Project description

BO1 focuses on the relationship between aversive and traumatic childhood experiences, changes in stress processing and learning mechanisms (e.g., extinction learning), as well as psychopathology and mental health. Using different age groups, this relationship is investigated using new and reliable methods for all age groups in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.

Background

Early aversive experiences (early life stress) and trauma are widespread risk factors for a range of mental health problems. Despite the central role that learning and memory processes—especially extinction learning—play in the development of common mental health problems such as anxiety disorders, their potential role as a link between early life stress and trauma and psychopathology has been relatively neglected in research to date. A thorough understanding of the interplay between early life stress and trauma, the stress system, cognitive mechanisms, and later mental disorders is necessary to improve the prevention and treatment of adverse circumstances-related psychopathology.

Objectives

The influence of early life stress will be examined dimensionally and in connection with various learning processes such as extinction learning, probability learning, collaborative learning, and episodic future thinking, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally across development. This should lead to a better understanding of how aversive childhood experiences increase the risk of psychopathology or influence positive mental health, thereby providing new starting points for the prevention and treatment of mental health problems.

Duration

DZPG development phase May 1, 2023 - August 31, 2025

DZPG expansion phase September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2030

Project team at the Bochum-Marburg site

Prof. Dr. Silvia Schneider

Prof. Dr. Sabine Seehagen

Dr. Dirk Adolph

Lina Neuhoff, M.Sc.

Maria Noorani-Yazdanabad, M.Sc.

Project description

The Digital Mental Health Panel integrates mental health research across the entire translation chain, combining epidemiological field research, mechanistic basic research, and targeted therapy research with sustainable online and offline interventions involving the active participation of research participants.

Background

In order to meet the demands of the digital age with regard to protecting mental health, fast and efficient methods of gaining knowledge are needed. Correspondingly, short paths are needed to implement the newly gained knowledge in prevention strategies and therapeutic practice. In terms of content, the focus must be on the fact that mental health is an interplay of negative factors, such as stress, and positive factors, such as life satisfaction. A mentally healthy person is characterized by a low level of negative factors and a high level of positive factors. This is where the work of the Digital Mental Health Panel comes in.

Objectives

The main objective of the Digital Mental Health Panel is to closely monitor mental health in all its aspects in Germany —including positive and negative factors—as well as its potential risk and protective factors, to track its development and interaction, and to enable causal research.

This should be possible in a fast, flexible, cost-effective, and representative manner.

Key research methods

As part of the Digital Panel, a diverse range of target groups are continuously recruited and monitored using regular online surveys and other online and offline research formats.

The target groups of the Digital Panel are the general population in Germany (approx. N = 100,000) and additional populations of particular interest, especially clinical patients (approx. N = 50,000).
The online surveys comprise three types:

(1) large-scale annual surveys (once per year, duration max. 30 minutes);

(2) short surveys on core constructs (3-5 times per year, duration max. 10 minutes each);

(3) unscheduled surveys in response to socially relevant events (e.g., natural disasters; max. duration 15 minutes each).

In addition to online surveys, the Digital Panel conducts in-depth studies (online or on-site at cooperating institutions) as well as preventive and therapeutic online and offline interventions.

The combination of these survey methods enables the Digital Panel to conduct a systematic long-term analysis of causal mechanisms of mental health and their influencing factors.

Duration

DZPG development phase May 1, 2023 - August 31, 2025

DZPG expansion phase September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2030

Project team at the Bochum-Marburg site

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Margraf

Prof. Dr. Silvia Schneider

Apl.-Prof. Dr. Julia Brailovskaia (coordinator)

Dr. Lena-Marie Precht

Svenja Schaumburg, M.Sc.

Project description

The BO3 project investigates how psychological stress and resources are passed down through generations within families and what role psychotherapeutic interventions play in this process.

Background

Mental illness in parents often has a direct impact on the mental well-being of their children—and vice versa. These reciprocal influences are crucial for the development of disorders and for the success of psychotherapeutic interventions. While previous research has mostly looked at parents or children in isolation, BO3 focuses on the dynamics within the family.

