XXXVI CYCLE

Stefano Besana (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9715-9533)

This study emphasizes transformative experiences' significance in our lives and economy. It explores their profound emotional and cognitive impact, synthesizes literature, applies TED principles to create an emotional space, and investigates effects using qualitative, quantitative, and neuroscience methodologies.

Supervisor: Prof. Andrea Gaggioli

Keywords: Ted, Positive Psychology, Transformative Experience, Experience Design, Immersive Spaces, Change, Psycap, Transformative Experience Design, Positive emotions

Laura Colautti (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7803-3721)

The present research aims at investigating the relationships between decision making (under ambiguous and risky conditions) and executive functions both in healthy older adults and in patients affected by Parkinson's disease.

Supervisor: Prof. Alessandro Antonietti; Prof. Paola Iannello

Keywords: Decision Making, Executive Functions, Cognition, Aging, Parkinson's Disease, Dopamine, Iowa Gambling Task, Game of Dice Task

Giovanni Fumagalli (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6625-2057)

My research aims at validating an alternative approach for psychopathological diagnosis, called the “Basic and Continuum Diagnostic Model” (BCDM). This system promotes a simple structure for diagnosis, easy to remember and use, and an impressive reduction in the number of diagnostic categories.

Supervisor: Prof. Davide Margola

Keywords: Psychopathology, DSM, PDM, Efectiveness of psychotherapies, Idiographic psychology, Diagnosis, Demand analysis

Valentina Granese (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9066-9861)

By means of a mixed method approach, the aim of my research is to evaluate the efficacy of a group reminiscence therapy intervention in reducing caregiver burden, anxiety and depression, while increasing life satisfaction. The intervention will be applied to a group of caregivers of older adults with dementia.

Supervisor: Prof. Gianluca Castelnuovo

Keywords: Psychology of Aging; Older Adults, Dementia, Caregiving, Cognitive Impairment, Cognitive Stimulation, Active Ageing, Healthy Aging, Technologies and Aging

Martina Sansone (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2074-4045)

The aim of the research is to shed light on how cognitive and socio-emotional factors can interplay in decision-making occurring within complex real-life environments by adopting a neuroscientific multimethod approach, that focuses on the investigation of the neural underpinnings of decision-making processes.

Supervisor: Prof. Michela Balconi

Keywords: Cognitive Neuroscience, Consumer Neuroscience, Neuromanagement, Neuroeconomics, Decision-making, Complex Environments

Giulia Sesini (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2728-7764)

The goal of my research thesis is twofold: to explore the relationship between the affective and symbolic dimension attributed to money and financial practices, and to investigate differences between emerging adult (still structuring their personal and professional life) and mature individuals (with a more stable situation).

Supervisor: Prof. Edoardo Lozza

Keywords: Economic Psychology, Psychology of Money, Consumer Behavior, Money Management, Investment Behavior, Sustainable Practices

Denise Vagnini (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3796-7202)

My thesis investigates the effects of a multidisciplinary lifestyle group intervention on the psychological health of breast cancer survivors, employing mixed-methods research and assuming a holistic approach to cancer care that draws on theoretical models of the mind-body relationship.

Supervisor: Prof. Emanuela Saita

Keywords: Health Psychology, Psycho-oncology, Breast Cancer, Cancer Patients, Cancer Survivors, Exercise Oncology, Mind-body Interventions, Quality of Life, Cancer Caregivers, Dyadic Coping