Italian University Students Research Articles

Migration and infectious disease risk: knowledge and perception among university students in two European countries.

In the past years, migration has increasingly affected the European continent. The concerns of the local population about infection spread by migrants may increase as an unjustified stigma. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge and risk perception of infectious disease associated with migration among university students. Between January and February 2020, we conducted an online survey in Italian and Spanish University students. We collected data on demographics, perception, and knowledge of infectious diseases associated with migration. We performed descriptive and risk factors analysis to assess the association among selected variables. We collected 1,397 answers, 73.16% from Italian students and 26.84% from Spanish students, 34.54% and 38.67% enrolled in healthcare degrees, respectively. We found a statistically significant correlation between the knowledge of infectious diseases and the perception of the infectious risk associated with migration, not confirmed for the area of study. Healthcare students had the best levels of knowledge and perception of the migratory phenomenon, but the higher perception of infectious risk. Exposure to the media coverage about migration was associated with the worst perception of the migratory phenomenon and infectious risk. Our study showed that, despite healthcare students had the best levels of knowledge, they had the highest risk perception of infectious diseases associated with migration. The inclusion of courses on migration medicine in current healthcare curricula and the increase of practical training could help to avoid the development of biased approaches towards migrants among healthcare professionals.

Procrastination and risky behaviors: preliminary results among Italian university students

Abstract Background The study aims to investigate if the tendency to procrastinate has a relationship with engaging in risky behaviors among university students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the ‘Magna Græcia’ University of Catanzaro, in the Southern part of Italy, using a stratified random sample technique. Undergraduate students (ages 18 to 30) were provided with an anonymous online survey via the institutional email. The survey comprised five sections to assess procrastination levels, sleep quality, breakfast habits, alcohol and tobacco use, and social and demographic characteristics. Results Of the 404 participants, more than half were enrolled in medicine or life science majors. The procrastination mean score was 14.8(IQR 10-20). Poor sleep quality was found in 57.2% of students and women were the most affected part of the sample. The logistic regression model revealed that higher procrastination levels increased the likelihood of engaging in unhealthy behaviors such as breakfast skipping, alcohol abuse, and poor sleep quality. Furthermore, the study found that people who skipped breakfast were more likely to engage in smoking and alcohol abuse, suggesting the interconnectedness nature of unhealthy behaviors. Conclusions The study’s findings shed light on the correlation between procrastination and unhealthy habits. Moreover, the results can offer recommendations for how universities might successfully support students by implementing integrated, evidence-based programs to assist students who struggle with procrastination. Indeed, universities can serve as centers for promoting wellness by increasing awareness of the need to change deeply rooted behavioral patterns. Hence, breaking the vicious cycle of procrastination can ultimately lead to improved academic performance and overall well-being for students. This will benefit both individuals’ and the general public’s health. Key messages • The novel correlation between procrastination and risky behaviors among university students was shown. • Targeted interventions must include procrastination tendency to improve academic results and general well-being.

Self-Perceived Employability and Psychological Well-Being Among Italian Students and Graduates: A Three-Wave Cross-Lagged Study

This study investigated the reciprocal relationship between self-perceived employability (SPE) and psychological well-being (PWB), a connection previously suggested by theory but not yet explored empirically in early career research. Drawing from the Conservation of Resources theory, we analysed the reciprocal effects between SPE and PWB. Using data collected from 376 Italian university students and graduates, we tested the hypotheses with the random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) to analyse the SPE-PWB reciprocal linkage at both the between-person and within-person levels. While we observed a reciprocal SPE-PWB association across three waves at the between-person level, we obtained mixed findings at the within-person level. This study is the first to test the reciprocal associations between SPE and PWB among labour market entrants adopting a within-person approach. The findings offer new empirical insights into SPE during early career stages, with implications for both future research and practical applications.

Exploring the Relationships Between Extreme Levels of Trust on Young People’s View of the Future

The study explored the associations between extreme levels of trust and young people’s pessimistic view of the future. The participants were 772 Italian university students (Male, 21%; range 18–57; Mage=21.6 years, SD = 5.3 years). Findings supported the expected negative linear associations between trust beliefs and pessimism. However, findings further demonstrated that very high and very low trust were associated with higher pessimism than intermediate trust levels. The study found linear and quadratic relationships between global trust beliefs and pessimism, as well as considering the bases of trust (reliability, emotional, and honesty). Practical implications include using cognitive-behavioral techniques to address maladaptive trust beliefs and promoting trust-building skills to foster healthier relationships and a positive vision of the future.

