Yura Loscalzo

Studyholism: A new potential Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorder. An analysis from a European and US cross-cultural perspective

Recently, Loscalzo and Giannini (2017) introduced the construct of Studyholism (or obsession toward study). It is a new potential clinical condition made up of two components: study-related obsessive-compulsive symptoms and study engagement. More specifically, based on the high/low levels of these two factors, they suggested distinguishing among four types of student: engaged studyholics, disengaged studyholics, engaged students, detached students. Finally, they proposed a theoretical model concerning the antecedents and outcomes of Studyholism, which next they tested on Italian College students (Loscalzo & Giannini, 2019). This study provided support for the conceptualization of Studyholism as an OCD-related disorder, as well as for the different relationships that might arise between different types of studyholics and the same antecedents and outcomes. Loscalzo and Giannini (2019) also highlighted some negative effects associated with Studyholism in College students, such as higher dropout intention and lower physical and psychological health, as well as negative social outcomes associated with Study Engagement. Hence, this symposium aims to encourage further discussion on this new potential clinical condition in adolescence, through a cross-cultural perspective. Therefore, we will first present the results of Loscalzo and Giannini (2019) analyses’ replication on a sample of Italian adolescents aged between 13 and 21 years. Next, we will move toward a cross-cultural analysis about Studyholism and Study Engagement in late adolescents (aged between 18 and 21) from the USA (Georgia and Montana states) and East Europe (Croatia and Poland). More specifically, a Latent Profile Analysis on students from Italy, Montana, and Georgia will be presented. Next, there will be two communications concerning some Studyholism features in Croatian and Polish late adolescents. Hence, this symposium will give valuable insights concerning the construct of Studyholism in adolescence and the differences that might arise in Countries characterized by different cultural backgrounds.

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Yura Loscalzo, Ph.D. is a  licensed psychologist. Currently, she is a lecturer at the University of Florence (Italy) teaching Developmental Psychopathology. Her main areas of research are Studyholism, Workaholism, Social anxiety, and Perinatal depression.