Gracia Cristina Villodres | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

 Mrs. Gracia Cristina Villodres l Psychology
| Best Researcher Award

University of Granada | Spain

Mrs. Gracia Cristina Villodres the research emphasizes the interconnection between physical activity, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and cognitive as well as academic performance among children and adolescents, contributing to the advancement of educational health science. Through an interdisciplinary framework integrating education, psychology, and public health, the studies explore how physical activity, Mediterranean diet adherence, and mental well-being collectively influence self-esteem, attention, and academic outcomes. The research also investigates psychological and behavioral determinants such as body image perception, social media influence, and emotional regulation in youth populations. Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including structural equation modeling and systematic reviews, the work provides empirical evidence supporting the role of active and healthy living in enhancing cognitive development and overall well-being. Furthermore, intervention-based projects like RealBody+ assess the efficacy of digital and mobile health applications in promoting positive body image, eating behavior, and physical activity engagement. The outcomes contribute to evidence-based strategies for educational reform, public health promotion, and mental health awareness. International collaborations across Europe, Asia, and North America strengthen the global applicability of the findings, aligning with sustainable development goals related to quality education and good health. Collectively, the research fosters innovation in integrating physical education with psychological resilience and academic excellence.

Featured Publications

Villodres, G. C., García-Pérez, L., Corpas, J. M., & Muros, J. J. (2021). Influence of confinement due to COVID-19 on physical activity and Mediterranean diet adherence and its relationship with self-esteem in pre-adolescent students. Children, 8(10), 848. https://doi.org/10.3390/children8100848

García-Pérez, L., Villodres, G. C., & Muros, J. J. (2023). Differences in healthy lifestyle habits in university students as a function of academic area. Journal of Public Health, 45(2), 513–522. https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdac120

García-Pérez, L., Villodres Bravo, G., Sánchez, F. J. M., Cara, E. M. S., & Molina, J. J. M. (2021). Adherencia a la dieta mediterránea, actividad física y su relación con el nivel socioeconómico en escolares de primaria de la capital de Granada. Retos: Nuevas tendencias en educación física, deporte y recreación, 485–491.

Corpas Ruiz, J. M., & Villodres Bravo, G. C. (2023). Análisis del tiempo de compromiso motor en educación física: Una revisión bibliográfica. Didactic Association Andalucía.

Villodres, G. C., Salvador-Pérez, F., & Muros, J. J. (2024). Factors associated with Mediterranean diet adherence in a sample of high socio-economic status children from southern Spain. Public Health Nutrition, 27(1), e35. https://doi.org/10.1017/S136898002400003X

Cobo, L. N., Villodres Bravo, G., & Padial-Ruz, R. (2025). Efecto de un programa de actividad física y educación nutricional para la mejora de hábitos saludables en educación primaria. Retos: Nuevas tendencias en educación física, deporte y recreación, 479–506.

Sukhjot Kaur | Positive Psychology | Excellence in Research

Ms. Sukhjot Kaur | Positive Psychology | Excellence in Research

Assistant Professor, Akal University Talwandi Sabo

Sukhjot Kaur is a dedicated research scholar in Psychology at Akal University, specializing in mental health, emotional intelligence, and social psychology.   With a passion for teaching, mentoring, and research, she actively contributes to academia by guiding students, presenting at international conferences, and publishing in reputed journals.   A gold medalist in her undergraduate studies, she has secured multiple academic accolades and has presented research on cyberbullying, mental health, and spirituality in cancer patients.   She has also qualified GATE 2024 and gained professional certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Clinical Psychology.   Actively involved in faculty development programs, international collaborations, and community engagement, she continues to make strides in positive psychology and well-being research.   Her interests extend beyond academia, including music, calligraphy, and volleyball, reflecting a well-rounded personality.

profile

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🎓 Education

Sukhjot Kaur has an outstanding academic record, beginning with her schooling at Akal Academy, Baru Sahib, where she secured a 9 CGPA in Class X (2015) and 92.6% in Class XII (2017). She then pursued her B.A. (Honors) in Psychology at Akal University (2017-2020), graduating with an 8.6 CGPA and earning a gold medal for academic excellence. She continued her education at Akal University, completing her M.A. (Honors) in Psychology in 2022 with an exceptional 9.5 CGPA, securing another gold medal. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology (2022–present) at Akal University, where her research focuses on mental health, religiosity, spirituality, and quality of life among cancer patients. Her commitment to academic excellence is further demonstrated through her active research engagements, multiple publications in Scopus-indexed journals, and participation in national and international conferences, making significant contributions to the field of psychology.

💼 Experience 

Sukhjot Kaur has been actively engaged as a Research Scholar at Akal University since 2022, where she contributes to academic research and undergraduate teaching. She has taught subjects such as Psychology of Individual Differences, Emotional Intelligence, Social Psychology, and Health Psychology. Her teaching methodology emphasizes critical thinking, student engagement, and the application of psychological theories to real-life scenarios. She has guided students in research projects, fostering their analytical and methodological skills. In addition to her academic responsibilities, Sukhjot has participated in various research collaborations and interdisciplinary projects, enhancing her expertise in psychological research and data analysis. She has also been involved in workshops and faculty development programs, continuously refining her teaching and research methodologies. Through her dedication to academia, she aims to create a positive impact in the field of psychology by integrating innovative instructional techniques with rigorous scientific research.

🏆 Awards & Honors 

Sukhjot Kaur has received several accolades for her academic and research excellence. She qualified for GATE 2024, demonstrating her strong analytical and reasoning abilities. She was honored with the Academic Excellence Award by Akal University for her outstanding performance in psychology. She is a certified practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and has completed an online internship in Clinical Psychology at Fortis Mental Health Care. She successfully completed a Graphology Course under “Socially Souled” and actively participated in various national and international research workshops. She contributed to the World’s Largest Drug Awareness Campaign, recognized by the London Book of World Records. She attended faculty development programs, including a National Level Research Methodology Workshop at PPG College of Arts and Science. Additionally, she has been invited as a speaker and presenter at prestigious academic conferences, further solidifying her status as a promising psychology researcher and educator.

🔬 Research Focus 

Sukhjot Kaur’s research focuses on mental health, religiosity, spirituality, and quality of life, particularly in cancer patients. She has explored the psychological impact of death attitudes, fear of mortality, and flourishing among patients diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Her work also examines the influence of religiosity and spirituality on mental well-being, analyzing their effects on resilience, stress management, and coping mechanisms. She has conducted bibliometric reviews and systematic analyses on these topics, contributing to a deeper understanding of psychological well-being. Additionally, her research extends to the mental health impact of COVID-19 on the elderly, cyberbullying and adolescent mental health, and the relationship between social media addiction and sleep quality. Her work is published in Scopus-indexed and UGC-Care listed journals, and she has presented papers at national and international conferences, highlighting her commitment to advancing psychological research and its real-world applications.

 

🏆 Conclusion