Maria Pertl

Dr. Maria Pertl lectures in Health Psychology at RCSI, specializing in stress-health relationships across chronic illness, addiction, and caregiving contexts. With a PhD from Trinity College Dublin, her research employs mixed methods to examine mental health in vulnerable populations. She holds postgraduate qualifications in Lifestyle Medicine and Medical Education.

Research investigates psychological dimensions of health:

• Stress pathways in dementia caregivers
• Identity reconstruction in addiction recovery
• Mental health interventions in chronic disease

Recent publications explore pandemic impacts on older adults and family-based approaches to diabetes management. She leads studies on depression management in cancer patients and coordinates public involvement initiatives through RCSI's PPI Ignite committee.

Teaching encompasses undergraduate and postgraduate psychology modules across healthcare disciplines. Professional service includes committee roles for the Irish Society of Lifestyle Medicine and editorial responsibilities for Health Psychology and Behavioral Medicine.