Leah Risinger M.A./M.Sc.

My primary interest is in understanding why children and adolescents (and young adults) show maladaptive and dysfunctional behaviors and maintain them over long period of time, despite long-term negative consequences. I am also interested in how behaviors are related to other constructs, such as difficulties in emotion regulation or general psychological distress and symptoms.

In my research, I do not focus on one specific behavior but pursue a transdiagnostic approach, including for example research on self-injurious behavior, disordered eating or compulsive exercise behavior, rumination, addictive behavior and social withdrawal. The aim of my work is to better understand the menchanisms and functionality of (maladaptive) behavior in order to possibly contribute to the development of new models of mental disorders and their individualized treatment.

In addition to cross-sectional methods, I also use Ecological Momentary Assessment to directly capture machanisms relevant to everyday life and short-term reinforcing consequences of the behaviors shown.

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Form October 2025, Bacherlor's and Master's theses can also be offered.

Academic education?

• 10/2022 - 10/2024 M.A. Criminology and Violence Research, University of Regensburg?
• 10/2022 - 09/2024 M.Sc. Psychology with focus on Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg?
• 10/2019 - 09/2022 B.Sc. Psychology, University of Regensburg?

Academic career?

• since 11/2024 Research assistant at the Chair of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg
• 01/2023 - 04/2023 Student assistant at the Chair of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg?