Sigmund Freud University Vienna (SFU)
Sigmund Freud University is a private and internationally-oriented Institution founded in 2003 which offers higher education academic programs in different languages, countries and disciplines. In particular, SFU of Vienna is an Institution that offers courses of varying levels such as undergraduate (I.e. Bachelor’s Degree) to postgraduate (i.e. Master’s Degree, Doctorate Program, Post-grad clinical training) in Psychotherapy Science, Psychology, Medicine, and Law. The Vienna branch is the central hub of the institution’s network, where often European conferences are organized. Furthermore, the institution boasts many branches in Europe, having branches in Vienna, Linz, Berlin, Ljubljana, Milan and Paris with international programs, allowing the University to deliver programs in multiple languages and appeal to students with different cultural and academic backgrounds, fostering a multicultural, dynamic presence in the international scenario.
Research
Dr. Mihalits and his team currently explore the spectrum between subjectivity and objectivity in the understanding of “extremes” within their research project. The project examines the extent to which the notion of an „extreme“ situation or behavior can be defined using objective criteria, and how this relates to personal and cultural perceptions. For example, the researchers consider whether extreme life circumstances can be identified through objective data or standardized image databases—such as those depicting exceptionally rare or intense situations—and how these objective definitions compare to what individuals subjectively experience or label as extreme.
In the context of psychology, the focus on extremes appears to share similarities with how clinical psychology examines abnormal behaviour. Extreme experiences or behaviours might be viewed as being on the edge of normal functioning. By studying extremes in a systematic way, the project may help delineate the boundaries of the phenomenon — in particular, identifying when an extreme deviation crosses into clinically relevant territory.
The project employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to capture the multifaceted nature of “extremes.” Building on the qualitative insights, a range of quantitative methods will be used to objectively measure and test aspects of extreme experiences. Psychometric tools (e.g. standardized questionnaires or rating scales) will help quantify individuals’ perceptions of what is extreme.
This project is innovative in that it tackles a largely unexplored concept in psychology – the nature of “extremes” – from both a cultural and a psychological perspective. While specific extreme behaviours (like extreme sports) or extreme pathologies have been studied in isolation, there is currently no comprehensive framework for understanding extremes as a general phenomenon across positive, negative, subjective, and objective dimensions. By addressing this gap, the research will contribute new theoretical and empirical insights into how humans define the limits of experience.
Coming Soon: We are currently developing a dedicated webpage for the Extremes in Psychology research project. It will feature in-depth content, updates, publications, and media related to the project. Stay tuned!
In the meantime: For more information, please visit our page on the SFU website: EXTREMES IN PSYCHOLOGY
How to get involved?
Additionally, SFU Vienna is also strongly active in the clinical (practical) psychotherapeutic field, operating multiple outpatients clinics targeting adults, children, and adolescents by offering different services (e.g. diagnostics, therapy, treatment, etc.). Furthermore, SFU is also extremely active in the context of research and academic career paths. Even in regard to the programs offered, SFU provides students early on in their studies with a strong knowledge in methodological approaches of research, and teach them through empirical and practical work how to conduct research projects.
Moreover, SFU sets the foundations for a international cooperation with other universities (also through programs such as Erasmus+). SFU also provide students and lecturers with the possibility to connect, by offering “Research Days”, workshops, conferences, projects, internships and other activities which help fostering collaboration within (and between) the faculties.
Representative
Field of work: Assistant Professor tenure-track in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy and Vice-Dean for International Affairs at the Faculty of Psychology
Resume: Dominik Stefan Mihalits completed his doctoral dissertation in psychology at the University of Luxembourg, specializing in developmental processes related to psychoanalytic defense mechanisms and cultural psychology. His research addresses interdisciplinary intersections between cultural psychology and psychodynamic theory. Currently, he holds a tenure-track position in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, leading the research project „Extremes in Psychology.“ In teaching, his expertise encompasses general psychology, cultural psychology, psychoanalysis, paradigms of clinical psychology, and philosophy of science. Since 2018, he has served as Vice Dean for International Affairs.
