Youth Mental Health

Prof. Dr. Mar Rus-Calafell
M.Sc. Grace Kiernan
Ekincan Tas (Digital Engineer)

Collaborator

Prof.Dr. Lucia Valmaggia (Orygen, University of Melabourne, Australia)

Funding

Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Duration

January 2023 - present

Description

Though in individuals at clinical high-risk of psychosis, decline in social functioning is one of the most robust predictors of transitioning to psychosis, it remains unclear how social dysfunction appears in the context of psychotic-like experiences (PLE). This study aims to explore the association between social functioning and PLE in adolescents aged 13-18 using a novel paradigm in virtual reality (VR), which allows for real-time assessment of social performance. Adolescents will be recruited from a large cohort study (YVORI_Pro) and invited to participate via the following criteria: those reporting highly indicative positive PLEs and those reporting no or less indicative PLEs. Self-report, behavioral and physiological data will be collected using a portable and wireless VR headset and a sync medical wristband..

Prof. Dr. Mar Rus-Calafell
Prof. Dr. Silvia Schneider
M.Sc. Phuong Mi Nguyen

Collaborator

Prof. Dr. Maike Luhmann (RUB), Prof. Dr. Ian Kelleher  (University of Edinburgh)

Preregistration

OSF: https://osf.io/7v9nd

Funding

Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung, Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung

Duration

Nov. 2021 – present

Description

Despite similar challenges and tasks, some adolescents develop mental health issues, while others show a certain mental stability. If difficulties arise, typically they already occur during the school years. Evidence has shown the psychotic-like experiences (PLE, also called unusual experiences) during childhood and adolescence are potential early indicators of development of psychopathology and need for mental health care in adulthood. The aim of our project is to improve our understanding of psychosocial variables linked to the presence, distress and persistence of PLE in adolescents aged 13-18. For that purpose, we are conducting  a mental health assessment study among students from grades 8 to 12 based in German school centers. The students will complete this assessment at baseline, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months. Our research team is directly on site in the cooperating schools and carries out the tests together with the young people. Close collaboration and implementation of mental health resources at the school centers is also a key part of this longitudinal cohort study.