Objectives

In this project, parent-child dyads from randomized controlled trials are followed up annually after completion of therapy. The focus is on researching the transmission of mental disorders and therapeutic effects within families. On this basis, evidence-based treatment recommendations will be developed to maintain, restore, and improve the mental health and well-being of the family.

Duration

DZPG development phase May 1, 2023 - August 31, 2025

DZPG expansion phase September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2030

Project team at the Bochum site

Prof. Dr. Silvia Schneider

Dr. Gabriel Bonnin

Project description

BO4 is developing the basis for a central platform that supports professionals in the health, education, and social services sectors in referring children and families with psychosocial stress to appropriate sources of help. The aim is to improve cooperation between the various sectors, make knowledge about available psychosocial support services in the region easily accessible, and thus strengthen the prevention and early detection of mental illness in children.

Background

Many children, adolescents, and families are exposed to psychosocial stress, but often receive appropriate support only at a late stage. Professionals in daycare centers, schools, the healthcare system, and social institutions play a key role in reaching these people in a timely manner. To do so, they need not only to have knowledge about mental health (mental health literacy) and available psychosocial support services, but also structures that enable good cooperation across sector boundaries. However, there is currently no central point of contact that bundles scientifically sound information and translates it into practice.

Objectives

The project lays the foundation for a cross-sector platform that connects professionals and provides them with practical knowledge. The aim is to strengthen cooperation and improve access to support services.
To this end, three key questions are examined:

·      What preventive psychosocial support services are available in the region, and how can they be categorized?

·      How are professionals currently networked, and how can they be better connected with each other?

·      What knowledge and support do the various sectors (e.g., daycare centers, schools, healthcare) need?

 The answers should show how such a platform can best be set up so that it functions in the long term and creates real added value.

 Duration

DZPG development phase May 1, 2023 - August 31, 2025

DZPG expansion phase September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2030

Project team at the Bochum site

Prof. Dr. Silvia Schneider

Dr. Johannes Nießen

Dr. Anke Spura

Project description

Mental health problems in childhood and adolescence are widespread, on the rise, and can lead to lifelong difficulties. This project therefore sought a way to protect and strengthen the mental health of children and young people in their everyday lives. The result is the Urban Mental Health (UMH) concept, which provides early help by bringing support directly to young people: in schools, kindergartens, and recreational facilities. Professionals working in these settings are trained to strengthen their mental health skills. They should be able to protect mental health preventively, both for themselves and for the children, and to improve it when problems arise. This also involves optimizing the working conditions and support networks of the institutions. The holistic approach, which was developed jointly by experts, politicians, and institutions, is continuously reviewed and adapted to ensure that help reaches all parts of the city in a sustainable manner.

Background

Mental health problems can affect our well-being and performance and are associated with shorter life expectancy. These problems also place a strain on healthcare systems and contribute to high rates of absenteeism and early retirement. Children and adolescents, especially in urban areas, are at increased risk of mental health problems due to factors such as poverty, migration, and environmental pollution.

Objectives

The multi-level prevention approach of the UMH project aims to improve the mental health of children of many disadvantaged families in a specific area. To this end, evidence-based, transdiagnostic intervention modules are tailored to the needs and resources of daycare centers, schools, and counseling centers and implemented accordingly. Measures that have already been proven effective through research are implemented in line with the needs of the institutions. These range from primary prevention components to complex treatment and rehabilitation for mental health problems and disorders in children and adolescents. Professionals who work with children (teachers, educators, social workers, and professionals in counseling centers) receive training on mental health. Further measures by UMH aim to improve working conditions, professional networks, and structural conditions in schools, kindergartens, and counseling centers. The programme thus combines situational prevention elements with behavioral prevention components in the living environments of children and adolescents.

The project will be evaluated in terms of the mental health of children, the mental health of professionals, mental health literacy, working conditions, professional networks, and structural conditions in schools, kindergartens, and counseling centers. In addition, the success, acceptance, feasibility, and sustainability of each individual intervention will be assessed, as well as the health economic balance of the overall strategy. Representatives of all interest groups (e.g., children, teachers, etc.) will be continuously involved throughout the research project. The UMH strategy will be repeatedly adapted and improved in feedback loops.

