In 2024, the Association of Austrian Psychotherapists (VÖPP) introduced the inaugural ‘Best Paper Award.’ Due to the large number of submissions, three outstanding publications were recognised following a rigorous review process, with each award-winning paper receiving a prize of 1,000 euros. The award ceremony took place during the VÖPP anniversary conference on 9 November 2024.
It is especially gratifying that two of the three awards went to projects involving SFU’s Faculty of Psychotherapy Science.
- Schaffler Y, Jesser A, Humer E, Haider K, Pieh C, Probst T, Schigl B. Process and outcome of outpatient psychotherapies under clinically representative conditions in Austria: protocol and feasibility of an ongoing study. Front Psychiatry. 2024 Mar 6;15:1264039. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1264039
. - Humer E, Kisler I.-M., Bach D., Schimböck W., Pieh C., Probst T. Effect of a group logotherapeutic program for older adults on mental health indicators. The Journal of Humanistic Counseling. 2024;12216. DOI: 10.1002/johc.12216
The two award winners, Yvonne Schaffler (University of Continuing Education Krems) and Elke Humer (University of Continuing Education Krems, SFU Vienna), received the awards for publications that were created within the framework of network projects.
Overview of Project Partnerships and Involvements
The first project is led by the University of Continuing Education Krems and the Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences. Other partners include the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg and the Faculty of Psychotherapy Science at SFU Vienna. The project is also supported by the Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy (ÖBVP) and numerous training associations.
The lead for the second project is held by the University of Continuing Education Krems and the Training Institute for Logotherapy and Existential Analysis (ABILE). Once again, the Paris Lodron University of Salzburg and the Faculty of Psychotherapy Science at SFU Vienna were involved.
Relevance and Impact
Both projects demonstrate how successful psychotherapy research can be through collaboration between various universities, professional associations, and organisations. Particularly noteworthy is the important role of the students, who have made significant contributions to the implementation of the projects, both through their theses and their voluntary involvement.
We extend our warmest congratulations to the award winners!
