Research at the Mindful Media Lab

The Mindful Media Lab investigates the pressures faced by journalists and media organisations that arise at the interface between the organisation and the public. These include physical and digital violence, hate speech and attacks, political delegitimisation, fragile audience relationships, financial instability, and the demands of multiple crises and transformation processes. The Lab identifies support needs and, building on these, develops support services.

Key research areas Topics of interest

Our research projects examine various aspects of psychological stress and resilience in journalism. We involve media professionals from all types of media and in various roles within editorial teams – trainees, freelancers and members of the editorial board.

Workplace stress in newsrooms

We analyse which aspects of day-to-day editorial work are particularly stressful.

Leadership and responsibility

We are investigating how managers can promote mental health and build resilience within their teams.

Peer-to-Peer Support

We are assessing how peer support works and which approaches have a lasting impact.

Our research focus

The Mindful Media Lab is currently working on various projects that systematically assess the stress levels experienced by media professionals and develop concrete courses of action. We make the results available in working papers, studies and other publications.

Research and teaching in collaboration

The Mindful Media Lab helps to embed topics such as mental health, resilience and leadership skills into the curriculum at an early stage. These topics are addressed in the courses offered by the Institute for Culture and Media Management (KMM) and are further explored through the Lab’s research.