Prof. Iolanda Chinellato
University of Bari, ASL Taranto, Italy
Abstract Title:
Fabio Mancini's School Project for Next Gen: Preliminary Data of a New Communication Model
Biography:
Dr. Iolanda Chinellato is an accomplished pediatrician and researcher who earned her Ph.D. from the University of Verona, Italy, at the age of 37. She currently serves as the Head of the Pediatric Department at San Pio Hospital in Castellaneta, Italy, where she leads with dedication and expertise. With a prolific academic record of over 100 publications and an h-index of 17, Dr. Chinellato’s work has contributed significantly to the field of pediatrics and beyond. Her research has been widely recognized, and she serves as a reviewer for several esteemed scientific journals. Driven by a passion for philanthropy, Dr. Chinellato is deeply committed to leveraging scientific research for charitable and humanitarian purposes, aiming to translate academic knowledge into tangible benefits for vulnerable communities.
Research Interests:
Adolescence is a critical period of physical and psycho-cognitive changes, often accompanied by emotional and social challenges. Recent trends in developmental psychology have shifted from viewing this phase as problematic to adopting a positive psychology paradigm focused on promoting well-being through self-awareness.
This project aims to monitor students'psychological well-being and analyze the impact of a direct communication model involving Fabio Mancini, an international supermodel, in the school setting. To monitor subjective wellbeing among Italian school students using the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ). A key innovation is the involvement of an international supermodel as a mediator, providing a positive model for dialogue with adolescents. This approach contrasts with virtual relationships, offering an example of well-being achieved through a healthy lifestyle. The project involved 96,320 students from 155 Italian schools with an average age of 14 years. The intervention consisted of administering the OHQ questionnaire after motivational meetings led by Fabio Mancini, designed to encourage reflection on healthy lifestyles and authentic relationships. Results showed that 5% of students declared themselves very happy, 51% moderately happy, and 33% quite unhappy. Additionally, 66% did not feel particularly healthy, but 84.8% believed in the importance of school education. A considerable 97% approved the communication model with Fabio Mancini to address topics facing new generations. The initiative aims to promote good practices for direct, healthy relationships among adolescents with peers, family, and educational institutions. By fostering these skills from early adolescence, the project supports individual well-being by integrating lifelong learning with well-being. This aligns with educational trends moving away from digital models toward traditional, cooperative learning environments.
