(Istituto Universitario Salesiano de Venezia, Italia) – A delegation from the Salesian University Institute of Venice (IUSVE) took part in the European Congress of Psychology, held in Paphos (Cyprus) from July 1 to 4, 2025, bringing a significant scientific contribution to the European psychological landscape. The delegation, led by Davide Marchioro, Head of the Psychology Department at IUSVE, Coordinator of the Bachelor’s Degree Programs, Marco Zuin, Research Coordinator, Cinzia Tieuli, Head of International Relations for the Psychology Department, Maria Lucia Caniglia, Professor of Aging Psychology, and Lisa Avanzi, Event Manager for the Psychology Department, presented seven contributions, including five posters and two oral presentations, reflecting the scientific vitality of the institution.
“This year, IUSVE is here in Paphos, Cyprus, attending the 19th European Congress of Psychology,” stated Davide Marchioro directly from the conference venue, proudly emphasizing the uniqueness of the research presented. “All our submissions were accepted in a highly competitive context, which demonstrates that research at IUSVE is not only active but thriving.”
A notable aspect of the event was the active participation of seven female students, one of whom, Chiara Franceschi, is the author of an original scientific contribution. Thanks to a scholarship promoted by the Psychology Department, the following students were also able to attend: Lorenza De Bei, Beatrice Destro, Ludovica Zonta, Caterina Foi, Giorgia Bassi, and Angela Crea.
The first contribution, titled “Beyond Time”, presented on July 3, illustrated a pioneering project on the use of virtual reality in Reminiscence Therapy for older adults with cognitive impairment. The IUSVE team demonstrated how immersive environments can significantly enhance participants’ cognitive functions and mood, offering new perspectives for non-pharmacological interventions in dementia care.
The second study, “Oltretutto”, presented on July 2, showcased the results of an experiential intervention for university students that integrates symbolic narration, psychodrama, and dance movement therapy. The findings revealed significant improvements in body awareness and self-awareness, highlighting the importance of mind-body integrated approaches in promoting psychological well-being during developmental stages.
Finally, “The Mind of the Musician” presented an in-depth analysis of cognitive differences between musicians and non-musicians using the Rorschach test. The study revealed greater imaginative capacity, more structured visual perception, and a more reflective cognitive style among individuals involved in musical practice. This project, the result of a collaboration between IUSVE and the Agostino Steffani Conservatory, underlined the effectiveness of projective assessment tools in capturing the nuances of creative thinking.
In addition to these, three psychometric research contributions were presented:
• “Exploring Difficulties in Emotion Regulation in Young Italian Adults: Psychometric Properties of the DERS-8”, developed by Marco Zuin, Vanessa Donadel, and Cecilia Pellizzari, evaluated the psychometric properties of the Italian adaptation of the optimized 8-item version of the DERS. The findings confirmed the validity of the factorial structure and its gender invariance, making this tool particularly useful in psychological screening contexts.
• “The Mediating Role of Surface Learning in the Relationship Between Conscientiousness and Math Anxiety”, developed by Marco Zuin and Giovanna De Martino, highlighted how the use of surface learning strategies significantly mediates the relationship between conscientiousness and math anxiety. Promoting deep learning strategies may therefore help reduce anxiety toward quantitative subjects.
• “Cramming Behavior Inventory (CBI): Development and Preliminary Validation of a Tool to Assess Procrastination and Superficial Memorization Strategies”, developed by Marco Zuin, Cecilia Pellizzari, and Giovanna De Martino, presented the initial development and validation of an innovative psychometric tool designed to assess “cramming” behaviors—namely, procrastination under pressure and surface-level memorization. The results revealed a clear distinction between the two measured dimensions, supported by strong reliability indices.
IUSVE’s participation in this internationally significant congress is a testament to the Institute’s ongoing commitment to producing rigorous and innovative scientific research. As Professor Marchioro concluded:
“Recognition is now clearly evident, and it strongly reflects the quality of research and teaching within IUSVE’s Psychology Department,” a message that affirms the University’s capacity to engage in meaningful dialogue with the international academic community and to offer concrete responses to contemporary challenges.
Fonte: IUSVE: Istituto Universitario Salesiano Venezia