School of Psychology and Psychotherapy
Professorship of Experimental Pathopsychology
The origins, causes, progression and treatment of mental disorders
Experimental pathopsychology uses scientific methods to investigate the origins, causes, course and treatment of mental disorders.
The Professorship of Experimental Pathopsychology focuses on:
- Experimental studies into the causes and maintenance of mental disorders
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Health care research in the field of mental health
The Chair is involved in teaching on the Bachelor’s degree programme in Psychology and the Master’s degree programme in Psychology, specialising in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy.
News from the working group
Professorship
Univ.-Prof. Dr.
Anke Haberkamp
Professor
Faculty of Health (School of Psychology and Psychotherapy) | Professorship of Experimental Pathopsychology
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 44
58455 Witten
Room number: FEZ, 1.122 B
Research
Our research focuses on experimental studies into anxiety disorders, digital applications in the field of e-mental health for the diagnosis and treatment of specific phobias, and translational psychotherapy and health care research.
Current research projects
Experimental research into specific phobias
We are investigating the development and maintenance of specific phobias. As part of a project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), we are examining the influence of biological movements on fear responses. Using realistic videos, animated point-light stimuli and computer-generated scenes, we are analysing the role that movement plays in the development of anxiety.
Digital applications in e-mental health research
We are investigating innovative digital approaches to managing anxiety. We are currently testing the effectiveness of a gamified application for treating arachnophobia. We have also developed a freely accessible online tool (Behavioural Avoidance Test, BAT) that enables researchers and practitioners to easily assess avoidance behaviour.
Translational psychotherapy research
Our aim is to translate scientific findings from experimental studies into psychotherapeutic practice. We investigate cognitive, biological and emotional mechanisms in order to improve the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic approaches and to optimise the transition from research to clinical application.
- Publication: Rief, W., et al. (2024). Clinical Psychology Review
Health care research in the field of mental health
Many people with mental health conditions do not seek professional help – often due to gaps in provision or a mismatch between their needs and the services available. We are investigating which low-threshold support services are preferred and how psychotherapeutic care can be optimised.
Recent publications
Teaching
A key focus of the course is clinical psychological assessment. Through practical exercises and case studies, students learn to accurately identify patients’ symptoms and sources of distress and to make well-founded diagnoses. This forms the basis for individualised and targeted treatment planning.
Another key area is psychological review. With the support of external experts, students deepen their knowledge of reviewing issues relevant to family or criminal law.
The team
Dr.
Markus Grill
Researcher
Faculty of Health (School of Psychology and Psychotherapy) | Professorship of Experimental Pathopsychology
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 50
58448 WittenRoom number: 1.129a
Angela Hölscher
Secretariat
Faculty of Health (School of Psychology and Psychotherapy) | Professorship of Health Psychology
Alfred-Herrhausen-Straße 44
58455 WittenRoom number: 1.129C