Perceptions on medicalization and mental health by students aiming at university education

Authors

  • Emilia Suitberta de Oliveira Trigueiro Doutora em Psicologia Escolar e do Desenvolvimento Humano pela Universidade de São Paulo. Mestre em Políticas Públicas e Gestão da Educação Superior pela Universidade Federal do Ceará. Psicóloga formada pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba. Servidora técnico administrativa do Instituto Federal do Ceará campus Crato.
  • Maria Isabel da Silva Leme Professora Doutora do Departamento de Psicologia da Aprendizagem, do Desenvolvimento e da Personalidade do Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17267/2317-3394rpds.v7i2.1857

Keywords:

Medicalization, Pharmacological cognitive enhancement, Intellectual doping

Abstract

Pharmacological cognitive enhancement refers to the use of drugs by healthy individuals aiming at enhancing the brain functioning and the cognitive performance. One of the widely used drugs in Brazil with these aims is Methylphenidate Hydrochloride which has been used by high school and college students aiming at enhancing their productive capacity to meet deadlines and goals. Considering the dissemination of this practice in society, this study was held aiming at characterizing the perception of high-school final-year students from a vocational school in the city of Juazeiro do Norte (CE) on the use of drugs for cognitive enhancement. The research was conducted through two focus groups with the participation of 13 students. Results indicated that enhancement drugs were deemed initially as something positive that could be used on the eve of entrance examinations and help in moments of pressure from parents and school. However, when faced with the opportunity to reflect on the theme, students could perceive the factors involved in the adhesion to the use of substances and what drives them to its consumption. It is concluded in this study that it is important to understand youngsters’ perceptions on this theme so that future interventions can be guided and planned.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biography

  • Maria Isabel da Silva Leme, Professora Doutora do Departamento de Psicologia da Aprendizagem, do Desenvolvimento e da Personalidade do Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo.

    Professora Doutora do Departamento de Psicologia da Aprendizagem, do Desenvolvimento e da Personalidade do Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo.

Published

07/30/2018

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Trigueiro, E. S. de O., & Leme, M. I. da S. (2018). Perceptions on medicalization and mental health by students aiming at university education. Revista Psicologia, Diversidade E Saúde, 7(2), 205-221. https://doi.org/10.17267/2317-3394rpds.v7i2.1857

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >>