Paola Passafaro is a Researcher at Sapienza University of Rome's Department of Developmental and Socialization Psychology. She specializes in environmental psychology, focusing on sustainable mobility, social representations of ecological behaviors, and the psychosocial drivers of pro-environmental actions. Her work integrates interdisciplinary approaches to address urban sustainability challenges, particularly through analyzing media narratives (e.g., social media’s role in shaping perceptions of sustainable transport) and policy implications of behavioral research. Key research areas include the psychological underpinnings of sustainable tourism, family dynamics in mobility decisions, and the interplay between local norms and recycling behaviors. Her recent studies explore topics such as e-bike adoption’s societal impacts, youth engagement in ecotourism, and the theoretical-methodological gaps in linking psychological insights to environmental policy. Publications emphasize empirical investigations into urban mobility transitions, the role of social media in sustainability advocacy, and cross-cultural comparisons of environmental attitudes. She collaborates on projects like 'Psychosocial Determinants of Sustainable Mobility Choices' and 'Identity Theories and Sustainable Tourism Choices,' aiming to bridge academic research with practical policy solutions. Her research highlights the importance of understanding symbolic and emotional dimensions of ecological behaviors, alongside structural factors, to foster sustainable lifestyles. This work contributes to both theoretical advancements in environmental psychology and actionable frameworks for policymakers and urban planners.
