Dr. Gabriella Gorbai
– Assistant Professor, Mental Health Specialist

Contact: gabriella.gorbai@ubbcluj.ro

Academic title, university position: PhD, Assistant Professor

Subjects taught: Introduction to Mental Health, Professional Practice – Self-knowledge, Practice of Non-directive Helping Conversation, Mental Health Project, Theory and Practice of Reflection, Christian Psycho-Pedagogy, School Conflict Manadgement – Peer Mentor Training, Methodology of Religious Education, School Teaching Practice.

Studies

2022-2024 – Mental Health Specialist Certification, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary

2011 – Doctoral Degree in Theology (PhD), Babeș -Bolyai University

Dissertation title: Possibilities of Applying Core Reflection in Optimizing the Activities of Religion Teacher Trainees

2000 – 2002 – Master’s Degree in Practical Theology

1996 – 2000 – Bachelor’s Degree – Reformed Religious Pedagogy – English Language and Literature, Babeș -Bolyai University, Cluj – Napoca

1996 – Baccalaureate Examination, „Octavian Goga” Theoretical High School, Bánffyhugyad (Huedin)

Previous Teaching Activity

2002.10.01. – 2013.02.24. – Assistant Lecturer, Reformed Theologycal Faculty of Babes- Bolyai University

2000.09.27. – 2002.10.01. – Junior Lecturer, Reformed Theologycal Faculty of Babes- Bolyai University

Research Scholarships and Professional Training

2022 – 2024 – Postgraduate specialization in Mental Health, University of Semmelweis, Budapest/HU

2021 – 2023 – POSDRU Training: Preparation and Implementation of Training Activities, Evaluation of Participants, Educational Marketing, Design, Organization and Evaluation of Programs (180 hours) – TRAINER qualification

2017 – Postgraduate training: Establishing Mediation Competences, Budapest, Hungary

2015 – POSDRU Training for the Occupation of Vocational Adviser, organized by the Min. of Education and the National Authority for Qualifications and Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca

2012- 2013 – POSDRU Training for University Teachers – Quality, Innovation, Communication – TRAINER qualification

2011- 2012 – POSDRU Training for University Teachers – Students’ Professional Practice – Institutional Strategies for Planning, Implementing and Evaluating Professional Practice – TRAINER qualification

2009 – 2011 – POSDRU – Organizing Students’ Professional Practice – TRAINER qualification

03.03. – 06.03. – Erasmus Research Scholarship, Üllő, Hungary

2003.09.01. -10.01. – Research Scholarship (Domus Hungarica), Károli Gáspár Reformed University, Budapest. Research topic: Reflection of Teacher Trainees

2002 -2003 – Teacher Training Programme, Gereformeerde Hogeschool, Zwolle, Netherlands

Fields of Interest/ Research Areas

Religious pedagogy/ psychology of religion
Reflection, self- reflection
Professional personality development
Teachers’ mental health
Possible ways of transmitting faith -related content to newer generations

Editorial Board Activity

Studia Theologia Reformata Transylvanica (Cluj – Napoca, Romania)
CEJER – Central European Journal of Educational Research (University of Debrecen, Hungary)

Individual Publications, Articles, Presentations/ Conferences

1 monograph, 3 edited volumes, 10 chapters in collective volumes, 25 studies in professional journals, 30 conference presentations, 15 presentation at professional training events.

Conferences and Events Organized

Since 2003, co-organizer and lecturer in the Bolyai Summer Academy for Reformed Religion Teachers
Organizes at least one scientific conference per year
Organizer of the Mental Health Professional Day (annually)

Guest Lectures

Within the Erasmus Programme:

Hungary (Budapest, Debrecen, Sárospatak, Pápa, Nagykőrös, Pécs),

The Netherlands (Zwolle),

Slovakia (Komarno, Presov)

Membership

Scientific societies, professional forums, university appointments:
DC – College of Theological Doctors of the Reformed Church in Hungary – 2024
MTA – External Member (Field: Religious Studies, Section: Philosophy and History) – 2023
Sándor Karácsony Society – 2018
Bolyai Society – 2020
Representative of the Religious Pedagogy specialization in the Institute of Pedagogy and Applied Didactics (DPPD)
Member of the Institute Council – since 2020

Monographs and Edited Vomlumes

Monograph

Gorbai Gabriella Márta: Possibilities of Applying Core Reflection in Optimizing the Activities of Religion Teacher Trainees. „Egyetemi Műhely” Publishing House, Cluj – Napoca, ISBN 978-606-8145-50-1.

