Research Line 4: Biographical and Life Course Research

The focus of biographical and life course research is the analysis of biographical experiences in sports and health settings. Emphasis in this line of research is put on the perceived development of behavioural pathways, which are manifested in specific social contexts. Here, one main research topic is the development of (in)activity biographies across the life course. A second focal point is the analysis of biographies of highly gifted individuals, especially in the setting of elite sports.

Methodologically, innovative mixed-method approaches are employed. So called biographical mappings help capturing biographical experiences from a biopsychosocial and developmental perspective.

This line of research is closely linked to the Interfaculty Research Institute for Physical Activity and Sports at the University of Tuebingen, particularly through the participation in the doctoral research network “iReAct – Individual Response to Physical Activity”.