Dr. Flavio Epstein
Psychology Fellow
I am a Lecturer at Forward College’s Lisbon campus and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology in Cardiology at the University of Lisbon, where I collaborate with an advanced heart failure and palliative care program. I also maintain a part-time private practice in Lisbon and online. I am a health psychologist licensed in both the European Union and California (USA). My research focuses on psychosocial factors in chronic illness, with particular emphasis on cardiac and transplant psychology. In addition, I serve as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Family Medicine and Health Care.
Research Interests
My research focuses on psychosocial factors in chronic illness, with particular emphasis on cardiac and transplant populations. As part of the international BRIGHT study, I have examined determinants of chronic illness management following transplantation, including the role of trust in the transplant team and gender differences in adherence to nonpharmacological health behaviors. This work highlights the importance of relational and behavioral factors in long-term chronic condition outcomes. In addition, my scholarship includes qualitative research on relational development and meaning-making. My work on narratives of gay relationship development and commitment contributes to humanistic and LGBTQ+ psychology by exploring identity, partnership formation, and commitment processes. Together, my research integrates behavioral medicine and humanistic inquiry to better understand how relational, psychological, and contextual factors shape health and lived experience. My research interest includes psychosocial factors in chronic condition, the psychologist role in multidisciplinary medical teams and their dynamics, and LGBTQI+ health.
Selected publications
- Epstein F. R. & Fershtman S. C. (2023). Narratives of gay relationship development and commitment. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 63(5), online. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167818779507
- Mielke, J. Cajita, M., Denhaerynck…Epstein, F. R. (the BRIGHT study team) (2024). Trust in the transplant team associated with the level of chronic illness management – A secondary data analysis of the international BRIGHT study. Transplant International, 11(37), online. https://doi.org/10.3389/ti.2024.11704
- Agreeableness and romantic relationship satisfaction: A meta-analytic review. Environment and Social Psychology (2026).
- An exploratory study of the role of shame and self-compassion in gender differences in depressive symptoms. Journal of Humanistic Psychology (2026).
Current teaching
- Biological Psychology (PL1030) – Term 1
- Qualitative Research (PL1040) – Term 2
- Developmental Psychology (1020) – Term 2
