University of Naples Federico II, Italy
Prof. Caterina Arcidiacono is a renowned expert in Community Psychology with a distinguished academic and professional career spanning over four decades. She is a full professor at the University of Naples Federico II and has significantly contributed to research in gender studies, gender-based violence, migration, and community wellbeing. Prof. Arcidiacono has coordinated numerous EU-funded projects and published over 150 academic works in prestigious journals. She has held influential roles including Director at EFPA, Past President of ECPA, and advisor to the Italian Senate and European Parliament. As editor of leading journals and coordinator of international PhD programs, her leadership has shaped global discourses on social justice and mental health. Her commitment to research, policy, and community engagement positions her as a leading figure in European psychology and a strong candidate for prestigious academic recognition.
Professional Profile
Orcid Profile
Education
Prof. Caterina Arcidiacono completed her degree in Psychology from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” with distinction. She further specialized in psychoanalysis through rigorous training with the International Association of Analytical Psychology (IAAP), earning her qualification as an IAAP-certified psychoanalyst . Her education laid a solid foundation for her interdisciplinary work, combining clinical psychology, psychoanalysis, and community psychology. Her academic background reflects a deep commitment to psychological theory, practice, and cross-cultural research. Over the years, she has enriched her academic portfolio by participating in advanced training, multilingual scholarship, and contributions to educational programs, including the direction of PhD courses and postgraduate master’s programs. Her education has been pivotal in shaping her expertise in gender studies, violence prevention, and social transformation within both academic and applied psychological contexts.
Professional Experience
With over 40 years of professional experience, Prof. Arcidiacono has held key academic and advisory positions. She served as Full Professor of Community Psychology at the University of Naples Federico II and coordinated numerous doctoral and postgraduate programs. Her leadership includes roles as President of the Mobbing Commission, Director of EFPA, and Past President of ECPA. She also served as a consultant to the Italian Senate’s Commission on Femicide and contributed to various health and social service reforms. In addition, she directed several EU-funded research and intervention programs focused on gender violence, migration, and community well-being. Her professional scope also extends to editorial leadership, including editorship of international journals on psychology and gender studies. She has played pivotal roles in shaping psychological policy and research ethics both nationally and across Europe.
Research Interest
Prof. Arcidiacono’s research interests span across community psychology, gender-based violence, migration, urban regeneration, and intercultural dialogue. Her focus lies in analyzing structural inequalities, fostering collective well-being, and addressing the socio-psychological roots of gender violence and community trauma. She employs methodologies such as participatory action research and grounded theory, making her work both empirically rich and socially transformative. A significant portion of her research during recent years has been dedicated to exploring the psychological impacts of COVID-19, especially on marginalized communities. She has a special interest in gender asymmetries and the psychosocial development of women and children affected by domestic violence. Her research contributions not only offer academic insights but also influence policy-making and community intervention strategies. She continues to innovate at the intersection of psychology, social justice, and feminist theory.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Caterina Arcidiacono has received several prestigious awards and honors recognizing her scholarly and social impact. Notably, she was awarded the Denmark/Reuder Award by APA Division 52 for Outstanding International Contributions to the Psychology of Women and Gender. This award reflects her exceptional scholarship, mentorship, and leadership in the field. She has also been consistently recognized by European institutions for her role in shaping community psychology and influencing gender policy. She has been entrusted with key roles by the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA), further affirming her reputation as a thought leader in psychological sciences. Her work has earned praise not only for its academic excellence but also for its tangible contributions to public policy, gender equity, and community empowerment across Italy and Europe.
Research Skills
Prof. Arcidiacono is highly skilled in qualitative and participatory research methodologies, particularly grounded theory and action research, which she applies to real-world issues such as gender violence, community resilience, and intercultural integration. She has successfully directed multi-year, multi-institutional European research projects with grants exceeding €3 million, demonstrating expertise in research design, project management, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her proficiency spans systematic reviews, narrative inquiry, and ethnographic studies, often conducted across multilingual and multicultural contexts. She is also adept at publishing and editing in high-impact journals, including Q1 publications, and has experience mentoring doctoral students in advanced research techniques. Her research is policy-oriented and community-engaged, emphasizing ethical rigor, cultural sensitivity, and academic innovation. These skills position her as a leading scholar in applied psychology and social transformation.
Publications Top Note
Title: Social connectedness and social actions during the pandemic in the lens of community psychology: A systematic review
Authors: Esposito C., Di Napoli I., Marino L., Agueli B., Procentese F., Arcidiacono C.
Year: 2021
Citation: European Psychologist, Vol. 26(4)
Title: Psychological Lockdown Experiences: Downtime or an Unexpected Time For Being?
Authors: Procentese F., Esposito C., Gonzalez Leone F., Agueli B., Arcidiacono C., Freda F.M., Di Napoli I.
Year: 2021
Citation: Frontiers in Psychology, Vol. 12
Title: Italian community psychology in the COVID-19 pandemic: Collective dimensions in storytelling of university students
Authors: Di Napoli I., Arcidiacono C., et al.
Year: 2021
Citation: Frontiers in Psychology, Vol. 12
Title: Community dimensions and emotions in the era of COVID-19
Authors: Marzana M., Arcidiacono C., et al.
Year: 2021
Citation: Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology
Title: Contextual influences on Italian university students during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Migliorini L., Arcidiacono C., et al.
Year: 2021
Citation: Journal of Community Psychology in Global Perspective, Vol. 7(1), 71–87
Title: Violent dad in child shoes: a moment before
Authors: Arcidiacono C., Di Napoli I. (Eds)
Year: 2021
Citation: Fedoa University Press
Title: Combatting Intimate Partner Violence: Representations of social and healthcare personnel
Authors: Autiero M., Procentese F., Carnevale S., Arcidiacono C., Di Napoli I.
Year: 2020
Citation: IJERPH, Vol. 17(15), 5543
Title: Children witnessing domestic violence in the voice of health and social professionals
Authors: Carnevale S., Di Napoli I., Esposito C., Arcidiacono C., Procentese F.
Year: 2020
Citation: IJERPH, Vol. 17, 4463
Title: ‘Kept in check’: Representations and feelings of professionals facing IPV
Authors: Di Napoli I., Carnevale S., Esposito C., Block R., Arcidiacono C., Procentese F.
Year: 2020
Citation: IJERPH, Vol. 17, 7910
Title: De-growth and critical community psychology: Contributions towards well-being
Authors: Natale A., Di Martino S., Procentese F., Arcidiacono C.
Year: 2016
Citation: Futures, Vol. 78, 47–56
Conclusion
Prof. Caterina Arcidiacono exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to societal advancement through psychological research. Her lifelong contributions to community psychology, gender studies, and social justice demonstrate her ability to bridge theory with action. Through her extensive publications, leadership in international organizations, and influential policy advisement, she has shaped discourse and practice at both national and international levels. Her interdisciplinary approach, coupled with a strong ethical foundation and research acumen, makes her an ideal candidate for prestigious awards and recognition. Looking ahead, her continued engagement in collaborative research and academic mentorship ensures that she will remain a transformative force in psychological science and community development worldwide. Prof. Arcidiacono’s legacy lies in empowering individuals and communities through inclusive and socially responsive scholarship.