The teaching and research unit of Clinical Psychology in Childhood and Adolescence & Counseling Psychology focuses on early parent-child interaction and its impact on child development. The focus is on researching risk factors, dyadic emotion regulation, and early prevention approaches.
Our unit is dedicated to the identification of risk factors for early child development. Focusing on caregiver–infant interaction we are interested in evaluating the influence of parental psychiatric disorders, parenting behavior, the couple’s relationship quality as well as the influence of the infant’s mental health and behavior problems for later cognitive and affective development Dyadic affect regulation in the early parent-child interaction is of particular interest. The aim is to determine to which extent psychopathological risk factors in parents (e.g. depressive or anxiety disorders, early trauma) are passed on via specific dyadic interactive patterns. The overall aim of our research is to identify risk factors and transmission paths in order to develop effective early prevention and intervention programs.
The unit’s outpatient clinic, Psychotherapeutische Hochschulambulanz für Babys, Kinder, Jugendliche und (werdende) Eltern, and the outpatient clinic of the closely associated institute for psychotherapist training in the field of child and adolescent psychotherapy (MUNIK – Münchner Universitäres Institut für Kinder- und Jugendlichenpsychotherapie-Ausbildung) are strongly involved in ongoing research work and data collection. An additional focus concerning the latter is researching the process and effects of psychotherapist training and, in this context, the evaluation of a specific method of experiential learning (e.g. having trained actors act as patients).
Interaction analysis as a research method plays a central role in our research concerning both early parent-child interaction and therapist training. For this purpose, the unit is equipped with a state-of-the-art video system, which we dubbed “EEKIP”; EEKIP stands for “Echtzeit-Eltern-Kind-Interaktions-Paradigmen” (real-time parent-child interaction paradigms).
A study funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research on the prevention of transgenerational transmission of mental disorders.
COMPARE = children of mentally ill parents at risk evaluation
Contributors: Corinna Reck (PI in München), Mitho Müller, Beate Sodian und Markus Paulus; Lea Kaubisch und Anamaria Semm (Christian Woll und Verena Labonte) (in Kooperation u. a. mit Beate Ditzen, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg und Anna-Lena Zietlow, Universität Mannheim; Konsortiumsleitung: Hanna Christiansen, Philipps-Universität Marburg) / COMPARE: Children of mentally ill parents at risk evaluation (BMBF-funded study in cooperation with Beate Ditzen, Heidelberg University Hospital, Anna-Lena Zietlow, University of Mannheim, and others; Head of research consortium: Hanna Christiansen, Philipps-Universität Marburg)
Further information can be found here
Mind:Pregnancy offers pregnant women early help with mental stress through a mindfulness-based online programme. The aim is to alleviate anxiety and depression and thus prevent pregnancy complications.
Further information on Mind: Pregnancy – Evaluation of a web-based mindfulness intervention for pregnant women can be found here.
Contributors: Mitho Müller & Corinna Reck (in cooperation with the University of Tübingen, Stephanie Wallwiener & Markus Wallwiener, PIs) / Web-based mindfulness intervention for pregnant women (Mind:Pregnancy; in cooperation with PIs Stephanie Wallwiener & Markus Wallwiener, University of Tübingen)
Research project on psychosocial and medical care for young families
Contributors: Mitho Müller (G-BA-funded study in cooperation with Heidelberg University Hospital, Stephanie Wallwiener, PI) / Family eNav: Research project on optimal psychosocial and medical care for young families (G-BA-funded study in cooperation with Heidelberg University Hospital, PI Stephanie Wallwiener)
BECALM investigates the relationship aspect of calming aids in the first 12 months of life.
BECALM study = Beyond the techniques of calming methods
Study description
There are many calming strategies, but what makes them successful?
In this online study, we would therefore like to investigate for the first time which calming aids parents use most often when their children cry, are restless or to help them sleep, and how effective the various strategies are. We are also interested in the extent to which the emotional state of the parents and the support of their partner influence the success of the calming strategies.
Who can participate?
Parents of children between 0 and 18 months are welcome to participate!
Time commitment
One-time commitment of approximately 20 to 30 minutes
Participation in the study is no longer possible as the survey has already been completed.
