RoutineDeCM
Healthcare and Ageing research
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Welcome to
on the website of the Chair of Psychological Aging Research
Psychological ageing research examines the ageing processes of psychological phenomena (including social, emotional and cognitive) and how they can be influenced and changed through person-related (e.g. training, therapy) or context-related (e.g. social, spatial, material) interventions. Both healthy ageing and pathological ageing are examined, whereby it is important to distinguish healthy developmental processes from pathological changes and their interaction.
The complexity of ageing processes cannot be understood by one discipline alone. Psychological ageing research (or gerontopsychology) therefore takes place as a sub-field of gerontology in an interdisciplinary exchange.
The focus of research in psychological ageing research at the University of Siegen is currently on resource-oriented diagnostics and psychological intervention to promote autonomy, quality of life and social inclusion in old age with and without dementia.
Our working group
What matters to us
© Bild von Gerd Altmann auf Pixabay
In our working group, we deal with psychological ageing processes – in other words, how social, emotional and cognitive abilities change in old age and how they can be positively influenced by targeted interventions. We are interested in both healthy and pathological ageing and, in particular, their interaction, because development in old age can only be understood in this overall context. As part of interdisciplinary gerontology, we are currently focusing on resource-oriented diagnostics and interventions that promote autonomy, quality of life and social participation among older people – with and without dementia.
Our research profile
Interdisciplinary research on ageing, health and self-determination
The working group examines ageing from a psychological and interdisciplinary perspective with a particular focus on care and nursing contexts. The central question is how autonomy, quality of life and social participation can be maintained and strengthened in old age. To this end, we develop and research resource-oriented diagnostic procedures and psychological interventions that address the individual abilities and living environments of older people.
Another focus is on interpersonal health communication, decision-making assistance and the promotion of self-determination – especially in sensitive care situations. In addition, we make psychological contributions to ecological gerontology and medical ethics in order to understand ageing not only individually, but also in the context of social, spatial and societal conditions. The aim of our research is to make scientific findings directly usable for humane, participatory and sustainable care for older people.
Key research areas
- Psychological and interdisciplinary research on ageing, care and nursing
- Resource-oriented diagnostics and psychological intervention to promote autonomy, quality of life and social inclusion in old age
- Interpersonal health communication, decision-making assistance and self-determination
- Psychological contributions to ecological gerontology and medical ethics
Latest publications
A list of the most recent publications
Journal article
2025
Usability of a Tablet-Based Cognitive Assessment Administered by Medical Assistants in General Practice: Implementation Study
Usability of a Tablet-Based Cognitive Assessment Administered by Medical Assistants in General Practice: Implementation Study
Journal article
2025
Why and When Ethical Leadership Signals Enhance Employer Attractiveness
Why and When Ethical Leadership Signals Enhance Employer Attractiveness
Journal article
2025
Validation of the Meaning of Home Questionnaire for People with Dementia
Validation of the Meaning of Home Questionnaire for People with Dementia
Contact
Postal address
University of Siegen
Schools II - Department of Psychology
Prof. Dr. Julia Haberstroh
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 your contacts in the office. 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.