Writing & Research
Read My Latest Work
I regularly publish articles on Medium, where I share reflections on mental health, community-building, and personal growth.
Read my essays on Medium:
medium.com/@cdifalco
Paddleboarding — Staying Balanced Amid Life’s Waves
The morning air was crisp as I pushed my paddleboard off the sandy edge of the harbor. The water was glassy and calm, reflecting the streaks of pink and orange from the rising sun. I moved steadily, my paddle slicing through the stillness, feeling the faint tug of the current beneath me. As I ventured farther, the harbor opened into the wide expanse of Buzzards Bay, where the gentle ripples turned into rolling waves. Each rise and fall of the board demanded my focus and balance, keeping me present with every stroke. Out here, it was just me, the water, and the rhythm of staying upright.
Pause, Breathe, Reset: Building Resilience in Just a Few Minutes a Day
When life feels overwhelming, the idea of slowing down can seem impossible. But what if we told you that just a few small pauses in your day could make all the difference? These moments don’t require hours of free time or a complicated routine. They are simple, intentional, and powerful.
Small pauses help us reset.
For those of us who feel like we don’t have time, these pauses can be the very thing that brings balance back into our lives.
Cultivating Community in the Face of Anxiety: Strategies of Emerging Adults
This research project aims to explore how emerging adults experiencing anxiety navigate social interactions and build a sense of community within their environments. By examining the strategies these individuals use to create and maintain social connections, the study aims to shed light on the challenges they face in fostering belonging and community. This research will provide insights into how a digitally oriented generation can build meaningful in-person communities, despite the barriers posed by anxiety.
About My Writing
Exploring Mental Health, Community, and Connection
Writing is an essential part of my work as a psychologist, researcher, and clinician. Through essays, articles, and academic publications, I explore the intersections of mental health, critical consciousness, and community engagement, with a focus on how individuals navigate anxiety, identity, and belonging.
My work spans multiple platforms, from scholarly publications to accessible essays that translate research into practical insights. Whether writing about the challenges of emerging adulthood, the psychology of connection, or the role of mindfulness in emotional well-being, my goal is to foster deeper understanding and meaningful dialogue.
Areas of Focus
Anxiety and resilience in emerging adulthood
The psychology of belonging and identity
Mindfulness and emotional regulation
The impact of social systems on mental health
Community engagement and social justice in psychology
Would you like to collaborate, invite me for a guest piece, or discuss writing opportunities?
Feel free to reach out via the [contact page].
About My Research
The Psychology of Community: Exploring Connection, Identity, and Mental Health
My research explores community building as a foundation for mental health and social well-being. I examine how critical consciousness, identity development, and relational support influence an individual’s ability to navigate anxiety, build resilience, and foster a sense of belonging. My work is particularly focused on emerging adults, analyzing how they cultivate meaningful relationships and engage in communities—both in-person and digital—during times of transition and uncertainty.
Areas of Focus
Community as a Protective Factor in Mental Health
The Role of Social Connection in Reducing Anxiety
Critical Consciousness and Collective Action
The Intersection of Digital and In-Person Community Building
Emerging Adulthood, Identity, and Belonging
Through my research, I aim to provide insights and practical strategies for educators, mental health practitioners, and community leaders to support individuals in fostering resilient, inclusive, and engaged communities.
Current Research Projects
✔ Cultivating Community in the Face of Anxiety: Strategies of Emerging Adults
A qualitative study exploring how young adults experiencing anxiety develop social connections and a sense of belonging.
Approved by the Quincy College IRB (September 2024).
✔ Upcoming Conference Presentations & Scholarly Publications
Engaged Scholar Journal (Manuscript in Revision) – Exploring the role of critical consciousness and community engagement in education.
For research collaborations, speaking engagements, or access to my publications, please contact me via the [contact page].