IPU Berlin honors the best theses of 2024

In her bachelor's thesis, “The willingness to experience jealousy. A qualitative interview study on jealousy in different relationship models,” Salome Joubert examined how people in different relationship models deal with jealousy. The starting point for her research was the growing scientific and social interest in alternative relationship models and their influence on how jealousy is dealt with. While monogamy is traditionally seen as a protection against jealousy, recent research shows specific dynamics of dealing with jealousy in non-monogamous relationships. In her study, Joubert identified the willingness to endure jealousy-inducing situations ("eifersuchtsanregende Situationen" EAS) as a central category. It was found that people in non-monogamous relationships tend to show a higher willingness than people in monogamous relationships. These differences can be traced back to different attributions of causes and coping strategies. The results of her work suggest that how jealousy is dealt with is influenced less by the relationship model itself than by individual attitudes and strategies.

In her master's thesis, “How do patients with attachment trauma employ defense mechanisms?” A qualitative content analysis based on transcripts of Adult Attachment Interviews, Lara Ebner examined the defense mechanisms used by patients with attachment trauma. Her interest focused on two different concepts: attachment and defense. Both have their origins in early childhood and have been extensively researched, but their interaction is a relatively new field of research. Using qualitative content analysis, Ebner examined 19 transcripts of Adult Attachment Interviews. She recorded defense mechanisms using the Defensive Functioning Scale of the DSM-IV-TR. This revealed common defense strategies: affect isolation, idealization, devaluation, dissociation, splitting, rationalization and acting out, as well as passive aggression and denial. Ebner was also able to show that defensive behavior increases with increasing attachment (trauma)-related stress. The work thus provides valuable insights for clinical practice, particularly for understanding and providing therapeutic support for patients with attachment trauma.