2024, focused on children and adolescents with ASD who underwent rTMS protocols. Results: The results indicate that the most frequent protocols involve low-frequency rTMS (1 Hz) applied to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Evidence reports improvements in sustained attention, cognitive flexibility, reduction of stereotyped behaviors and irritability, and progress in emotional reciprocity and social interaction. Conclusion: rTMS represents a promising intervention for children and adolescents with ASD by modulating cortical plasticity and enhancing functional adaptation. However, there remains a need to standardize protocols and expand longitudinal studies to consolidate its clinical effectiveness.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Impacto de la estimulación magnética transcraneal repetitiva en adultos mayores con enfermedad de Alzheimer.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Córdova Vivar, María Emilia; Arévalo Proaño, Claudia Carolina; 0106605033Introduction: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders affecting older people, progressively impairing the memory, thinking, and daily life of those who suffer from it. Therefore, new non-invasive therapeutic alternatives, such as Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), are being explored to improve compromised cognitive functions. Objective: To determine the impact of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation compared to sham rTMS applied to patients with Alzheimer's disease. Methodology: This study is a literature review compiling research published between 2019 and 2025, using scientific databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. Results: Six articles were analyzed. The studies analyzed demonstrated that rTMS significantly improves cognitive function, memory, and behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease, especially when personalized, high-frequency protocols are applied. These findings demonstrate that rTMS is safe, well-tolerated, and represents an effective non-invasive alternative for cognitive rehabilitation in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Conclusions: Although the benefits were not uniform across all studies, and factors such as stimulation frequency or treatment duration influenced the outcomes, there is evidence supporting its clinical utility. Therefore, rTMS could be considered a valuable tool to support the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Comparación entre Terapia Dialéctica Conductual y Terapia Cognitivo Conductual en la mejora de síntomas psicológicos en adultos jóvenes con Trastorno Límite de la Personalidad.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Benavides Calderón, Bernarda Micaela; Cáceres Torres, Juliana Michelle; Arévalo Proaño , Claudia Carolina; 0107890915; 0105772438Introduction: Personality is a set of stable psychological traits. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) involves emotional instability, impulsivity, and conflictive relationships, requiring treatment to improve individual functioning. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in improving psychological symptoms in young adults diagnosed with BPD. Methodology: A systematic review using the PRISMA method was conducted, with a qualitative and descriptive approach, based on searches in the databases PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and SciELO available through the library of the Catholic University of Cuenca. Results: Nine studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. The findings show that CBT and DBT are effective in reducing symptomatology of borderline personality disorder. DBT and CBT demonstrated consistent results in reducing self- harming behaviors, suicidal ideation, emotional dysregulation, and cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions, respectively. Conclusion: The relevant findings show that both second-generation CBT and third-generation DBT are effective in treating patients diagnosed with BPD. While one focuses on skills training and mechanisms of change, the other targets the restructuring the dysfunctional cognitive core and behavioral strategies. Consequently, the two models complement each other holistically to improve the quality of life and the effectiveness of intervention.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Influencia de la relación materno- filial en el desarrollo de anorexia en mujeres adultas emergentes.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Jáuregui Tintin, Karina Michelle; Vintimilla Espinoza, María José; 0107558736Introduction: The increase in eating disorders (EDs), particularly anorexia, in emerging adult women has raised growing concern, as it is related to family factors, especially the mother- daughter relationship, which can influence body image and eating behaviors, promoting restrictive behaviors and exaggerated concern about weight. General objective: To analyze how the mother- daughter relationship affects the onset of anorexia in emerging adult women. Methodology used: A qualitative literature review was conducted, selecting scientific articles published between 2019 and 2025 in databases such as SciELO, PubMed, Redalyc, Dialnet, ProQuest, and Scopus. Search strategies combined with Boolean operators were used to refine the search for relevant studies. Among the results obtained from the 24 selected documents, certain patterns of interaction between mothers with overprotective attitudes, such as sensitivity to physical appearance, insecure attachment styles, and low emotional cohesion, stand out. These factors have been identified as contributing to the development of anorexia in emerging adulthood. On the other hand, maternal involvement and positive emotional interaction were identified as protective factors. Conclusion: The mother-child relationship is a relevant factor in the development of disordered eating behaviors. Therefore, promoting secure bonds, maintaining open communication, and providing emotional support should be considered fundamental strategies for preventing the disorder.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Alienación parental en la niñez. Una revisión bibliográfica.