International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health | An Interview with One of the Authors—Dr. Antonio Gattamelata

Name: Dr. Antonio Gattamelata
Affiliations: ¹ Escuela de Doctorado en Psicología, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, 23071 Jaén, Spain;
² Department of Psychology, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas s/n, Ed.C5, 23071 Jaén, Spain
Interests: social psychology, sexology, reproductive health, intercultural communication psychology, analytical psychology

“Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Italian Version of the Childbearing Motivations Scale”
by Antonio Gattamelata, Maria Elisabetta Coccia, Giulia Fioravanti, Vanessa Prisca Zurkirch and Nieves Moyano
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(2), 186; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22020186
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/22/2/186

The following is a short interview with Dr. Antonio Gattamelata:

1. Congratulations on your published paper! Could you give us a brief introduction about yourself and your current research?
My name is Antonio Gattamelata, and I am a licensed psychologist with a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Florence. I have a postgraduate specialization in sexology and reproductive health, focusing on psychological aspects related to assisted reproductive technology. Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Jaén, Spain, under the supervision of Prof. Nieves Moyano.

My research project, titled “Risk and Protection Factors in Psychological and Sexual Health During Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Treatment”, explores various psychological and sexual health factors in individuals and couples undergoing ART treatment. This includes examining risk and protective elements, motivations, psychological distress, and dyadic adjustments during the ART process. Beyond my academic work, I have been actively involved in counseling and research projects that aim to support individuals undergoing assisted reproductive treatments. By integrating psychological assessment tools into clinical settings, I hope to enhance reproductive counseling services and contribute to a better understanding of the emotional and relational dynamics in ART patients. My research has important implications for both clinical practice and public health, particularly in addressing the psychological and sexual well-being of individuals by navigating fertility challenges.

2. Could you describe the difficulties and breakthrough innovations in this research field?
One of the most significant challenges in this field is the stigma surrounding infertility, which makes it difficult for researchers to gather reliable data through interviews and surveys. Many individuals and couples feel reluctant to discuss their reproductive choices, especially when facing fertility issues. In our study, we conducted extensive interviews at the University Hospital of Careggi in Florence, where we encountered a wide range of social and economic factors influencing reproductive decisions.

A major difficulty was addressing the complex relationship between traditional family values, evolving social expectations, and financial constraints. Italy, like many other Southern European countries, has one of the lowest birth rates in Europe. Economic instability and job insecurity make it difficult for younger generations to consider parenthood, leading to a decline in fertility rates.

One of the most innovative aspects of our study was the comprehensive validation of both positive and negative childbearing motivations. Previous research often focused primarily on the desire to have children, overlooking the significant impact of concerns such as financial stability, career aspirations, and personal fulfillment. By using a large sample size of 522 participants and employing advanced statistical methodologies, we were able to develop a more nuanced understanding of reproductive decision-making.

Our findings provide policymakers and clinicians with a validated psychological scale that can be used to assess childbearing motivations in the Italian context. This tool will be instrumental in shaping future interventions aimed at supporting individuals and couples in making informed reproductive choices.

3. What motivated you to conduct this research?
My motivation stemmed from the lack of comprehensive tools available to measure childbearing motivations in Italy. Despite the country’s persistently low fertility rate, there was a surprising gap in research addressing the psychological and socio-economic factors influencing reproductive choices.

During my academic training, I realized that existing studies often failed to capture the full complexity of reproductive decision-making. Many focused solely on demographic trends or economic factors, without considering the psychological and emotional aspects that drive individuals to have—or not have—children.

By developing a culturally adapted and scientifically validated scale, I hoped to contribute to a deeper understanding of fertility motivations and provide valuable insights for both researchers and policymakers. My goal is to bridge the gap between psychological research and public policy to help address Italy’s demographic challenges more effectively.

4. How do you evaluate research trends in this field, and what advice would you give to young researchers?
The field of reproductive psychology is rapidly evolving, with increasing attention being given to the intersection of psychological well-being and demographic trends. More researchers are beginning to recognize the importance of integrating psychological, social, and economic factors in fertility studies.

One key trend is the growing emphasis on culturally sensitive measurement tools. Many psychological assessments are developed in one country and applied universally, often without considering cultural differences. Our research highlights the importance of adapting these tools to reflect the specific social and economic conditions of different populations.

For young researchers, my advice would be:

• Use culturally sensitive measurement tools—Ensure that your research instruments are tailored to the specific context in which you are working;
• Consider both positive and negative motivations—Many studies focus only on why people want children, but understanding the reasons people choose not to have children is equally important;
• Take an interdisciplinary approach—Integrating psychology with anthropology, sociology, and economics can provide a more holistic understanding of reproductive choices;
• Conduct longitudinal studies—While cross-sectional studies provide valuable insights, following individuals over time can help identify trends and changes in fertility motivations;
• Ensure practical applications—Research should not only contribute to academic knowledge but also have real-world implications for policymakers, clinicians, and support services.

5. How was your publishing experience with IJERPH?
Publishing with IJERPH was a highly positive experience. The journal’s digital infrastructure is efficient, and the submission system is user-friendly. The peer-review process was both constructive and fast, providing us with valuable feedback that significantly improved our paper.

One aspect that stood out was the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the editorial team. Communication was clear throughout the review process, and we were provided with realistic timelines for each stage of publication. Additionally, the journal’s emphasis on methodological transparency and data availability aligned with our research objectives, ensuring that our findings met international research benchmarks.

Overall, IJERPH provided an excellent balance of academic rigor and author support, making it an ideal journal for researchers in our field.