Marina Merkaš
Associate Professor at the University Department of Psychology. She obtained her PhD in 2012 from the University of Zagreb, with part of her dissertation written at Ghent University. Before joining the University, she worked at the XVI. Gymnasium in Zagreb, the Clinic for Psychiatry at the University Hospital Centre in Rijeka, and the Institute Pilar. She has been awarded eight scholarships for professional development and has completed the first level of cognitive-behavioural therapy training. She holds a basic license from the Croatian Psychological Chamber. She has participated in the implementation of over 20 projects funded by various sources and contributed to several research reports and monographs. She has published over 30 scientific papers, presented at more than 90 conferences, served as chair of several symposia and round tables, and has reviewed papers for over 20 domestic and international journals. She was a member of the Senate of the University and chaired the Program Committee of the 1st International Scientific and Professional Conference of the University Department of Psychology. She is a member of several international professional associations and has delivered several invited lectures. She is involved in mentoring, assessment, and thesis defence at multiple universities.
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Her areas of scientific and research interest fall within developmental psychology, specifically the individual and contextual determinants of child development. She focuses on the effects of parenting and family dynamics on the development of children and adolescents, as well as the impact of digital technology use, particularly smartphones, on the development and well-being of children and adolescents.
COURSES:
Psychology of Adolescence
Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
Development in Social Context
Assessment and Promotion of Social Competence
Children, Media, and Development
PROJECTS:
Current:
Project BrAIn, Application of Artificial Intelligence-Based Digital Technologies in Education – BrAIn (2023-2029), leader of research team
Project DigiLitA, The effect of environment on child development: The association of digital technology use, home literacy environment and physical activity with the well-being of children in early school years (2024-2027), collaborator
Project „Smartphone Use, Sleep, and Mood: A cross-cultural study on the role of emotion regulation“ (2024.-2025.) – EADP collaboration, leader of research in Croatia
COST Action CA23153 - Digital Mental Health for Young People (YouthDMH) - (2024 -2028) – MC Member
Recently finished:
Project D.E.C.I.D.E., UIP-2019-04-7547 - principal investigator
Project „Sreća nije u stvarima: uloga medija, roditelja i vršnjaka u oblikovanju materijalizma kod djece“ (2023.) – collaborator
Project Family and Individual Digital Media Use Plan – Interactive Advisory (2023.)
