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Department of Psychology and Psychotherapy
 

Chair of Developmental Psychology and Educational Psychology

In the Developmental Psychology and Educational Psychology Research Group, we study development across various psychological domains throughout the lifespan (i.e., from childhood to old age).

We are particularly interested in people’s socio-emotional development. This includes, for example, the emergence and changes in loneliness, self-esteem, and emotional stability. We seek to explain the interindividual differences in developmental trajectories. In this context, we investigate how our daily lives and developmental trajectories are often shaped by the contexts in which we live (e.g., by our friends, parents, partners, and teachers).

Current research projects address topics such as the interplay between personality traits and loneliness, the development of loneliness and well-being across the lifespan and in relation to critical life events or life transitions, the measurement of loneliness in children and adolescents, the effectiveness of loneliness interventions, and emotion regulation in daily life. Our research is interdisciplinary in nature. Therefore, we collaborate with experts from various disciplines in academia, practice, and policy.

Professorship

Porträtfoto von Univ.-Prof Dr Susanne Bücker

Univ.-Prof. Dr.

Susanne Bücker

Professor

Faculty of Health (School of Psychology and Psychotherapy)  |  Professorship of Developmental and Educational Psychology

Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 44
58455 Witten

Room number: 1.118B

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Research

Our research focuses on the psychological development of people across the entire lifespan, from childhood to old age. We place particular emphasis on socio-emotional development—that is, the emergence and change of emotions such as loneliness and self-esteem. We investigate how individual differences in development can be explained and how our social environment influences these processes.

In particular, we explore the interplay between personality and loneliness, the development of well-being, and the effectiveness of programs designed to reduce loneliness. To do so, we use various methodological approaches, including longitudinal studies and modern measurement techniques, to capture people’s daily lives and long-term development. Through interdisciplinary collaboration with experts from academia, practice, and policy, we are continually expanding our understanding of these processes.

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Workshops and Training Courses

Collaboration

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