Dr. Flavio Epstein
Campus: Lisbon, Portugal
Academic and personal websites:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Flavio_Epstein/publications
https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/2249538
https://www.linkedin.com/in/flavio-epstein-phd/
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
Overview of research interest & accomplishments
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.
Research Projects
Selected publications and outputs
- 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
- Epstein, F. R., Trammel, J., Liu C. M., Denhaerynck, K., Dobbels, F., Russell, C. & De Geest, S. (2022). A secondary analysis from the international BRIGHT study for gender differences in adherence to nonpharmacological health-related behaviors after heart transplantation. Progress in Transplantation,32(2), 138-147. https://doi.org/10.1177/15269248221087435
- Epstein, F. R. (2018). Review of perceptual hypnosis: A spiritual journey toward expanding awareness by Frederick Woodard. Journal of Scientific Exploration, 32(1), 197-200. https://doi.org/10.31275/2018/1254
- Epstein, F. R., Liu, C. M. & Stevenson, J. M. (2018). Heart transplant recipients prefer a telemental health cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention delivered by telephone. Telemedicine and e-Health, 24 (12), 1017 – 1023. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2018.0088
Selected Invited Peer Review
- Attitude towards palliative care among healthcare workers in Kwara State University Teaching Hospital. Journal of Family Medicine and Healthcare (2025).
- The Impact of Relational Depth on Subjective Wellbeing in Close Relationships in the Community.” Journal of Humanistic Psychology (2023).
- 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).
Conference attendance and proceedings
GLMA Annual Conference on LGBTQ+ Health – Presentation: Exploring Narrative Data on Gay Men´s Long-Term Relationships to Improve Healthcare Delivery Among Patients with Advanced Chronic Illness (October 2025).
Research group affiliations
University of Lisbon´s Medical School – Member of the Cardiovascular Centre´s research team (2023-Present).
American Psychological Association awards
- Best Poster Case Study (2018): Improving assertiveness in the workplace through hypnosis: A case study. APA Division 30. Saybrook University.
- Best Poster Paper (2017): Hypnosis in palliative care. APA Division 30. Saybrook University.
Membership of external committees
American Psychological Association, Division 52, International Psychology – Member of the Webinars´Team (2025-Present).
Research grants information
In February 2016, I applied as Consortium Coordinator for a Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS) European grant to evaluate the level of integration within multidisciplinary teams, in collaboration with partners in Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Current teaching
- Biological Psychology (PL1030) – Term 1
- Qualitative Research (PL1040) – Term 2
- Developmental Psychology (1020) – Term 2