Edited Volumes

Gorbai Gabriella (eds.): Gossip, Mobbing, Psychoterror. Presa Universitară Clujană, Cluj – Napoca, ISBN 978-606-37-0263-1.
Gorbai Gabriella (eds.): In relationship with Adolescents – Mental Health, Risks and Resources in Education. Presa Universitară Clujeană, Kolozsvári Egyetemi Kiadó, 2 ISBN 978-606-37-2629-3.
Gorbai Gabriella (eds.): Generation Z and Alpha: New Questions, New Paths. Presa Universitară Clujeană, Kolozsvári Egyetemi Kiadó, 2 ISBN 978–606–37–2629–3

Studies Published in Edited Volumes and Conference Proceedings

Gorbai Gabriella: The view of children in the age of Reformation– In: From Movement to Inherritance – Hidden Assets from the Treasury of Hungarian Reformation, Eds. Olga Lukács/ Alpár Nagy/István Péter (Refo500 Academic Studies, Volume 59, Edited by Herman J. Selderhuis), Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht, Göttingen, 2019, ISSN 2198-3089, ISBN 978-3-525-50349-2, pp.185-192.
Gorbai Gabriella: The Content of Reflection in the Practical Training of Religion Teachers Trainees. In: Fóris Ferenczi Rita – Demény Piroska (eds.): Minőség és versenyképes tudás. Cluj Napoca, 2014, ISBN 978–973-0-16341-4187-193, pp.
Gorbai Gabriella: „Here-and-now” state in the reflection Process. In: Péntek Imre, Szállassy Noémi, Zsoldos Marchis Juliánna (Eds.): A pedagógusképzés XXI. századi perspektívái, Cluj Napoca, 2016, ISBN 978-973-0-23076-5, pp. 81-87.
Gorbai Gabriella: Positive Emotions, Religiosity, Spirituality. In: Veress Károly (Ed): Egyediség és véletlen. Interdiszciplináris párbeszéd 4., Egyetemi Műhely Kiadó, Bolyai Társaság ‒ Kolozsvár, 2016, ISBN 978-606-8145-95-2, pp. 157 -167.
Gorbai Gabriella: Bullying in Schools Yesterday and Today – Online bullying. In: Pletyka, mobbing, pszichoterror, Presa Universitara Clujana, Cluj-Napoca, 2017, pp. 79-119.
Gorbai Gabriella: The Roots that Connect Us. In. Az őrállók. Emlékkönyv dr. Molnár János tiszteletére, Presa Universitară Clujeană, 2021. ISBN 978-606-37-1177-0, pp. 191 -203.
Gorbai Gabriella: The Problem of Authentically Conveying Christian Values in the Profession of Relegion Teacher. In: Teológiai Fórum 18. 2/2024. Komárom, SK ISSN1337-6519, pp. 21-37.
Gorbai Gabriella:Mission is a New Environment: The Chaninging Role of the Religion Teacher in Light of Generation Z and Alpha. In: Z és alfa generáció: új kérdések, új utak. A lelkigondozói és valláspedagógiai műhely kiadványai 3. Presa Universitară Clujeană, Kolozsvári Egyetemi Kiadó, 2025. ISBN 978–606–37–2629–3, pp.31-40.
Gorbai Gabriella: Anxiety and Coping in Adolescence – Risks, Protective Factors and Intervention Possibilities. In: Kapcsolatban a serdülőkkel – Lelki egészség, kockázatok és erőforrások a nevelésben. A lelkigondozói és valláspedagógiai műhely kiadványai 2. Presa Universitară Clujeană, Kolozsvári Egyetemi Kiadó, 2025. ISBN 978-606-37-2629-3, pp. 47-64.

