Chiara Bellucci, PhD

Chiara Bellucci is a leading researcher and educator in the field of dating, relationships, and interpersonal connections. With over 12 years of experience, she combines psychological research, behavioral science, and digital media expertise to provide actionable insights on building healthy and fulfilling relationships. Her work bridges the gap between academic research and practical guidance for individuals navigating modern dating challenges.

Specialization

Dating Psychology
Relationship Dynamics and Communication
Digital Dating Platforms
Attachment Theory and Interpersonal Behavior
Behavioral Science in Social Connections

Education

2005–2009: BA in Psychology, University of Milan
2009–2011: MSc in Social and Behavioral Sciences, University College London
2011–2015: PhD in Relationship Psychology, University of Padua

Professional Experience

2015–2018: Relationship Research Consultant, Italian Center for Social Psychology
2018–2022: Senior Lecturer in Dating & Connections, Bocconi University
2022–Present: Director of Relationship Insights Lab, European Institute for Behavioral Studies
Advisor to dating app developers on user behavior and experience optimization

Key Research Projects & Case Studies

2020–2022: "Digital Dating Behavior Study" – Analyzed 50,000 user interactions across multiple dating apps; found that personalized communication prompts increased response rates by 27% and matched satisfaction scores by 15%.
2018–2020: "Attachment Styles & Relationship Longevity" – Longitudinal study of 1,200 couples; discovered secure attachment behaviors correlated with 40% higher relationship satisfaction over two years.
2017: "Impact of First Messages on Online Dating Success" – Experimental design showing that empathetic, curiosity-driven opening messages increased matches by 22%.

Selected Publications & Quotes

Bellucci, C., et al. (2022). "Attachment Patterns and Digital Dating Outcomes." Journal of Relationship Science, 14(3), 210–228. – "Understanding attachment nuances can drastically improve online matching algorithms and user experience."
Bellucci, C. (2020). "Behavioral Nudges in Modern Dating Platforms." International Journal of Social Behavior, 12(2), 78–96. – "Small, psychologically-informed interventions can lead to significantly better engagement and relationship outcomes."
Bellucci, C., & Rossi, M. (2018). "Communication Styles that Foster Relationship Success." European Journal of Psychology, 10(4), 55–71. – "Empathetic and curiosity-driven communication predicts higher long-term satisfaction."

Professional Memberships

International Association for Relationship Research (IARR)
European Society for Social Psychology (ESSP)
Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP)

Participation in International Projects

Lead Researcher, EU Digital Dating Behavior Project (2021–2023)
Consultant, UNESCO “Interpersonal Communication Skills for Youth” (2019–2021)
Advisor, OECD Initiative on Social Connection & Wellbeing (2020–Present)

Work on Educational Programs

Developer of “Healthy Digital Dating Curriculum” for universities and online workshops
Creator of interactive training modules on communication skills for young adults
Mentorship programs for students pursuing social psychology and dating research

Interviews, Lectures, and Podcasts

Guest on BBC “Modern Love: Digital Connections” podcast
TEDx Talk: “Science of Finding Meaningful Connections” (2021)
Featured in The Guardian: “How Attachment Styles Affect Your Dating Life”

Unique Values and Experience

Chiara combines rigorous behavioral research with practical guidance for navigating modern dating. She emphasizes empathy, evidence-based communication, and measurable outcomes, helping both individuals and organizations improve relational experiences. Her work is uniquely positioned at the intersection of psychology, digital behavior, and real-world application.