Diagnostics and Consultation
© Medienlabor IfS
Research and Teaching
© Bastian Arnholdt (Medienlabor IfS)

Welcome

Welcome to the Department of Sport and Exercise Psychology at the University of Münster!

We study human behavior and experience in sports—including their causes, conditions, and objectives. Our work focuses on developing and applying motor and psychological assessment methods, which enable us to predict and purposefully influence future behavior in sporting contexts.

A key focus of our research is the developmental processes of children and adolescents in sports, as well as the significance of these processes for physical activity and healthy development. We specifically examine motor development alongside the development of personality and self-concept. Additionally, we are involved in projects promoting the psychosocial health of children and adolescents through movement, play, and sports, as well as the "Sport Mentors" initiative, which provides targeted support and encouragement to children with diverse developmental backgrounds.

Another major focus is elite sports: here, we address the support of top-level athletes transitioning to life after their active careers and the compatibility of university studies with elite sports (the "dual career" model). We also conduct research and practical work regarding leadership assessment and competencies for coaches, as well as the development of a sustainable culture within elite sports.

Our unit has extensive experience in translating research into practice. We collaborate closely with elite sports clubs and associations—particularly in the fields of applied sport psychology and consulting—as well as with schools, kindergartens, local authorities, and healthcare institutions.

On the following pages, you will find comprehensive information about our research and knowledge transfer projects, teaching, examinations, and our team—complemented by numerous references and details regarding sport psychology support, consulting, and collaboration opportunities.

We hope you find all the information you need on our website. Should you have any remaining questions, please feel free to contact us directly—we look forward to hearing from you! If you are interested in an internship with us, please send a cover letter, your CV, and your transcript of records via email to Ms. Teba Santos.


Your Sportand Exercise Psychology Team

 

Prof. Dr. Bernd Strauß
© Bernd Strauß

Obituary Prof. Dr. Bernd Strauß

It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to Prof. Dr. Bernd Strauß, who passed away on 27 September 2026. With his death, the Institute of Sport and Exercise Sciences has lost an outstanding scholar, university teacher, and academic leader who shaped our Institute for more than 28 years and made a significant contribution to the development of sport and exercise psychology far beyond Münster and Germany. We have also lost a dear friend, a scientific mentor, and a highly valued colleague.

Dept. of Sport, exercise and Health Uni Basel
© Markus Gerber

Dr. Lena Henning at the University of Basel

Dr. Lena Henning spent three weeks as a visiting researcher with the “Psychosocial Health and Physical Activity” research group (Prof. Markus Gerber) at the Department of Sport, Exercise and Health at the University of Basel. During her time in Basel, Lena Henning gained insights into the group’s research activities while also presenting and discussing her own current work at a research colloquium. The intensive exchange sparked new ideas and opportunities for future research projects.

 

© Uni MS - Kathrin Kottke

Barbara Halberschmidt in the University of Münster's Summer Series

In the 2026 summer series “Sommer, Sonne, Kaktus” members of the university describe their relationship with the warm season. Not in a strictly scientific way, but with a lighthearted touch. Part 4 (Sommerserie 2026: „Im Sommer wachsen Ideen“) is by sports scientist Dr. Barbara Halberschmidt, who, like all the participants, poses for the camera with the eponymous cactus from our Botanical Garden.

All parts of the summer series can be found here.

© Barbara Halberschmidt

Successful Dissertation Defense

On July 03, 2026, Birte Brinkmöller successfully defended her dissertation in the field of sports psychology with the title "Talent selection in sports: A comparative analysis with personnel selection in business". Her thesis examined the influence of spectators on athletic performance. She was examined by Prof. Dr. Bernd Strauß, Prof. Dennis Dreiskämper from the TU Dortmund, Prof. Oliver Höner from the University of Tübingen und Prof. Norbert Hagemann von der University of Kassel.