In their narratives: academic socialization in the experience of sensory processing sensitivity among university students.

While much of the worldwide contemporary research on sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) and environmental sensitivity (ES) has relied on the participation of university students, there remains a significant gap in understanding the academic social experiences of those scoring high in SPS (i.e., highly sensitive individuals). To address this gap, this exploratory study aimed to investigate in detail students' academic socialization through their narratives. We conducted nine interviews with Italian university students who self-identified as highly sensitive. Through thematic reflexive analysis, we identified and analyzed 6 themes (with subthemes and versions of subthemes) concerning their self-definitions, their university experience (in classroom, before, during, and after exams), and socialization with peers and teachers. After 20 years of research on SPS, this study integrates the relevant literature into the field of social psychology and academic socialization, emphasizing the importance of understanding SPS within real-life educational contexts and considering highly sensitive students' perspectives on their resources and challenges in attending university. By contributing to the emerging qualitative literature on SPS and ES, this study provides practical implications for educators and policymakers seeking to foster inclusive learning environments for all students.

Who Would Taste It? Exploring Decision-Making Styles and Intention to Eat Insect-Based Food among Italian University Students

Background: Although insect-based foods (IBFs) have been recently proposed as a way to face climate crisis and starvation, they encounter aversion from Western countries, which express fear, disgust, and high risk. The contribution of psychology research to food choices highlights how decisions are made, not only through reasoned attitudes and goal-directed behavior, but also through more automatic associations (dual-system models). Methods: In this paper, we investigated people’s dispositions towards IBFs by combining (a) explicit attitudes (as assessed via self-report scales), (b) automatic associations (as measured via indirect measures), and (c) intention to taste, and comparing different profiles based on (d) psychological factors, including decision-making style, food neophobia, and trust in science and scientist. A pilot sample of 175 Italian university students participated in the study. Results: The analyses of the general sample highlighted rather negative attitudes. The cluster analysis identified 4 decision-making profiles: ‘the gut feeling’, ‘the suspicious’, ‘the vicarious’, and ‘the mind’. It revealed more favorable opinions in ‘the mind’ profile, characterized by a rational decision-making style and high trust in science, and very aversive reactions from ‘the suspicious’ profile, characterized by high food neophobia and low trust in science. Conclusions: The results underline the importance of psychological factors in interpreting people’s reactions to IBF and changes in dietary habits based on the decision-making process. They suggest possible strategies to promote eco-friendly diets.

Adaptation and validation of the stress control mindset measure in Italian university students

Adaptation and validation of the stress control mindset measure in Italian university students

Sleep quality among Italian university students: the UnSleep multicenter study.

Scientific evidence demonstrates that poor sleep quality can lead to various health problems. This study aimed to investigate sleep patterns among Italian university students and identify several factors that may contribute to its quality. Cross-sectional study. An electronic questionnaire regarding sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, and sleep-related habits, including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, was distributed between January 2022 and July 2023 among students belonging to 12 universities located in Northern, Central, and Southern Italy. On a total of 1,674 questionnaires collected, the participants (mean age 24.06±4.56 years, 71.3% F) reported an average number of hours of nocturnal sleep equal to 6.89±1.28 hours. A total of 927 (54.6%) of respondents showed a poor sleep quality (PSQI >5). Regression analysis showed that better sleep quality is associated with lower age, attending universities in Northern Italy, less time spent on electronic devices during the day, not being used to study at night and not playing videogames before sleep. From a public health perspective, our findings suggest that public health operators should raise the awareness of young adults about the importance of sleep quality for maintaining good health, as well as the impact that certain behaviors can have on sleep.

