- Associate Teaching Professor
- Department of Psychology: Behavioral Science
- Phone: 401.874.9066
- Email: apaiva@uri.edu
- Office Location: Chafee 304
- Accepting Students: Not at this time
Biography
Dr. Andrea Paiva is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Rhode Island, where she teaches courses primarily focused on health psychology, experimental design, and applied research methods. She earned her Ph.D. in Behavioral Science from URI, with a focus on adolescent substance use prevention. Dr. Paiva has over two decades of experience in psychological research and teaching, and her work emphasizes the application of the Transtheoretical Model to behavior change across domains such as substance use, chronic disease management, and health promotion. In addition to her academic role, she serves as a prevention coordinator and consultant for community-based initiatives in Rhode Island. Dr. Paiva has co-authored over 70 peer-reviewed publications and is recognized for her commitment to student mentorship and applied public health research.
Research
In Behavioral Statistics, current research includes measure development analyses (Principal Components Analysis, Structural Modeling), cross-sectional analyses, longitudinal methods, and cluster-randomized designs. Particular interests include applied undergraduate and graduate student training in statistics and research methodology.
In Health Psychology, research focus has been on health behavior change and applications of the Transtheoretical Model to health related behaviors. Particular interest in substance abuse prevention, alcohol harm reduction, HPV vaccine adherence, blood donation, and distracted driving behaviors.
Education
- Ph.D. 2006, Behavioral Science, University of Rhode Island
- M.A. 2004, Behavioral Science, University of Rhode Island
- B.S. 2000, Psychology/Health Policy & Management, Providence College