Award for psychologist Sarah Danböck

In her research, Danböck investigates so-called dissociative symptoms such as depersonalisation and derealisation. With these psychological symptoms, those affected feel cut off from themselves or the world around them. The psychologist investigates which biological processes are associated with these symptoms – such as changes in breathing, heartbeat, sweating or sensory perception. At the same time, she is analysing how these biological markers can be addressed therapeutically.

A particular focus of her research is on so-called ‘anti-dissociative skills’. These techniques, which are currently recommended in treatment guidelines, originate from clinical practice but have hardly been scientifically evaluated to date. ‘As part of my research project, I want to systematically record for the first time what experiences sufferers and therapists have had with these techniques,’ explains Danböck. The aim is to gain a better understanding of how the techniques are perceived and how effective they are from the users' perspective.

In the long term, the planned study aims to support sufferers and therapists in selecting suitable techniques and at the same time create a basis for experimental studies to investigate the effectiveness of anti-dissociative skills.

Dissociative symptoms are common worldwide and occur in illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder or borderline personality disorder. They can severely affect the everyday lives of those affected. However, strategies for dealing with these symptoms have not yet been sufficiently researched.

Danböck's project entitled “What helps against acute dissociation? Experiences of sufferers and therapists with anti-dissociative skills” is being carried out at the chair of Prof. Dr. Georg W. Alpers. Study participants are still being sought. Further information can be found at www.sowi.uni-mannheim.de/alpers/forschung/studien/.