Playing can make children more responsive to external stimuli, but can also temporarily reduce their efficiency in activities that require a high level of cognitive control. This is what emerges from two studies by the Department of General Psychology at the University of Padua, published in the
RESONATE Atlas is an interactive resource that brings together nature-based interventions implemented around the world and allows users to explore the scientific evidence concerning their impact on human health and well-being. An interactive resource that connects scientific research with practices
Theoretical research by the University of Padua and Aarhus University highlights the role of the interpretation of bodily sensations in the regulation of emotions and in psychological health.A racing heartbeat can be perceived either as a response to enthusiasm or as a sign of danger. What makes the
It takes longer to click on a tiny button in the corner of a screen than on a larger one in the center. This is not just an impression: it is described by Fitts’ law, one of the cornerstones of motor control psychology. Formulated by Paul Fitts in 1954, the law states that the time needed to reach a
How can we support people caring for someone with cognitive decline while reducing their risk of loneliness and social isolation?Caring for a person with cognitive decline can require an intense and long-term commitment. Caregiving responsibilities may therefore reduce opportunities for social
A plant on a windowsill, a climber in a garden, a tree beside the road: they seem quiet, almost motionless. Yet how much of their activity escapes our notice because it unfolds at different timescales and through signals unlike our own?This question inspires a 360-degree approach to plant behaviour
Nature exposure supports young women in appreciating more their bodies. But why does it happen? What are the mechanisms that explain this effect? Scientific literature does not provide a definite answer to these questions, despite several hypotheses have been suggested. To better understand this
How can we assess age-related hearing loss and its consequences for older adults’ everyday functioning?Age-related hearing loss (i.e. presbycusis) is one of the most common chronic conditions among older adults and involves a progressive decline in hearing capacity caused by progressive age-related
