Cristofthe J. Fernandes graduated in Psychology from the Federal University of Ceará (UFC), Brazil, including an academic mobility period at the University of Cologne, Germany. He completed a Master’s degree in Psychology from UFC, with a study period at the University of Porto, Portugal. He is currently a PhD candidate in Psychology at the Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences of the University of Porto, and his doctoral scholarship funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) has already been concluded. Based on the Self-Determination Theory, his doctoral research focuses on the predictive relationships between well-being, mental disorders, and autonomy during the COVID-19 pandemic. He conducted a research stay at the Université Paris Nanterre, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Evgeny Osin, working on the validation of the Comprehensive Relative Autonomy Index (C-RAI) scale using Multidimensional Scaling in the R environment. Currently, Cristofthe is a research fellow on the Time-To-Engage project, which investigates the intentions and behaviors of older adults regarding the use of digital health technologies. 

In addition to his academic pursuits, Cristofthe has a background in clinical psychology, having worked with the NGO Silvestre Gomes on the Bloco Doido é Tu project, which provides psychosocial care. Throughout his professional career, Cristofthe has contributed to national and international research projects, emphasizing evidence-based practices in mental health. His professional and research interests include autonomy as a basic human need, subjective well-being, mental health disorders, community mental health, and using digital technologies in health. His work encompasses a broad conception of mental health, addressing both positive and negative factors, with a commitment to identify ways to improve mental health outcomes through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.