SCAR Unit

Stress in Childhood and Adolescence Research Unit

Our research combines experimental designs, hormonal and (neuro-)physiological measurements, ambulatory assessments and digital technologies to study a wide range of consequences  of stress in childhood and adolescence.
We try to understand hormonal, physiological and perceived stress reactivity and modulation in the development and chronification of mental disorders in children and adolescents. To achieve this purpose we use innovative and ecological research methods such as experimental Virtual Reality and Ecological Momentary Assessments.
Our research areas:
•    Stress & Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
•    Stress & Non-suicidal Self-injury
•    Stress & Development
•    Virtual Reality Interventions
•    Research Synthesis for Therapeutic Interventions
We use two laboratory facilities for our research:
•    VR-Lab: We use Virtual Reality (VR) with included eye-tracking devices for experimental stress induction (Cyberball, TSST), Virtual Reality Interventions for several psychopathologies and Educational Training.
•    Stress Lab: Our stress lab provides the possibilities of conducting real-life stress tests (TSST, CPT) and ecological momentary assessments.
Follow us on Twitter: @KothgassnerLab