Vortrag: The future in focus: Linking prospection and self-regulation

Elena Fischer hat bereits bedeutende Beiträge zum Forschungsfeld der Prospektion geleistet, das die Fähigkeit umfasst, sich die Zukunft vorzustellen und für sie zu planen. Ihre Forschung konzentriert sich darauf, zu verstehen, wie Prospektion das psychische Wohlbefinden und die Emotionsregulation beeinflusst.

Abstract: My talk will focus on the connection between prospection and self-regulation, both on a theoretical level and in practical work with clients and patients. Prospection refers to the cognitive ability to imagine personal future possibilities, while self-regulation encompasses the flexible control of behavior, emotions, and attention. Beyond exploring the theoretical relationship between the two constructs, the talk will highlight their fundamental importance for mental health. I will discuss the consequences of impairments in the ability to prospect and self-regulate, as often observed in mental disorders. Building on these theoretical foundations, I will present practice-oriented models that facilitate the adaptive integration of prospection and self-regulation and can serve as useful frameworks for therapy and coaching. Finally, specific exercises and tools that strengthen both prospection and self-regulation will be presented, including a demonstration of one exemplary exercise.