Sino-Italian Relations after the Belt and Road Initiative

Abstract The fluctuations of Italy’s China policy have been attracting attention. The only G7 country to join Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative in 2019, Italy was also the first European participant to withdraw in 2023. While scholars have investigated the rationales and implications of Rome’s actions, no satisfactory explanation has been provided as to why the Chinese government chose not to escalate tensions over Italy’s exit decision. This article argues that, faced with a degradation of trust in relations with the West, China has been attempting to balance its more assertive foreign policy with the need to strengthen its reputational security. Results from an original survey on the opinions about China held by Italian university students are then used to empirically assess China’s reputation among a strategically attentive public. Research findings from the 1,072-strong sample show that reputational capital resides with Chinese society more than with the PRC state, and that while the PRC is widely expected to match the US in economic might and global influence, Beijing’s policies in key realms such as the Ukraine war and the Covid-19 pandemic have been counterproductive for the preservation of China’s reputational security among individuals who are likely to play a key role in future Sino-Italian relations.

Comparative Study of Physical Activity, Leisure Preferences, and Sedentary Behavior among Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish University Students.

The objective of this study is to describe and compare the levels of physical activity, preferences for leisure-time physical activity, and the frequency of non-sedentary behaviors of Portuguese, Italian, and Spanish students attending higher education. A total of 1354 students (21.2 ± 2.9 years) participated in the study, with data collected through an online questionnaire for 6 months. The highest levels of sedentary behavior are found among Spanish students, followed by the Portuguese, and lastly the Italians. In relation to physical activity levels, Spanish students perform more low and moderate physical activity, while Italian students perform more vigorous activities and naturally have a lower level of sedentary behavior. However, it is worth highlighting that students from all three countries reach the minimum levels of physical activity recommended by the WHO.

Studyholism and Attachment Style: A Study among Italian University Students.

Studyholism (or obsession with studying) is a new potential clinical condition introduced in the literature in 2017. Since then, growing research has supported its conceptualization as a clinical disorder and highlighted some potential intervention targets, namely trait worry, social anxiety, negative interpretation bias, and defense mechanisms. The present study aims to extend the literature concerning psychodynamic-related constructs that might constitute targets for interventions aimed at reducing Studyholism by investigating the role of attachment in 1073 students (Mage = 23.48 ± 3.77), balanced concerning civil status (i.e., currently being single or involved in a relationship/non-single). Among the main findings, we found that insecure attachment-mainly preoccupied attachment-is a positive predictor of Studyholism in both non-single and single students. However, there are also some differences depending on the civil status. Finally, (single) disengaged studyholics have a statistically significant lower level of secure attachment than (single) engaged studyholics. In conclusion, this study showed the value of distinguishing between non-single and single students when investigating the role of attachment. Regarding problematic overstudying specifically, the study provided support for its definition as a clinical disorder, also with evidence of the appropriateness of its OCD-related conceptualization. Finally, it suggests preoccupied (insecure) attachment as a target to reduce Studyholism by fostering in students the feeling of being loved and deserving of being loved in their current adult relationships.

Unlocking Success in Counseling: How Personality Traits Moderates Its Effectiveness.

Psychological distress is widespread among university students, with depression being notably more prevalent compared to the general population. University counseling services are crucial for addressing these mental health challenges, and numerous studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing psychological distress and improving overall well-being. However, there is limited research on what factors predict the success of university counseling. This study aims to evaluate whether counseling improves well-being, specifically by reducing depressive symptoms, and to explore whether personality traits influence counseling outcomes. Participants included 125 Italian university students (64.8% female, mean age = 22.69; SD = 3.04) who utilized counseling services. They completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-TR (PID-5-TR) at three points: immediately after the intake interview (T0), just before the intervention (T1), and after the fourth session (T2). Linear mixed models were used to analyze changes in depression levels, revealing a significant reduction in depressive symptoms from pre- to post-intervention. Among personality traits, only antagonism showed a significant interaction with time. Additionally, higher detachment scores were associated with higher depression levels. These findings emphasize the need for focused attention on students' emotional issues and suggest that personality traits may influence the effectiveness of counseling.

Exploring the Role of Sustainable Development Goals in Enhancing Courage, Proactive Career Behaviors, and Life Satisfaction.

