Yitan obtained her MSc in Psychology from the University of Groningen (The Netherlands) in 2021, following a BSc in Psychology from Beijing Normal University (China) in 2019. Originally from Henan Province—a region known for its cultural heritage and agricultural traditions—she moved to Europe to explore how cultural contexts influence human behavior. Her master’s research focused on public responses to COVID-19 measures in the Netherlands, Germany, and South Korea, highlighting how cultural frameworks shape behavioral adaptation during health crises.
After graduation, Yitan spent a year on a PhD trajectory at KU Leuven (Belgium), which she later paused. Upon returning to China, she trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and worked as a clinical research assistant. These experiences, especially her close interaction with individuals living with chronic pain, deepened her interest in empathy and pain validation in patient-provider relationships.
In May 2025, Yitan joined the Ghent Health Psychology Lab as a PhD student (funded by CSC) under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Liesbet Goubert and Prof. Dr. Sónia Bernardes. Her doctoral research investigates how empathic and validating communication by healthcare professionals and significant others can reduce stigma and improve the quality of life for individuals with chronic pain. The project is conducted in close collaboration with Dr. Maité Van Alboom, Dr. Melissa Ceuterick, and Dr. Adam Hirsh. Drawing on her cross-cultural background, Yitan aims to develop culturally sensitive and empathic communication in pain care.
