Contribution to the development of the relevant scientific areas
The research program will contribute to theoretical development and the creation of empirical knowledge that informs and stimulates research, education, social debate, as well as social interventions and policies on migration, ethnic relations and cultural diversity. Dealing with psychology and immigration means dealing with different targets and themes. The research of our Department and of the future Center is, and will be, focused on the different groups of migrants (immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees, first and second generation immigrant children and adolescents, unaccompanied minors) and also on natives in different social contexts (school, work, organizations). The topics that will be addressed are consistent with the interests of the various research groups and integrate different areas by creating interdisciplinary research groups. The equipment and multimedia tools required will make it possible to strengthen the lines of research that are already active in the Department's laboratories and the social communication of the research results.
Motivations and aspirations related to migrating
Studies on the psychological motivations underlying current migrations. An understanding of the forces underlying migration decisions can provide a contribution to research on the integration of migrants, as well as on the definition of policies regarding migration, inclusion and integration.
Studies on victims of trafficking and exploitation in different contexts.
Studies on expectations, aspirations and plans for the future. Systematic understanding of the precursors and processes of migration and integration is essential for the development of appropriate policies and interventions.
Studies on the prospects, initiatives and policies to support immigrants who would like to return to their homeland. Analysis of socio-cultural and psychological factors (motivations, information, etc.) that can hinder or facilitate return intentions and initiatives.
Socio-cultural integration
Socio-cultural integration processes of various first and second generation ethnic and religious immigrant groups.
Studies on the factors that can lead to inequalities, social problems and exclusion processes, to new social risks and psychological vulnerabilities.
Studies on the needs of migrants, with particular attention to those that can motivate and guide possible outcomes of radicalization and terrorism, in particular Jihadist terrorism. The Center aims to develop international research projects to investigate the strategies and programs implemented in various Islamic countries (e.g. Tunisia, Indonesia, Morocco) to prevent and counter radicalization among young people.
Psycho-social integration and health of migrants
Traumas and psychopathological distress of migrants. Analysis of the social-psychological factors that favor or hinder resilience, i.e. an individual's ability to face and overcome a traumatic event or a period of difficulty in a constructive and positive way. The violence and torture suffered in one's country of origin and/or during the migratory journey make research into mental health support and prevention programs in the community field necessary.
Cultural diversity, ethnic and religious identities
Studies to delve deeper into the psychosocial mechanisms that hinder or stimulate the development of "dual identities" of immigrants, especially second generation immigrants.
Ethnic relations and intercultural communication
Political attitudes, prejudices, discrimination and racism of both the native group and immigrants. Studies on opinions, cultural diversity and citizenship proposals of immigrants.
Representation of migration in the mass media and speeches of hate and racism. The Center will promote various intercultural education campaigns using the instrumental resources present in the Department.
Inter-cultural communication in various socio-educational and health contexts in order to promote positive effects on integration in the school context and on the health of migrants.
Integration processes of children and adolescents from different cultures
Adolescent children of migrants in Italy: identity, values, consumption, future plans.
Immigration and motherhood in adolescence and young age; risk and protective factors. the research aims to reduce the risk factors connected to becoming a mother at a young age, in which the immigration condition represents a further element of difficulty as it is often accompanied by poor access to health services and experiences of sexual and work exploitation.
Analysis of the migratory path and adaptation processes of unaccompanied foreign minors. The research aims to verify the reception methods and procedures within the first and second reception centres, starting from the experiences of the minors with the final objective of proposing any changes and/or improvements to outline a reception approach that is "children sensitive" and places the needs/rights of minors at the centre.
Intercultural education
Studies on social relations in inter-ethnic schools, inter-ethnic bullying, practices for promoting prosocial helping behavior.
Studies on the attitudes of natives towards second generations of different ethnic and religious origins. A fundamental aspect concerns the desire to extend rights and privileges to second generations, and to consider them as belonging to our national identity.
Study on intervention methods for strengthening socio-emotional and linguistic skills in order to promote school adaptation and the inclusion of immigrant children in school according to the theoretical model of Social Information Processing. The general objective is to strengthen the socio-emotional skills of all children, including immigrants, in order to improve relationships with classmates and teachers in the classroom.
Analysis of the factors underlying the difficulties in producing and understanding written texts in children of immigrants.