Spiritual Needs Questionnaire (SpNQ)

Reference: Bssing, A., Balzat HJ, Heusser P: Spiritual needs of patients with chronic pain diseases and cancer -
validation of the spiritual needs questionnaire. Eur J Med Res 2010; 15, 266-273.
Bssing A, Janko A, Kopf A, Lux EA, Frick E: Zusammenhnge zwischen psychosozialen und
spirituellen Bedrfnissen und Bewertung von Krankheit bei Patienten mit chronischen Erkrankungen.
Spiritual Care 2012; 1: 57-73

Language: German, English, Chinese, French, Polish, Nigerian, Malaysian, Indonesian

Contact: Prof. Dr. med. Arndt Bssing, University Witten/Herdecke, Germany; Email: arndt.buessing@uni-wh.de

Copyright: Prof. Dr. med. Arndt Bssing, University Witten/Herdecke

Origin: Original instrument.

Purpose: For many patients confronted with chronic diseases, spirituality/religiosity is an important resource
for coping. However, patients often report unmet psychosocial and spiritual needs. Caring for these
secondary needs is not only relevant to patients at the end of their life but also to those suffering from
long-term chronic illnesses. One could identify four core dimensions of spiritual needs, i.e.,
Connection, Peace, Meaning/Purpose, and Transcendence, which can be attributed to underlying
psychosocial, emotional, existential, and religious needs.

Population: Can be used in adults with chronic diseases.

Administration:
Rater: Self, telephone or interview-administered; either as a diagnostic tool, or as an instrument for
research

Time Required: 5 min. for self administration

Training: none

Scoring: The patients rate whether they currently have the respective needs (yes / no), and how strong
they were to them. To measure the significance of spiritual needs for the individual, the instrument
uses a 4-point scale from disagreement to agreement (0 - not at all; 1 - somewhat; 2 - strong; 3 -
very strong).

Description: The questionnaire can be used either as a diagnostic tool with 27 items, or as a contextual 19-item
research instrument (with some optional items) which differentiates 4 main factors, i.e.,

1. Religious (alpha = .92), i.e., praying for and with others, and by themselves, participate at a
religious ceremony, reading of spiritual/religious books, turn to a higher presence (i.e. God,
angels etc.)

2. Inner Peace (alpha = .82), i.e., wish to dwell at places of quietness and peace, plunge into
the beauty of nature, finding inner peace, talking with other about fears and worries,
devotion by others

3. Existential (Reflection / Meaning) (alpha = .82) i.e., reflect previous life, talk with someone
about meaning in life / suffering, dissolve open aspects in life, talk about the possibility of a
life after death, etc.

4. Actively Giving / Generativity (alpha = .74) addresses the active and autonomous intention
to solace someone, to pass own life experiences to others, and to be assured that your life
was meaningful and of value
Depending on the population (i.e., elderly living in retirement homes), some of the main factors may
split into sub-dimensions which may involve some of the optional items.

Currently we test a shorter version for adolescents with chronic health affections.

Coverage: Research and Clinical

Reliability: The internal consistency estimates of SpNQ 2.1 range from .74 to .92.

Validity: Religious Needs correlate very strong with the SpREUK scale Trust in Higher Guidance (r>.7), and
strongly also with Search for Support / Access and Reflection (Positive Interpretation of Disease).
Both Existential Needs and Actively Giving are moderately correlated with the SpREUK scales, while
needs for Inner Peace was just weakly associated. In patients with chronic pain conditions, Existential
Needs were moderately associated with the escape-avoidance strategy (Escape from Illness).
Spiritual Needs are just weakly associated with life satisfaction, particularly Actively Giving (which
is a factor attributed to the Connection category) was associated with life satisfaction (r = .17; p =
.012), and negatively with patients symptom scores (r = -.29; p < .0001), while need for Inner Peace
was weakly associated with patients satisfaction with the treatment efficacy (r= .24; p < .0001).
Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that anxiety had a significant impact on cancer
patients needs for Inner Peace, Existential Needs, and Actively Giving. In patients with fibromyalgia,
particularly Inner Peace needs and Existential Needs correlated with different domains of reduced
mental health, particularly with anxiety, the intention to escape from illness, and psychosocial
restrictions.

