The research in clinical psychology conducted at DiPSCo focuses on the study of functional characteristics, advanced diagnostic procedures, evidence-based intervention techniques, and prevention programs for major mental disorders and psychological distress throughout the lifespan.
Our research primarily falls within the bio-psychosocial paradigms and developmental psychopathology. This model integrates with neuroscience and attributes the development of psychopathology and distress to deviations from typical developmental trajectories that occur during childhood and adolescence due to multiple interacting biological and environmental factors.
Particular emphasis is placed on studying parent-child relationship dynamics that have long-term effects on an individual's well-being and psychological adaptation in both typical and atypical development. They are, therefore, considered a primary focus in the treatment of developmental disorders and the prevention of psychological distress.
Among the main research interests are neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorders and specific learning disorders, which are showing an increasing incidence in the population and require advanced diagnostic and intervention procedures.
Considerable attention is also given to emerging psychopathologies, which are becoming more pervasive in contemporary societies, such as the use of the latest generation psychoactive substances and a wide range of behavioral addictions often related to problematic internet use (e.g., pathological gambling, gaming, problematic use of pornography, and social media) to provide innovative solutions in terms of prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Mental disorders and psychological distress are investigated by integrating traditional clinical psychology assessment tools (observation, tests, interviews) with advanced psycho- and neurophysiological recording techniques.
Our clinical research has a strong practical orientation, with intense interaction between researchers and professionals. The research findings inform best professional practices, and these practices, in turn, provide researchers with real-time questions and updated perspectives.
Faculty members
Labs & Projects
- Observation Diagnosis and Training Lab
- Addiction Science Lab
- Horizon Europe, Boosting Societal Adaptation and Mental Health in a Rapidly Digitalising, Post-Pandemic Europe (BootStRaP)
- Internet and me