Research interests

I am a personality researcher who is particularly fascinated by the study of well-being. In my research, I consider various potential influences on well-being such as major societal events (e.g., the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, the U.S. election), person-level attributes (e.g., personality traits, sociodemographic characteristics, political attitudes) and situational influences (e.g., social interaction processes, situational contexts). In addition, I grapple with the theoretical conceptualization and assessment of well-being in general (e.g., value fulfillment, the flow experience, and the remembering vs. experiencing self).

To approach these research questions, I primarily use ambulatory assessment methods that allow to capture well-being as a state in the moment. With the “Coping with Corona” (CoCo) project, I have conducted a global experience-sampling study in more than 20 countries as well as several national studies in Germany combining experience-sampling surveys with informant reports, mobile sensing, and social network assessments. I analyze these large and complex datasets using state-of-the-art statistical techniques such as multilevel modeling, structural equation modeling, psychometrics, and machine learning. In my research, I emphasize preregistering my hypotheses and analysis procedures and strongly value openness and transparency to enhance the reproducibility and replicability of science.

I am convinced that advances in psychological research can be applied to foster personal, organizational, and societal well-being. Therefore, I strive to make scientific contributions available to individuals, organizations, and policymakers by publishing in open-access journals, engaging in science communication, and giving public talks and workshops.