Topics & Theoretical Themes
Domains, challenges, and conceptual models of the playful mind
The core thematic pillars structuring my academic research, university teaching, and consulting practices. Validated models ready to be tailored to your institutional context or integrated into ongoing research.
Role-Playing Games & Empathy: Theory of Mind & IRI
How character embodiment trains the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and perspective-taking capabilities. Tabletop and live-action role-playing functions as a safe cognitive gym for deciphering intentions, emotional states, and socio-cognitive dynamics with high educational and therapeutic relevance.
Tabletop vs. Digital Gaming: Neurocognitive Distinctions
From physical embodiment (embodied cognition) and shared spatial co-presence around the gaming table to screen-mediated interaction. How attention allocation, collective rule negotiation, and social signaling diverge across physical and virtual ludic spaces.
Psychological Motivations to Play: The PMPVG Scale
Empirical psychometric validation of why humans play games: from the drive for mastery and autonomy to daily stress relief, social affiliation, and narrative transportation. A scientific taxonomy overcoming superficial genre stereotypes.
Strategic Quotient and the mcSQ Construct
Scientifically measuring the capacity to make robust strategic decisions under uncertainty and adversarial friction. The mcSQ model integrates behavioral economics, cognitive psychology, and game-theoretic logic.
Ethological and Evolutionary Roots of Play
Why do higher mammals and humans allocate vital energy to play? Play serves as a protected simulation sandbox to rehearse complex survival maneuvers, social cooperation, and conflict resolution at negligible biological cost.
Lusory Attitude and Lusory Goals: The Architecture of Games
Following Bernard Suits' foundational definition, playing a game is the voluntary attempt to overcome unnecessary obstacles (the lusory attitude). We analyze how lusory goals and lusory means structure the authentic meaning of every player decision.
Looking to develop one of these themes for a seminar, keynote, or paper?
All topics are modular and can be shaped into an executive masterclass, keynote speech, or collaborative research line.