Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

XXXIX CYCLE

My PhD research investigates body-brain interactions in chronic pain patients compared to healthy subjects with a psychophysiological approach. Using electroencephalography and electrocardiography, the aim is to identify changes in pain perception and interoception in people with chronic pain in order to design pain-reducing interventions using non-pharmacological treatments.
Supervisor: Prof. Daniele di Lernia
Keywords: Chronic pain, Body-brain interaction, psychophysiology

 

What factors influence the tractability of cases in couples therapy? My research project investigates the key elements of the initial phase of couples' consultations that determine the continuation or discontinuation of the therapy. Through a multi-method approach, it explores the development of the therapeutic alliance, the motivation of the partners, the nature of the problems brought to therapy and the methods used by the therapist.
Supervisor: Prof. Giancarlo Tamanza
Keywords: Couple Therapy, Tractability Factors, Therapeutic alliance, Continuation, Drop-out

 

My Ph.D project is centered on the prevention of pathological gambling, with a particular emphasis on understanding and identifying potential factors that could mitigate the risk of developing gambling-related problems. The ultimate goal is to use these insights to construct and implement more effective protection strategies that can better safeguard individuals from engaging in harmful gambling behaviors.
Supervisor: Prof. Guendalina Graffigna
Keywords: Gambling, Addiction, Prevention strategy

 

My research project focuses on the analysis and psychological interventions applied to the ongoing transition process within the Prison Administration. Adopting a perspective aimed at promoting the well-being of prison staff and inmates, the main objective is to assess the needs, obstacles and intrapsychic processes associated with recent organizational changes, while integrating the contributions of key stakeholders in the development of new intervention and treatment strategies.
Supervisor: Prof. Emanuela Saita
Keywords: Organizational changes, Prison Operators, Inmates, Public Administration, Well-being

 

By combining clinical expertise with technological innovation, my Ph.D. project aims to assess the efficacy of integrating virtual reality exposure therapy into clinical interventions for individuals diagnosed with Eating Disorders (EDs). It focuses on reducing the drive for excessive exercise and the urge to be physically active, both critical factors in EDs' development and persistence. By utilizing immersive virtual environments, the project aims to offer a novel approach to improving treatment outcomes and enhancing patient well-being.
Supervisor: Prof. Gianluca Castelnuovo
Keywords: Feeding and eating disorders, Urge to be physically active, Drive for activity, Virtual reality

 

My PhD project investigates the lived experiences of women in organizational leadership roles, with a primary focus on identifying contextual factors that support their success and motivation to stay. For a well-rounded analysis, these experiences are compared to those of men in similar roles. The study aims to enrich the literature on women’s career trajectories, which often focuses predominantly on barriers to leadership.
Supervisor: Prof. Caterina Gozzoli
Keywords: Leadership, Gender, Women, Inclusion, Organizational Factors

 

My research project aims to investigate the role of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in group creativity dynamics. Specifically, we study the integration of generative AI tools in brainstorming sessions and the adoption of techniques based on AI algorithms in the predictive analysis of creativity with a focus on the business context.
Supervisor: Prof. Alice Chirico
Keywords: Creativity, Artificial Intelligence, Human-AI Interaction

 

My PhD project investigates how the embodiment of metaphorical narratives through new technologies influence cognitive abilities. Specifically, the project will explore the role of technology-mediated embodied experiences in interpersonal synchronization and cognitive processing.
Supervisor: Prof. Claudia Repetto
Keywords: Embodied cognition, Metaphor, Virtual reality

 

Deloitte Italy has launched a Change Management program (lasting 3 years) that will impact all HR functions to increase efficiency and improve the quality of work for its employees. My PhD Project aims to outline the Change Management model applied by the company, analyzing its distinctive dynamics and assessing its impact on work quality and employee engagement.
Supervisor: Prof. Chiara D’Angelo
Keywords: Change Management, HR roles, HR skills, Case study, Consulting

 

This research project aims to contribute to clinical and research practice of Collaborative and Therapeutic Assessment (C/TA), focusing on related process and outcomes. It involves analyzing the process of change in clients’ Identity Narratives during TA, as well as observing psychophysiological features during the application of TA techniques. Additionally, the project aims to contribute to knowledge on TA outcomes, by validating of the Assessment Questionnaire and exploring the use of C/TA in medical settings.
Supervisor: Prof. Filippo Aschieri
Keywords: Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment, Psychological Assessment, Personality Testing, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy outcome

 

My PhD project investigates how cognitive and motor reserves preserve cognitive and motor functions in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Multiple Sclerosis. The study examines the brain structures and networks associated with these reserve mechanisms using structural and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, aiming to improve our understanding of the protective factors that could contribute to resilience amid neurodegeneration.
Supervisor: Prof. Maria Caterina Silveri
Keywords: Cognitive reserve, Multiple Sclerosis, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Magnetic Resonance Imaging

 

My doctoral project deals with the investigation of the potential of nostalgia, as elicited through music and virtual reality, for group creativity and transformation. This research aims to reveal how nostalgia can serve as a transformative tool, enhancing both individual emotional well-being and fostering collective social benefits within diverse contexts.
Supervisor: Prof. Alice Chirico
Keywords: Nostalgia, Complex emotion, Virtual reality, Music

 

My research project explores the psychological adaptation of international students in higher education. Using a mixed method approach we will develop and validate a questionnaire to measure psychological adaptation of international students, aiming to provide both theoretical insights and practical recommendations for supporting the well-being and academic success of international students.
Supervisor: Prof. Margherita Lanz
Keywords: Psychological adaptation, International students, Cross-cultural psychology, Mixed method

 

My research interests concern individual differences in decision-making. Specifically, my doctoral project focuses on the development of a new behavioral task to assess risk perception and risk-taking behavior in financial, health and mobility domain. Profiling individual tendencies aims to prevent risk-taking enhancing people awareness and promoting decisions functional to their well-being.
Supervisor: Prof. Paola Iannello
Keywords: Risk-taking behavior, Risk perception, Behavioral task, Individual differences, Well-being