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The Developmental Psychopathology Lab was established in 2010 at the University of Cyprus by Dr Kostas A. Fanti. Following the Developmental Psychopathology perspective, we combine questions about developmental change and psychopathology. Our research is primarily focused on investigating the development of different psychopathological problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder and antisocial behavior from preschool to adulthood.
The Developmental Psychopathology Lab at UCY has been conducting studies to understand antisocial behavior (e.g., aggression, violence, conduct disorder) over the last 10 years, collecting data from more than 15,000 individuals. Through these research projects the laboratory has developed the skills, networks and capacities to conduct large sample multi-method studies with repeated measurements of the same participants over a period of several years. Members of the DPL also participated in cross-national work in an international network of more than 11 countries (e.g., Netherlands, United Kingdom, Sweden, Australia, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Italy and United States of America).
The laboratory contains high-end computers equipped with software necessary for running physiological experiments and analyzing data. It also features state-of-the-art physiological equipment (BIOPAC) that allows monitoring and recording psychophysiological signals (Electro-myography, skin conductance, and heart rate). The functional Near Infrared Resonance (fNIR) device, which is a non-invasive functional brain imaging system that detects changes in blood oxygenation levels in prefrontal cortex based on the use of near infrared light resonance, is an additional neuro-physiological device. Furthermore, the Tobii Pro Nano Eye Tracker and the Tobii Pro Studio eye tracking software, use infrared diodes to generate reflection patterns on the corneas of the user's eyes, and are used in combination with physiological instruments. Face Reader is an additional software that recognizes and quantifies facial emotional expressions.
The research methodology we employ is a combination of longitudinal, psychophysiological, neuropsychological, and intervention studies. Our most recent research programs focus on investigating the clinical application and effectiveness of new technologies such as Biofeedback and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Biofeedback is based on the theory that when individuals receive sufficient information about their physical reactions (e.g., heart rate) through computerized tasks they can control these reactions in order to improve their self-control. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) applies magnetic pulses to the brain via a ‘coil’ and is rapidly developing as a powerful, non-invasive tool for both studying the human brain and used as a treatment tool.
