My main research focus is the detailed exploration of non-suicidal self-injury in different age and populations (e.g., in community and clinical samples or vulnerable groups). Beyond descriptive data of non-suicidal self-injurious behaviours we examine the functions and related emotions and thoughts, as well as risk factors of these acts. Psychological and psychosocial factors of self-harm are analysed in detail with different methodologies (questionnaires, interviews, experimental research, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies). According to our research our main aim is to work out preventive and psychotherapeutic techniques.

Another central focus of my research is assessing the complex phenomenon of perfectionism. We analyse adaptive and maladaptive forms of perfectionism in the light of complex mental health, emotion regulation and certain personality traits. We detect perfectionistic groups in different populations (e.g., among elite athletes) using latent class analysis and compare these groups according to different psychological characteristics. Our further goal is to analyse in detail perfectionism as a risk factor for mental health problems.

One of my further research area is cyberchondria, and more widely excessive and repetitive online checking of health related contents on the internet, and health anxiety. We scan in our studies the associations between cyberchondria and mental health aspects, as well as different indicators of self-regulation and personality traits. We also carry through test adaptation processes. Furthermore, according to our research we would like to work out interventions for minimisation of cyberchondric concerns.