José Luís Pais Ribeiro

Dr. José Luís Pais Ribeiro is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, where he has maintained an active research and teaching position since 1984. He is affiliated with CIAFEL (Research Center in Physical Activity, Health and Leisure) and serves as an Integrated Member of the Health Team. His academic credentials include a Psychology degree (1984), Health Psychology specialization (1994), and advanced Psychology studies (2006), all from the University of Porto.

• PhD in Psychology (2006), University of Porto
• Specialization in Health Psychology (1988-1994), University of Porto
• Bachelor in Psychology (1978-1984), University of Porto

Dr. Pais Ribeiro's research focuses on the positive dimensions of health psychology, particularly quality of life, subjective well-being, happiness, and satisfaction with life across diverse populations. His work examines psychological variables that predict good adjustment to life in both healthy individuals and those with chronic conditions across all age groups, following the Values in Action (VIA) classification project. He investigates developmental transitions and how to promote positive adjustment through self-regulation oriented programs.

His extensive publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding psychological adjustment across various contexts, with recent work focusing on pandemic impacts, chronic disease management, and positive youth development. The thematic analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on resilience factors during crises, cultural adaptations of psychological instruments, and the interplay between social support, coping strategies, and quality of life outcomes.

Dr. Pais Ribeiro maintains active research collaborations across Portugal and internationally, with significant contributions to health psychology literature through 692 publications that have garnered 366,368 reads and 10,689 citations. His work bridges clinical practice and academic research, emphasizing practical applications for improving psychological well-being.

He leads research initiatives within the Health Team at the University of Porto, contributing to the development of assessment tools and intervention programs focused on quality of life enhancement. His laboratory work centers on validating psychological instruments for Portuguese populations and examining the mechanisms through which positive psychological constructs influence health outcomes.