Developed in partnership with ICAD, the program focuses on preventing risk behaviors and academic success, expanding to all courses next year.
The Risks & Challenges Program, scientifically validated for the development of life skills in first-year higher education students, had its second edition this academic year, targeting a group of first-year students from the Bachelor's degree in Psychology.
This program, under the responsibility of the Institute for Addictive Behaviors and Dependencies (ICAD, IP), was implemented by Dr. Ana Simão, within the context of an ongoing collaboration between this entity and ISMAT.
With the following objectives:
- Facilitate the student's adaptation and success in the higher education context;
- Promote the building of a social support network among students;
- Promote protective behaviors and prevent health risk behaviors;
- Develop personal and interpersonal skills;
- Promote the adoption of healthy lifestyles;
- Decrease dropout rates during the first year of higher education, incorporating influence and skill development strategies through an active and participatory methodology.
The program was carried out over 8 weekly sessions of 2 hours each.
The intervention was conducted with a group of fifteen first-year students from the Bachelor's degree in Psychology.
As entering higher education is a phase of multiple challenges and adjustments, we consider the continuity of these initiatives to promote adaptation and preventive action against associated risks to be crucial.
Therefore, in the next academic year, the goal is to continue this collaboration, with the program being open to first-year students from any study cycle at ISMAT.
