Public Mental Health
Table of contents
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, in November 2022, 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) will start. 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.

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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
Other studies:
In addition to DREAM, INVITE and RESPECT, other studies on the topic of pregnancy and birth experience are also being carried out. For example, in cooperation with the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, the experience of pregnant women in general and during the COVID-19 pandemic is being investigated. Using established questionnaires, various physical and psychological aspects during pregnancy are assessed. All pregnant women aged 18 and older can participate in this online survey via the following link: https://ww2.unipark.de/uc/CoronaSchwangerschaft.
In another online survey, both mothers and fathers who have become parents (again) in the last 12 months can participate. Here, the birth experience of both parents will be examined in more detail. Several questionnaires will be used to measure positive and negative factors that can be experienced during or after birth. This study is open for new participants under the following link: https://ww2.unipark.de/uc/Geburtserleben.
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.
Section leader

Professor
NameProf. Dr. Susan Garthus-Niegel Ph.D. Dipl.-Psych.
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Scientists

PhD Student
NameLuisa Bergunde M.Sc.
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Scientist
NameIsabel Jaramillo M. Sc.
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Scientist
NameJudith Mack M.Sc.
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Scientist
NameBianka Vollert Dipl.-Psych.
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Scientist
NameVictoria Weise M.Sc.
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Scientist
NameVanessa Zieß M.Sc.
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