Why This Research Matters for Close Ones

PSY-DIVER is a research initiative examining how psychiatric hospital care can become more equitable and sensitive for all people. We research today for tomorrow's care. Your perspective is at the center: We want to understand where barriers exist in the system and how personal backgrounds (gender and gender identity, migration background and nationality, physical and mental abilities, age, religion and worldview, sexual orientation and social background) influence treatment.

How You Can Participate

Your Voice Matters

As a relative or close one, you see obstacles that often remain hidden to others. Your perspective is indispensable to complete the picture. Share your experiences in an interview or online survey and help us close gaps in care.

Science That Makes a Difference

Your experience flows directly into practice. We publish our results to contribute to the development of new diversity-sensitive treatment models.

Equitable Care for All

Our goal is to improve concepts so that every person receives treatment that respects their identity and is tailored to individual needs—regardless of gender, origin, or lifestyle.

Breaking Down Barriers Together

We especially seek people whose perspectives are often underrepresented (e.g., due to age, migration history, LGBTQIA* identity, or social barriers).

Ways to Participate

Interview for Relatives and Close Ones (approx. 60 min.)

A conversation (online or on-site) about your experiences accompanying a person with mental illness through the care system, perceived barriers, and your needs.

Online Survey (approx. 30–45 min.)

One-time participation in a structured survey about your experiences, perceived barriers, and suggestions for improvement in mental healthcare.

Co-Creation Workshop

Collaborative development of recommendations together with researchers and other participants to ensure that the results reflect the real needs of relatives and close ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my information be kept confidential?

Yes. All data is pseudonymized or anonymized in accordance with strict data protection regulations and treated according to research ethics guidelines.

Why is your perspective needed?

As a relative or close one, you accompany the treatment journey from close proximity. You often perceive obstacles, misunderstandings, or problems differently than those affected or clinic staff. Your view is indispensable to complete the picture.

Who is being sought?

We are looking for relatives and close ones of people whose perspectives are often underrepresented in mental healthcare (e.g., women, older people, people from the LGBTQIA* community, with migration history, disability, non-white skin color, low educational opportunities, and low income).

How can I participate?

If you would like to participate in the study, you can contact us directly to participate either in a personal interview or in our online survey.

How does this research help?

PSY-DIVER is not a therapeutic offering. Even if you do not see immediate change in the current treatment of your relative or close one, you make a valuable contribution to improving care for future affected individuals.

Contact

Do you have questions or are you interested?
We look forward to hearing from you.
Feel free to contact us without obligation.

Get in Touch