Psychological Area

The Psychological Area of the Department of Human Sciences for Education at the University of Milano-Bicocca carries out—or has carried out—research activities within the following scientific-disciplinary field:

General Psychology, Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychometrics (11/PSIC-01)

This scientific-disciplinary group encompasses expertise, research areas, and educational-training activities focused on the study of behaviour and the functional organisation of cognitive, affective, and personality processes, as well as their psychobiological, psychophysiological, and neuropsychological correlates, under typical, atypical, and pathological conditions. It also includes the study of individual differences in such processes. The group covers expertise related to theories and procedures of psychological measurement and assessment, as well as the application of quantitative disciplines to psychological science.

The ongoing or completed research activity of the Psychology Area includes the following scientific-disciplinary field (SSD) affiliated with GSD 11/PSIC-01:

General Psychology (PSIC-01/A)
formerly M-PSI/01 General PsychologyThis field focuses on the study of behaviour and the functional organisation of mental processes, including cognitive functions (such as sensation, attention, perception, learning, memory and imagery, action, thinking, language and communication, control processes, and states of consciousness), as well as motivation and emotions, intelligence, personality, and individual differences.
It employs research methods and techniques from both psychological and cognitive neuroscience, applied in laboratory settings and across diverse application domains—such as the arts, cognitive ergonomics, forensic contexts, well-being, motor and sports activities, economic decision-making, and environmental studies.
The field also applies appropriate methodologies for developing cognitive models and designing evidence-based intervention strategies targeting typical, atypical, and pathological manifestations of mental processes across developmental stages.
Expertise also extends to the interaction between natural and artificial cognitive systems and to the study of the history of psychology.

Developmental and Educational Psychology (11/PSIC-02)

This scientific-disciplinary group includes only the scientific-disciplinary field (SSD) of the same name, Developmental and Educational Psychology (PSIC-02/A).

The ongoing or completed research activity of the Psychology Area includes the following scientific-disciplinary field (SSD) affiliated with GSD 11/PSIC-02:

Developmental and Educational Psychology (PSIC-02/A)
formerly M-PSI/04 Developmental and Educational PsychologyThis field focuses on the study of developmental and educational processes across the lifespan, with particular attention to psychological development in typical and atypical conditions. It investigates perceptual, cognitive, communicative-linguistic, motor, social, emotional, affective, and relational competencies, as well as the individual and socio-environmental factors that shape these processes.
The field adopts an ontogenetic and transgenerational perspective, taking into account various educational, social and cultural contexts throughout the life course. Research and teaching address both theoretical and applied aspects, including the use of digital technologies in learning and socialisation environments.
Competencies extend to psychological processes relevant to development and education in family, school, social, inclusion, guidance, and health contexts, with the aim of promoting sustainable development and well-being, and preventing psychological distress.
It also includes the study of research methods and techniques specific to this area, as well as ethical and social justice issues, with a strong focus on advocacy for the rights of children, adolescents, and vulnerable individuals across different life stages.

Clinical and Dynamic Psychology (11/PSIC-04)

This scientific-disciplinary group concerns scientific research, teaching, professional practice, outreach, and applied work in the fields of Clinical and Dynamic Psychology.
The study, research, and teaching competencies in this field encompass psychological care and the development of methods and tools for the design and implementation of clinical studies, including the evaluation of processes and outcomes of psychological interventions—particularly those involving integrated and multidisciplinary approaches.
Further expertise includes the development of methodologies for understanding and assessing the individual’s psychological functioning and relational dynamics, from both clinical and psychodynamic perspectives. This entails structural assessment of the person and their inner world, including affective, cognitive, and interpersonal dimensions.
The field also covers the promotion of psychological well-being and health, and the design and evaluation of psychodynamic intervention methods and techniques, with a focus on process and outcome measures in therapeutic contexts.

The ongoing or completed research activity of the Psychology Area includes the following scientific-disciplinary field (SSD) affiliated with GSD 11/PSIC-04:

Clinical Psychology (PSIC-04/B)
formerly M-PSI/08 Clinical PsychologyThis field includes expertise related to research, teaching, and intervention methods applied in various clinical and care settings, across all stages of the life cycle and different operational levels (individual, relational, family, group, and institutional).
It encompasses evidence-based psychological applications in health care, hospitals, pain management, forensic settings, and in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological distress and psychopathological conditions—including psychosomatic, sexological, stress-related, and addiction-related disorders.
Activities aim to promote health and well-being through prevention strategies, the identification of risk and protective factors, psychodiagnostic assessment, psychological rehabilitation, and psychotherapy.
The field also includes expertise in clinical psychophysiology and clinical neuropsychology, as well as neuroscientific approaches grounded in bio-psycho-social models of psychopathology. Methodological skills, tools, and techniques relevant to these areas are likewise an integral part of this field.