Contributors: Lukka Popp & Corinna Reck (in cooperation with Margarete Bolten, University of Basel) / Beyond the technique of calming methods: The role of parent-child relationship and self-regulation skills on infant regulation across the first year of life (in cooperation with Margarete Bolten, University of Basel)
Contributors: Lukka Popp & Corinna Reck (in collaboration with Silvia Schneider, Ruhr University Bochum) / Validation of a structured diagnostic interview for regulatory problems in infancy (Baby-DIPS) (in collaboration with Silvia Schneider, Ruhr University Bochum)
In this study, video recordings are used to capture parents and children playing together in order to scientifically examine typical interaction patterns. Participation is voluntary and the data obtained is evaluated anonymously.
Further information on the research project can be found here.
Contributors: Project manager Dr Anton Marx
A study funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research on the prevention of transgenerational transmission of mental disorders.
COMPARE = children of mentally ill parents at risk evaluation
Contributors: Corinna Reck (PI in München), Mitho Müller, Beate Sodian und Markus Paulus; Lea Kaubisch und Anamaria Semm (Christian Woll und Verena Labonte) (in Kooperation u. a. mit Beate Ditzen, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg und Anna-Lena Zietlow, Universität Mannheim; Konsortiumsleitung: Hanna Christiansen, Philipps-Universität Marburg) / COMPARE: Children of mentally ill parents at risk evaluation (BMBF-funded study in cooperation with Beate Ditzen, Heidelberg University Hospital, Anna-Lena Zietlow, University of Mannheim, and others; Head of research consortium: Hanna Christiansen, Philipps-Universität Marburg)
Further information can be found here
Mind:Pregnancy offers pregnant women early help with mental stress through a mindfulness-based online programme. The aim is to alleviate anxiety and depression and thus prevent pregnancy complications.
Further information on Mind: Pregnancy – Evaluation of a web-based mindfulness intervention for pregnant women can be found here.
Contributors: Mitho Müller & Corinna Reck (in cooperation with the University of Tübingen, Stephanie Wallwiener & Markus Wallwiener, PIs) / Web-based mindfulness intervention for pregnant women (Mind:Pregnancy; in cooperation with PIs Stephanie Wallwiener & Markus Wallwiener, University of Tübingen)
Research project on psychosocial and medical care for young families
Contributors: Mitho Müller (G-BA-funded study in cooperation with Heidelberg University Hospital, Stephanie Wallwiener, PI) / Family eNav: Research project on optimal psychosocial and medical care for young families (G-BA-funded study in cooperation with Heidelberg University Hospital, PI Stephanie Wallwiener)
BECALM investigates the relationship aspect of calming aids in the first 12 months of life.
BECALM study = Beyond the techniques of calming methods
Study description
There are many calming strategies, but what makes them successful?
In this online study, we would therefore like to investigate for the first time which calming aids parents use most often when their children cry, are restless or to help them sleep, and how effective the various strategies are. We are also interested in the extent to which the emotional state of the parents and the support of their partner influence the success of the calming strategies.
Who can participate?
Parents of children between 0 and 18 months are welcome to participate!
Time commitment
One-time commitment of approximately 20 to 30 minutes
Participation in the study is no longer possible as the survey has already been completed.
Contributors: Lukka Popp & Corinna Reck (in cooperation with Margarete Bolten, University of Basel) / Beyond the technique of calming methods: The role of parent-child relationship and self-regulation skills on infant regulation across the first year of life (in cooperation with Margarete Bolten, University of Basel)
Contributors: Lukka Popp & Corinna Reck (in collaboration with Silvia Schneider, Ruhr University Bochum) / Validation of a structured diagnostic interview for regulatory problems in infancy (Baby-DIPS) (in collaboration with Silvia Schneider, Ruhr University Bochum)
In this study, video recordings are used to capture parents and children playing together in order to scientifically examine typical interaction patterns. Participation is voluntary and the data obtained is evaluated anonymously.
Further information on the research project can be found here.
Contributors: Project manager Dr Anton Marx
Online survey on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on young families
Participation in the study is no longer possible as the survey has already been completed.
