Marta Brás

Marta Brás serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Algarve's Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, where she conducts teaching, research, and community outreach. She holds a PhD in Psychology with specialization in suicidology from the same institution. Her professional affiliations include:

• Clinical Psychologist at University of Algarve's Psychology Service (2017–present)
• Integrated Researcher at Psychology Research Centre (CIP), Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa (2018–2024)
• Associate Member at Center of Research about Space and Organizations (2014–2017)

Her research examines psychological vulnerabilities to suicidal behaviors, prevention strategies, and family impacts of self-destructive acts. Key interests include:

• Adolescent suicidology and protective factors
• Perfectionism and emotion regulation pathways
• Cross-cultural validation of mental health instruments
• Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions

Recent publications (2021–2025) demonstrate strong focus on suicidal ideation predictors in young adults, with recurring themes including perfectionism dynamics, gratitude/optimism as buffers, family systemic influences, and psychometric validation of assessment tools. Methodologies span longitudinal designs, randomized trials, and systematic reviews.

She leads significant national projects including PERMIND (perfectionism prevention in universities) and Projeto +Contigo, Portugal's adolescent suicide prevention initiative. Current work explores mental health literacy in academic settings through the 'Saúde Mental: Que história contas?' program.