Studies Published in Scientific Journals

(ERIH+/ Scopus)

Gorbai Gabriella: Religion and Spirituality as Protective Factors for the Mental Health of Students at the Faculty of Reformed Theology. – Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2024, Nr.2., pp. 236-255.
Gorbai Gabriella: The Changed Content of Self-reflection during Online Education from the Perspective of Religion Teachers.- Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2022, Nr. 1., pp. 30-52.
Gorbai Gabriella: The reflection that connects us with ourselves, with the present and with our future perspectives – Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2020, Nr. 2., pp. 305 -328.
Gorbai Gabriella: The Religion Teacher’s Competence of Self-knowledge and Spirituality– Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2018, Nr.1., pp. 123-139.
Gorbai Gabriella: Religious Education and the Changing Image of the Child during the reformation. Tasks Then and Now. – Studia Universitatis Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2017, Nr. 1., pp. 174-184.

Studies Published in Prominent Romanian Journals

Balázs Gabriella: Discipline in Religious Education. – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2001, Nr.1., pp. 141-157.
Gorbai Gabriella: Creativity in Catechesis – Play. – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2001, Nr.2., pp. 142-154.
Gorbai Gabriella: The Religious Development of the Child – Conclusion for Religious Education – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2002, Nr.1., pp. 149-165.
Gorbai Gabriella: Religiosity in Youth – Is Youth a Religious Turning Point? – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2002, Nr.2., pp. 162-175.
Gorbai Gabriella: Talent Development in Religious Education. – Református Szemle, 2004, Nr. 5-6. pp. 244-283.
Gorbai Gabriella: The Role of the Pedagogical Practice in the Becoming of a Teacher. – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2006, Nr. 3., pp. 136-151.
Gorbai Gabriella: The Role of Teacher Models in Certain Phases of Becoming a Teacher. – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2006, Nr. 1-2., pp. 243 – 256.
Gorbai Gabriella: The Role of Group Work in Religious Teacher Training. – Református Szemle, 2007, Nr. 3-4., pp. 278 – 322.
Gorbai Gabriella: The Application Possibilities of Helping Conversations in Religion or Form Teacher Classes. – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2009, Nr.2., pp. 67-81.
Gorbai Gabriella: Students’ Views on the Reformed Religion Teacher and Religious Education. – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2010, Nr. 2., pp. 64-74.
Gorbai Gabriella: Teachers’ Pyramid of Needs. – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2011, Nr.1., pp.
Gorbai Gabriella: Positive Teacher Attitude in the Religion Class. – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2011, Nr.2., pp.
Gorbai Gabriella: Deepening Religious Spirituality in Teacher Training– Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2015, Nr.1., pp. 50-63.
Gorbai Gabriella: The Spiral Effect of Positive Emotions in Health Preservation. – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2015, Nr.2., pp. 90-99.
Gorbai Gabriella: The Role of Prayer in the Mental Health of the Religion Teacher. – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2016, Nr.1., pp. 143-154.
Gorbai Gabriella: Supporting the Here and Now State in the Refletive Process – Studia Univ. Babeş-Bolyai, Theologia Reformata Transylvanica, Kolozsvár/Cluj-Napoca -Ro, 2016, Nr. 1., pp. 81-94.

Popular Science Articles / in Ecclesiastical Journals

Gorbai Gabriella: Career Orientation – A Christian Perspective. Ref. Család 2025/1.
Gorbai Gabriella: Generations Living Side by Side. Református család, 2025/2.
Gorbai Gabriella: Planning or Surrender – Or the Balance Between the Two?– In. Református Család, Kolozsvár, 2024. Nr.1., pp 4-6.
Gorbai Gabriella: Is Birth Really the Beginning?– In. Református Család, Kolozsvár, 2023. Nr.2., pp 4-6.
Gorbai Gabriella: On Joy. – In. Református Család, Kolozsvár, 2022. Nr.2., pp 4-6.
Gorbai Gabriella: Patience as a Spiritual Gift in Need of Development. – In. Üzenet, Kolozsvár, 2020.Nr 1. 3.