Narratives and Identity Construction
Research in this axis is set upon studying Narrative/Narrativity both as a process and as a product. We are interested in studying and developing new methodological approaches to collect/construct and also to analyse Narratives, ranging from Single Episodes/Accounts to whole Autobiographical/Life Narratives. We intend to explore how these abilities and their underpinning abilities/structures develop with time/age and across contexts of life and narration. In doing so, ultimately we aim to better understand personal meaning, motivation and what goes into the ever elusive concept of identity construction.
System Care and Child’ Rights
The research line System Care and Child’ Rights has the purpose study issues related with life experiences of child supported by System care. Through an investigação-ação, with qualitative and quantitative studies, this line focuses on children’s life transitions and their participation and information rights. In general, studies on this line aim to: (a) Deepen knowledge about the child’s experience in the context of out-of-home placement and post out-of-home placement; (b) Increase knowledge about the life transitions of children who are or have been in care, namely, from the biological family to the care and the care for the life project defined for them; (c) Increase knowledge about the agency, the involvement and the active participation of the child in these important life events; (d) Develop empirically validated strategies that promote effective participation in relevant events for child; (e) Build intervention’ models empirically grounded that enhance the child’s preparation for they life project; (f) Increase knowledge about the dissemination of research among children.
Clinical and Mental Health
This research line encompasses suicide and suicide prevention study, including both primary and secondary studies, using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Researchers are concerned with improving care for people who attempt suicide and for who lost someone by suicide. The main objectives of this research line are: (a) Increase knowledge about the perspectives and practices of different health professionals; (b) Increase knowledge about parent’s perspectives, difficulties and need of children who self-harmed; (c) Provide evidence about strategies that will reduce suicidal behaviour; (d) Increase Knowledge about suicide impact and to contribute to postvention strategies.