Author · PhD in Sport Sciences
Maria Cristina
Papaianni
I write and research the point where body, mind and soul learn to listen to each other again. From the sport-science lab to the pages of my books, the thread is the same: well-being as a daily path, not a finish line.
The book
Between Body and Soul
In Search of a Meeting Point
“True well-being begins when body, mind and soul listen to each other again.”
We live in a fast-moving world. Between commitments and expectations, we often lose touch with ourselves. This book is an invitation to pause, listen and find balance again.
Through reflections and practical exercises, it guides readers on a journey of rediscovering their well-being, in an authentic and lasting way. Because it is not perfection that changes our lives, but small daily steps.
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Browse the table of contents
- Foreword
- Introduction
- The body that speaks: learning to listen to ourselves
- The mind that guides: thoughts, emotions and self-esteem
- When body and mind come into conflict: stress, social pressure and models of perfection
- Finding balance again: sport, nutrition and awareness
- Accepting ourselves to transform: the true meaning of self-esteem
- Well-being in everyday habits
- Tools for well-being and practical exercises
- A final thought
This book is an invitation to pause, to listen to what is often ignored, to restore a balance that already exists within us. Because harmony is not something to be conquered. It is something to be rediscovered.
From Between Body and Soul
About
From research on movement to writing about well-being
Maria Cristina Papaianni — Cristina to everyone — turned her passion for sport and well-being into a life path. She earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Sport Sciences and a PhD in Sport, Exercise and Ergonomics Sciences at the University of Rome “Foro Italico”.
She then specialised with two postgraduate master’s programmes, in teaching methodologies and in eating disorders and obesity. Before moving to the United States she taught at the University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro and taught Physical and Sport Sciences in secondary schools, receiving awards for combining scientific research, creativity and commitment to student well-being.
Today she brings together scientific expertise and practical experience to help people rediscover an authentic balance between body, mind and soul.
Education
- 2009–2012PhD in Sport, Exercise and Ergonomics Sciences
University of Rome “Foro Italico”, XXVI cycle. Dissertation on eating disorders and related psychopathology in sport.
- 2022/2023Level II Master’s in Eating Disorders and Obesity
University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 30/30 cum laude.
- 2018/2019Level I Master’s in Didactic, Psychological and Anthropological Methodologies and Design Methods
University for Foreigners “Dante Alighieri” of Reggio Calabria, 110/110.
- 2006–2008Master’s Degree (LM-47) in Organization and Management of Services for Sport and Motor Activities
University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 110/110 cum laude with special mention.
- 2002–2005Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Sciences
University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro.
Research and teaching
Areas of study
- Physical activity and exercise behaviourVolition in exercise, sleep quality, active habits in school-age youth.
- Eating behaviours in sportOrthorexia, muscle dysmorphia and eating disorders in athletes.
- Body imageDevelopment and validation of assessment tools for children, adolescents and adults.
- Prevention and health promotionPrimary prevention of obesity and eating disorders, school-based health education.
Academic experience
- University teaching in Recreational Motor Activities, Swimming Sports and Performing Arts, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro (2009–2015)
- Scientific collaboration with the Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro (2014/2015)
- Scientific collaboration with the Department of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Rome “Foro Italico” (2014/2015)
- Teacher of Physical and Sport Sciences in secondary schools in Calabria (2012–2022)
- Peer reviewer for Heliyon (Elsevier), 2026
- Member of the European College of Sport Science (ECSS)
Awards
- 2012Scientific Research Merit Award — Italian Society of Eating Psychopathology (SIPA)
- 2022Merit Award — Regional School Office of Calabria, for innovative school sport strategies supporting student well-being
Scientific publications
Peer-reviewed journal articles
- 2024Effects of school-based physical activity on volition in exercise, sleep quality and internet addiction in Italian adolescents
Greco F., Quinzi F., Papaianni M.C., Cosco L.F., Segura-Garcia C., Emerenziani G.P. · Heliyon, 10(11)
- 2023Development, Validation, and Measurement Invariance of the Body Image Bidimensional Assessment (BIBA) in Italian and Spanish Children and Early Adolescent Samples
Segura-Garcia C. et al. · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20
- 2022Development, validation and clinical use of the Eating Behaviors Assessment for Obesity (EBA-O)
Segura-Garcia C. et al. · Eating and Weight Disorders, 27
- 2012Orthorexia nervosa: a frequent eating disordered behavior in athletes
Segura-García C., Papaianni M.C., et al. · Eating and Weight Disorders, 17(4)
- 2012The development and validation of the Body Image Dimensional Assessment (BIDA)
Segura-García C., Papaianni M.C., et al. · Eating and Weight Disorders, 17(3)
- 2010Body uneasiness, eating disorders, and muscle dysmorphia in individuals who overexercise
Segura-Garcia C. et al. · Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 24(11)
International conference contributions (selection)
- «Does orthorexia nervosa belong to the eating disorder spectrum?» — Eating Disorders Research Society, Cambridge (MA), USA, 2010
- «The role of dynamic stretching in shoulder overuse syndrome in elite volleyball players» — ACSM Annual Meeting, Baltimore, USA, 2010
- «Can bigorexia be considered an eating disorder?» — 14th ECSS Congress, Oslo, 2009
- «Why do children play sport?» — Sport Medicine and Physical Fitness, Suppl. 1, 2010
- «QOL degli atleti in relazione al loro comportamento alimentare, soddisfazione corporea e tipo di sport» — I Congresso Nazionale SIPA, Salerno, 2012
Contact
Talks, interviews and collaborations
For reader events, school visits, interviews, scientific collaborations or review copies, write to me directly.
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