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Chacha Nieves, Maritza Yessenia; Padilla Samaniego, María Alexandra; 0106204803Introduction: Parental alienation is a psychosocial phenomenon that significantly compromises children's overall development in multiple dimensions of psychological functioning. Objective: To analyze the effects of parental alienation on children's mental health at the emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social levels through a narrative literature review. Method: A literature search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and SciELO databases using Boolean equations, applying inclusion criteria for studies published between 2014 and 2024, and selecting 14 studies that met the established methodological parameters. Results: Parental alienation is a valid psychosocial phenomenon with a prevalence of 25-35% in conflictive divorces, increasing to 80% in high-conflict cases. The effects include emotional disturbances (95% experience emotional pain), cognitive distortions such as mental colonization, disruptive behavioral patterns, and impaired social functioning. Conclusions: Parental alienation represents a form of family violence with devastating consequences that persist into adulthood, requiring specialized interventions that combine judicial authority with systemic family therapy to restore damaged bonds.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Relación entre los rasgos de personalidad y las estrategias de afrontamiento en pacientes con cáncer en cuidados paliativos.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Pesántez Zúñiga, Mateo Sebastían; Tamayo Piedra, Mónica del Carmen; 0105215651Palliative care is a comprehensive approach aimed at improving the quality of life of individuals with serious illnesses, such as cancer, by addressing their physical, emotional, and social dimensions. Several studies have shown that personality traits and coping strategies significantly influence the psychological well-being of terminal oncology patients. This study aims to analyze the relationship between these two factors through a literature review. To do so, a search and analysis of scientific literature published between 2020 and 2025 was conducted in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. Articles that involved patients in palliative care contexts were selected, considering the Five-Factor Personality Model and the Brief COPE questionnaire, excluding those that did not explore this relationship. The results show that patients with higher levels of neuroticism tend to use maladaptive coping mechanisms, while those who exhibit traits of extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness to experience are more likely to employ more adaptive mechanisms, such as planning and acceptance. These findings reflect a direct association between personality profile and ways of coping with illness. Understanding this interaction allows for the identification of consistent patterns in the emotional coping of oncology patients, promoting the design of personalized and effective psychological interventions that strengthen comprehensive palliative care.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Resonancia magnética funcional en agresores sexuales varones adultos.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Puentestar Gómez, Priscila Ibeth; Arévalo Proaño, Claudia Carolina; 1725791881Introduction: Sexual aggression is a complex manifestation resulting from multiple factors, including neurobiological alterations that affect emotional regulation and impulse control. Objective: To analyze the structural brain changes in adult male sexual aggressors using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), identifying alterations in the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala, and their relationship with sexually aggressive behaviors. Methodology: A qualitative and descriptive literature review was conducted. Search strategies were used in databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Taylor & Francis, and Google Scholar. Selection criteria included studies in English and Spanish, published between 2018–2024, focused on adult male sexual aggressors, and with fMRI analysis of brain structures. Results: Deficits in inhibitory control, decision-making, and empathy were related to notable volume decreases in the dorsolateral, orbitofrontal, and ventromedial regions of the prefrontal cortex. The amygdala presented atrophy in the basolateral complex and hypertrophy in the centromedial group, which was related to increased emotional reactivity and problems interpreting social cues. Furthermore, dysfunction was evidenced in the connection between the amygdala and the prefrontal lobe, which promotes aggressive and impulsive behavior. Conclusion: The fMRI findings provide a better understanding of the neurological associations underlying violent sexual behavior. To improve the incorporation of this knowledge into forensic evaluation and treatment, it is recommended to promote standardized methodologies and longitudinal research.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Efectos del mindfulness en comparación con la terapia cognitiva conductual en pacientes con cáncer de mama.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Celi Ortiz, Josué Daniel; León Prieto, María Elizabeth; 0105484687The present research was carried out through a qualitative literature review to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two psychological interventions: Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which were specifically applied to a population of breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to determine which of these approaches demonstrated greater benefits in managing psychological distress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, as well as improving the quality of life. The method was based on the consultation and critical analysis of key scientific literature, including high-impact articles, narrative reviews, and meta-analyses, drawn from specialized databases such as PubMed, SciELO, and Web of Science. The results confirmed that CBT was notably effective in the modification of dysfunctional thought patterns and the significant reduction of anxiety. Meanwhile, Mindfulness-based approaches stood out for their superiority in emotional regulation, the promotion of acceptance, and, crucially, in the attenuation of physical symptoms such as fatigue and sleep disturbance. In conclusion, the literature review established that neither approach should be excluded, since their mechanisms of action and effects on specific symptoms were distinct: Mindfulness proved more effective in the management of fatigue, while CBT prevailed in cognitive restructuring. Therefore, it was suggested that the selection or integration of these approaches must be individualized according to the each patient’s profile.