IU Docs Repositorium
IU Docs
Repositorium
Researchers from IU publish their research results in numerous formats. Through this repository, we aim to make as many publications as possible available via Open Access. Gain insights into the dynamic and diverse research being conducted at IU!
Recent Submissions
The Hidden Cost of High Aspirations: Examining the Stress-Enhancing Effect of Motivational Goals Using Vignette Methodology
(MDPI, 2025-07-10) Gschneidner, Tamara; Kortsch, Timo
Occupational stress is a major contributor to mental and physical health problems, yet individuals vary in how they appraise and respond to stress, even in identical situations. This study investigates whether motivational goals and internalized conflict schemas—as proposed by Grawe’s Consistency Theory—account for these differences by intensifying subjective stress when approach and avoidance goals are simultaneously activated. In a vignette-based pilot study, we validated 12 workplace scenarios varying in incongruence levels. In the main study (N = 482; mean age 25 years; 83.2% female), participants completed the FAMOS questionnaire to assess approach and avoidance goals and were randomly assigned to 4 out of the 12 pretested vignettes. Subjective stress was measured before and after vignette exposure using the SSSQ, and subjective wellbeing was measured using the PANAS. Multilevel modeling showed that participants with stronger avoidance goals and conflict schemas reported higher baseline stress, and that experimentally induced high incongruence led to greater increase in stress levels compared to low incongruence in three out of four scenarios. These findings suggest that psychological inconsistencies—particularly avoidance goals, conflict schemas, and goal incongruence—serve as internal stressors that intensify stress responses. The results highlight the importance of considering individual motivational patterns in stress research and intervention.
Altersbewusste Führung in der öffentlichen Verwaltung: Eine qualitative Analyse von Wahrnehmungen, Bedürfnissen und Gestaltungsansätzen
(IU Internationale Hochschule, 2025-07-08) Gnewikow, Myriam; Berghammer, Anja
Demographic developments mean that a growing proportion of employees in public administration be-long to the group of older employees. This qualitative study examines how managers can design their strategies to meet their specific needs - with the aim of promoting motivation, employability and retention until retirement. The term ‘older employees’ is used descriptively and not judgmentally, it refers to em-ployees with many years of professional experience, often in a phase of growing reflection on their remaining working life, the transfer of knowledge and new professional roles.
The study is based on seven guided interviews, five of which were conducted with administrative employ-ees over the age of 50 and two with managers. The qualitative content analysis reveals five central topics, including appreciation, performance expectations and reflection on one's own role. One thing is clear: Older employees particularly appreciate it when decisions are transparently justified, their experience is included and development discussions are individualised. At the same time, there are barriers, such as a lack of feedback loops, implicit images of age or a lack of time in day-to-day management.
The study derives practical recommendations from this, e.g. that leadership should enable regular, con-text-related communication, actively organise feedback and recognition and address development op-portunities individually, regardless of age, but in an age- conscious manner. In addition, opportunities are needed to reflect on one's own leadership behaviour as well as structural freedom for dialogue-oriented personnel management. Many of the findings can also be transferred to private sector organisations, alt-hough contextual differences must be taken into account.
Selbstwirksamkeit und Resilienz als Schutzfaktoren – Präventive Perspektiven auf mentale Gesundheit im Erwachsenenalter
(IU Internationale Hochschule, 2025-07-01) Dulgeridis, Marcel; Könen, Beatrice
Considering increasing mental health challenges and psychosocial stressors in adulthood, strengthening psychological resources such as self-efficacy and resilience is of growing importance. This discussion paper synthesizes findings from a systematic review that explored how self-efficacy contributes to the development of resilience and the prevention of mental illness. Theoretical foundations such as Bandura's social cognitive theory and Masten's resilience models are integrated to illustrate key mechanisms. The evidence indicates that higher levels of self-efficacy foster resilience and improve stress coping, psychological well-being, and resistance to mental health disorders. Recommendations are derived for preventive interventions in occupational, educational, and public health settings. The paper concludes with an outlook on future research needs and the role of digital solutions in strengthening resilience.
