Non-verbal communication
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Research areas
When we communicate with others, most of the information is conveyed nonverbally (without words). We use voice tone, facial expressions, eye movements, gestures, body language, and much more. In some mental illnesses, interacting with other people is particularly difficult and often involves disturbances in nonverbal communication. In illnesses such as depression or schizophrenia, the ability to communicate nonverbally can be severely impaired, which in turn leads to social exclusion and a worsening of the underlying illness. Many of these processes can only be observed and understood in human interaction.
Methods
We therefore examine nonverbal skills alone and in use during social interaction. We use behavioral experiments, video analysis, computer tests, and virtual reality. To understand the neural basis of altered communication skills, we use functional and structural brain imaging. Finally, we test ways to improve social skills, e.g., with group psychotherapy, virtual reality, or repetitive magnetic stimulation.
Goals
The goal of this working group is to better understand nonverbal communication in mental illness and make it useful for diagnostic procedures. In addition, we would like to develop new methods to support and treat these important skills.
Team
- Prof. Dr. med. Sebastian Walther
Tel.: +49 931 201-77000
E-Mail: Walther_S5@ukw.de - Mira Semmelroch
E-Mail: Semmelroch_M@ukw.de
Publications
The working group's publications can be found here.
Third-party funded projects
Selection of completed third-party funded projects