Verena Steiner-Hofbauer, Psychologist and Head of the Research Centre Transitional Psychiatry

As head of the Research Centre Transitional Psychiatry at Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Dr Verena Steiner-Hofbauer examines societal, psychological, biological and social aspects of young people's lives in relation to mental health. Her research findings are used to develop practical guidelines that are hugely beneficial for the treatment and prevention of mental illness.

Verena Steiner-Hofbauer was appointed to her current role in academia following a highly varied professional career with a few surprising detours along the way. “When I was younger, I was a poor student. Once going to school was no longer obligatory, I dropped out and did an apprenticeship as an office administrator, then training as a dental assistant. I also worked in real estate for a while, and then at a beekeeping association, where I trained as a beekeeper. Later, I did my secondary school leaving examination at night school. I then went on to study nutritional sciences at university, switched to psychology and completed my degree.” 

Dr Steiner-Hofbauer has never lost her enthusiasm for delving into a variety of subjects. “After graduating, I accepted a position as an examinations officer at the Medical University of Vienna. I coordinated the simulation patient programme and was in charge of major examinations in dentistry.” At the Medical University of Vienna, Steiner-Hofbauer made some precious contacts and met her academic supervisors, Dr Anita Holzinger and Dr Beate Schrank. “Both encouraged me to begin my doctoral studies in mental health and behavioural medicine. After a few years working in the university administration, I transferred to the Research Unit for Curriculum Development at the Medical University of Vienna. There I focused on the niche but fascinating field of medical education research.”

In her dissertation, Steiner-Hofbauer examined stressors and functional and dysfunctional coping strategies in the study of medicine. “I also looked at gender aspects and political issues such as the problem of rural doctors and the question of what actually makes a good doctor.” After graduating in 2022, she was offered a postdoctoral position at the newly founded Research Centre Transitional Psychiatry at KL, which she has directed since February 2024.

Research topics in transition psychiatry
One particular focus of the research centre is investigating the influence of digital media on the mental health of young people. “Digital media, especially social media, is often central to everyday life for this generation and has a major influence on their lives. It presents both opportunities and risks: it allows young people to tap into social networking and support, but also can lead to addictive behaviour, cyberbullying, a tendency to compare themselves with others, and other problematic behaviour. As such, it’s important for researchers to examine the relationship between digital media use and mental health,” says Dr Steiner-Hofbauer. Joint research projects are currently being carried out with Tulln University Hospital, including a study on care pathways, the progression of patients between adolescence and adulthood, and how the emotional valence of TV series can affect mood and depression. The research centre has also conducted several qualitative and quantitative studies on the impact and perception of stigmatising and non-stigmatising depictions of mental illness in video games, along with projects relating to social media and mental health. Another area of research focuses on myalgic encephalomyelitis (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS), which affects many young people. Several studies on nutrition and mental health are planned, together with an interview-based study with transition-age patients, focusing on special needs and alignment with existing treatment structures at Tulln University Hospital. “Thanks to our proximity to Tulln University Hospital, our centre has exceptional links with adult psychiatry departments. As a result, we can implement our projects directly with patients, as well as investigating theoretical topics that don’t have a specifically clinical focus. This gives us a broad perspective on various critical – but not exclusively clinical – aspects of growing up. Our centre is funded until mid-2026. I’m committed to leading it into a secure future so that we can continue with our valuable work.”

Wide-ranging expertise opens up new perspectives
As a scientist, Dr Steiner-Hofbauer describes herself as curious, enthusiastic and open to new ideas. “I love the variety of the work at the research centre and the opportunities it offers for working creatively together. Our team is talented, highly dynamic and interested in a wide range of fields. As head of the research centre, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to participate in all of our ongoing projects and actively contribute towards shaping our future plans.” Ongoing supervision of bachelor’s and master’s theses is another of Dr Steiner-Hofbauer’s responsibilities. “In the summer, we offer students the opportunity to complete a research internship at the research centre. As part of the Medical Studies programme, we also offer the Psychology I and II modules, which deal with body-mind interactions. In cooperation with Tulln University Hospital, we organise and lead a scientific conference at which students can present and discuss their research projects at a professional level. And it’s a pleasure to guide and support our two pre-doctoral students through their training at the research centre.” 

Outside of her work, Dr Steiner-Hofbauer loves spending quality time with her husband and young daughter. “We go on excursions and longer trips together. I love going on long walks, either alone or with friends. I’m an avid reader of fantasy and New Adult novels, and a keen cook and baker. All of these hobbies provide an excellent balance with my job.”