The development of identity, the phenomenon of phubbing (ignoring the interlocutor by looking at the cell phone) and behavioral addictions in young people are the topics in which the three visiting researchers of the challenge 2022-2023 of the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS) of the University of Navarra, graduate 'Young people, relationships and psychological well-being', delve into.

Kleio Akrivou, from the University of Reading (UK); Yeslam Al-Saggaf, from Charles Sturt University (Australia); and Gemma Mestre, from the International University of La Rioja, presented their projects at the ICS. The event was moderated by Gonzalo Arrondo, coordinator of the initiative.

Professor Akrivou delves into the development of identity in youth, addressing the problem of intimacy versus isolation in relationships. Specifically, she studies how it affects the personality of each human being and his or her potential to develop, display and respond appropriately to loving, empathetic and resilient forms of wisdom internship in relationships. 

Meanwhile, Yeslam Al-Saggaf analyzes the effect of phubbing on the psychological well-being of young people, looking especially at loneliness, relationship satisfaction and self-esteem. 

Gemma Mestre also aims to explore behavioral addictions in adolescents and young people, a population vulnerable to them subject . She focuses mainly on the problematic use of pornography, gambling disorder and video game addiction. Its project aims to shed light on the factors associated with these addictions.

Interdisciplinary approach

The challenge ICS is a topic of research of high academic impact and social interest, proposed by the researchers themselves, which will be focused on for a period of time. The challenge 2022-2023 studies psychological well-being in adolescence and youth. It is approached from an interdisciplinary perspective that takes into account anthropology, sociology, linguistics, psychology and epidemiology, as well as any other discipline that can contribute new approaches to the study of this period.

The challenge ICS 2022-2023 is aligned with the University of Navarra's Strategy 2025 > 'Health and Wellness'. The goal of this line is to make the University a place where study and work can be combined with a healthy lifestyle, as well as to work together with other centers and organizations to contribute to promote a culture of health in society.