03/18/2026
Dr. Regina Green is taking her work global once again
This spring and summer, Dr. Green will return to The American University of Rome as a Visiting Scholar, continuing her research collaboration in partnership with Widener University, where she serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor.
Her research, “Cultural Lifestyle, Food, and Mental Health: A Cross-Cultural Study of Mental Health and Well-being in Italy and the United States,” explores how elements of Italian life such as shared meals, strong community ties, daily movement, and a slower pace may positively influence mental health.
Through her previous fieldwork in Rome, early insights suggest that connection, tradition, and food-centered living may play a meaningful role in emotional well-being, offering a powerful contrast to the fast-paced lifestyle often experienced in the United States.
During this upcoming visit, Dr. Green will continue her immersive research and begin participant interviews to further understand how cultural practices shape mental health outcomes.
We are excited to see how her work contributes to the evolving conversation around global mental health, social connectedness, and innovative approaches to care including lifestyle medicine and eating disorder treatment.