Public Mental Health

Topics in this research section

In the field of “Public Mental Health”, Prof. Dr. habil. Garthus-Niegel and her team conduct original epidemiological studies as well as systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the mental health and well-being of women and families. Focal points are, for example, the peripartum period, the compatibility of family and work and domestic violence.

One of the main studies is the multi-method cohort study DREAM – Dresden Study on Parenting, Work and Mental Health – aimed at (expectant) parents. Covering six measuring points the study prospectively investigates the relationship between parenthood, work and mental health of the entire family and tries to identify possible interrelations. It includes questionnaires, biopsychological or epigenetic measures, and qualitative interviews from the time of pregnancy until the child is 4.5 years of age.

INVITE (INtimate partner VIolence care and Treatment prEferences) is another major study of the research field of “Public Mental Health”. The aim of this DFG-funded study is to examine the utilization of treatment and counselling services for women after giving birth. Our aim is to research women's health and other factors that support access to suitable care.

Furthermore, the interdisciplinary collaborative project RESPECT (A Prospective Mixed-Methods-REsearch Project on Subjective Birth Experience and PErson-centred Care in ParenTs and Obstetric Health Care Staff) started in November 2022. This is a longitudinal study with initially three measuring points (T1: late pregnancy, T2: 8 weeks postpartum, T3: 6 months postpartum), which offers a quantitative as well as qualitative survey of a large number of (expectant) parents. The aim is a systematic and open assessment of the subjective birth experience as well as relevant factors before, during and after birth. In addition, obstetric staff nationwide will be surveyed by means of qualitative interviews about their own role in the birth experience and about knowledge and attitudes towards person-centred obstetric care.

Further study information:
DREAM - Dresden Study on Parenting, Work and Mental Health
INVITE - INtimate partner VIolence Treatment PrEferences
RESPECT - SYSTEMATIC SURVEY ON SUBJECTIVE BIRTH EXPERIENCE

Results of our research can be found here Publications of the research area 7 .

News/Updates:
Twitter: @GN_ResearchLab

Our team offers opportunities for research internships as well as doctoral and master’s theses. If you are interested, you can contact Prof. Dr. habil. Garthus-Niegel directly.