Strengths: The instrument avoids exclusive religious terminology and is suited both in secular and also in
religious societies. The needs for Inner Peace, which was of strongest relevance for patients with
chronic pain diseases and cancer, can be interpreted as their intention to return to a peaceful state of
save completeness. The aspect of Actively Giving / Generativity seems to be of outstanding
importance too, because it can be interpreted as patients intention to leave the role model of a
`passive sufferer to become an active, self-actualizing, giving individual.

Bibliography

Bssing A, Balzat HJ, Heusser P. Spirituelle Bedrfnisse von Patienten mit chronischen Schmerz- und Tumorerkrankungen.
Perioperative Medizin 2009, 1, 248.
Bssing A., Balzat HJ, Heusser P. Spiritual needs of patients with chronic pain diseases and cancer - validation of the spiritual needs
questionnaire. Eur J Med Res 2010, 15, 266-273.
Bssing A, Koenig HG. Spiritual Needs of Patients with Chronic Diseases. Religions 2010; 1: 18-27.
Hcker A: Spiritualitt/Religiositt und Lebenssinn bei Krebspatienten. Thesis at the Institute of Medical Psychology, University
Hamburg Eppendorf; 2011
Bssing A, Lux EA, Janko A, Kopf A: Psychosoziale und spirituelle Bedrfnisse bei Patienten mit chronischen Schmerz- und
Krebserkrankungen. Deutsche Zeitschrift fr Onkologie 2011; 41: 39-73
Bssing A, Janko A, Kopf A, Lux EA, Frick E: Zusammenhnge zwischen psychosozialen und spirituellen Bedrfnissen und
Bewertung von Krankheit bei Patienten mit chronischen Erkrankungen. Spiritual Care 2012; 1: 57-73
Bssing A, Zhai Xiao-feng, Wenbo Peng, Changquan Ling: Psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients with chronic diseases:
validation of the Chinese version of the Spiritual Needs Questionnaire. Journal of Integrative Medicine 2013; 11(2):106-15.
Bssing A, Janko A, Baumann K, Hvidt NC, Kopf A: Spiritual Needs among Patients with Chronic Pain Diseases and Cancer Living
in a Secular Society. Pain Medicine 2013; 14: 13621373
Erichsen NB, Bssing A: Spiritual Needs of Elderly living in Retirement / Nursing Homes. Evidence-based Complementary and
Alternative Medicine 2013; Article ID913247.
Offenbaecher M, Kohls N, Toussaint LL, Sigl C, Winkelmann A, Hieblinger R, Walther A, Bssing A: Spiritual needs in patients
suffering from fibromyalgia. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013; Article ID 178547, 13 pages
Bssing A, Pilchowska I, Surzykiewicz J: Spiritual Needs of Polish patients with chronic diseases. Journal of Religion and Health
2015; 54(5): 1524-1542
Hcker A, Krll A, Koch U, Mehnert A:.Exploring spiritual needs and their associated factors in an urban sample of early and
advanced cancer patients. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2014; 23(6):786-794. doi: 10.1111/ecc.12200.
Man-Ging CI, ven Uslucan J, Fegg M, Frick E, Bssing A: Reporting Spiritual Needs of Older Adults Living in Bavarian
Residential and Nursing Homes. Journal of Mental Health, Religion and Spirituality 2015
(http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2015.1100159)
 SpNQ 2.1
Each person has its own and unique point of view. The following statements were mentioned by several
other patients, and they must not necessarily apply to yours.
Please read the statements you will find here carefully and then indicate how true each is for you and
your current situation by circling one number per line. When you do have a respective need (Yes),
then indicate how strong it is. Otherwise, circle the No option
Please be as honest and true as possible: There is no `right or `wrong answer.
If YES,
During the last time, did you have had the Agreement how strong is this need ?
needs No Yes some- strong very
what strong
N2
To talk with others about your fears and worries? 1 2 3
N3 *
That someone of your religious community (i.e. 1 2 3

pastor) cares for you?
N4
To reflect your previous life? 1 2 3
N5
To dissolve open aspects of your life? 1 2 3
N6
To plunge into beauty of nature? 1 2 3
N7
To dwell at a place of quietness and peace? 1 2 3
N8
To find inner peace? 1 2 3
N10
To find meaning in illness and/or suffering? 1 2 3
N11
To talk with someone about the question of 1 2 3