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Repercusiones psicológicas en mujeres diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Rodríguez Tapia, Marlon Ariel; León Prieto, María Elizabeth; 0107170268Breast cancer is one of the most common diseases affecting women worldwide, not only because of its physical impact, but also due to the psychological effects it causes from the moment of diagnosis. This research aimed to analyze the psychological repercussions in women following a breast cancer diagnosis. The studies reviewed reveal the frequent presence of anxiety, depression, fear of recurrence, sleep disturbances, negative impacts on self-image, and difficulties in sexuality. Additionally, variables such as educational level, age, economic status, marital status, and social support were found to directly influence the intensity of these repercussions. The interventions most supported by evidence included cognitive-behavioral therapy, counseling, psychoeducation, and mindfulness. Based on the literature reviewed, it was concluded that women with this condition face various psychological repercussions, influenced by their sociodemographic context and the type of available psychological support, highlighting the complexity of their experience and the need for a comprehensive approach.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Secuelas emocionales en víctimas de abuso sexual en la primera infancia por parte de sus progenitores.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Jimbo Jerez, Gisella Guadalupe; Vintimilla Espinoza, María José; 0105956510Child sexual abuse constitutes a severe violation of human rights that generates profound emotional consequences, especially when perpetrated by parents during early childhood (0–6 years of age), a critical developmental stage characterized by rapid brain growth and the consolidation of cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Any traumatic experience can alter the child's emotional regulation, attachment, and sense of safety. Victims of parental sexual abuse exhibit maladaptive emotional responses such as anxiety, persistent fear, irritability, withdrawal, affective lability, hypersensitivity to signs of threat, and difficulties in establishing secure attachments. These early manifestations can evolve into later disorders, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-harming behaviors, eating disorders, and low self-esteem. The family environment and the parental bond play a determining role. The quality of attachment and the presence of affective care can partially mitigate the effects, while negative parenting styles, parental dysfunction, and domestic violence increase the minor's vulnerability. Risk factors include a history of abuse in the parents, neglect, substance use, and adverse socioeconomic conditions. This study, with a qualitative and descriptive approach, analyzes recent evidence on emotional manifestations and risk factors associated with sexual abuse in early childhood. The findings show that abuse perpetrated by parents not only generates immediate consequences but also compromises long-term emotional, cognitive, and social development, requiring early interventions, prevention strategies, and family support programs that foster resilience, integral well-being, and the protection of victims.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , La terapia cognitivo-conductual como tratamiento del trastorno de ansiedad social en adolescentes: una revisión bibliográfica.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Cajas Ganzhi, Karen Fernanda; Cornejo Criollo, Haidy Carina; Cobos Cobos, María Fernanda; 0302308325; 0150104164Introduction: Social anxiety in adolescents is a highly prevalent emotional disorder that significantly interferes with their psychosocial development, limiting participation in different social and school environments and affecting academic performance and emotional and physical well-being. This condition mainly manifests as intense and persistent fear, generating avoidance behaviors and maladaptive coping strategies during adolescence, a stage characterized by physical, emotional, and social transformations. This problem has affected the construction of self-concept and personal identity. Objective: To analyze whether cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) reduces the symptoms of social anxiety disorder (SAD) in adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. Methodology: A qualitative descriptive review was conducted using the PRISMA methodology, which enabled the search, selection, analysis, and systematization of scientific articles that evaluated CBT-based interventions aimed at adolescents with SAD. Results: The reviewed studies demonstrated that CBT was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms, promoting emotional regulation, strengthening social skills, and preventing relapse. The techniques used were cognitive restructuring, gradual exposure, psychoeducation, and social skills training. Moderating factors such as the severity of the disorder, family support, and the cultural appropriateness of the intervention were recognized. Conclusion: CBT has established as an effective therapeutic model for treating SAD in adolescents, promoting their emotional, social, and academic adjustment and fostering healthier psychological development.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Relación entre las dificultades en la regulación emocional y síntomas de depresión en estudiantes de básica superior y bachillerato del colegio Manuel J. Calle de Cuenca.