Stefanie Heßels, M. Sc.

PhD thesis: The interplay between loneliness, emotion regulation strategies and sensory processing sensitivity in children and adolescents: an in-depth longitudinal study of everyday life

Loneliness is not an age-specific phenomenon and can occur at any stage of life. Nevertheless, it has so far been the subject of comparatively less intensive research in childhood and adolescence. This cumulative research project focuses on identifying risk factors and coping strategies for feelings of loneliness in this age group. The findings are intended to serve as a basis for effective prevention and intervention measures and to contribute to a nuanced understanding of the socio-emotional well-being of children and adolescents in Germany.

How do children and adolescents cope with feelings of loneliness in their everyday lives?

Sub-project 1 investigates intra- and inter-individual patterns in the regulation of feelings of loneliness in the everyday lives of children and adolescents (aged 10–15). In addition, the functionality and other influencing factors in the choice of emotion regulation strategies employed will be analysed. The data required for this will be collected as part of an intensive longitudinal online study design using Ecological Momentary Assessment ( EMA).

To what extent does heightened sensitivity influence children’s and adolescents’ experience of loneliness?

Sub-project 2 involves investigating the potential influence of high sensory processing sensitivity (so-called ‘high sensitivity’) on the development and maintenance of feelings of loneliness in children and adolescents. The data for this sub-project is also based on the intensive longitudinal survey using EMA described above.

How can we measure sensitivity effectively in children, adolescents and adults?

Measuring sensory processing sensitivity in children and adolescents requires the availability of a validated psychological test procedure. Sub-project 3 is therefore dedicated to the German translation, adaptation and validation of the Sensory ProcessingSensitivity Questionnaire for children and adolescents (aged 9–15), as well as the validation of a particularly resource-efficient short version of the questionnaire for adults. The data required for Sub-study 3 will be collected through qualitative and quantitative surveys.

Since February 2026,
, Research Associate in the Developmental Psychology and Educational Psychology Research Group at Witten/Herdecke University

March 2024 – May 2025

School psychologist at the School Psychology Counselling Centre of the City of Bottrop

October 2024 – April 2025

Teaching appointment for a seminar on ‘Personality Psychology’ at the University of Wuppertal

01/2024

Completed an MSc in Psychology, specialising in Clinical Psychology, at Ruhr University Bochum

July 2021
BSc in Business Psychology from Ruhr University Bochum

Seminar: An Introduction to Academic Work and Self-Directed Learning

Loneliness across different age groups

Sensory processing sensitivity (so-called ‘high sensitivity’)

• ResearchGate
• ORCID

Memberships of professional associations:

• German Psychological Society (DGPs)
• European Association of Personality Psychology (EAPP)