Layman's description

Research in the field of Lifespan Psychology starts from the idea that human development is lifelong, multi-dimensional, multi-directional and multi-determined. In addition, human development is aimed at adapting the individual to his environment. Lifespan psychology therefore studies the individual in interaction with his environment. In addition to the more traditional methods of research, such as questionnaire research, experiments, etc., the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) is also used. This is a validated and internationally used structured diary technique to systematically study human experiences and behaviors in daily life as well as the context in which they take place.

The research of the department is grouped around the research themes resilience, post-traumatic growth, gratitude, positive aging, effects and effective mechanisms of coaching on mental health, and the effect of animals on well-being.

The Department of Lifespan Psychology formulates its research goals within the Research Line of Lifespan Psychology (part of UHC).