University of Thessaly, Greece
Author Profile
Scopus
🌱 Early Academic Pursuits
Maria Bougiesi’s journey into the academic world is deeply rooted in a passion for physical education, traditional dance, and the psychological benefits of movement. Her formative years at the University of Thessaly in Trikala, Greece, set the foundation for an impressive scholarly path. There, she pursued a Bachelor of Science with a focus on pedagogy and a major in Greek Folk Dances, graduating in 2009 with an outstanding degree grade of 9.05/10. From the beginning, her dedication to academic excellence was clear—evidenced by multiple awards and scholarships granted by both the university and the State Scholarship Foundation. 📚
Her undergraduate work evolved naturally into graduate studies. She earned a Master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology, a double degree program coordinated between the University of Thessaly and the University of Jyväskylä in Finland. This international academic exposure allowed Maria to develop a global perspective on psychological well-being and athletic performance. Her dissertation, which explored how Greek Folk Dance influences adults’ emotional intelligence, showcased her early interest in the intersection between culture, emotion, and physical activity. 🌍
👩🔬 Professional Endeavors
Maria’s doctoral studies (2011–2015) were conducted at the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly. Her PhD thesis tackled a timely and vital topic: the differences in mental health and emotional intelligence between young people and older adults engaged in dance and other forms of exercise. This work significantly contributed to the growing body of literature that highlights the cognitive and emotional benefits of movement, especially traditional and cultural forms of exercise. 🧠💃
A pivotal moment in her academic development came in 2013 when she undertook a PhD internship at Otto von Guericke University in Magdeburg, Germany. There, she conducted research in cognitive function and neuroscience within the Faculty of Humanities and Department of Sport Sciences. This experience allowed her to bridge physical education with neurological science, refining her interdisciplinary approach to academic inquiry.
🔍 Contributions and Research Focus
Maria Bougiesi’s research consistently emphasizes the holistic effects of physical activity on mental and emotional health. Her contributions lie in exploring how dance—particularly Greek Folk Dance—can serve as a meaningful intervention in promoting psychological resilience, emotional intelligence, and intergenerational well-being. Her work reflects a strong belief in the therapeutic power of culturally rooted movement and exercise. She continues to explore themes such as cognitive enhancement through dance, emotional adaptability, and the psychological effects of consistent physical engagement in both youth and elderly populations. 🧘♀️🧓👧
By grounding her studies in both psychology and cultural heritage, Maria has contributed to an emerging field that values tradition as much as innovation. Her cross-cultural academic experiences in Finland, Belgium, and Germany have also shaped her ability to apply her research in various international contexts.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Maria’s academic career has been decorated with numerous scholarships and awards, underscoring her excellence and commitment. During her undergraduate studies, she received accolades for achieving the highest academic scores, both at the beginning and the end of her program. Her Master’s and PhD journeys were supported by prestigious Erasmus scholarships, allowing her to engage with leading academic institutions across Europe. 🌟
She was selected for an intensive European Master’s course in Sport and Exercise Psychology in Leuven, Belgium—a competitive program funded by the European Commission. Each of these recognitions reflects not only academic achievement but also her adaptability, international outlook, and research promise.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Maria Bougiesi stands out as a scholar who has merged scientific inquiry with cultural appreciation. Her studies have illuminated how dance can function not only as physical exercise but as a profound method of emotional connection and mental resilience. Her work has influenced curriculum development in sports psychology and physical education programs and has inspired other researchers to consider more integrative approaches to mental and physical wellness. 🌈
Moreover, her cross-generational research focus has resonated in areas such as geriatric mental health, youth development, and community wellness—domains increasingly prioritized in today’s public health agenda.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking ahead, Maria Bougiesi’s academic legacy is one of cultural relevance, scientific rigor, and humanistic focus. Her future contributions are likely to expand into community-based interventions, especially in aging societies, where physical activity and cultural engagement are essential for quality of life. 🏃♂️💬
As a Greek scholar deeply committed to the emotional and psychological well-being of diverse populations, Maria continues to carve a unique space for herself in academic and applied research. Her work embodies the idea that science can be culturally grounded, personally transformative, and globally relevant.
📝Notable Publications
A study on the impact of systematic desensitization training on competitive anxiety among Latin dance athletes
Authors: Jie Chen, Duoqi Zhou, Dan Gong, Shunli Wu, Weikai Chen
Journal: Frontiers in Psychology
Year: 2024