meaning in life?
N12
To talk with someone about the possibility of life 1 2 3

after death?
N13
To turn to someone in a loving attitude? 1 2 3
N14
To give away something from yourself? 1 2 3
N15
To solace someone? 1 2 3
N16
To forgive someone from a distinct period of your 1 2 3

life?
N17
To be forgiven? 1 2 3
N18
To pray with someone? 1 2 3
N19
That someone prays for you? 1 2 3
N20
To pray for yourself? 1 2 3
N21
To participate at a religious ceremony (i.e. 1 2 3

service)?
N22
To read religious / spiritual books? 1 2 3
N23
To turn to a higher presence (i.e.,God, Allah)? 1 2 3
N24*
For being complete and safe? 1 2 3
N25*
To feel connected with family? 1 2 3
N26
To pass own life experiences to others? 1 2 3
N27
To be assured that your life was meaningful and of 1 2 3

value?
N28*
To be re-involved by your family in their life 1 2 3

concerns?
N30*
To receive more support from your family? 1 2 3
In case you have further specific needs you would like to let us know:
X1
1 2 3
X2
1 2 3
X3
1 2 3
Prof. Dr. Arndt Bssing, Witten/Herdecke University

* Optional items to be used in elderly living in residential (nursing) homes etc.

 SpNQ 2.1
Im Folgenden finden Sie Aussagen zu bestimmten Bedrfnissen, wie sie von anderen Menschen
geuert wurden. Bitte berprfen Sie, inwieweit diese fr Sie persnlich in der letzten Zeit zutreffen.
Wenn dieses Bedrfnis fr Sie besteht, dann geben Sie bitte auch an, wie stark dieses bei Ihnen
ausgeprgt ist.
Wenn ja:
Zustim- Wie stark ist dieses
Haben sie in der letzten Zeit das Bedrfnis gehabt mung Bedrfnis bei Ihnen?
Nein Ja gering mittel gro
N2 1 2 3
mit jemandem ber Ihre ngste und Sorgen reden zu

knnen?
N3 * 1 2 3
dass sich jemanden aus Ihrer Gemeinde (z.B.

Seelsorger, Pfarrer) um sie kmmert?
N4
auf Ihr bisheriges Leben zurckzuschauen? 1 2 3
N5
ungelste Dinge aus Ihrem Leben zu klren? 1 2 3
N6
In die Schnheit der Natur eintauchen zu knnen? 1 2 3
N7 1 2 3
an einem Ort der Ruhe und des Friedens verweilen zu

knnen?
N8
inneren Frieden finden zu knnen? 1 2 3
N10 1 2 3
einen Sinn in Ihrer Krankheit oder Leiden sehen zu

knnen?
N11 1 2 3
mit jemandem die Frage nach dem Sinn im Leben

ansprechen zu knnen?
N12 1 2 3
mit jemandem ber die Mglichkeit eines Lebens nach

dem Tod reden zu knnen?
N13
sich jemandem liebevoll zuwenden zu knnen? 1 2 3
N14
etwas von sich verschenken zu wollen? 1 2 3
N15
jemandem Trost spenden zu knnen? 1 2 3
N16 1 2 3
jemandem aus einem bestimmten Abschnitt Ihres

Lebens vergeben zu knnen?
N17
dass Ihnen vergeben wird? 1 2 3
N18
mit jemandem zu beten? 1 2 3
N19
dass jemand fr sie betet? 1 2 3
N20
selber zu beten? 1 2 3
N21 1 2 3
an einer religisen Feier (z.B. Gottesdienst)

teilnehmen zu knnen?
N22
religise/spirituelle Bcher/Schriften zu lesen? 1 2 3
N23 1 2 3
sich an eine hhere Prsenz (Gott, Engel.) wenden

zu knnen?
N24*
wieder vollstndig und heil sein zu knnen? 1 2 3
N25*
mit der Familie verbunden zu sein. 1 2 3
N26
ihre Lebenserfahrungen weitergeben zu knnen? 1 2 3
N27 1 2 3
Gewissheit zu haben, dass das eigene Leben sinn-

