Ivanilda Benedito da Costa

Ivanilda Benedito da Costa is a PhD student in Clinical Psychology (Cognitive-Behavioral Orientation) at the Lusophone University and a teaching assistant professor in the BSc program in Psychology at the same institution. She is affiliated with the School of Psychology and Life Sciences and the HEI-LAB (Human Environment Interaction Lab).

• Education: Pursuing PhD in Clinical Psychology at Lusophone University.
• Professional Role: Teaching assistant professor in Psychology, focusing on evidence-based interventions and mental health.

Her research explores the intersection of ethnic-racial identity, self-esteem, and minority stress in emerging adults, with a focus on digital therapy applications. She has published on topics such as maladaptive daydreaming, chronic disorders, and mediated models linking body dissatisfaction to sexual distress.

Her recent publications (2023-2025) span clinical psychology, mental health, and digital therapy, emphasizing sub-fields like self-esteem, maladaptive daydreaming, and ethnic-racial identity. She has presented research on therapeutic considerations for Black women and self-esteem correlations at conferences in 2019 and 2024.

Ivanilda is involved in the HEI-LAB (Human Environment Interaction Lab) and has collaborated on projects related to minority stress, chronic disorders, and digital therapy frameworks.