This research group focuses on behavioral and psychosocial aspects of physical activity and exercise, nutrition and eating behavior, and obesity/weight control.

Self-Regulation  in  Physical Activity, Nutrition and Obesity

 

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Overview of Research Program

1

Motivational and self-regulatory determinants of health-related behaviors such as physical activity, healthy eating, nature immersion and contemplative practices.

2

The association of physical activity and physical fitness with mental health, with an emphasis on determinants and mechanisms underlying depressive symptomatology

3

Behavior change interventions with an impact on health and well-being, focusing on physical activity, eating behaviour, weight management, and nature-related behaviors.

4

The experience of alternative states of consciousness and the adoption and regulation of behaviors such as physical activity, eating, nature immersion, and contemplative practices.

 
 

Pedro Teixeira Insight 2023 - Behavioral Psychedelics

Get To Know Senior Researcher Pedro Teixeira

 

Symposium ISBNPA 2022 - Psychedelics and Health Behavior Change

News

30 / 09 / 2024

CIPER-SR Participation in the 6th Portuguese Psychologists' Association Congress

The CIPER-SR research team contributed to the 6th Portuguese Psychologists' Association Congress, held from September 25th to 27th in Lisbon.

Pedro Teixeira participated in a panel discussion titled Psicadélicos - Gloriosos (?) Anos 20 (Psychedelics — The Glorious (?) 2020s), exploring the role of psychedelics in mental health, well-being, and society.

Jorge Encantado and PhD student Laura Carvalho gave two presentations. The first, Ayahuasca Use and Public Health in Portugal, shared results from a study comparing public health indicators between Portuguese ayahuasca users and the general population, examining the impact of ayahuasca on physical and mental health. The second presentation, Mental Health Practitioners’ Attitudes and Beliefs About Psychedelic Substances, presented findings on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Portuguese mental health professionals regarding the potential of psilocybin and MDMA in treating mental health conditions.

 

 

 

 

CIPER-SR Participation in the 6th Portuguese Psychologists' Association Congress
09 / 09 / 2024

CIPER-SR Participation in the 38th European Health Psychology Society Conference

The CIPER-SR team participated in the 38th European Health Psychology Society Conference, held in Estoril from September 3rd to 6th, contributing with both a roundtable discussion and a poster presentation.

The roundtable, titled The Psychedelic Renaissance: Opportunities for Behavior Change and Psychological Well-Being, featured researchers Pedro Teixeira, Jorge Encantado, PhD student Laura Carvalho, collaborating researcher Talea Cornelius, and physician Pedro Rodrigues. The session aimed to present update on psychedelic research in behavioral and health psychology as well as discuss mechanisms of change in psychedelic interventions in relation to theories in health psychology. 

PhD student Laura Carvalho also presented a poster with preliminary data from the study Health Behavior Change Through Psychedelics: An International Survey, which indicated that psychedelic users reported positive changes in key health-related behaviors, such as reduced alcohol consumption and increased intake of fruits and vegetables.

 

CIPER-SR Participation in the 38th European Health Psychology Society Conference
02 / 09 / 2024

Pedro Teixeira authors the book Psychedelics - in Portuguese (Psicadélicos - Em Português) published by Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos

Psicadélicos - Em Português, authored by Pedro Teixeira, is an essay providing an overview of the main topics surrounding psychedelics, including their history, potential therapeutic uses, mechanisms of action, and associated risks and precautions.

The publication, from Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos, also examines the scientific and cultural renaissance of psychedelics, discussing recent research developments and the ethical and legal challenges these substances present. In addition to dispelling common misconceptions, the book aims to inform both the general public and health professionals about the current state of this field and the potential of psychedelics as tools for psychological well-being and behavior change.

Psicadélicos - Em Português is an essential read for those looking to better understand this expanding topic.

Pedro Teixeira authors the book Psychedelics - in Portuguese (Psicadélicos - Em Português) published by Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos
01 / 05 / 2024

Pedro Teixeira authors the book Motivations for an Active Life (Motivações para uma Vida Ativa) published by Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos

In May 2024, the Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos published the collection Pela Sua Saúde - Atividade Física e Bem-Estar, which includes the book Motivações para uma Vida Ativa by Pedro Teixeira.

This book aims to provide evidence-based insights to the general public to support behavior change toward a more active lifestyle. Alongside presenting current theories on the motivational components of behavior change, it also details strategies and techniques to help initiate and sustain active behaviors.

 

Pedro Teixeira authors the book Motivations for an Active Life (Motivações para uma Vida Ativa) published by Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos
11 / 09 / 2023

CIPER-SR Participation in the 37th European Health Psychology Society Conference

During the 37th Annual European Health Psychology Society Conference held in Bremen from September 4th to 8th, our team, represented by researcher Jorge Encantado and PhD student Laura Carvalho, presented two innovative posters. One poster delves into the potential health benefits of the psychedelic ayahuasca, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of its effects on well-being, encompassing both physical and mental health. The second poster introduces an international survey protocol designed to explore how psychedelics may contribute to positive health behavior changes.

Our overarching goal is to make meaningful contributions to the academic dialogue concerning the intricate relationship between psychedelics and health behaviour change.

CIPER-SR Participation in the 37th European Health Psychology Society Conference
04 / 09 / 2023

Pedro Teixeira Held a Presentation at the 2023 Insight Conference on Behavioural Psychedelics

At the 2023 Insight Conference in Berlin, taking place from August 30th to September 3rd, our principal investigator, Pedro Teixeira PhD, gave a talk centered on the profound potential of psychedelics in fostering health behavior change. The primary objective of this presentation was to provide an all-encompassing comprehension of potential relationships between psychedelics and health behaviour change, and the potential benefits on physical and mental well-being.

Pedro's work represents a substantial contribution to the ongoing academic dialogue surrounding the intricate relationship between psychedelics and health.

Pedro Teixeira Held a Presentation at the 2023 Insight Conference on Behavioural Psychedelics

Publications