Ishrat Yousaf | Developmental Psychopathology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. prof. Dr. Ishrat Yousaf | Developmental Psychopathology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ishrat Yousaf,Ā  Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad,Ā  Pakistan.

Dr. Ishrat Yousaf is a pioneering psychologist and academic with over eight years of experience in higher education. Her Ph.D. research broke new ground in Pakistan by addressing mental health, suicide risk, and social functioning among individuals with HIV/AIDS. As an Associate Professor at Capital University of Science & Technology, she blends clinical insight with research-driven practices. Her expertise includes psychological assessment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and the cross-cultural validation of psychological tools. Dr. Yousaf has led several HEC-funded projects targeting youth mental health and has presented her work on international platforms. Her contributions continue to shape the fields of applied and clinical psychology in both local and global contexts.

Profile

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šŸŽ“ Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ishrat Yousaf began her academic journey with a strong foundation in Clinical Psychology, earning her M.Sc. from the University of Peshawar after completing a Bachelor of Science from the College of Home Economics. Her academic excellence and curiosity about human behavior led her to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Peshawar. Her doctoral research was groundbreaking—marking the first in Pakistan to explore the psychological disorders, suicide risk, and social functioning among individuals living with HIV/AIDS. This pioneering study laid the foundation for her future academic and clinical endeavors in public mental health.

šŸ‘©ā€šŸ« Professional Endeavors

With more than eight years of experience in academia, Dr. Yousaf has served in key academic roles, most notably as Assistant Professor and now as Associate Professor at Capital University of Science & Technology (CUST), Islamabad. Her role involves teaching, mentoring, and supervising students in various psychological disciplines, particularly in Applied and Clinical Psychology. She is deeply involved in developing curricula, designing intervention models, and leading institutional projects that merge psychological research with community outreach.

🧠 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Yousaf’s research spans a wide spectrum within clinical and applied psychology. She has conducted significant work on mental health in marginalized populations, such as individuals with HIV/AIDS and youth with substance use disorders. Her work also includes cross-cultural adaptation and validation of psychological tests and developing indigenous interventions using cognitive behavioral therapy. As Principal and Co-Principal Investigator, she has led numerous projects funded by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, targeting depression, anxiety, and mental wellness among youth.

šŸ† Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Yousaf has received multiple honors and scholarships. She was awarded a competitive Ph.D. scholarship by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and selected for a Developing Country Scholarship by the 74th International Congress of Psychology in Yokohama, Japan. She has consistently earned research grants based on merit and her demonstrated commitment to mental health advocacy and evidence-based psychological practice.

šŸŒ Impact and Influence

Dr. Yousaf’s work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed international journals, adding valuable insights to the fields of clinical psychology and public mental health. Her research has not only contributed to the academic body of knowledge but also informed policy and practice in mental health services in Pakistan. She has participated in and presented at both national and international conferences, enhancing the global discourse on HIV/AIDS, youth mental health, and psychological resilience.

šŸ”¬ Legacy and Future Contributions

With a vision for inclusive and culturally-sensitive mental healthcare, Dr. Yousaf continues to innovate and lead in her field. Her future goals include expanding e-health psychological interventions and furthering indigenous therapy models suited for Pakistani youth. As a mentor and researcher, she is shaping the next generation of clinical psychologists equipped with the tools and cultural understanding necessary for transformative impact.

šŸ’” Research that Heals and Empowers

At the core of Dr. Yousaf’s mission is the belief in psychology as a force for healing, empowerment, and social change. Her focus on vulnerable populations, combined with her clinical expertise, enables her to craft solutions that address the root causes of psychological distress. Her ongoing work is a testament to the powerful intersection of research, empathy, and cultural relevance in building healthier societies.

Publication

  1. Title: Anxiety scale for children with autism spectrum disorders: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation
    Authors: Dr. Ishrat Yousaf, Maryam Khan, Dr. Sabahat Haqqani, Muqqadas Saba
    Year: 2025

 

  1. Title: Depression, Anxiety, Stress And Wellbeing Of Young Psychology Students In Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study
    Authors: Dr. Sabahat Haqqani, Muhammad Naeem, Taqdees Fatima, Noor Ul Sabahat, Dr. Ishrat Yousaf
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Development of Wellness Guide: A Guided Self-Help Indigenous Intervention for Reducing Depression, and Anxiety and Enhancing Wellbeing of Pakistani Youth
    Authors: Ishrat Yousaf, Ishrat Rizwan, Sabahat Haqqani
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Indigenous Conceptualization of Depression and Anxiety: FGDs with Pakistani Youth and Health Practitioners
    Authors: Ishrat Yousaf, Ishrat Rizwan
    Year: 2024

