Research
Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy
The research focus of our department lies on the improvement of children's, adolescents', and young adults' mental health through translational research. Our projects aim to translate findings of basic research on the development and mode of action of psychological disorders into psychotherapeutic interventions. In the first stage, we develop concepts for cognitive and behavioural interventions based on neuropsychological mechanisms in order to generate a change in dysfunctional processes. In stage two we test these concepts and expected mode of actions (proof-of-concept studies). Following, the interventions are investigated in randomised-controlled trials under strictly controlled study conditions (efficacy studies; stage three). In the fourth stage the translation under real-life conditions in prevention, early intervention and outpatient psychotherapy, and therapy under real-life conditions is investigated (effectiveness studies).
Selected psychological disorders
We mostly investigate Gaming Disorder and its comorbid mental disorders, i.e. depressive disorders, ADHD, anxiety, conduct disorders, and substance use disorders in children and adolescents.
Research on new intervention methods
Our methodological range is based on the further development and adaption of cognitive-behavioural techniques for new mental disorders as well as for existing mental disorders for which common interventions show insufficient effects. On top of that, we develop new therapy methods based on experimental-psychological research in order to modify especially rigid behaviours and beliefs for which current therapy interventions work insufficiently. This includes for example behaviour substitution, dissonance-induced behavioural activation, or app-supported experimental modification of dysfunctional beliefs.
Behaviour substitution:
Neurobiological findings prove the emergence of habitual behaviours through an imbalance between craving and reduced inhibitory control. It is also spoken of an imbalance between behavioural flexibility and emotion regulation. Through the excessive behaviour a shift from gratification (in early stages) towards compensation (in later stages) can be observed. Neurobiologically an imbalance in early stages exists between the ventral striatum, the amygdala and the dorsolateral prefrontal regions whereas in the later stages of the behaviour addiction process the dorsolateral striatum is changed. The altered regulatory mechanisms of the neurotransmitter systems (especially dopamine, serotonin, and GABA) are found in disorders due to substance use as well as in disorders due to addictive behaviour. Substitution therapy is a successful therapy method for disorders due to substance use. We currently investigate if behaviour substitution can lead to similar modes of action in behavioural addictions.
Dissonance-induced behavioural activation:
Changing of rigid behaviours and beliefs ranks among the biggest challenges in psychotherapy. Experimental-sociopsychological findings on cognitive dissonance theory have shown since the 1970s that targeted dissonance induction can modify even rigid beliefs and behaviours. In various projects on Gaming Disorder and depressive disorders we therefore incorporate supplementary dissonance induction into cognitive-behavioural therapy.
Experimental modification of beliefs:
Computer-supported, experimental tasks that are used only a few minutes per day can also have big impacts on change of beliefs. We are currently investigating an app-supported intervention within the scope of psychotherapy for Gaming Disorder in which targeted effects of an approach-avoidance task on change of beliefs and cognitive preoccupation are investigated.