The intersection of contemplative practices, spirituality, and meaning

Caterina Ugolini – Social Sciences, FISPPA, University of Padua (2024–present)

Recipient of a PhD scholarship funded by the UBI Research Center.

Caterina’s research investigates spirituality in relation to psychosocial wellbeing, prosocial behaviors, different life motivations, and attitudes toward death. A specific focus is placed on the context of healthcare, where she explores the impact of the spiritual dimensions on care provision and end-of-life decision-making, through communication with healthcare professionals and in relation to meanings attributed to terminality.

Her work involves a systematic review of the existing literature and empirical exploration through both validated instruments and the development of new ones, including scales designed to assess the need for transcendence in its vertical and horizontal dimensions, and the need for contemplation.