und wertvoll war?
N28* 1 2 3
von der eigenen Familie wieder strker in deren

Lebensalltag einbezogen zu sein?
N30*
von meiner Familie mehr Rckhalt zu bekommen? 1 2 3
Falls Sie noch weitere spezifische Bedrfnisse haben, die Sie mitteilen wollen.
X1
1 2 3
X2
1 2 3
X3
1 2 3
Prof. Dr. Arndt Bssing, Witten/Herdecke University
 Poniej znajduj si wypowiedzi osb dotyczce potrzeb psycho-spoecznych i
duchowych.
Prosz sprawdzi, jak dalece dotycz one Pani/Pana osobicie w ostatnim czasie.
Jeli Pani odczuwaa/Pan odczuwa rwnie takie potrzeby,
prosz poda w jakim stopniu one wystpuj.
Jeli tak, to
Czy ostatnio odczuwaa Pani/odczuwa Pan Dotyczy jak silna jest ta potrzeba
potrzeb u Pani/Pana?
Nie Tak maa rednia dua
N1* wikszej uwagi ze strony innych? 1 2 3
N2 moliwoci rozmowy z kim o wasnych obawach 1 2 3

i troskach?
N3* eby kto ze wsplnoty parafialnej (np. ksidz) 1 2 3

zatroszczy si o Pani/Pana?
N4 spojrzenia wstecz na swoje ycie? 1 2 3
N5 wyjanienia nierozwizanych spraw w Pani/Pana 1 2 3

yciu?
N6 moliwoci zgbienia pikna przyrody? 1 2 3
N7 moliwoci przebywania w miejscu ciszy i spokoju? 1 2 3
N8 moliwoci znalezienia spokoju wewntrznego? 1 2 3
N10 moliwoci poznania sensu Pani/Pana choroby lub 1 2 3

cierpienia?
N11 moliwoci porozmawiania z kim na temat sensu 1 2 3

ycia?
N12 moliwoci porozmawiania z kim o yciu po mierci? 1 2 3
N13 moliwoci serdecznego zwrcenia si do kogo? 1 2 3
N14 chci dania czego od siebie? 1 2 3
N15 moliwoci pocieszenia kogo? 1 2 3
N16 moliwoci przebaczenia komu? 1 2 3
N17 przebaczenia Pani/Panu? 1 2 3
N18 modlitwy z kim? 1 2 3
N19 eby kto si pomodli za Pani/Pana? 1 2 3
N20 pomodlenia si? 1 2 3
N21 moliwoci uczestnictwa w uroczystoci religijnej 1 2 3

(np. mszy wietej)?
N22 czytania ksiek religijnych/duchowych? 1 2 3
N23 moliwoci zwrcenia si do si wyszych (Bg, 1 2 3

anio.)?
N24* moliwoci bycia ponownie caym i zdrowym? 1 2 3
N25* bycia zwizanym z rodzin? 1 2 3
N26* moliwoci przekazania Pani/Pana dowiadcze 1 2 3

yciowych?
N27* poczucia pewnoci, e wasne ycie miao sens i byo 1 2 3

wartociowe?
N28* ponownego silniejszego wczenia si w ycie 1 2 3

codzienne wasnej rodziny?
N29* zapraszania przez przyjaci na prywatne spotkania? 1 2 3
N30* otrzymania wikszego wsparcia od rodziny? 1 2 3

Prof. Dr. Arndt Bssing, University Witten/Herdecke (Polish translation: Prof. DDr. Janusz Surzykiewicz)

* Optional Items
 Besoins psycho-sociaux et spirituels
Chaque personne a un point de vue personnel et unique. Les dclarations suivantes ont t rapportes
par plusieurs autres patients et elles ne s'appliquent pas ncessairement vous.
Lisez s'il vous plat soigneusement les dclarations que vous trouverez ci-dessous et indiquez ensuite si
vous tes daccord ou pas et si oui, indiquez en entourant la rponse pour chaque ligne, quel est le
degr de votre accord, dans votre situation actuelle.
S'il vous plat soyez le plus spontan(e) possible : Il n'y a pas de bonnes ou de mauvaises rponses.
Accord Si oui, quelle est lintensit de ce
Ces derniers temps, vous avez ressenti le besoin besoin ?
Non Oui Faible Fort Extrmement
fort
Dune plus grande attention de la part des autres ? 1 2 3
De parler avec d'autres de vos craintes et soucis ? 1 2 3
Que quelqu'un de notre communaut (comme l'aumnier) se 1 2 3