Duration

DZPG development phase May 1, 2023 - August 31, 2025

DZPG expansion phase September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2030

Project team at the Bochum site

Prof. Dr. Silvia Schneider

Dr. Lukka Popp

Dr. Babett Voigt

Anna Julich

Leonard K. Kulisch

Carolin Tietz

Jenuha Krause-Tharmalingam

Rabea Derhardt

Project description

BO6 investigates why and under which conditions psychotherapy remains effective in the long term. The project lays the foundation for evidence-based strategies to ensure sustainable treatment success.

Background

Sustainable effectiveness is the central goal of any psychotherapy. However, there have been few long-term studies to date, as these are costly and resource intensive. As a result, there is a lack of reliable data to identify long-term mechanisms and influencing factors.

Objectives

The aim of the project is to investigate the long-term effectiveness of psychotherapy in children, adolescents, and adults over a period of more than ten years. To this end, cohorts from randomized controlled trials and routine care after completion of therapy will be followed up annually. One focus is to identify biopsychosocial mechanisms that influence the sustainability of treatment. On this basis, evidence-based recommendations will be developed to promote mental health in the long term.

Duration

DZPG development phase May 1, 2023 - August 31, 2025

DZPG expansion phase September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2030

Project team at the Bochum site

Prof. Silvia Schneider

Prof. Jürgen Margraf

Dr. Gabriel Bonnin

Project description

BO7 focuses on IT security and is dedicated to investigating the technologies and systems used at the DZPG for vulnerabilities and prevention through education.

Background

IT security is a core requirement for modern IT systems in all areas of application that are entrusted with the collection and processing of sensitive and personal data. Systems in the medical and healthcare sectors are often subject to significantly higher requirements. Vulnerability to cyberattacks increases with the complexity and number of systems and interfaces used. At the same time, operators are confronted with a growing threat situation. In its report on the state of IT security in Germany in 2023, the Federal Office of Information Security (BSI) noted a significant increase in threats in the area of vulnerabilities, up 25% compared to the previous reporting period.

Objectives

The use of secure cryptographic protocols and primitives, particularly in the context of secure authentication and encryption procedures, forms the basis for the secure operation of systems and interfaces created within the project.

Prevention: Information and education about possible attack vectors and potential errors in the implementation and operation of the project infrastructure support users and project participants in the IT infrastructure area in secure system design.

Analysis and recommendations for action: Cryptographic protocols and authentication procedures used in the project infrastructure are examined for vulnerabilities. The results of the investigation are incorporated into the development of recommendations for improvement and action.

Duration

DZPG development phase May 1, 2023 - August 31, 2025

DZPG expansion phase September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2030

Project team at the Bochum site

Prof. Dr. Jörg Schwenk

Matthias Gierlings

Contact: Prof. Jörg Schwenk

Background

New approaches are needed to improve psychotherapeutic treatment for children and adolescents, e.g., by intensifying research into process and change mechanisms and greater personalization of treatment. Process research also covers general factors influencing the effectiveness of psychotherapy, which have not been well studied in child and adolescent psychotherapy (KJ-PT). There is therefore a clear need to catch up in KJ-PT so that children and adolescents are given equal consideration in psychotherapy research in order to receive the best possible treatment.

Objectives

The goal is to develop and evaluate a transdiagnostic Core Process Outcome Module for child and adolescent psychotherapy KJ-PT (COPOM-KiJu) in order to better understand processes in child and adolescent psychotherapy and to make psychotherapy more effective and personalized.

Research method

The project involves the development and validation of a module and its instruments, considering a participatory and multi-informant approach. The aim of the focus groups with children, adolescents, caregivers, and child and adolescent therapists (N = 20 each) is to determine what content a COPOM-KiJu needs to record process factors in child and adolescent psychotherapy. As part of the COPOM-KiJu, the single item on emotional and psychological well-being (EPO-1-K) will be validated. A parent version (EPO-1-E) is being developed in a participatory manner as part of the project. N = 300 children and adolescents between the ages of 8 and 17 who meet the criteria for a mental disorder and are starting psychotherapy are being recruited for the COPOM-KiJu.

