Associate Professor of Health Psychology

Education and Roles. I am a psychologist and Associate Professor in Health Psychology at the University of Pavia, where I direct the WHYpsy Lab – Work, Health & YOU through Psychology and I am currently the National Representative of the International Association for Communication in Healthcare (ICCH). I obtained my MSc in Clinical Psychology (2008) and my PhD in Psychology (2015) at the Catholic University of Milan, with additional training in qualitative research and healthcare communication. My academic career includes positions as research fellow and assistant professor at the Catholic University of Milan (2012–2022) and at the University of Pavia, where I became Associate Professor in 2023. I hold since 2021 the Italian National Scientific Qualification as Full Professor in M-PSI/06.

Research Overview. My work integrates health psychology, behavioral science, and communication studies to investigate how people engage with their health and healthcare systems. I focus on patient engagement, health literacy, stigma in healthcare communication, and behavioral change, with special attention to chronic conditions, digital health, and equity in access to care. I design and evaluate interventions that foster patient-centered care, support self-management, and enhance healthcare providers’ communication and relational skills.

Productivity. I have authored over 160 publications in peer-reviewed journals (h-index 35, Scopus) and several books on patient engagement and healthcare communication. I serve as Associate Editor for Patient Education and Counseling and other journals, and as reviewer for international funding bodies. I collaborate with public and private institutions, patient organizations, and healthcare professionals to translate evidence-based approaches into policies and practices that promote equitable, participatory, and sustainable healthcare.