The aim of this quantitative research project entitled "Psychosocial and academic development in pupils with internalising behavioural problems with and without the need for special educational support in emotional and social development" is to investigate the significance of internalising behavioural problems for the social-emotional and academic development of pupils in (early) adolescence (11-18 years).).
The overarching objective of the planned study is to use empirical findings to contribute to a differentiated level of knowledge about internalising behavioural problems in the school setting, in particular to support targeted diagnosis and support for internalising behavioural problems. To this end, the significance of internalising behavioural problems for psychosocial and school adjustment and social-emotional development in adolescence will be investigated.
In a quantitative research design, internalising behavioural problems as well as aspects of school participation and social-emotional development in 11-18 year old pupils with and without special educational needs in emotional-social development will be surveyed using fully standardised questionnaires in cross-sectional and longitudinal sections. A multi-method, multi-informant approach is chosen to capture different perspectives.

Responsible for the project: Paula Hammer, Prof Dr Ute von Düring and Dr Tijs Bolz

Publications as part of the research project

Hammer, P., Leidig, T., Vösgen-Nordloh, M. & Bolz, T. (2025). Internalising behaviour problems at school - a qualitative interview study on subjective knowledge and experiences of teachers at special and mainstream schools. Annual scientific journal Emotional and Social Development (ESD) in Educational Support Pedagogy and Behavioural Disorders. http://doi.org/10.35468/6178-04

Hammer, P. & Bolz, T. (2024). Internalising behaviour problems at school - Subjective perspectives of special and mainstream school teachers. 16th Lecturers' Conference in the field of Social and Emotional Development, May 2024 in Berlin.

Hammer, P., von Düring, U. & Bolz, T. (2023). Internalising behaviour problems in pupils with and without special educational needs in emotional and social development. AESF Autumn Conference Working Group on Empirical Research in Special Education. 03-04 November 2023.

The aim of this qualitative study is to derive literature-based and practice-orientated options for action to avert situations that endanger the welfare of children and young people and to promote their development and participation in order to increase the confidence of (special) educational professionals in their actions and to ensure the ability of children and young people to participate in the school environment.
By means of a document analysis and interviews with (special) educational professionals in the school setting (secondary school 1), the respective framework conditions, understandings of the phenomenon as well as possibilities and limitations for action were collected and analysed. The possible courses of action involved safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and their ability to participate, as well as recognising signs that indicate a situation that could endanger their welfare.

Responsible for the project: Tomke Weihrauch, Prof. Dr Manfred Wittrock & Prof. Dr Gisela Schulze