Contributors: Corinna Reck, Alexandra von Tettenborn, Anton Marx, Christian Woll, Lea Kaubisch, Mevsim Kücükakyüz, Lukka Popp, Mitho Müller, Nora Nonnenmacher, Nina Schlegel, Verena Labonte, Tanja-Kretz-Bünese (in Kooperation mit Anna-Lena Zietlow, Universität Mannheim) / CoviFam online survey: How are German families feeling during the Covid pandemic? (in cooperation with Anna-Lena Zietlow, University of Mannheim)
Further information can be found here
PAUCPA = Psychische Auswirkungen der Coronavirus-Pandemie auf psychisch kranke Kinder und Jugendliche (Psychological effects of the coronavirus pandemic on children and adolescents with mental health issues)
Contributors: Alexandra von Tettenborn, Mitho Müller, Tanja Kretz-Bünese, Lukka Popp & Corinna Reck / Study on the psychological effects of the coronavirus pandemic on children and adolescents with mental health issues
Contributors: Prof. Dr. Corinna Reck, Dr. Lukka Popp, Dr. Mitho Müller, Dr. Nora Nonnenmacher (MU München), Prof. Dr. Anna-Lena Zietlow (Technische Universität Dresden), Dr. Johannes Ehrenthal (Universität zu Köln), Prof. Dr. Elisabeth André, Dr. Tobias Baur (Universität Augsburg), Prof. Dr. Beate Ditzen, Dr. Nora Nonnenmacher (Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg), Prof. Dr. Stephanie & Markus Wallwiener (Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg); Lea Kaubisch, Linda Stürmlinger, Mevsim Kücükakyüz
The Schwan Study examines the effects of subjective stress experiences and psychobiological stress reactivity during pregnancy and correlations with the coronavirus pandemic.
Aim and procedure of the study
Participation is currently not possible!
Contact person: Lea Kaubisch
Further information can be found here
This study examines the long-term psychological effects of sexualized violence against minors within the context of the Catholic Church. The focus lies on psychological distress across the lifespan, interpersonal factors, and transgenerational effects.
Contributors: Prof. Dr. Corinna Reck, PD Dr. Tobias Schuwerk, Dr. Alexandra von Tettenborn, Dr. Mitho Müller, Dr. Lukka Popp (Ruhr University Bochum), in collaboration with the Independent Survivors' Advisory Board Augsburg and the Independent Commission for the Investigation of Abuse in the Diocese of Augsburg.
Further information can be found here.
FEEL = Forschung zum emotionalen Erleben im Lehr-Lern-Kontext (engl.: Research on emotional experiences in teaching and learning contexts)
Contributors: Anne Frenzel, Reinhard Pekrun, Corinna Reck, Anton Marx & Katarina Kecojevic (DFG-funded) / FEEL/EmoCont – Emotional contagion in the classroom; DFG-funded research)
Contributors: Corinna Reck, Alexandra von Tettenborn, Lukka Popp, Christian Woll et al., in cooperation with Johannes Ehrenthal, University of Cologne / Experiential learning in therapist training (in cooperation with Johannes Ehrenthal, University of Cologne)
In our international research project, we are investigating whether children aged 1 to 3 already develop a spontaneous understanding of the thoughts of others. Among other things, we analyse their gaze behaviour in order to identify early signs of theory of mind.
Contributors: Project management PD Dr Tobias Schuwerk; Project staff M.Sc. Lucie Zimmer
Further information can be found here
This study uses video recordings to document the behaviour of parents as a couple in shared interaction situations. The aim is to scientifically examine typical communication and relationship patterns.
Further information can be found here.
Contributors: Project management (LMU): Prof. Dr. Corinna Reck & Dr. Anton Marx
In this project, we are investigating whether the viewing behaviour of young children can be reliably measured using webcams. The aim is to develop a cost-effective and accessible alternative to laboratory eye tracking.
Contributors: Project manager PD Dr Tobias Schuwerk; project team member M.Sc. Lucie Zimmer
Further information can be found here
Heureka! is a forum for participatory autism research. People with and without autism work together here to shape autism research in such a way that it makes the greatest possible contribution to improving the lives of people with autism and their families.
Further information about the project can be found here.
Contributors: PD Dr Tobias Schuwerk
SPARCi investigates whether socially interactive robots can enrich psychotherapy for children.
SPARCi = Supportive Psychotherapeutic Assistant Robot for Children
For children, starting psychotherapeutic treatment is often a challenge. It takes place in an unfamiliar setting with a stranger, and children first have to get used to this before the actual treatment can begin. To make this transition easier and enable treatment to start sooner, we want to investigate whether the inclusion of a socially interactive robot in the introductory phase can facilitate this transition.
Conduct: Prof. Dr. Corinna Reck and Prof. Dr. Elisabeth André (University of Augsburg)
Coordination/Contact: Andreas Wildner, M.Sc.
Who can participate: All children aged 4-8 are welcome to participate in our study.Time commitment: One-time approx. 45-60 minutes
Contributors: Prof. Dr. Corinna Reck, Prof. Dr. Elisabeth André (University of Augsburg), PD Dr. Tobias Schuwerk, Dr. Mitho Müller, Dr. Jauwairia Nasir (University of Augsburg), Andreas Wildner (M.Sc.)