Psychological Well-being and Psychopathology in the New Millennium: Evolving Paradigms, Challenges, and Resources

Submission Deadline: 28 February 2026 View: 354 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Luca Simione

Email: luca.simione@gmail.com

Affiliation: Department of International Humanities and Social Sciences, Università Degli Studi Internazionali UNINT, Rome, 00147, Italy

Homepage:

Research Interests: consciousness; awareness; mindfulness

Dr. Elisabeth Prevete

Email: elisabethprevete@gmail.com

Affiliation: Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome - Polo Pontino, Latina, 04100, Italy

Homepage:

Research Interests: psychopathology; pharmacology

Summary

The psychological landscape of the new millennium is marked by both unprecedented opportunities and new forms of vulnerability. Global crises, ecological uncertainty, socio-economic instability, rapid technological change, and digital hyperconnectivity have profoundly impacted how individuals experience themselves, others, and the world. In parallel, we are witnessing a rising demand for psychological well-being, alongside alarming levels of distress, particularly among younger generations and marginalized groups. This Special Issue seeks to explore how well-being and psychopathology are evolving in the 21st century, and which resources—individual, social, cultural, and contemplative—can support mental health in this complex context. Rather than privileging a single theoretical framework, the issue invites interdisciplinary contributions that address the multifaceted nature of psychological functioning today, across clinical, social, developmental, and cultural domains.

We welcome empirical and theoretical contributions addressing, among others, the following themes:
– the transformation of psychological well-being in response to contemporary stressors (climate anxiety, digital overload, post-pandemic conditions, etc.)
– novel conceptualizations and metrics of well-being and distress
– the role of mindfulness, compassion, and contemplative practices in fostering resilience
– cross-cultural and developmental perspectives on mental health in the 21st century
– embodied, affective, or existential approaches to psychological adaptation
– digital mental health and the use of technology to support (or hinder) well-being
– clinical innovation and transdiagnostic approaches in psychotherapy and prevention

We encourage contributions from diverse methodological backgrounds, including experimental, longitudinal, cross-sectional, and qualitative designs, as well as meta-analyses and conceptual essays.……

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Published Papers