Mental Health and Well-Being

Experts from various disciplines (e.g., psychology, empirical educational research, medicine, and sports science) work together to develop research-based solutions to improve the well-being and mental health of children, adolescents, students, and teachers. Our goal is to understand the mental well-being of future generations, improve it in an evidence-based way, and reach and involve multipliers within educational institutions.

Within the LEAD Core Research Area “Mental Health and Well-Being,” established in 2025, we aim to build on existing structures and engage in dialogue with partners such as the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), the Student Health Management at the University of Tübingen, Tübingen School of Education (TüSE) as well as initiatives like Wellbeing@Uni Tübingen and the Mental Health Days, and to evaluate potential interventions.

Life satisfaction among children and adolescents is declining – worldwide and in Germany. This trend of recent years has been demonstrated, among others, by the UNICEF study “Child Well-Being in Uncertain Times.” Compared to other EU and OECD countries, Germany performs below average concerning the mental health of children and adolescents.
The mental health of students in Germany is also increasingly under strain (TK Health Report 2023).

Within the LEAD Core Research Area Mental Health and Well-Being, we address questions such as: How can we support pupils, teachers, and students with measures and interventions that have been scientifically evaluated? How can schools and universities as learning environments contribute to improved well-being?

Stimulate interdisciplinary research within the LEAD Research Network on the topics of mental health and well-being

Evaluate measures to promote the biopsychosocial health of pupils, students, and teachers

Place a health-oriented learning and teaching culture at the center

Increase public awareness of these topics

Provide a platform for exchange between researchers and practitioners