Understanding the current challenges addressed in the goals of the 2030 United Nations Agenda can influence career choices, encouraging individuals to pursue careers that contribute positively to addressing them. This study examines the association between the propensity to consider the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to future educational and career paths, courage, proactive career behaviors and life satisfaction, and the mediating role of courage and proactive career behaviors on the association between the propensity to consider the SDGs in relation to future educational and career paths and life satisfaction. The study sample consisted of 314 Italian university students. The serial multiple mediation model was used to examine the direct, indirect, and total effects. The results showed that the propensity to consider SDGs in relation to future educational and career paths, through courage and proactive career behaviors, has a positive impact on life satisfaction. The findings of this study have led to several actionable policy recommendations. These advocate for the integration of activities related to modules on the SDGs into their curricula. In addition, practical implications for career guidance interventions are proposed to consider the role of the SDGs in future career planning.

Tackling Gender-Based Violence to Increase College Students’ Well-Being: A Study on Psychosocial Dimensions Affecting Attitudes Toward the Nonconsensual Intimate Image Dissemination

One of the most recent forms of gender-based violence is non-consensual intimate images dissemination (NCII). This type of offense, popularly referred to as “revenge pornography”, consists of the nonconsensual creation, dissemination, or threat of dissemination of nude or sexually explicit images (photographs and videos) of individuals. NCII is considered a public health issue because of its damaging psychological consequences, especially among adolescents and young adults. According to the social-ecological perspective, psychosocial variables (e.g., endorsement of sexist attitudes, rape myths, sexual double standards, and stereotypes on masculinity) influence and bias perceptions of NCII, but research on these dimensions is still lacking. The present study aims to investigate such variables in a sample of Italian college students (N = 309, 65.4% female, mean age = 21.95, SD = 2.00). The results will be discussed in the light of interventions aimed at raising awareness of violence and its prevention, thus increasing youth well-being in their educational and everyday contexts.

Pandemic and Infodemic: The Role of Social Media in Disinformation Relating to COVID-19 in Italy

With the growing use of the internet through mobile devices, we witness a change in the ways of gathering information: search engines, blogs and social networks seem to supersede traditional media, such as newspapers, radio and TV. The circulation of fake news encounters lower barriers online and it contributes to making the end of the COVID-19 pandemic more difficult: the confusion engendered by false contents can compromise people's cooperation on necessary measures and restrictions in the fight of the current pandemic. This study investigates the role of social media in the spread of false information in the context of COVID-19 pandemic, using a sample of Italian university students. Our econometric results show that the use of social media as a source of information for COVID-19 is positively associated with disinformation. This finding suggests a considerable policy implication: countering fake news is a relevant tool for combating the pandemic.

A Comprehensive Assessment of Bedtime Routines and Strategies to Aid Sleep Onset in College Students: A Web-Based Survey.

College students often experience sleep-wake alterations. Different factors can contribute to insomnia symptoms in this population. The present study aims at investigating pre-sleep behaviours and strategies used to aid sleep onset in young college students and their association with insomnia symptoms. A total of 548 Italian college students (mean age = 23.48 years, range = 19-30 years, 80.5% female) completed a web-based survey on pre-sleep behaviours and sleep-onset facilitators, insomnia symptoms and sleep hygiene, anxiety and depression, and coping strategies. The use of electronic devices at bedtime and as a sleep-onset facilitator was predominant. Students using specific behaviours as sleep-onset facilitators were characterised by more psychological difficulties and poorer sleep. In multivariable linear regression analysis, the frequency of using medications and melatonin, regardless of motivations, was associated with higher insomnia symptoms. The use of specific sleep-onset facilitators positively correlated with the severity of insomnia symptoms. Many students engage in behaviours that are considered sleep-interfering and that are often employed in an attempt to facilitate sleep onset without benefits. Overall, the motivational factors behind pre-sleep behaviours need to be addressed in preventive programs targeting young college students.

Food waste awareness among Italian university students: results of an online survey.

