• Elia Amighetti (https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6776-1836)

My PhD project aims to investigate the relationship between psychological rigidity traits (represented by the construct of Socio-Cognitive Polarization) and individuals' cognitive and social functioning. Specifically, I want to examine the relationship between different levels of polarization and effects both at a purely psychological level (e.g. effects on performance in standardized psychological tasks), and at a behavioral level (analysis of decision-making processes in social and economic domains).
Supervisor: Prof. Alice Cancer
Keywords: Socio-cognitive polarization, decision making, psychological (in)flexibility

• Lucrezia Cavagnis (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8991-4623)

My PhD research examines the impact of parental separation/divorce on romantic and relational competence in adolescents and young adults. It explores how these experiences influence relationship stability, commitment, and emotional well-being. Additionally, the study examines several protective factors such as self-efficacy, coping strategies, and social support. The findings aim to identify risk and resilience factors affecting young people’s ability to form and maintain stable relationships.
Supervisor: Prof. Sonia Ranieri
Keywords: Adolescents, young adults, romantic competence, relationships

• Angelica Daffinà (https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1292-6897)

My PhD research concerns the analysis and optimization of decision-making processes, with a particular focus on the impact of stress and neuropsychological dynamics. Through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates neuroscience, psychology and advanced assessment methods, the project provides for the development of innovative tools to support decision-making in high-risk contexts. The aim is to understand the electrophysiological mechanisms that influence decisions under pressure, to develop new interventions for stress management, and to define application strategies to improve the quality and effectiveness of decision-making processes in critical contexts.
Supervisor: Prof. Michela Balconi
Keywords: Decision-making, stress management, neuroscience

• Cristina Di Vincenzo (https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6468-8295)

My PhD research investigate the Cognitive and Psychopathological Characteristics in Patients with Tourette Syndrome. The aim is to investigate the cognitive and psychopathological characteristics in patients with Tourette Syndrome, focusing on the role of the vagal nerve. Initially, we will collect baseline cognitive inhibition parameters in association with physiological parameters such as heart rate variability and pupillary dilation. In a subsequent phase, we will explore the role of the vagal nerve through non-invasive transcutaneous stimulation.
Supervisor: Prof. Alessandro Antonietti
Keywords: Tourette Syndrome, cognitive inhibition, psychopathological characteristics, vagal nerve, heart rate variability, pupillary dilation, non-invasive vagal nerve stimulation

• Michele Falcone (https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8215-8210)

My PhD project aims to investigate the impact that the phenomenon of microaggressions can have on the migrant population, and in particular on that specific part of the population considered elderly (over 60 years old). The goal will be to understand what are the main phenomena of microaggression for this particular slice of the population and whether the perpetration of these experiences can lead to a worsening in the quality of life and in the state of health for the victims of these acts. The research structure will make use of a mix methods approach, proceeding first of all to the administration of a questionnaire prepared ad hoc, and then subsequently proceed to the administration of a semi-structured interview in order to better investigate the experiential experiences related to the given microaggressive experiences for each individual participant in the research.
Supervisor: Prof. Cristina Giuliani
Keywords: Microaggressions, elderly migrants, social psychology

• Annalisa Magnani (https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3892-5549)

My PhD research focuses on the integration of neuropsychological tests, neuroimaging tools, and biomarkers to identify correlations that can improve diagnostic accuracy and promote early diagnosis of neurocognitive disorder, with a particular focus on the pathological continuum of Alzheimer's disease. In addition, the study will assess the efficacy of primary prevention strategies in slowing the progression of cognitive decline.
Supervisor: Prof. Camillo Marra
Keywords: Neurocognitive disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, early diagnosis, diagnostic accuracy, neuropsychological assessment, biomarkers, neuroimaging, primary prevention

• Gloria Marchesi (https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4502-3705)

My Ph.D project investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of an internet-based self-help intervention using Brief Strategic Therapy (BST), compared to a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention and a waiting-list control, in enhancing the psychological well-being of individuals with obesity.
Supervisor: Prof. Giada Pietrabissa
Keywords: Obesity, internet-based intervention, self-help, Brief Strategic Therapy (BST), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, clinical psychology

• Giulia Moncalieri (https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3330-1507)

My PhD project emphasizes the critical importance of fairness in AI-based test development, addressing bias across all phases: creation, evaluation, administration, and scoring. It focuses on the role of AI in generating test items, developing scoring algorithms, and ensuring that these systems function equitably for all users. The goal is to create educational assessments that are transparent, promote equal opportunities, and uphold the highest ethical standards. By embedding fairness principles into AI algorithms, this research seeks to create more inclusive, transparent, and ethical educational assessments that provide equal opportunities for all individuals.
Supervisor: Prof. Semira Tagliabue
Keywords: Fairness, AI, measurement, psychometric

• Maria Adelaide Morabito (https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6910-476X)

My PHD research project aims to analyse the reconfiguration process of values and meanings associated with work within companies today, in order to promote a new perspective on the worker-company relationship for the well-being and productivity of both. Through the framework of qualitative methodology, particularly the phenomenological-interpretative approach, the objectives will be to understand developments, outline the current challenges, and consider possible future implications for business management.
Supervisor: Prof. Caterina Gozzoli
Keywords: Work values, work meanings, employee-organization relationship

• Eleonora Noselli (https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8848-0422)

My PhD project aims to design, develop, and test innovative tools for the assessment of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Specifically, the goal is to define a model of optimal cognitive functioning based on data collected from healthy individuals and to outline the cognitive profile of MCI. Cognitive patterns, including their distinctive features and specific trajectories of decline, will be identified through the use of digital and physiological biomarkers obtained from tasks performed in virtual reality environments and data will then be analyzed using machine learning models. The expected outcomes of this research include advancing the early detection of MCI and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Supervisor: Prof. Giuseppe Riva
Keywords: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), assessment, digital and physiological biomarkers, VR, AI

• Nikica Polak (https://orcid.org/0009-0005-9306-965X)

My PhD research explores social cognitive abilities in the digital era, focusing on late adolescence and emerging adulthood. More specifically, I want to investigate the relationship between digital media and social cognitive abilities, such as perspective-taking or mentalizing while considering the moderating effects of age and gender.
Supervisor: Prof. Emanuela Confalonieri, Prof. Luca Milani
Keywords: Digital media, social cognition, adolescence, emerging adulthood

• Anita Werner (https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4769-8917)

My doctoral project aims to analyze the psychological factors influencing parents' decision to have their children participate in autoantibody screening for type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the impact of a positive diagnosis on caregiver engagement. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative analysis and qualitative interviews, the research identifies barriers and facilitators to screening participation and tracks the evolution of engagement post-diagnosis. The findings will inform targeted communication strategies and psychological support interventions, improving adherence and the management of T1D.
Supervisor: Prof. Guendalina Graffigna
Keywords: Autoantibody screening, type 1 diabetes, parental decision-making, psychological factors, caregiver engagement

• Asrin Yenihayat (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3361-5031)

Is loneliness a gendered construct? The aim of this research is to explore and understand the dynamics of loneliness experienced by women in Türkiye, focusing on the various structural, cultural, and personal factors that contribute to this complex phenomenon. Using a mixed-methods approach and social identity theory, my PhD research seeks to examine how loneliness manifests across different dimensions—social, emotional, and political—and to identify the factors, such as socio-economic challenges, gender-based discrimination, and intersecting identities, that shape both loneliness experiences and social identity.
Supervisor: Prof. Patrizia Catellani
Keywords: Loneliness, social identity, social isolation, women, gender