Angesichts der zunehmenden Herausforderungen für die psychische Gesundheit und der psychosozialen Stressfaktoren im Erwachsenenalter gewinnt die Stärkung psychologischer Ressourcen wie Selbstwirksamkeit und Resilienz zunehmend an Bedeutung. Dieses Diskussionspapier fasst die Ergebnisse einer systematischen Übersichtsarbeit zusammen, die untersucht hat, wie Selbstwirksamkeit zur Entwicklung von Resilienz und zur Prävention psychischer Erkrankungen beiträgt. Theoretische Grundlagen wie die sozial-kognitive Theorie von Bandura und das Resilienzmodell von Masten werden integriert, um die wichtigsten Mechanismen zu veranschaulichen. Die Erkenntnisse zeigen, dass ein höheres Maß an Selbstwirksamkeit die Resilienz fördert und die Stressbewältigung, das psychische Wohlbe-
finden und die Widerstandsfähigkeit gegenüber psychischen Erkrankungen verbessert. Es werden Empfehlungen für präventive Interventionen in den Bereichen Arbeit, Bildung und öffentliche Gesundheit abgeleitet. Der Beitrag schließt mit einem Ausblick auf den künftigen Forschungsbedarf und die Rolle digitaler Lösungen bei der Stärkung der Resilienz.
Harnessing AI for accounting integrity: Innovations in fraud detection and prevention
(IU International University of Applied Sciences, 2025-07-07) Dulgeridis, Marcel; Schubart, Constantin; Dulgeridis, Sabrina
Accounting fraud poses significant financial and reputational risks for organizations. Traditional detection methods — such as manual audits and red-flag indicators — struggle to keep pace with the growing volume and complexity of financial data. In contrast, artificial intelligence technologies, including machine learning, anomaly detection, and natural language processing, offer scalable, real- time solutions to identify suspicious activity more efficiently. This paper compares conventional fraud detection techniques with AI-driven approaches, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations in terms of accuracy, efficiency, scalability, and adaptability. While AI enables faster and more comprehensive analysis, it also raises challenges related to data quality, algorithmic bias, and transparency. Ethical and legal considerations, including data privacy and compliance with regulations, are crucial for responsible implementation. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for adopting AI-based fraud detection systems — emphasizing AI readiness, robust data governance, and human oversight. With a thoughtful approach, AI has the potential to significantly enhance the detection and prevention of accounting fraud.
Coaching und Positive Psychologie – Ressourcen stärken, Sinn ermöglichen
(IU Internationale Hochschule, 2025-07-01) Dulgeridis, Marcel; Schubart, Constantin; Könen, Beatrice
In einer Welt stetiger Veränderung rücken psychische Gesundheit, Selbstwirksamkeit und resiliente Lebensführung in den Fokus moderner Beratung. Dieses Discussion Paper beleuchtet, wie systemisches Coaching und Konzepte der Positiven Psychologie miteinander verknüpft werden können, um individuelle Entwicklungsprozesse effektiv zu unterstützen. Beide Ansätze vereint ein ressourcenorientiertes Menschenbild, das auf Stärken, Sinn und Selbststeuerung setzt. Theoretische Fundierung, praktische Wirkfaktoren und potenzielle Anwendungsfelder werden interdisziplinär dargestellt. Abschließend
werden Empfehlungen für Coachingpraxis, Aus- und Weiterbildung sowie gesellschaftliche Rahmenbedingungen formuliert.
In a world of constant change, psychological health, self-efficacy and resilient self-leadership are gaining increasing relevance. This discussion paper explores how systemic coaching and concepts of Positive Psychology can be combined to effectively support individual development. Both approaches share a resource-oriented humanistic view focused on strengths, meaning and self-regulation. Theoretical foundations, key practical factors and potential fields of application are presented in an interdisciplinary manner. The paper concludes with recommendations for coaching practice, education and societal conditions.