Welcome to the website of the Department of Health Psychology and Applied Diagnostics
The Department of Health Psychology is led by Theda Radtke, Professor of Health Psychology and Applied Diagnostics, and Mario Wenzel, Professor of Health Psychology with a focus on Emotion and Motivation. Our department is dedicated to the investigation of psychological questions in the context of health and the development of competencies in (health) psychological diagnostics.
Our research focuses on understanding why people do not always behave in ways that are recommended for their health (e.g., by the WHO), which psychological protective and risk factors influence health behavior, and how processes of emotion regulation and self-regulation contribute to these behaviors. A particular emphasis is placed on the interplay of individual, social, and environmental factors that shape health behavior and mental health in everyday life, as well as on strengthening resilience and sustainable health-promoting behaviors.
Based on these insights, we develop prevention and intervention approaches aimed at helping individuals maintain healthy behaviors over the long term, successfully change unhealthy habits, and sustainably improve their mental health. Our research combines theory-driven and evidence-based approaches with modern technologies and applied methods, including diary and intervention studies in everyday contexts, dyadic analyses (e.g., friendships or close relationships), and the integration of subjective self-report measures with objective data from advanced technologies such as accelerometers and mobile tracking applications.
On our pages, you will find information about
our team
our research projects
the dialogue between research and the public
important information regarding our courses and teaching activities
Interested in learning more? On our LinkedIn page, we regularly share insights into our current projects, research findings, and events. Feel free to stop by — we look forward to connecting with you!
Access to the Department of Health Psychology and Applied Diagnostics:
We are located in the center of Wuppertal-Elberfeld, directly on the Klotzbahn, at the main entrance of the Rathausgalerie.
Access to our offices is via the entrance door at Klotzbahn no. 3 to the right of the Rathausgalerie store entrance. The entrance is barrier-free. From there, take the stairs on the right or the elevator to the 3rd floor. Behind the glass door on the right you will find the offices, the VR laboratory and the secretary's office.
Directions by public transportation:
We are a 10-minute walk (700 m) from Wuppertal Central Station. The nearest bus stops are “Karlsplatz” and “Höchsten/St. Josef Krankenhaus”, we are also just a few minutes' walk from “Wall/Museum”.
Directions by car:
If you are coming via the A46, take the “Katernberg” or “Elberfeld” exit and drive towards the city center. If you are coming from the B7, turn onto Morianstraße. Access to Karlplatz is via Karlsstraße.
In the immediate vicinity you will mostly find paid parking spaces and directly next door the City Parkhaus (Karlsplatz/Rathausgalerie), which is also subject to a charge.
