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Welcome to

on the website of the Chair of Developmental Psychology and Clinical Psychology of the Lifespan

Ausblick auf Universitaet Siegen

Our research and teaching takes place at the intersection of developmental psychology and clinical psychology from childhood to old age. On the one hand, we deal with some general principles of the development of human experience and behavior over the entire lifespan (e.g. self-regulation and reminiscence). On the other hand, we develop and research interventions to promote developmental processes or to better treat mental disorders (e.g. psychotherapy for older people).

The team at the Chair of Developmental and Clinical Psychology of the Lifespan currently consists of Professor Forstmeier, two academic advisors and several research and teaching staff. The administrative tasks are supported by a two-person secretariat.

Our working group

What we are about

Schwarz-weißes Bild eines menschlichen Kopfprofils mit sichtbarer Gehirnstruktur, umgeben von einem Netzwerk aus verbundenen Punkten und Linien, das künstliche Intelligenz und digitale Vernetzung symbolisiert.

Our teaching includes basic and applied topics in developmental psychology as well as clinical psychology.
We teach in all psychology degree programs (Bachelor Psychology, Master Psychology, Master Psychology with a focus on Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy), social work and teaching.
Our working group consists of student assistants, doctoral students, postdocs and a professor. Our interests range from developmental psychology research with children and adolescents to psychotherapy research with older people.

Prof. Dr. Simon Forstmeier

Prof. Dr. Simon Forstmeier

Professor

Ich bin Professor für Psychologie an der Universität Siegen und leite die Professur für Entwicklungspsychologie und Klinisch

Ina Faßbender

Dr. Ina Faßbender

Temporary Academic Councillor

Ich bin Akademische Rätin an der Professur für Entwicklungspsychologie und Klinische Psychologie der Lebensspanne und leite die Forschungsprojekte Playdate und

Lars Göllner

Dr. Lars Göllner

Temporary Academic Councillor

Ich bin Akademischer Rat in der Professur für Entwicklungspsychologie und Klinische Psychologie der Lebensspanne.

Hans-Joachim Lenz

Dr. Hans-Joachim Lenz

Research assistant

Ich bin wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter in der Professur Entwicklungspsychologie und Klinische Psychologie der Lebensspanne, Psychologischer Psychotherapeut und Fachpsychologe Rechtspsychologie BDP/ DGPs iW. Zu meinen Forschungsinteressen gehören u. a.:

Pia Arens

Pia Arens M.Sc.

Research assistant

Ich bin wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin in der Professur für Entwicklungspsychologie und Klinische Psychologie der Lebensspanne. Im Rahmen meiner Promotion befasse ich mich mit Einflussfaktoren auf das psychische Wohlbefinden im höheren Erwachsenenalter.

Hulsmans, Nik

Nik Hulsmans M.Sc.

Research assistant

Ich bin wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter und Doktorand an der Professur für Entwicklungspsychologie und Klinische Psychologie der Lebensspanne. Außerdem bin ich Psychologischer Psychotherapeut i. A. für Verhaltenstherapie.

Personal profile photo

Julian Schwan M.Sc.

Research assistant
Personal profile photo

Eva Katzinger

Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in

Ich bin wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin im Fachbereich für Entwicklungspsychologie und Klinische Psychologie der Lebensspanne.

Prof. Dr. Forstmeier

Podcast interview with Prof. Dr. Simon Forstmeier: Why mental health in old age concerns us all

In the latest episode of the university podcast "Spark!" (issue 16), Prof. Dr. Simon Forstmeier is our guest. The conversation focuses on the question of how people can remain mentally healthy in old age - and why this topic is of great importance for society as a whole. Prof. Forstmeier provides insights into his research and shows how psychological findings can help people deal with life crises, stress and memories. An episode worth listening to for anyone interested in mental health and current research.

Disputation Hans-Joachim Lenz

Promotion Hans-Joachim Lenz

Congratulations to our employee Hajo Lenz on the successful completion of his doctorate on 25.11.2025!

Pia Arens in an interview with the Siegener Zeitung
Prof. Dr. Simon Forstmeier in an interview with the Siegener Zeitung

Our research profile

Basic research in life-span psychology

  • Interaction behavior of infants and toddlers
  • Life event perception and (personality) changes in adolescents and young adults
  • Self-regulation and motivation across the lifespan (self-regulation as a predictor of health, reward deferral, motivational reserve capacity in dementia)
  • Experimental reminiscence research
  • Experiences of religious abuse of power
  • Meaning of life

Life-span psychological application research

  • Reminiscence interventions (structured life review, biography work)
  • Clinical gerontopsychology and geriatric psychotherapy (for dementia, trauma disorders, depression)
  • Self-regulation training for different target groups (pupils, students, psychotherapy patients)

Interdisciplinary ageing research (in the context of the Gerontology Network Siegen, GeNeSi)

  • including technological support for cognitive and affective processes
VISION-AGE Bildschirm
Healthcare and Ageing research
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VISION-AGE

Efficacy and mechanisms of action of age-sensitive group psychotherapy in videoconference format for the reduction of clinical depression (with and without anxiety) in older people (VISION-AGE)

DiA-S Pantomime Beispiel
Healthcare and Ageing research
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DiA-S Pantomime

DiA-S pantomime: better recognition of depression in old age

Journal article
2025

Cognitive behavioural treatment for mild Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers (CBTAC): results of a randomised controlled trial

Journal article
2024

The relationship between the meaning of life, psychological well-being, self-care, and social capital, with depression and death anxiety in the elderly living in nursing homes: The mediating role of loneliness

Journal article
2024

The Relationship Between Attachment Styles and Marital Satisfaction: The Mediating Role of Storytelling Enjoyment and Narrative Mindset

Journal article
2023

How are common major life events perceived? Exploring differences between and variability of different typical event profiles and raters

Contact

 

Postal address

University of Siegen
Schools II - Department of Psychology
Prof. Dr. Simon Forstmeier

Secretariat Reinhardt/Thielmann
Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2 a
57076 Siegen

Visitor address

University of Siegen
Department of Psychology
AR-NB 124
Adolf-Reichwein-Str. 2a
57076 Siegen

Secretariat

Elke Reinhardt and Andrea Thielmann are available to you as contact persons in the secretariat. They will answer general questions and refer you to the relevant members of staff if you have specific problems or questions.

Please send general inquiries by e-mail. E-mails are checked regularly.