Brazilian researchers meet online to discuss social distancing: Results from the first symposium of the group of studies and research on psychology and cognition (GEPESPSI)

INTRODUCTION: The Group of Studies and Research on Psychology and Cognition (GEPESPSI) in Brazil has developed important academic and clinical actions on mental health in contexts of difficult psychological handling. OBJECTIVES: GEPESPSI organized a symposium to discuss the psychological effects of isolation due to the strict measures of social distancing. METHODS: 11 psychologists and one speech language pathologist discussed possible contributions to face social distancing in their specific fields of expertise in a virtual symposium of two days. The themes were: university teaching; support to the development of social and emotional competencies among children; the threat of the death of dreams in a phenomenological perspective; resilience and self-esteem; the repercussions of the lack of the school space for socialization; psychological tools for facing isolation; the challenges and perspectives of women who are victims of violence; online therapy for children; the health of workers; suicidal behavior; formulation of educational policies for remote learning and family mental health. RESULTS: 1094 people were enrolled with an average of 400 people participating in each period. 91,1% of which were graduate students of a university. 55,7% were students of Psychology, 12,8% of Pedagogy, 6% of Physical Therapy among other courses. 39,8% of them were from the city of Santos, the others were from different regions of the country. CONCLUSIONS: The feedback given by the participants was positive and involved gains such as sharing experience and knowledge but mainly creating connections to exchange psychological tools as a way of facing the difficulties of social distancing among researchers and graduate students.