Overview

Our research follows the translational research approach. We work both transdiagnostically and disorder-specifically.

On the one hand, we strive to understand the role of transdiagnostic processes in the development and maintenance of various mental disorders within the framework of (experimental) basic research. In particular, we focus on perfectionism and emotion regulation. On the other hand, we investigate which processes are altered in specific disorders. Here we are particularly concerned with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Our aim is to be able to use this knowledge to improve existing interventions or create new treatment options. Improved forms of treatment can then be tested as part of psychotherapy research.

We use various research designs to investigate these questions. In addition to non-experimental and experimental basic research, we conduct prospective longitudinal studies and Ecological Momentary Assessment studies in everyday life as well as psychotherapy studies.

Research questions that we are currently working on are, for example

1. Perfectionism: Is perfectionism a risk factor for various mental disorders? Does perfectionism influence the success of therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression?

2. Emotion regulation: How does the intensity of an emotion influence the choice of emotion regulation strategy? And how does this relate to symptoms of mental disorders?

3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Do people with obsessive-compulsive disorder look differently at images relevant to the disorder than people with spider phobia? And what influences this gaze behavior?