Research topics

The main research areas of the PhD course concern learning and development processes in typical and atypical contexts and the interactive and relational processes involved in clinical intervention, social and organizational contexts. 

Some recent research topics:

• Psychological processes in the transition from kindergarten to primary school
• Cognitive and socio-emotional development processes in mixed-age and same-age educational contexts in preschool age
• The network of services for the prevention and fight against juvenile deviance in the Parma area and province
• Heteronormative ideologies and inequality and violence between genders
• The psychological impact of pediatric oncological disease
• Inter-sensorial sensitivity processes, executive functions and self-regulation
• Engagement and motivation, agency, emotions and academic success in middle and high school students
• Heritage processes of migrant “cultures” in the context of the Parma Apennines, between old and new migrations
• Efficiency and well-being in organizational contexts
• School climate
• Intergroup contact and social change
• Problematic use of social networks in adults
• Mentalization processes in parents with children with neurodevelopmental disorders
• Psychology of food choices