Maria João Alvarez

Maria João Alvarez is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Psychology, University of Lisbon. She teaches courses in Human Sexuality, Health Education, and Educational Psychology, including modules like Introduction to Human Sexuality and Sexual Risk Behaviors (HIV, Condom Use). Her research focuses on health education (e.g., healthy eating, sleep behavior, oral health), sexual risk behaviors (HIV prevention, sex education), and gender studies (sexual double standards, gender violence campaigns).

Notable projects include CRUSh (Casual Relationship Upshots for Sexual Protection, 2018-2022), funded by FCT (PTDC/PSI-GER/28530/2017), and analysis of gender violence prevention campaigns (2000-2025) as a team member under CNPq (407745/2023-8). Her recent work explores casual sexual relationships, gender norms, and health behavior interventions in emerging adults. She contributes to the Interuniversity PhD Program in Psychology as a seminar leader.

Her publications span journals like Current Psychology, Journal of Sleep Research, and Appetite, emphasizing sexual health, behavioral interventions, and health promotion strategies. She applies theoretical frameworks such as the Health Action Process Approach and behavior-change theories in practical contexts.