Tea with Psychologists: Mentalization, Self-Perception Processes, and Well-Being

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Today as part of the Tea with Psychologists lecture series, UP FAMNIT hosted Prof. Dr. Sandra Bosacki from the Faculty of Education at Brock University in Ontario, Canada. Her research is in developmental and educational psychology with a particular focus on social cognition, theory of mind, identity and the well-being of children and adolescents in diverse cultural and educational contexts.

In her lecture entitled “Mentalization, Self-Perception Processes, and Well-Being: Implications for Research and Practice,” the speaker presented research on the importance of cognitive and emotional processes in social learning and the development of social skills. The speaker placed particular emphasis on self-perception skills, such as self-reflection and emotion regulation, which play an important role in individual well-being.

The lecture highlighted how mentalization skills help adolescents and young adults understand themselves and others and navigate relationships in different contexts, both in face-to-face interactions and online environments. The speaker presented past and current research exploring how young people experience the time they spend alone and the time they spend with friends and family. She also discussed opportunities for further research into social-cognitive development and well-being, as well as the importance of intervention programmes that promote prosocial thinking and behaviour in educational settings.

During her visit, Prof. Dr. Sandra Bosacki expressed her appreciation for the invitation and the opportunity to present her research, as well as her hope that the meeting would encourage future collaboration with the University of Primorska.

“I am very grateful to have been invited to the University of Primorska, where I had the opportunity to present the research work I have been involved in. I hope that this visit will also lead to future collaboration with the University. I was delighted by Koper – it is a beautiful city, I love the seaside setting, and the people were simply wonderful,” the lecturer said.

The lecture provided an opportunity to exchange scientific knowledge and reflect on the importance of understanding ourselves and others for the mental well-being of young people, as well as on opportunities to strengthen the links between research and practice.