Zeilinger Lab
Research in health psychology
About us
Our research focuses on health and healthcare for particularly vulnerable or marginalized populations—such as people with disabilities, the very elderly, or those in socioeconomically disadvantaged situations. We pursue a holistic approach to health that equally considers physical, psychological, and social dimensions.
The ultimate goal is to contribute to optimizing quality of life in various areas and at different stages of life. Models of health psychology and positive psychology, as well as theories of self-determination and a human rights perspective, form our professional and theoretical framework. In the narrower field of health psychology and clinical psychology, we focus on developments in the definition and promotion of mental and physical health. One focus is on developing strategies for the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in established health prevention and care strategies. The goal is to promote equal health opportunities for all.
The majority of our research contributions are based on social science methodology. We understand the human rights perspective and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as the social meta-framework for our research contributions.
Our team
Priv.-Doz. Mag. Dr. Elisabeth Lucia Zeilinger
Head of Research Group
Elisabeth Zeilinger is a clinical and health psychologist and heads our working group. She conducts research on mental health, quality of life, self-determination, and preventive healthcare in people with intellectual disabilities. Another focus is gerontological research, particularly on the quality of life of older people with support needs. Her work combines inclusive healthcare with participatory and human rights-oriented approaches.
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Theresa Wagner, MSc
Doctoral Student
As a research project associate, Theresa Wagner is researching breast cancer screening in women with intellectual disabilities, particularly the use of the Austrian early detection program, as well as existing support and needs. She is also pursuing her doctorate on cancer screening in people with intellectual disabilities, with a focus on breast and colorectal cancer screening programs.
Sophie Komenda-Schned, MSc
Doctoral Student
Sophie Komenda-Schned is a clinical psychologist and research associate in our research group. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in the "Mental Health and ID" project and oversees all stages of the research—from planning and data collection to analysis and publication. She works closely with co-researchers with intellectual disabilities.
Sarah Jasmin Landskron, BA, BSc
Research Assistant
Sarah Jasmin Landskron holds degrees in psychology and sociology and works as a research associate in the research projects "Mental Health and ID" and "Cancer and ID." Together with co-researchers with intellectual disabilities, she is involved in all project phases, including conducting qualitative interviews, data analysis, and writing scientific publications.
Amelie Fuchs, BSc
Research Assistant
Amelie Fuchs is a research assistant in the team. She researches breast cancer screening in women with intellectual disabilities and supports data collection and analysis, as well as organizing workshops.
Timon Wnendt
Research Assistant
As a research assistant, Timon Wnendt supports our research group in the implementation of ongoing research projects – from literature research and data analysis to the writing of scientific texts.
Alma Herscovici, BSc
Former Research Assistant
Psychology student Alma Herscovici initially supported our research group as an intern in the "Mental Health and ID" project. She subsequently worked and researched cancer screening in people with intellectual disabilities as a research assistant, focusing on breast and colon cancer screening programs.
Paula Moritz, MSc
Former Research Assistant
Paula Moritz war wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin im FWF-Projekt „Psychische Gesundheit bei Menschen mit intellektuellen Beeinträchtigungen“. Ihr Schwerpunkt lag auf partizipativer Gesundheitsforschung: Sie initiierte und begleitete Forschungsprozesse gemeinsam mit Co-Forscher:innen, passte Methoden für die Zusammenarbeit an, übersetzte Materialien in Leichte Sprache und förderte den konsequenten Einbezug von Menschen mit intellektuellen Beeinträchtigungen.
Sandra Lugmair, BSc
Former Intern
Sandra Lugmair was part of the "Mental Health and ID" project group as an intern. She wrote her master's thesis on the participatory dissemination and evaluation of research findings on mental health in people with intellectual disabilities. She collaborated with two co-researchers with intellectual disabilities to create workshops, brochures, and a video on mental health in simple language.