Factors of Positive Development in Childhood and Adolescence
We focus on both developmental psychopathology (internalized psychopathology, antisocial behavior, substance use, sexually risky behavior, self-harm) and healthy development in adolescence (well-being, acquisition of social skills). In individual projects, we examine a wide range of psychosocial factors that may be related to both risky behavior and healthy development, whether as antecedents or consequences (family background, school environment, bullying, environmental quality, exposure to violence, psychiatric disorders). Adolescent risk behavior can therefore be not only described in terms of frequency of occurrence but also provided with relevant psychological and psychiatric interpretations.
Conditions for Successful Development in Adulthood
We examine the conditions for successful development in adulthood primarily based on the Brno Longitudinal Study of Human Life-Span Development (since 1961). We focus on personality change, personal well-being, the midlife crisis, generativity, and career stability. We also explore the possibility of predicting personality characteristics in adulthood based on data from childhood and adolescence.
Psychology of Well-Being and Health
Within the scope of its current projects, the Health Psychology research group focuses primarily on identifying correlates of health-related behavior among adolescents and the adult population, predictors of successful postoperative adaptation in patients with cardiovascular disease, and determinants of life satisfaction among high school and college students. Recently, we have established international collaboration with experts from the University of Nottingham and are focusing on selected aspects of mental health. We are currently conducting an international comparative study aimed at analyzing the relationship between self-compassion among university students in the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom and their well-being, mental health, anxiety, and depression.
Clinical Psychology
The focus of our research reflects, to a certain extent, the diversity and richness of this psychological discipline. Within the study of psychopathology, we focus primarily on the connections between various factors of mental health and personality structure. In our research on psychodiagnostic methods, we seek ways to innovate traditional methods and develop new ones. Our research in the field of psychotherapy focuses on identifying and validating alternative and currently experimental approaches to the treatment of mental disorders. Many research projects straddle the boundaries between clinical psychology and other disciplines. For example, at the intersection of clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and neuroscience, we study cognitive functions in neuropsychiatric disorders and the possibilities for their rehabilitation; at the intersection of clinical psychology and psychiatry, we address issues of stigmatization and self-stigmatization.
Sports Psychology
The research group focuses on a wide range of topics in the field of sports psychology, with an emphasis on psychological factors influencing performance, stress management, and the mental health of both recreational and elite athletes. We have long been engaged in internationally relevant topics, such as predictors and correlates of overtraining syndrome, identifying sources of burnout, and methods for strengthening psychological flexibility in young athletes. The appeal and significance of the topic are also reflected in the great interest shown by students, who, under the guidance of team members, have completed more than sixty theses over the past 10 years. In addition to our research activities, we plan to launch a tradition of summer schools in sports psychology as an international platform for bringing together researchers, graduate students, and practitioners.
Experimental Research on Cognitive Processes
In the context of experimental methodology, we focus on empirical research into cognitive processes using the latest technologies for virtual reality and physiological measurements. Research topics range from psychotherapy conducted in virtual reality to the application of psychological methodology for the purpose of obtaining valid data for machine learning. Research activities are centered around the GREY Lab at the Institute of Psychology, which is equipped with the necessary facilities and ensures the essential modus operandi for utilizing modern technologies. Our experimental research builds on long-standing interdisciplinary collaboration with experts in information technology, mathematical modeling, machine learning, geoinformatics, neuroscience, education, and biomedical engineering.