Research | Faculty of Psychology | University of Basel

Youth Mental Health

In the division of Youth Mental Health, we investigate transdiagnostic symptoms of emotional dysregulation in children and adolescents, e.g. pathological irritability and self-harm. Our aim is to gain a better understanding of the development of mental disorders and to contribute to their prevention through a combination of clinical, experimental, neurobiological and everyday surveys. We strive to take a holistic view of the mental health of children and adolescents in a developmental context, taking into account current societal challenges.

Research projects

Understanding tonic and phasic irritability in help-seeking children and youth

There are two components of irritability in childhood: irritable mood and temper outbursts. But what role do these two facets play in developmental psychopathology?

Principal Investigators: PD Dr. Sébastien Urben, Prof. Dr. Ines Mürner-Lavanchy

Team: Aline Dietsche, Julia Giovannini, Marion Abi Kheir, Leon Schmidt

Link to SNSF data portal: https: //data.snf.ch/grants/grant/215660

Proximal risk factors for suicidality in an at-risk sample of Zambian youth

This experience sampling (ESM, also known as ecological momentary assessment, EMA) substudy of the study "Assessing suicidal behavior and suicidal ideation among youth attended at the Emergency department of five public hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia" will investigate feasibility of ESM and proximal risk factors for suicidal ideation and behavior in 16-25 year-olds.

Principal Investigators: Dr. med. Irene Falgas Bague, Prof. Dr. Günther Fink, Prof. Dr. Ines Mürner-Lavanchy

Co-investigators: Dr. Ravi Paul, Chimuka Muleya, Mariia Kuleba

Team: Victoria Jorda, Elias Kunda, Patrick Kwizera, Chungu Musonda

Childhood irritability in context: Dynamics across daily life

This study examines the dynamics of preschool and early school age irritability within the context of daily life over three weeks using ecological momentary assessment. Parents report on their 4-8 year-old child's affect, irritability, and contextual factors such as parent-child interactions, sleep, and media consumption to explore patterns and influences.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Ines Mürner-Lavanchy

Team: Geraldine Bannwart, Jan Lorez, Louis Jauslin

Participatory research with young people

Eight adolescents aged 14 to 18 will join our division for two years as equal co-researchers.

They will help decide which research questions we address, how we recruit participants, how our assessments take place and how findings are communicated in an accessible way. Thereby, we hope our research to be shaped by the perspectives and needs of those it is meant to benefit: the young people.

The project "Voices in Youth Mental Health Research" is accompanied by an investigation into the feasibility and acceptance of such a participatory research approach (also known as Patient and Public Involvement, PPI) within our division.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Ines Mürner-Lavanchy

Co-Principal Investigators: Remo Schraner, Dr. Noemi Walder

Duration: January 2026 - December 2027

Do you live in the Canton of Basel-Stadt or Canton of Baselland, are between 14 and 18 years old and are interested in joining? Then please get in touch with Remo: remo.schraner@clutterunibas.ch