Research conducted as part of the project Executive Functions in Youth – Their Role in Adjustment, Developmental Outcomes and Everyday Challenges (ECLAT-ADAPT), led by Prof. Silvija Ručević, PhD, with a duration of 48 months. Funded by: Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, institutional research project.
The focus is on the conceptualization and operationalization of individual differences as potential moderators and mediators, particularly those related to physical activity in the relationships between executive functions and developmental outcomes.
Research conducted as part of the project Determinants and Mechanisms of the Contribution of Physical Activity to Mental Health, led by Asst. Prof. Dragan Glavaš, PhD (Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Croatia). Funded by: Catholic University of Croatia.
The focus is on understanding the mechanisms underlying the relationship between physical activity and mental health.
PUBLICATIONS AND CONFERENCES
- Šimunić, A. and Pavela Banai, I. (under review). Nature and Movement for Mental Health. In: M. Vidaković, A. Dodaj and K. Sesar (Eds.), Handbook. University of Zadar.
- Glavaš, D. & Pavela Banai, I. (2024). Physical Activity and Mental Health of Employed Adults: Mediation and Moderation Effects of Beliefs in the Benefits of Physical Activity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(7), 854. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph2107085
- Milner, L., Kuna, D., Pavela Banai, I. (February, 2026). What Motivates Recreational Runners? conference Empowering Potential for Preventive Activities in the Community. Osijek, Croatia.
- Biberović, L. and Pavela Banai, I. (February, 2026). Comparison of the Mental Health of Recreational Runners and Physically Inactive Individuals. 11th Conference Empowering Potential for Preventive Activities in the Community. Osijek, Croatia.
- Pavela Banai, I., Pucić, M., Grujić, M., and Brčina, M. (February, 2026). Presentation of the Running for Mental Health Initiative. 11th Conference Empowering Potential for Preventive Activities in the Community. Osijek, Croatia.
- Glavaš, D., Pavela Banai, I. and Čudina, V. (2024, February). Running During the Week and Positive and Negative Affect in Active Runners: The Role of Beliefs in the Positive Effects of Physical Activity on Mental Health. 10th Conference Empowering Potential for Preventive Activities in the Community. Osijek, Croatia.
- Glavaš, D., Pavela Banai, I. and Đinđić, A. (2023, December). Physical activity and mental health of adults: the role of belief in the benefits of physical activity. 4th international scientific conference “Changing Life Circumstances – Opportunity for Individual and Community Growth”. Zagreb, Croatia.
- Pavela Banai, I. (2023, February). Promoting the Role of Physical Activity in Preserving and Improving Mental Health – An Example of Good Practice. KOKKOS Conference, Dubrovnik.