Monica Pivetti

Prenatal Genetic Testing: An Investigation of Determining Factors Affecting the Decision-Making Process

Despite the increase in popularity of prenatal genetic testing, relatively little is known about the role psychological factors play in the decision-making process. In this analogue study, a sample of Italian female university students was used to investigate determining factors that predict the intention of undergoing prenatal genetic testing. Structural Equation Modelling was used to describe the dynamic interplay between knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and health-related behaviour such as prenatal genetic testing. Following the Theory of Reasoned Action, three dimensions predicted the intention to undergo prenatal genetic testing: the need for more scientific information, a positive attitude towards genetic testing, and the inclination to terminate pregnancy after receiving a positive test result. Results showed that less religious women tended to be more in favour of prenatal tests and in undertaking such tests. This preliminary study provides genetic counsellors and policy makers with a clearer picture of their clients’ motives and attitudes behind the decision-making process of prenatal genetic testing, contributing to improving both the communication process between counsellors and their clients and the organization of genetic services.

The discourse around usefulness, morality, risk and trust: a focus group study on prenatal genetic testing

This study explores the underlying values and beliefs that guide womens reasoning on prenatal genetic test (PGT) uptake, as framed by their own words, during a group discussion, in a Catholic country such as Italy.

Psychosocial factors affecting uptake of prenatal genetic testing: a pilot study

This study aims to explore the psychosocial factors which influenced the undergoing of prenatal genetic testing (PGT) in a sample of pregnant women.

A Training Course in Educational Robotics for Learning Support Teachers

This paper discusses the new implementation of a strengthened introductory training course in Educational Robotics for pre-service and in-service learning support teachers. By means of a final written questionnaire we compare the results of the course in 2015 with this year course, when the number of hours were doubled. This year participants expressed a higher appreciation and a better attitude towards robotics. Teachers agreed on the conviction that robotics can enhance students’ motivation to learning and that educational robotics sustains a new point of view on science for teachers. Regarding the implementation in class, approximately two third of the participants declare they had already an idea on how to integrate robotics in curricula. More specifically, participants named ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorders), ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), learning disabilities, mild mental retardation as aspects that can be effectively addressed by ER.

Moral Foundations, Political Orientation and Religiosity In Italy

Received: January 19, 2018 Revised: February 27, 2018 Accepted: March 31, 2018 Abstract: Background: This study investigates the role of political orientation and religiosity in Italy for moral foundations endorsement, in light of Haidt and Graham’s Moral Foundations Theory. This theory hypothesizes that moral systems are based on five dimensions (i.e., Harm/care, Fairness/reciprocity, Ingroup/loyalty, Authority/respect, and Purity/sanctity) that, in turn, can be grouped into two broader dimensions (Binding and Individualizing).

Animal, Human and Robot Attribution: Ontologization of Roma,Romanian and Chinese Groups in an Italian Sample

Objectives: This study aims to enrich the ontologization approach in two ways: (1) A theoretical development of the ontologization approach is proposed, by including the attribution of the essence of automata to outgroup members; (2) whether the ontologization process is also verified for the Romanian and Chinese group is investigated, whereas the ontologization process has traditionally focused on the Roma minority.

Support for the Forensic DNA Database and Public Safety Concerns: An Exploratory Study

Background: Over the past few decades, 32 European countries have introduced a national DNA database containing samples and/or profiles from suspected/convicted criminal offenders and biological materials from crime scenes. However, only a few studies have empirically investigated opinions on such a practice and the psychosocial factors possibly predicting public support or opposition. Objective: This study aims to preliminarily explore public support for a national DNA database in Italy. In particular, the role played by psychosocial factors, such as concern over individual rights vs. public safety, as well as genetic and juridical/legal literacy in the public’s acceptance of a forensic DNA database, was investigated. Method: Within a correlational study, a written questionnaire was administered to a sample (N = 242) of university students. Results: Participants generally showed support for a forensic DNA database. Concerns over public safety predicted the acceptance of a DNA database, with those valuing public safety being more supportive of its implementation, whereas no role was played by familiarity with the fundamental mechanisms of genetics and with the Italian Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code. Conclusion: Empirical research on this issue could provide policymakers and the police force with a better picture of the psychosocial factors underlying public support for the DNA database.

Long-Term Abstinence and Quality of Life After a Socioecological Treatment Program: An Italian Experience

ABSTRACT This article aims to report the outcomes of a brief residential alcohol treatment based on the socioecological method, as measured in terms of professional evaluation and quality of life. The study covered a one-year period (July 2011–August 2012) by following the experiences of 20 users of alcohol included in a residential treatment program based on the socioecological approach. The treatment outcome was assessed via a quality-of-life (QoL) measure and professional service evaluation on three occasions: upon admission to the hospital, one month after hospital discharge, at the follow-up after 3 to 4 months. Moreover, four club facilitators were interviewed after 7 to 8 months concerning the situation of five patients. Results showed that one out of four people with an alcohol addiction were still sober about one year after discharge and attended the Clubs for Alcoholics in Treatment (CAT) regularly. One month after discharge, QoL data and professional evaluation converged in showing an improvement in 13 participants. Their QoL generally improved, with specific reference to their financial situation, life in general, health condition, and family relations. The brief residential program based on the socioecological model appears to be a feasible path for those seeking alcohol treatment in Italy, as a positive outcome was reported by one half of the patients in terms of better QoL at the 6-month follow-up and by one fourth of patients in terms of sobriety and club attendance at the one-year follow-up.