7th April 2025

In our recent publication, we propose a perspective on how loneliness

can lead to either conformity or non-conformity. We suggest that the

frequency and magnitude of encounters perceived as unfulfilling and

the chronicity of loneliness influence these behaviors, which result

from altered predictive processing in lonely individuals.

12th February 2025

With a contribution from Prof. Sigrid Elsenbruch, the 2nd edition of the edited volume on Psychosomatics in Gastroenterology and Hepatology has been published. Prof. Elsenbruch's chapter deals with "Disorders of the gut-brain-axix". More information can be found here.

6th January 2025

Dr. Franziska Labrenz has habilitated at the Medical Faculty of the Ruhr University Bochum with her habilitation thesis "Translational approaches to behavioral and neural investigation of bio-psycho-social mediators and moderators in disorders of gut-brain interaction" an her lecture "This city makes me sick! Risk and resilience factors of the urban environment on emotions, behavior, and mental health". Congratulations!

3rd December 2024

Our current publication provides insight into possible psychological factors in the development and maintenance of symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome, which can be considered a somatic symptom disorder.

28th November 2024

In episode number 82 of the PhysioBib-Podcast, Professor Sigrid Elsenbruch was a guest, discussing visceral pain and irritable bowel syndrome. You can listen to the episode here.

20th November 2024

On November 19, 2024, the WDR Lokalzeit reported on the new Psychotherapeutic University Outpatient Clinic. In a film report and a live interview in the studio with Lisa Stöckner, the focus and work of the clinic as well as its connection to research were presented. The report can be viewed here (redirect to the ARD Mediathek).

25th October 2024

The Psychotherapeutic University Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology has commenced its operations. The clinic offers psychotherpeutic support with the focus on the treatment of patients with chronic pain. The close connection to the research of our department and with the Collaborative Research Centers SFB 1280 and TRR 289 opens up new possibilities for translational research to optimize the psychotherapeutic treatment of chronic pain disorders. For more information, please click here.

21st October 2024

Dr. Julian Packheiser (Social Neurosciences) and Dr. Helena Hartmann from the University Medicine Essen have received the Pain Research Award at the German Pain Congress 2024. Congratulations!

28th August 2024

In our most recent publication, the authors deal with a teaching/learning concept that imparts knowledge on placebo and nocebo effects with regard to medical communication in a competence-oriented manner. More information soon.

13th August 2024

With contributions from Dr. Claudia Levenig and colleagues on the psychosocial factors of low back pain, the book titled "Rückenschmerz und Sport" ("Back pain and sport") has been published as part of the research project "Medicine in Spine Exercise (MiSpEx)". More information can be found here.

3rd July 2024

In our new article, published in the Journal of Pain, we assesses how positive treatment expectations were associated with better treatment outcomes. The publication is available here.

14th June 2024

The DFG has extended the SFB/TRR 289 for another four years. Professor Sigrid Elsenbruch is involved in leading two projects on the topics of visceral pain and postoperative pain. More information can be found here.

10th June 2024

With a contribution from Professor Sigrid Elsenbruch and Professor Adriane Icenhour on associative learning and memory processes, the second edition of the work "Psychosomatics - Neurobiologically Based and Evidence-Based" has been published. More informatione can be found here.

28th May 2024

In our new article in the Journal Molecular Psychiatry, we assessed the central fear network reactivity in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease compared to healthy controlls. The publication is available here.

2nd May 2024

In our new article in the journal Psychotherapy & Psychosomatics, we tested the effects of intranasal oxytocin to augment a group psychotherapy intervention against loneliness. The publictaion is available here.

1st March 2024

Our new review in the journal Neuroscientific & Biobehavioral Reviews focuses on how trauma may lead to changes in perception and evaluation of social touch. The publication is available here.