 

  1. Title: Editorial
    Authors: Naeem, B.; Aqeel, M.; Maqsood, A.; Yousaf, I.; Ehsan, S.; Gavrielides, T.
    Year: 2023

 

  1. Title: Psychometric properties of the revised Urdu version dyadic adjustment scale for evaluating marital relationship quality between madrassa and Non-Madrassa married women
    Authors: Naeem, Bushra; Aqeel, Muhammad; Maqsood, Aneela; Yousaf, Ishrat; Ehsan, Saima
    Year: 2023

 

  1. Title: Impact of Procrastination on Self-esteem of College and University Students of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
    Authors: Sana Khurshid, Saima Parwez, Ishrat Yousaf
    Year: 2023

 

  1. Title: HIV Treatment Adherence Self-efficacy Scale for Pakistani HIV/AIDS patients: Translation and psychometric evaluation
    Authors: Yousaf, Ishrat; Haqqani, Sabahat
    Year: 2022

 

  1. Title: The influence of illness perception, anxiety and depression disorders on students mental health during COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan: a Web-based cross-sectional survey
    Authors: Aqeel, Muhammad; Abbas, Jaffar; Shuja, Kanwar Hamza; Rehna, Tasnim; Ziapour, Arash; Yousaf, Ishrat; Karamat, Tehmina
    Year: 2022

 

  1. Title: Maladaptive schema modes as the predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder among trauma survivors
    Authors: Zaman, S.; Arouj, K.; Irfan, S.; Yousaf, I.
    Year: 2021

🧾 Conclusion

Dr. Ishrat Yousaf’s journey reflects a profound commitment to advancing mental health awareness, especially among vulnerable and underserved populations. Her research, teaching, and therapeutic practices have set new benchmarks in clinical psychology in Pakistan. With a focus on culturally adaptive interventions and youth-centered mental health solutions, she is poised to leave a lasting legacy as both a scholar and a changemaker. Her ongoing dedication ensures that psychology in Pakistan continues to evolve with compassion, relevance, and scientific rigor.

Alessandro Bortolotti | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alessandro Bortolotti | Psychology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Alessandro Bortolotti,Ā  University G. d’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, Italy.

Dr. Alessandro Bortolotti is an expert in business, behavioral sciences, and cognitive psychology, with a strong academic background in neuroscience and decision-making. He earned his Ph.D. from UniversitĆ  degli Studi G. d’Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, focusing on neuromarketing and unconscious choices in the wine market, particularly the influence of color. His educational journey includes advanced studies in business administration, innovation management, and psychology. His research expertise spans cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology, language development, and decision-making, integrating psychology with business analytics. He is also a licensed psychologist in the Campania region and actively contributes to academic and professional research platforms.

Profile

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✨ Early Academic Pursuits

Born on January 12, 1993, in Italy, Alessandro Bortolotti developed a keen interest in psychology and cognitive sciences from an early age. His academic journey began at the University Gabriele D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, where he earned a degree in Psychological Sciences and Techniques in 2015. His early research focused on cognitive psychology, biogenetic foundations, and psychometric techniques. His undergraduate thesis, titled Mozart Effect, explored the impact of music on cognitive function, reflecting his initial foray into experimental psychology under the guidance of Prof. Beth Fairfield. This foundational phase laid the groundwork for his specialization in cognitive and decision-making processes.

šŸŽ“ Professional Endeavors

With a passion for understanding human behavior and decision-making, Bortolotti pursued a Master’s degree in Cognitive Psychology from the same university, completing it in 2018. His thesis, When the Valence is Coloured: The Binding Effect in Short-Term Memory, highlighted the interplay between color perception and cognitive processing. Under the mentorship of Prof. Beth Fairfield and Prof. Nicola Mammarella, he delved deeper into cognitive neuroscience, neuropsychology, and psychology of perception. His growing expertise in experimental psychology and neuromarketing led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Business and Behavioural Sciences at UniversitĆ  degli Studi G. d’Annunzio Chieti e Pescara. Between 2019 and 2023, his doctoral research, Neuromarketing and Unconscious Choices in the Wine Market: The Role of Color, explored how sensory stimuli influence consumer behavior, blending psychology with market dynamics.

šŸ”¬ Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Bortolotti’s research is anchored in cognitive neuroscience, neuromarketing, and decision-making. His interdisciplinary work investigates the psychological underpinnings of consumer behavior, particularly the effects of color and perception on purchasing decisions. He has explored key topics such as attentional bias, temporal discounting, and neurophysiological mechanisms in consumer choices. His scholarly contributions include research on color psychology in marketing, the neurocognitive impact of brand perception, and the intersection of psychology and economics in decision-making. His studies, published in reputable journals, provide valuable insights into how unconscious cognitive processes drive consumer engagement and brand preference.

