My research focuses on the psychological functioning of children with chronic illnesses, particularly asthma, diabetes, and cancer, and their parents. I am interested in understanding how medical and psychological processes co-occur and interact, influencing adjustment and well-being in both children and their families. Within this framework, I study variables such as coping strategies and anxiety in its multiple dimensions, with a specific focus on separation anxiety in children and adolescents.

In parents, my work investigates parenting stress and anxiety symptoms, with special attention to fathers and the broader family dynamics that shape the adaptation to chronic illness. My goal is to capture the interplay between individual and relational factors to identify mechanisms that may inform clinical practice and support the development of targeted interventions for families facing long-term medical challenges.

In parallel, I am also interested in emerging adulthood, exploring the psychological processes that characterize this developmental stage. My current research examines emotion regulation, attachment, and intolerance of uncertainty, as these variables play a key role in psychological adjustment during the transition to adulthood.

Methodologically, I primarily use self-report measures and quantitative analyses, integrating a developmental and systemic perspective. Across all my research, I am guided by the goal of linking empirical evidence to practical implications for psychological support and prevention programs.

Supervisor: Prof. Daniela Di Riso