Margarida Simões

Margarida Simões is an Assistant Professor at the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Portugal. She is also an Integrated Member of the Center for Educational Research and Intervention (CIIE) at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto. Her academic work spans clinical and forensic psychology with a strong focus on youth development and behavioral disorders.

Education:

• PhD in Psychology, University of Beira Interior, 2012
• Master's in Psychology, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 2010

Her research interests center on Clinical Psychology and Justice, particularly Psychopathy in Adolescence, Juvenile Delinquency, Violence and Child Abuse, Internet and Digital Game Addiction, and School Bullying. She explores the psychological underpinnings of antisocial behavior, moral development, and the impact of digital media on youth mental health. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates psychological, educational, and criminological perspectives.

Her recent publications show a consistent focus on psychopathic traits, their relationship with moral sensitivity, family and peer dynamics, and digital behavioral addictions. She frequently investigates the mediating roles of internet use and emotional regulation in risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults. Her work often involves cross-cultural and validation studies of psychological instruments.

Scientific Contributions:

• Published over 16 journal articles
• Authored 18 book chapters
• Organized 13 academic events
• Participated in multiple FCT-funded research projects

Margarida Simões has supervised 54 MSc dissertations and co-supervised 3, demonstrating a strong commitment to student mentorship. She has been involved in several research projects, including those funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), focusing on moral education, community voices, and digital play addiction. She is a member of the Forensic Psychological Assessment Unit at UTAD and contributes to the Research Center for Sport, Health and Human Development as a collaborating member.

She is actively engaged in research teams at both UTAD and the University of Porto, contributing to projects on digital play addiction, parental mediation, and moral development. Her leadership as Director of the 2nd Cycle in Psychology at UTAD underscores her institutional impact.