soucie de vous ?
De rflchir votre vie passe ? 1 2 3
Deffacer certains aspects de votre vie ? 1 2 3
De plonger dans la beaut de la nature ? 1 2 3
De rester dans un endroit de tranquillit et la paix ? 1 2 3
De trouver la paix intrieure ? 1 2 3
De trouver une signification la maladie et/ou la 1 2 3

souffrance ?
Parler avec quelqu'un de la question du sens de la vie ? 1 2 3
De parler avec quelqu'un de la possibilit dune vie aprs la 1 2 3

mort ?
De donner votre affection quelqu'un ? 1 2 3
De donner quelque chose de vous ? 1 2 3
De consoler quelqu'un? 1 2 3
De pardonner quelqu'un pour un vnement antrieur de 1 2 3

votre vie ?
Dtre pardonn(e)? 1 2 3
De prier avec quelqu'un? 1 2 3
Que quelquun prie pour vous ? 1 2 3
De prier pour vous-mme ? 1 2 3
De participer une crmonie religieuse (comme une messe, 1 2 3

etc.) ?
De lire des livres religieux et/ou des livres spirituels ? 1 2 3
De vous tourner vers une prsence suprieure (c'est--dire. 1 2 3

Dieu, Anges etc.)
Dtre sain et sauf ? 1 2 3
De se sentir plus en lien avec sa famille ? 1 2 3
De recevoir plus de soutien de la part de votre famille ? 1 2 3
De faire profiter les autres de son exprience difficile ? 1 2 3
Dtre rassur sur le sens et la valeur de votre vie? 1 2 3
Dtre davantage impliqu(e) dans la vie de famille au 1 2 3

quotidien ?
De recevoir plus de soutien de mon binme ou collgue 1 2 3

de travail ?
De recevoir plus de soutien de mon chef ? 1 2 3
 Kuesioner Spiritual
Setiap orang memiliki sudut pandang sendiri dan unik. Pernyataan berikut disebutkan oleh beberapa
pasien lain, dan belum tentu hal tersebut sesuai dengan anda. Bacalah pernyataan berikut dengan
cermat, tandailah seberapa benar masing-masing pernyataan itu sesuai dengan diri anda, dan sesuai
dengan keadaan anda saat ini dengan melingkari nomor di setiap barisnya.
Lakukan dengan jujur dan benar: tidak ada jawaban salah ataupun benar
Jika YA,
Selama beberapa waktu ini, apakan anda Persetujuan Seberapa besar
mempunyai kebutuhan untuk .. kebutuhan itu?
Tidak Ya Agak Sangat Amat
sangat
Lebih disayang dari orang lain? 1 2 3
Berbicara dengan orang lain mengenai ketakutan dan 1 2 3

kekhawatiran anda?
Bahwa seseorang dalam lingkungan kita (seperti 1 2 3

pemuka agama) peduli dengan anda?
Merenungkan kembali hidup anda sebelumnya? 1 2 3
Menghilangkan aspek keterbukaan dalam hidup 1 2 3

anda? (menjadi orang yang lebih tertutup)
Menyatu (menikmati) dengan keindahan alam? 1 2 3
Tinggal di tempat yang tenang dan damai? 1 2 3
Menemukan kedamaian batin? 1 2 3
Menemukan makna dalam sakit dan atau 1 2 3

penderitaan?
Berbicara dengan orang lain tentang makna akan 1 2 3

kehidupan?
Berbicara dengan orang lain tentang kemungkinan 1 2 3

kehidupan setelah meninggal?
Beralih menjadi orang yang penuh cinta kasih? 1 2 3
Memberikan sesuatu untuk diri anda sendiri? 1 2 3
Menjadi pelipur lara orang lain? 1 2 3
Memaafkan seseorang dari waktu yang berbeda dari 1 2 3

hidup anda?
Dimaafkan? 1 2 3
Berdoa dengan orang lain? 1 2 3
Bahwa seseorang berdoa untuk anda? 1 2 3
Berdoa untuk diri anda sendiri? 1 2 3
Berpartisipasi dalam upacara keagamaan? 1 2 3
Membaca buku spiritual atau buku keagamaan? 1 2 3
Beralih dan mendekat dalam keagungan akan 1 2 3
kehadiran yang lebih tinggi (keesaan, Tuhan,
malaikat)?
Merasa lengkap dan aman? 1 2 3
Merasakan terhubung (dekat) dengan keluarga? 1 2 3
Berbagi pengalaman hidup kepada yang lain? 1 2 3
Diyakinkan bahwa hidup anda bermakna dan punya 1 2 3

