Ongoing research projects
On this page you will find ongoing projects related to the Existential Psychology Lab / Oslo
Making sense of volunteering
In collaboration with Humanistic University Berlin, Germany and funded by "Deutsche Stiftung für Engagement und Ehrenamt"
Project aims
We investigate how to achieve a good fit between volunteers and their organisation. Our goal is to identify the factors that make voluntary work meaningful, satisfactory, and sustainable for both sides. For this purpose, we are conducting a longitudinal multi-level study. In addition, we compare people who start volunteering with others who do not volunteer. Why do some people get involved and others do not?
Dr Jane Hergert
Dr Annina Böhm-Fischer
Meaning In Life in the context of Deradicalisation (MILD)
In collaboration with konex, the Competence Centre against Extremism, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Project aims
In recent times, Europe has seen an increase in terrorist attacks carried out by extremist radicalised individuals, as well as in attacks that have been successfully prevented. Extremist ideologies and groups can offer individuals enticing prospects in terms of recognition and significance, values and orientation, and a sense of belonging. These aspects are fundamental to experiencing life as meaningful. This raises the question of what role experiences of meaning play in the process of radicalization and to what extent discovering new sources of meaning can help radicalized individuals turn away from their ideology or distance themselves from extremist groups.
In cooperation with konex, the Center of Competence Against Extremism based at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Baden-Württemberg, we are investigating the effectiveness of the Sources of Meaning Card Method (SoMeCaM) among individuals in Germany who have been radicalised either through Islamist or right-wing extremist ideologies. Our key question is: Can this method help realign a person’s sense of purpose and support them in leaving extremism behind?
Additionally, we are examining the role of perceived meaning in radicalisation dynamics and deradicalisation measures. The insights gained from this research will potentially inform governmental programs and civil society initiatives.
SINNMACHER - the meaning app
How to find meaning? Sinnmacher guides people on their journey to a meaningful life—playful, accessible, and deeply enriching!
Project aims
Sinnmacher is a digital tool that empowers people to explore their meaning and purpose in life - without any prior knowledge. The app is designed to be easily accessible, inviting and engaging.
Using a scientifically validated approach, Sinnmacher provides an assessment of the users' meaning in life. Based on this and their overall life situation, a several-month programme of impulses is offered, encouraging users to integrate personal sources of meaning into their daily lives and strengthen their sense of meaningfulness. In addition, the app offers guidance for stress management and supports users in building a stable existential foundation. Numerous studies have shown that such a foundation is crucial for mental and physical health, and for coping with crises.
We evaluate the programme's feasibility and efficacy through crosssectional and longitudinal studies.
Nina Hauser, MA
