The Psychology Department is committed to advancing scientific knowledge through innovative research on human behavior, cognition, and emotion. By integrating fields such as cognitive psychology, neuroscience, counseling, clinical, developmental, personality, and social/organizational psychology, the department produces cutting-edge, evidence-based insights. These findings propose novel applications in the rapidly evolving field of psychology and aim to raise public awareness. Our programs address both theoretical issues and practical techniques, serving as a strong foundation for future postgraduate training and diverse career opportunities.
Our key research areas include:
1) COGNITIVE SCIENCE & NEUROSCIENCE
Research in this group explores diverse areas within cognitive science and neuroscience using a variety of methodologies. Topics include the study of a broad spectrum of mental processes such as memory, language, attention, decision-making, and their neural underpinnings. Our interdisciplinary approach incorporates behavioral testing, neurophysiological measures (EEG, eye-tracking, facial tracking, galvanic skin response), and the integration of augmented and virtual reality technologies to deepen our understanding of these cognitive processes.
Examining the relationship between brain activity, cognitive processes, and XR environments.
Developing XR-based tools for cognitive training and mental health interventions that utilize immersive environments to enhance cognitive functions, emotional resilience, and well-being.
By combining data from multiple sources—brain activity, physiological responses, and behavioral data—the lab creates sophisticated models of human behavior in XR.
PsyNet Lab is actively developing VR tools for cognitive assessments and rehabilitation programs for patients with cognitive impairments, such as traumatic brain injuries or neurodegenerative diseases.
Examination of how common multitasking behaviors associated with a qualitatively different type of attention (breadth biased) showdown stream effect on creativity.
Investigation of how multitasking activity and multitasking preference (polychronicity) are associated with altered time perception.
Examination of how cognitive processes (memory, attention, decision making) are affected by the use of different languages (e.g. English vs. Greek vs. Greek sign language) and the use of a native vs a second language, and the impact of typical vs. atypical language development.
Evaluating cognitive functions and neuropsychiatric symptoms using neuropsychological assessments and behavioral testing.
2) SOCIAL BEHAVIOR AND PERSONALITY
Research in this group explores the dynamic interplay between psychological and social processes and their impact on judgments, decision-making, and behavior. The group investigates key topics, such as attribution, mood and emotions, stereotyping, and prejudice. Significant topics are also explored in the realm of organizational& social psychology, with research focusing on employee well-being, equality, diversity, and inclusion, with a specific interest in the remaking of the contemporary world of work and employment due to AI and automation. Additionally, the group focuses on the validation and cultural adaptation of psychological instruments to ensure their validity, reliability, and cultural relevance in the Greek context.
This area of research focuses on advancing diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion at the individual, organizational, and societal levels.We explore issues of opportunity, inequality, access, and inclusion related to gender, ethnicity, class, education, citizenship, disability, and sexual orientation.
This research explores neural and psychophysiological markers in political and economic decisions, examining responses to information, misinformation, and factors influencing credibility and sharing through survey, experimental, and electrophysiological methods.
This research work aims to advance knowledge on the impact of AI and algorithmic decision-making on marginalized identities in organizations and the risks of bias in algorithmic decision-making. It also examines how such technological developments in AI and algorithmic decision-making create new forms of social and economic inequality and exclusion forindividuals withmarginalized identities in the workplace
3) LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT & EDUCATION
Research in this group explores how the brain and behavior evolve across the lifespan, with an emphasis on key developmental stages, such as early childhood, adolescence, aging, and the impact of developmental disorders. Additionally, the group conducts applied psychological research in educational contexts, ensuring that the findings are rigorous and accessible to both psychology and education professionals, as well as the general public.
Investigation of the application of AI systems, including natural language processing, machine learning, chatbots, adaptive tutoring systems, and digital content automated assessment, to improve educational processes and outcomes related to learning, teaching, assessment, and administrative tasks.
The intersections of contemporary technologies with the social and emotional lives of children and adolescents. Implications of growing up digital for mental health and well-being and the digital and media literacy competencies of children and adolescents.
Development of key academic skills (i.e., reading, writing, comprehension), in the assessment and remediation of learning disabilities (and comorbid disorders) in children and adults, and in instructional interventions and inclusion.
Psychological mechanisms of learning and development, exploring opportunities for reskilling and upskilling strategies for diverse groups of professionals (academics, practitioners, educationalists, mental health professionals, psychotherapists, etc.), and identifying modes of critical thinking enhancement, learner user experience, and transformational learning.
4) CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
This group conducts systematic research on clinically relevant issues, emphasizing the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions. Furthermore, the group focuses on important issues related to the training of mental health providers. This includes how to best develop and enhance the educational setting to optimally expose therapists in training to novel and innovative approaches within the clinical setting.
Better understanding of the lived experience of individuals with specific diagnoses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, Deafness) and how clinical interventions can be improved to best serve the unique needs of these populations.
Psychologists are being called more and more to deliver therapeutic interventions in settings outside of the traditional mental health settings. This work focuses on identifying ways to optimize how training is delivered and what new content and practical experiences are needed for therapists in training to best meet the needs of these novel settings.
Processes and mechanisms of change within psychotherapy are the driving factors that improve patients and create meaningful clinical change. This group focuses on identifying these processes and how to best achieve them in therapy.
Capacity building in trauma-informed care for professionals working with trauma victims, comparison of f2f and AI-enabled training interventions; effectiveness of trauma-informed care in refugee populations; effectiveness of child abuse prevention interventions.