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Ordoñez Alvarado, Ely Estephanía; Cabrera Guerrero, Juan Aquilino; 0705580439Emotional regulation in adolescents has been widely associated with the onset of depressive symptoms, which highlights the need to understand how these variables interact in school settings. This study was developed to present the correlation between emotional regulation difficulties and depressive symptoms among students of Upper Basic Education and High School levels enrolled in the 2024–2025 school year. This research employed a non-experimental, correlational, and cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 105 students aged 11 to 18 years. Data were collected using the Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Descriptive and correlational statistics were used for data analysis. The results demonstrated a positive moderate-to-strong correlation between emotional regulation difficulties and depressive symptoms (ρ=0.593, p<0.001). Adolescents who reported higher levels of depressive symptomatology also presented greater difficulties in emotional regulation, which aligns with previous research and underscores the importance of implementing intervention strategies to strengthen regulation skills in this population. In conclusion, emotional regulation difficulties indicate a statistically significant association with depressive symptoms in adolescents, suggesting their relevance in this context.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , La influencia de los medios de comunicación en la dismorfia corporal en adolescentes mujeres.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Morocho Sanmartín, Anabel Katherine; Arévalo Proaño, Claudia Carolina; 0106210594Introduction: Nowadays, the digital enhancement of idealized body images has been associated with psychological phenomena such as social comparison, internalization of beauty standards, and self-objectification. This issue is particularly relevant in adolescence, as it is a key stage in identity formation and the pursuit of social acceptance. Objective: This study analyzes the influence of the media on the development of dysmorphic symptoms in adolescent girls, considering the psychological mechanisms involved. Methodology: A narrative literature review was conducted, selecting research articles from 2019 to 2025 found in the Scopus, Taylor & Francis, and PubMed databases, using the following keywords: media, social networks, female adolescents, self-image, media impact, and mental health. Results: The review suggests that some digital media feature stylized body models through the use of edited or filtered images. This content can contribute to processes of upward social comparison and the internalization of body ideals, which, in some instances, is associated with body dissatisfaction and self-image distortion resembling dysmorphic symptoms. Conclusion: Digital platforms do not operate in a neutral or disinterested manner; on the contrary, they foster specific psychological processes, such as social evaluation, self-objectification, and the adoption of aesthetic standards. These processes can intensify during puberty, a critical time in identity formation and social interaction.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Actitudes de los familiares hacia las discapacidades cognitivas en infantes y su influencia en el desarrollo adaptativo.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Álvarez Jara, Ariel Efraín; Arévalo Proaño, Claudia Carolina; 0105176945Introduction. Family attitudes toward cognitive disability in children are a determining factor in their adaptive development, influencing their opportunities for social inclusion and overall well-being. Objective. To analyze family attitudes toward cognitive disabilities in children and their influence on adaptive development. Methodology. A qualitative and descriptive literature review was conducted, selecting scientific articles published between 2019 and 2024 in Spanish and English from high-impact databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria related to currency, thematic relevance, and family context were applied, and data were analyzed based on the coding of emergent themes linked to attitudes and adaptive development. Results. The review showed that favorable family attitudes, such as acceptance, emotional support, and the promotion of autonomy, foster children's self-esteem, family cohesion, and quality of life. In contrast, disapproval, overprotection, and a low willingness to provide support were associated with greater emotional and social difficulties, as well as a lower perception of well-being. Furthermore, family resilience and empowerment were highlighted as key protective factors in coping with adversity. Conclusion. Promoting constructive attitudes and developing parental skills are essential strategies to enhance adaptive development. It is recommended to implement comprehensive interventions and family support programs that facilitate social inclusion and improve children’s quality of life.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Niveles de estrés en el deportista artístico de alto nivel: Una revisión bibliográfica.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Bermeo Bermeo, Karina Alexandra; De Armas Mesa, Idania; 0104764626Athletes are characterized by having better competitive skills than others across different disciplines, which significantly influences their stress levels. This literature review aimed to identify stress levels in elite artistic athletes, given the limited review and understanding of the psychological functioning of athletes in these fields. Scientific articles were selected based on the keywords: artistic athletes, training, stress levels, coping, sports performance and development, and physical-emotional preparation, using the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT. The databases used were Google Scholar, Scopus, SCImago, SciELO, Redalyc, and PubMed. The findings indicate that athletes experience competitions as a highly stressful situation. However, the more experience they have in their discipline and in participating in competitions, the more they develop adequate regulation strategies. On the other hand, high-performance athletes have a repertoire of adaptive coping strategies. Therefore, it was confirmed that participation in sports enhances the development of satisfactory personal capacities. The prevailing strategies are task-oriented, with cognitive strategies being the most frequent. This study concludes that stress levels in the pre-competition stage generate anxiety, which significantly impacts athletic performance. Accordingly, it is essential to consider stress management and the development of adequate coping strategies in the training and education of athletes.