Food waste (FW) represents a significant social and environmental problem, with 1.3 billion tons of food wasted yearly worldwide. Even if consumers are increasingly aware of the phenomenon, it remains relevant, and understanding the behaviors of specific target audience segments appears instrumental to the planning of effective interventions. To this end, we designed an observational study to investigate, throughout an online questionnaire, FW-related habits of university students in a Southern Italian region. A representative sample of 431 students from the University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia completed an online survey aimed at investigate FW related behaviors. A descriptive analysis was performed on the whole cohort, and a formal statistical analysis was carried out after excluding responders who had not correctly followed the survey instructions (n = 85). Differences were assessed by chi square (χ 2) tests. A food wasting score was generated, and differences in the score values were analyzed by Student T-test. Linear and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify factors contributing to the score. Overall, the results of our survey show a high prevalence of virtuous behaviors in the food purchasing phase; while, at home, less than 50% of respondents apply easy-to-implement waste prevention rules. The statistical analysis showed that the major determinants of FW were: no direct involvement in grocery shopping and male gender. Indeed, even if we observed several significant differences comparing subgroups based on established or putative determinants of FW behaviors, none survived matching for group size, gender and relevant food managing (shopping, storing, cooking) habits. The only exception was the more appropriate handling of "use by" products by respondents who received structured nutrition teaching, as opposed to students whose academic courses do not include this subject (adjusted p = 0.008). Our data suggest that young adults are trying to implement strategies to reduce FW, even if there is room for improvement, particularly in the storage phase. Extending nutrition education to all university programs may be helpful in reaching this goal.

Lifetime prevalence and characteristics of sleep paralysis in Italian university students population

Sleep paralysis (SP) is a REM-related parasomnia, characterized by the inability to perform voluntary movements. It is a relatively widespread phenomenon in the general population and, although usually not dangerous, it is experienced with intense fear. The current study aims to evaluate the lifetime prevalence and characteristics of SP in the Italian student population. The study was conducted online, through an online battery of questionnaires. We used the Unusual Sleep Experience Questionnaire to investigate the prevalence of the disorder and the typical characteristics, metacognitive beliefs on the episodes, and previous distress factors. We also collected information about anxiety and depression symptomatology, sleep quality, and circadian preferences. Four hundred and thirty-two participants (333 F, 22.8 ± 2.57 y) took part in the study and 37.5 % of them reported having experienced at least one SP episode in their lifetime. On a physiological level, the most common features were the inability to speak followed by a tingling sensation and the inability to open the eyes, consistent with REM muscle atonia. Cognitive features during episodes include the perception of a presence in the room, followed by the fear of dying. Participants who reported SP had higher anxiety and worse sleep quality, and were more associated with evening chronotypes compared to non-SP responders. Our results show that SP is generally widespread in Italian students, in line with the prevalence reported in previous studies. Further studies could investigate the effects of suggested therapies to decrease the number of episodes of the disorder, especially in those who experience it recurrently.

Specific learning disabilities and associated emotional-motivational profiles: a study in Italian university students.

In this study, we analyzed the emotional and motivational aspects characterizing the profile of university students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD). We assessed 61 university students, 32 with SLD (age = 23.6) and 29 in the control group (age = 23.00). The results highlighted that individuals with SLD exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depression and lower resilience compared to the control group. The Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale - Short Form, which explores perfectionism, did not reveal differences between the groups. Conversely, lower scores emerged in SLD students for the intrinsic motivation sub-scales of the Academic Motivation Scale. This indicates less engagement in studying out of personal cognitive curiosity. The Self-Regulated Knowledge Scale - University, which measures various cognitive strategies, showed significantly lower scores in the SLD group for knowledge linking, knowledge training, and knowledge critique. This suggests a lower frequency with which SLD students attempt to connect new knowledge with what they already possess, apply their knowledge, ask questions, and critically analyze what they have learned. Therefore, psychological and motivational consequences are evident in this population and can impact well-being and quality of life.

Italian university students' future time perspective and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, young adults worldwide showed signs of distress as they were affected in their specific developmental tasks, including the construction of personal and professional futures. The present study aimed to assess the situational future time perspective of Italian university students during the second pandemic wave, as measured by an ad hoc constructed instrument, to explore its interaction with some dispositional traits relevant in future construction, such as optimism, sense of life, aggression, and dispositional future time perspective, and to test their effect on psychological well-being. The total sample consisted of 389 subjects (18-35 years, M = 23.5, SD = 4.4). The results indicated that the pandemic experience, assessed by surveying specific indicators, negatively affected the future time perspective of students, particularly those dispositionally optimistic and convinced that life has meaning. However, awareness of the negative impact that the pandemic brought to the vision of the future seems to have dampened the levels of depression and stress, while anxiety was found to be related only to dispositional traits. The results also suggested the need for educational and economic policies that help young adults develop confidence in the future and in their ability to build it.