🌟 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Bortolotti’s expertise has earned him recognition in both academic and professional circles. He holds an Italian Professional Psychologist License (N° 9139 – Regione Campania), enabling him to bridge theoretical research with practical applications in psychology and marketing. His academic excellence is reflected in his multiple publications, which contribute to the evolving field of neuromarketing. His participation in international conferences and research collaborations has established him as a prominent voice in cognitive psychology and behavioral science.

šŸ’” Impact and Influence

Through his research, Dr. Bortolotti has significantly influenced the fields of neuromarketing and consumer psychology. His insights into the unconscious drivers of decision-making have practical applications in advertising, brand positioning, and business analytics. His work has been instrumental in shaping marketing strategies that leverage neuroscience principles to optimize consumer engagement. His research on vaccine hesitancy, attentional biases, and the psychological effects of color extends beyond marketing, offering critical insights into behavioral responses in various social contexts.

šŸŽØ Legacy and Future Contributions

As an academic and researcher, Dr. Bortolotti continues to push the boundaries of neuromarketing, cognitive psychology, and decision sciences. His commitment to exploring the neurological and psychological mechanisms underlying human behavior paves the way for innovative applications in business, healthcare, and digital marketing. His future endeavors aim to integrate advanced neuroscience techniques, such as brain imaging and artificial intelligence, into consumer research, further revolutionizing the understanding of human choices.

✨ Connecting the Dots

With a strong academic foundation, pioneering research, and a vision for the future, Dr. Alessandro Bortolotti embodies the synergy between psychology, business, and neuroscience. His journey from cognitive psychology to neuromarketing demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary research in unraveling the complexities of human behavior. As he continues his work, his contributions promise to leave a lasting impact on both scientific inquiry and practical applications in behavioral economics and marketing strategies.

Publication

  • Temporal discounting of money and face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of hoarding level
    Authors: L. Cannito, S. Anzani, A. Bortolotti, R. Palumbo, I. Ceccato, A. Di Crosta, …
    Year: 2021

 

  • The promise of color in marketing: use, applications, tips and neuromarketing
    Authors: A. Bortolotti, L. Cannito, S. Anzani, R. Palumbo
    Year: 2023

 

  • Do older and younger adults prefer the positive or avoid the negative?
    Authors: B. Fairfield, C. Padulo, A. Bortolotti, B. Perfetti, N. Mammarella, M. Balsamo
    Year: 2022

 

  • Bored with boredom? Trait boredom predicts internet addiction through the mediating role of attentional bias toward social networks
    Authors: L. Cannito, I. Ceccato, E. Annunzi, A. Bortolotti, E. D’Intino, R. Palumbo, …
    Year: 2023

 

  • About the influence of color perceived lightness on psychological functions
    Authors: A. Bortolotti, L. Cannito, S. Anzani, M. Rossi, R. Palumbo
    Year: 2022

 

  • Exploring vaccine hesitancy: the twofold role of critical thinking
    Authors: L. Cannito, I. Ceccato, A. Bortolotti, A. Di Crosta, P. La Malva, R. Palumbo, …
    Year: 2024

 

  • Face mask reduces the effect of proposer’s (un)trustworthiness on intertemporal and risky choices
    Authors: L. Cannito, S. Anzani, A. Bortolotti, A. Di Domenico, R. Palumbo
    Year: 2022

 

  • Neuromarketing and unconscious choices in the wine market: The role of color
    Authors: A. Bortolotti
    Year: 2023

 

  • Do color and light affect physiology and psychology in proportional ways?
    Authors: A. Siniscalco, A. Bortolotti, M. Rossi
    Year: 2022

 

  • Imagination vs. routines: Festive time, weekly time, and the predictive brain
    Authors: A. Bortolotti, A. Conti, A. Romagnoli, P.L. Sacco
    Year: 2024

 

Conclusion

Dr. Bortolotti’s multidisciplinary expertise in cognitive psychology, neuromarketing, and decision-making positions him as a valuable researcher in both academic and applied settings. His ability to merge psychological principles with business strategies and neuroscience enhances his contributions to fields such as behavioral economics, marketing, and organizational psychology. With a strong foundation in research methodology, experimental studies, and business analytics, he continues to advance the understanding of human behavior in economic and marketing contexts, making him a key contributor to both psychology and business sciences.