Duration

September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2028

Project team at the Bochum site

Dr. Anke de Haan

Prof. Dr. Silvia Schneider

Dr. Gabriel Bonnin

Cooperation partners:

Prof. Dr. Tina In-Albon (Bochum-Marburg/Mannheim)

Prof. Dr. Hanna Christiansen (Bochum-Marburg/Marburg)

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Lutz (Tübingen/Trier)

Prof. Dr. Elena von Wirth (Tübingen/Trier)

Prof. Dr. Claudia Calvano (Berlin-Potsdam/Berlin)

Background

Although social adversity (e.g., migration, discrimination, isolation) has been associated with an increased risk of paranoia (the false belief that someone is trying to harm you) and psychosis, there are no available data on ethnic differences in the central cognitive processes underlying the development of paranoid thinking. With around 22 million people with a migration background in Germany, this is a key issue for social and public health.

Objectives

This study will provide the first insights into the explanatory role of ethnic diversity, discrimination, and cognitive distortions in the development of paranoia.

Research method

The project comprises three work packages:

1) The co-development of an ethnically based digital assessment battery for paranoia and underlying cognitive and social processes. This will be used to collect data from a representative multi-ethnic German adult sample;

2) The application of advanced predictive models to identify potential risk factors, psychological development trajectories, and vulnerable target groups who could benefit from psychological support;

3) The participatory development of an intervention protocol for a digitally supported, culturally adapted intervention to reduce cognitive distortions (prospective longitudinal study with 3,000 participants with multi-ethnic representativeness, who will be examined at three time points – baseline, six months, and twelve months).

A multi-ethnic Lived Experience Advisory Panel will be involved throughout the research process. Data collection will be carried out in collaboration with the DZPG Digital Panel and the industry partner (TalkOnline).

The findings will be used to develop a culturally adapted intervention for paranoia and to test it in an intervention study.

Duration

September 1, 2025 - December 31, 2027

Project team at the Bochum site:

Prof. Dr. Mar Rus-Calafell

Dr. Lena-Marie Precht

Lived Experience Advisory Panel (Clinical Psychology & Digital Psychotherapy, FBZ)

Cooperation partners:

Prof. Nikolaos Koutsouleris (LMU München)

Dr. Lisa Hahn (LMU München)

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Reininghaus (ZI Mannheim)

Dr. Amy Hardy (King's College London, UK)

Professor Philippa Garety (King's College London, UK)

Brief description

The project combines data from the German Pension Insurance Fund (DRV) with data collected by the digital panel on mental health at the DZPG site in Bochum in order to map and update the progression of mental impairments and risk of premature disability for people of youth and working age.

Background

While the risk of premature disability in Germany is generally declining, disability pensions due to mental illness are steadily increasing. In view of demographic aging, strained pension finances, and a shortage of skilled workers, the prevalence and progression of mental illness and the effects of better prevention are of great economic and socio-political importance.

Objectives and approach

The aim of the project is to develop empirically based scenarios on the effects of mental illness on working life. To this end, process data from the German Pension Insurance Fund (DRV) and data collected by the digital panel on mental health at the DZPG site in Bochum are used. Signs of mental impairment recorded in the panel are assigned to diagnoses reported in the DRV data, and additional surveys on labor force participation and work ability are conducted. Taking existing longitudinal studies into account, scenarios for future trajectories are constructed from the representative panel data, with a focus on progressive or avoided premature disability risks. Results for health and safety at work and on premature disability risks are published in a practice-oriented manner.

Duration

September 1, 2025 - August 31, 2027

Project team at the Bochum site

Prof. Dr. Martin Werding

Judith Clauß, B.A.

Cooperation partners at the Munich-Augsburg site:

Dr. Johannes Wolf (LMU München)