arti?
Dilibatkan kembali oleh keluarga anda dalam 1 2 3

berbagai urusan?
Mendapat dukungan yang lebih dari keluarga? 1 2 3
Berunding dengan anak atau cucu? 1 2 3
Prof. Dr. Arndt Bssing, Witten/Herdecke University (Indonesian translation: Nur Laili Fithriana; Staff PSIK FK UNDIP)
 (SpNQ 2.0)

,

, ?

N1 ? 1 2 3
N2 ? 1 2 3
N3 ? 1 2 3
N4 ? 1 2 3
N5 1 2 3
N6 ? 1 2 3
N7 ? 1 2 3
N8 ? 1 2 3
N9 ? 1 2 3
N10 ? 1 2 3
N11 ? 1 2 3
N12 1 2 3
N13 1 2 3
N14 ? 1 2 3
N15 ? 1 2 3
N16 ? 1 2 3
N17 ? 1 2 3
N18 ? 1 2 3
N19 ? 1 2 3
N20 ? 1 2 3
N21 ? 1 2 3
N22 ? 1 2 3
N23 1 2 3
N24 ? 1 2 3
N25* ? 1 2 3
N26* 1 2 3
N27* ? 1 2 3
Prof. Dr. Arndt Bssing, Witten/Herdecke University (Chinese Version)
Cada pessoa tem seus pontos de vista nicos e particulares. As frases abaixo foram ditas por diversos outros
pacientes e podem no se aplicar necessariamente ao que voc pensa. Por favor, leia cuidadosamente as
frases que voc v abaixo e ento indique quo verdadeira elas so para voc e sua situao atual circulando
um nmero por linha. Quando voc achar que uma necessidade (SIM), ento indique quo forte ela . De
outra forma indique a opo NO.
Por favor seja o mais honesto e verdadeiro possvel. No h resposta certa ou errada.
se SIM, qual a
intensidade disso?
Ultimamente, voc tem sentido necessidade de.... no sim
muito
media forte
forte
N2
Falar com os outros sobre seus medos e preocupaes? 1 2 3
N3 *
Que algum de sua comunidade religiosa (ex: pastor, padre) 1 2 3

cuidasse de voc?
N4
Refletir sobre seu passado? 1 2 3
N5
Resolver aspectos em aberto, problemas pendentes na sua 1 2 3

vida?
N6
Ter mais contato com a beleza da natureza? 1 2 3
N7
Permanecer em um lugar de quietude e paz? 1 2 3
N8
Encontrar paz interior? 1 2 3
N10
Encontrar sentido na doena e/ou sofrimento? 1 2 3
N11
Falar com algum sobre o significado da vida? 1 2 3
N12
Falar com algum sobre a possibilidade de vida aps a 1 2 3

morte?
N13
Voltar-se para algum em uma atitude de amor? 1 2 3
N14
Abrir mo, doar algo seu? 1 2 3
N15
Consolar algum? 1 2 3
N16
Perdoar algum de seu passado? 1 2 3
N17
Ser perdoado? 1 2 3
N18
Rezar/orar com algum? 1 2 3
N19
Que algum reze por voc? 1 2 3
N20
Rezar para si mesmo? 1 2 3
N21
Participar de uma cerimnia religiosa (ex: missa, culto)? 1 2 3
N22
Ler livros religiosos/espirituais? 1 2 3
N23
Voltar-se para uma presena maior (ex: Deus, Al)? 1 2 3
N24*
Se sentir completo e seguro? 1 2 3
N25*
Sentir-se conectado com sua famlia? 1 2 3
N26
Transmitir sua prpria experincia de vida a outras pessoas? 1 2 3
N27
Ter certeza de que sua vida teve valor e significado? 1 2 3
Prof. Dr. Arndt Bssing, Witten/Herdecke University; Portuguese Version: Profa. Dra. Tnia Valente and Ana Paula, Universidade Federal do Estado do
Rio de Janeiro - RJ