Assessment of Psychodynamics in Adolescence (EPA study) - Quantitative-Explorative Studies of the OPD-CA-2 and its Instruments

funded by the OPD-CA Task Force

Principal Investigator IPU

Prof. Dr. Annette M. Klein

Project Description

The Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis in Childhood and Adolescence (OPD-CA-2, 2017) is an established diagnostic instrument primarily based on psychoanalytic theories and constructs. Consequently, it serves as a significant complement to the ICD-11 and DSM-5 psychiatric classification systems. The OPD-CA-2 consists of four axes (interpersonal relations, conflict, structure, and prerequisites for treatment), which form the basis for dimensional classification of psychological problems in children and adolescents.

The overarching objective of the EPA study is to analyze the presence of conflicts, structure, and defense mechanisms in adolescents aged 16 to 21 years utilizing the OPD-CA-2 Conflict Questionnaire (OPD-KJ-2-KF; Seiffge-Krenke & Escher, 2021), the OPD-CA-2 Structural Questionnaire (OPD-KJ-2-SF; Goth et al., 2018), and the Defense Style Questionnaire for Adolescents (DSQ-22-A; Sarrar & Goth, 2022). In addition, other variables, partially related to the above-mentioned constructs such as emotion regulation skills, personality, and psychological symptoms will be assessed. Data will be collected through online surveys. Adolescents in different life situations are invited to participate.

Within the EPA study, various research questions will be investigated, also within the framework of final theses by students of psychology (Bachelor and Master). This research will focus on examining associations between different constructs, e.g. intrapsychic conflicts and personality traits. Additionally, the study will investigate differences between subgroups, e.g. participants of different age.

References

OPD-CA-2 Task Force (Ed.), (2017): Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis in Childhood and Adolescence. Theoretical basis and user manual. Hogrefe.

Goth, K., Schrobildgen, C. & Schmeck, K. (2018). Das Inventar OPD-KJ2-SF (Operationalisierte Psychodynamische Diagnostik im Kindes- und Jugendalter - Strukturfragebogen) Deutschsprachige Version: Ein Fragebogen zur Selbstbeantwortung für die Erfassung des Strukturniveaus der Persönlichkeit im Jugendalter - Kurzmanual. Offenbach: academic-tests.com.

Sarrar, L. & Goth, K. (2022). Defense mechanisms reloaded in the light of impaired personality functioning: An attempt of clarification and simplification resulting in the DSQ-22-A for adolescents.Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 866837.

Seiffge-Krenke, I., & Escher, F. (2021) Lassen sich intrapsychische Konflikte im Sinne der OPD-KJ-2 durch psychodynamische Psychotherapie verändern? Die Sicht von jugendlichen Patienten und ihren Therapeuten. Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie, 70(5), 423-444. 

Original Language: German

Participating Researchers

Dr. Johanna L. Klinge (research associate)
Antonia K. Wieder (research associate)

Duration

Projekt Start: 07/2023
Projekt End: 07/2026

Links

Möchtest Du an unserer Studie teilnehmen? Dann klicke auf diesen Link: 
https://limesurvey.ipu-berlin.de/index.php/694122?lang=de-informal

Publications

Klein, A. M., Wieder, A. K., & Klinge, J. L. (2025). Bedeutung psychischer Struktur und Konflikte für Symptome im Transitionsalter. PiD-Psychotherapie im Dialog, 26(02), 32-36.