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Prevalencia del suicidio consumado pre y post Covid-2019 en la Fiscalía Provincial del Azuay cantón Cuenca, periodo 2016-2023.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) León Segovia, Leonela Samira; Polo Martínez, Eulalia Maribel; 0107133092Introduction: Completed suicide is a global public health problem, a multifactorial phenomenon that is more prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. Ecuador is no exception, with Azuay ranking among the provinces with the highest suicide rates. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated several psychological stressors associated with suicide. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of completed suicide in the canton of Cuenca during the pre-pandemic period (2016-2019) and the post-pandemic period (2020-2023). Methodology: This is a quantitative, retrospective, and cross-sectional field study. The population comprised 350 cases of completed suicide recorded by the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Azuay. Data were obtained from judicial documents (coroner's reports and forensic medical reports). The data were interpreted using absolute frequencies and percentages, and the Chi-square test was applied to identify associations. Results: The pre-pandemic period reported 148 cases, while the post-pandemic period recorded 202 cases, with 2021 showing the highest suicide prevalence (19.4%). The gender with the highest prevalence was men (74.3%), and young adults were the most prevalent age group (40.3%). Among risk factors are previous suicide attempts (16.3%), psychiatric symptoms (38.1%), and romantic conflicts (19.4%). Discussion: An increase in completed suicides was observed during the post-pandemic period. The high prevalence among men and young adults reflects the need to implement prevention programs in these groups that address different risk factors.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Análisis de la aplicación de políticas públicas (2020 - 2024), sobre violencia en adultos mayores en instituciones geriátricas.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Bermeo Romero, Katherine Tatiana; Bernal Sánchez, Noelia Salomé; Vintimilla Espinoza, María José; 0107980898; 0107405631Introduction. Violence against institutionalized older adults is a crucial issue in public health and human rights. It is exacerbated by factors such as inadequate training of healthcare personnel, stereotypes, and the lack of implementation of effective public policies in geriatric institutions. Objective. To analyze the implementation of public policies addressing violence in Latin America between 2020 and 2024, focusing on geriatric centers, assessing their impact, strengths, and weaknesses. Methodology. A qualitative and descriptive literature review was conducted using search strategies applied to high-impact databases such as Latindex, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. In addition, inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied based on subject matter, timeframe (2020-2024), and residential setting. The data obtained were analyzed through a rigorous thematic coding process. Results. Significant conceptual differences were identified in policy implementation across countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru. Although best practices were observed in staff training, prevention protocols, and intersectoral approaches, critical problems persisted, including insufficient state oversight, limited resources, and the continued invisibility of psychological and economic abuse in this vulnerable population. Conclusion. Despite advances in regulatory frameworks, it is essential to strengthen implementation with a holistic approach that recognizes the subjectivity of older adults. Coordinated action among the State, society, and health professionals will ensure safe, dignified, and violence-free institutional environments.Item type: Ítem , Access status: Acceso Abierto , Impacto de la depresión en las funciones ejecutivas en personas adultas mayores con deterioro cognitivo.(Universidad Católica de Cuenca., 2025) Martínez Paida, Erick Javier; Viñanzaca López, Juan Pablo; 0107928194Introduction. Depression and cognitive impairment are common conditions among the older adult population. However, their comorbidity is generally overlooked in clinical and medical approaches, with the psychological aspect and manifestations of depression during cognitive impairment being neglected. Objective. This study aimed to determine how depressive symptoms affect executive functions in older adults with cognitive impairment. Methodology. A narrative review design with a qualitative approach was adopted, and three independent search strategies were implemented for each objective based on items 7, 8, 9, and 16a of the PRISMA 2021 statement, only in high-impact academic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and Taylor & Francis. Results. Sixteen articles were included, distributed by objective. Impotence and anhedonia were the most significant depressive symptoms. Depression was associated with impairment in episodic memory, attention, language, decision-making, and daily functioning. In addition, a prevalence of depression between 21.2% and 31.8% was observed in older adults diagnosed with cognitive impairment. Conclusion. In older adults, depression in the presence of cognitive impairment ―especially symptoms such as helplessness and anhedonia― was found to mainly affect the cognitive functioning. Executive functions are affected in terms of attentional and inhibitory control, decision-making, language, and the ability to generate strategies and solve problems.
