Margarida Gaspar de Matos

Margarida Gaspar de Matos is a prominent Researcher at the Center for Research on Psychological, Family and Social Well-Being (CRC-W) at Catholic University of Portugal, with significant contributions to adolescent psychology and well-being research. Her work spans multiple European collaborations and focuses on understanding youth development through psychological, social, and environmental lenses.

Her primary research interests include Adolescence Psychology (100% fingerprint match), Youth Studies (44%), Life Satisfaction (32%), Positive Youth Development (22%), Mental Health (20%), and Quality of Life (19%). Dr. Matos employs mixed-method approaches to investigate how social, emotional, and environmental factors interact to shape adolescent experiences and outcomes across diverse cultural contexts.

Recent publications reveal a strategic focus on mental health assessment tools, environmental health literacy, intergenerational connections, and aggression measurement. Her work demonstrates consistent methodological rigor with applications for evidence-based interventions targeting youth well-being. The 2025 publications particularly emphasize practical measurement tools and cross-disciplinary approaches connecting psychology with environmental sustainability and social engagement.

As Principal Investigator for the ENGAGED project (2025-2027), Dr. Matos leads a major European initiative examining political and community engagement, trust, and identity formation among adolescents and emerging adults across multiple countries. This project represents significant funding and international collaboration in her field.

Her research network shows strong connections between Cultural Identity (100%), Political Identity (100%), Social Engagement (79%), Youth (59%), and Adolescence (59%), reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of her work that bridges psychology, sociology, and public health perspectives on youth development.