Christopher Michael Napolitano

Christopher Michael Napolitano is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois, with an affiliate appointment at the Center for Social & Behavioral Science. His research focuses on understanding social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills and self-regulatory actions across the lifespan, with particular emphasis on adolescent and young adult populations in global contexts.

Dr. Napolitano earned his PhD in Child Development from Tufts University in 2013. His academic expertise spans developmental psychology, educational psychology, and behavioral science, with a research fingerprint showing strong concentration in Behavioral Skills (100%), Positive Youth Development (87%), Social-Behavioral topics (84%), Social-emotional Competence (83%), and Self-Regulation (80%).

His research program investigates the conceptualization, measurement, and development of SEB competencies, examining how individuals navigate developmental challenges during critical transition periods. Current work explores measurement tools for SEB skills, developmental anxiety during life transitions, beliefs about ability, and the role of backup planning in goal pursuit and disengagement. His research employs diverse methodological approaches across multiple cultural settings.

Dr. Napolitano has published 53 scholarly works including 38 articles, 10 book chapters, and encyclopedia entries. His recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on developmental processes during adolescence and emerging adulthood, with several high-impact papers published in 2024-2025.

Among his notable recognitions is the Association for Psychological Science Rising Star Award (2020), which has been referenced across multiple platforms including news outlets, academic blogs, and social media. His work has garnered significant attention with multiple Plum Print metrics indicating citations, reader captures, and media mentions.

Dr. Napolitano actively engages with the public through press/media contributions, including research on how young adults navigate conflicting pressures during developmental transitions. His international research collaborations span multiple countries, reflecting the global relevance of his work on developmental processes.

He maintains an active research laboratory focused on understanding developmental trajectories of social, emotional, and behavioral competencies, with implications for educational settings, mental health interventions, and youth development programs worldwide.