Dr. Mauricio Toval-Gajardo, Alberto Hurtado University, Chile
Dr. Mauricio Toval-Gajardo is a distinguished psychologist and academic specializing in social psychology, psychoanalytic theory, and cultural work. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from Universidad Alberto Hurtado, complemented by a Master’s in Research in Psychology. With extensive teaching experience at Universidad Gabriela Mistral and Universidad Alberto Hurtado, he has guided students in qualitative methods and social psychology theories. His research explores subjectivity, sociocultural psychology, and psychotherapy norms. Dr. Toval-Gajardo has contributed as a research assistant in multiple FONDECYT projects and secured prestigious grants and awards for his academic endeavors. His expertise bridges theoretical analysis with empirical research, making significant contributions to Latin American psychology.
🌍 Professional Profile
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🏆 Suitability for Best Researcher Award
Dr. Mauricio Toval-Gajardo is a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his exceptional contributions to psychology, particularly in the domains of subjectivity, social networks, and psychoanalytic theory. His scholarly work extends to interdisciplinary studies on psychotherapy, cultural practices, and critical psychology, shaping contemporary psychological discourse. He has been an integral part of multiple FONDECYT projects, providing valuable insights into psychosocial studies. His recognition through translation and publication grants highlights the international impact of his research. Dr. Toval-Gajardo’s ability to merge theoretical and practical approaches to psychological research demonstrates his profound commitment to advancing the field, making him a standout researcher worthy of this prestigious accolade.
🎓 Education
Dr. Mauricio Toval-Gajardo’s academic journey is marked by excellence in psychology and psychoanalysis. He earned his Ph.D. in Psychology (2025) and Master’s in Research in Psychology (2021) from Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Santiago, Chile. His specialization includes phenomenological research and sociocultural psychology. He further enhanced his expertise through a Certification in Micro-phenomenological Interview (2020) from the Laboratorio de Fenomenología Corporal, refining his qualitative research skills. In 2018, he completed a Diploma in Fundamentals and Praxis of Psychoanalytic Clinic from Winnicott at Universidad Diego Portales. His multidisciplinary educational background integrates critical psychological perspectives with psychoanalysis, equipping him with a deep understanding of subjectivity and social psychology.
📚 Experience
Dr. Toval-Gajardo has been shaping the academic landscape as a Collaborating Academic at Universidad Alberto Hurtado (2021–Present) and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Universidad Gabriela Mistral (2018–Present). His teaching portfolio spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels, covering subjects such as Social Psychology, Qualitative Methods, and Psychoanalytic Techniques. Beyond academia, he actively contributes to FONDECYT-funded research projects, analyzing psychotherapy norms, body discrimination, and coparenting dynamics. His expertise in qualitative methodologies has made him a sought-after methodological advisor for various psychological studies. As a research assistant at Universidad Diego Portales, he investigates ethical tensions in psychotherapies, reflecting his commitment to addressing critical social issues through rigorous academic inquiry.
🏅 Awards and Honors
Dr. Mauricio Toval-Gajardo has received multiple accolades recognizing his academic excellence and research contributions. In 2024, he won the Book Publication Promotion Contest at the Faculty of Psychology for editing Social Psychology: Approaches, Concepts, and Practices. He secured two prestigious Translation Fund Grants from Universidad Alberto Hurtado to support international dissemination of his work. His National Doctorate Scholarship from ANID (2021–2024) further underscores his academic merit. Additionally, he received a Renewal of Operational Expenses Grant from ANID (2024) for doctoral research. His recognition through competitive funding highlights his ability to produce impactful, internationally relevant research, reinforcing his status as an emerging thought leader in psychology and cultural studies.
🔬 Research Focus
Dr. Toval-Gajardo’s research spans sociocultural psychology, psychoanalytic theory, subjectivity, and psychotherapy norms. He critically examines how social networks shape identity and cultural work, contributing to Latin American psychological discourse. His work on psychosocial studies and psychotherapy ethics explores the interplay between therapeutic practices and societal norms. His interdisciplinary approach integrates phenomenological and qualitative methodologies, offering nuanced perspectives on human experiences. He has investigated themes like body discrimination, coparenting dynamics, and critical psychology, demonstrating his commitment to social justice in psychology. His studies aim to bridge academic theory with real-world psychological challenges, advancing contemporary understandings of mental health and identity in culturally diverse settings.
📊 Publication Top Notes
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Creating on the Brink of the Abyss: Toward an Understanding of Subjective Experience in Artistic Work
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El Cuerpo Cotidiano: Itinerarios Corporales de Mujeres
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Pregnancy: Reproduction or Change? Division of Labour in Chilean Heterosexual Couples During Their First Pregnancy
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Nuevas Formas de Hacer Música: La Experiencia del Fluir (Flow) y su Relación con el Bienestar en las Prácticas de Creación en el Tercer Sistema de Producción Musical
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Voices and Melodies of Artistic Precarity: The Unbearable Flexibility of Subjectivity in Independent Musical Work