María Prieto Ursúa

María Prieto Ursúa is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at the Universidad Pontificia Comillas, part of the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences. She has held roles such as Coordinator of Bachelor’s Final Year Projects, Tutor for first-year Psychology students, and Director of the Psychology Department (2007-2013). Her research focuses on clinical psychology (e.g., addiction, youth psychopathy) and health psychology (stress, forgiveness, palliative care). She coordinates the doctoral program 'Individual, Family, and Society' (2013-2016) and has authored over 100 publications. Recognized for her work on forgiveness psychology, she has published books like Perdón y Salud (2017) and Psicología y Ejercicios Espirituales (2021). Her research integrates clinical practice with spiritual and ethical frameworks.

Education:

• PhD in Philosophy and Letters, Universidad Pontificia Comillas

Research Interests: Forgiveness psychology, reconciliation processes in post-conflict societies (e.g., Rwanda), clinical interventions for sexual offenders, and work-related stress in educators. Her work blends quantitative studies (e.g., validation of scales like PNCQS) and qualitative analyses (e.g., caregiver experiences during the pandemic).

Advising & Grants: Directed multiple doctoral theses, held FPI research grants (1990-1993), and contributed to projects on palliative care quality and genocide reconciliation. Her work intersects with healthcare ethics, religious influences, and psychological well-being.

Labs/Teams: Active in research groups on clinical and health psychology, collaborating with institutions like Uninpsi and Betania Centro de Psicología. Coordinates interdisciplinary initiatives linking psychology with spirituality and education.