Faculty Profiles
I am a life-span developmental psychologist that studies how people create their future by setting, striving for, and succeeding in their long-term goals. In my research, I explore the development of self-regulatory actions and the role that socioemotional skills in can play youth thriving, academic success, and career development.
Ph.D., Tufts University, 2013
M.A., Tufts University, 2010
B.A., Boston College, 2008
In my research, I explore the development of self-regulatory actions during adolescence and adulthood. Broadly, my work has two foci: 1) The self-regulatory actions associated with managing uncertainty (backup plans and serendipitous actions); and 2) The associations between self-regulatory actions (and socioemotional skills more broadly) and youth thriving, academic success, and career development.
Napolitano, C., & Job, V. (2018). Assessing the implicit theories of willpower for strenuous mental activities scale: Multigroup, across-gender, and cross-cultural measurement invariance and convergent and divergent validity. Psychological Assessment.
Napolitano, C., & Freund, A. (2017). First evidence for "The Backup Plan Paradox". Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.
Napolitano, C., & Freund, A. (2016). On the use and usefulness of backup plans. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 11 56–73.
Napolitano, C. (2013). More than just a simple twist of fate: Serendipitous relations in developmental science. Human Development, 56 291-318.
Tomasik, M., Napolitano, C., & Moser, U. Can school success foster thriving? Exploring the positive impact of academic performance on positive youth development. Child Development.
Freund, A., Napolitano, C., & Rutt, J. Personality development in adulthood: A goal perspective. Handbook of Personality Development.
Undergraduate Open Seminar (EPSY 199) TITLE: Understanding Adolescent Development through Literature.
Early Adolescent Development (EPSY 430) Examines early adolescent development, covering biological, cognitive, and social transitions. Topics include identity, autonomy, peer and family relationships and the role of schooling and the media.
Developments in Educ Psyc (EPSY 490) Title: Self Regulation and Self Control Across the Life Span
Special Topics in Couns Psych (EPSY 590) Seminar in educational psychology; topics relate to the areas of specialization represented by the various divisions within the department.
Dev Sciences Division Brownbag (EPSY 590) Seminar in educational psychology; topics relate to the areas of specialization represented by the various divisions within the department.
Special Topics in Couns Psyc (EPSY 590) Membership in the Counseling Psychology Division or consent of instructor required.
Spec Topics in Couns Psych (EPSY 590) This section is for students who are actively leading and contributing to meta analysis projects that began during Fall 2018. This class will meet in room 210A Education.
Assistant Professor, Developmental Sciences Division
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