André Neves Barreiros

André Neves Barreiros is an Assistant Professor at the Lusophone University of Porto, with additional roles as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the School of Sport, University of Porto and a Visiting Professor at the Higher School of Sport and Leisure, Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo. His academic career focuses on the psychology of sport and mental health in athletic contexts.

• PhD in Sport Sciences (University of Porto, 2012)
• Master’s in Sport Psychology (Faculty of Human Kinetics, University of Lisbon, 2005)
• Undergraduate in Sport and Physical Education (University of Porto, 2000)

Research interests include talent development environments and the psychological impact of natural exercise contexts on mental health, well-being, and happiness. His work bridges neuropsychological theories with practical training interventions in team sports like handball and soccer. Publications emphasize cross-cultural validation of psychological tools and longitudinal athlete progression models. Articles analyze the relative age effect in team sports, visual behavior in soccer decision-making, and mental strength in high-level tennis. His PhD scholarship from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia supported early research.

Scientific contributions include

• 15+ peer-reviewed publications
• 20+ conference presentations, including the World Congress of Sport Psychology (Taiwan, 2021)
• Advising roles in a PhD thesis and over a dozen Master’s/Bachelor’s projects