Barbara D’Amen graduated with a degree in “Sociology” and obtained a PhD in “Research Methods for the Analysis of the Socio-Economic Change” (“Sapienza” University of Rome, Italy) in 2014. She collaborated in several national and international research projects regarding the social integration and quality of life of vulnerable individuals, such as immigrants, unaccompanied foreign minors and young adolescent caregivers. Other research interests include qualitative research and data analysis, healthy ageing and older adult care.