Dr. Elena Fischer, M.Sc.
Education:
Since 2024: Training as a psychological psychotherapist with the German Society for Behavioral Therapy (DGVT) in Erlangen-Nuremberg
2020–2024: Doctoral studies in the natural sciences, psychology (University of Salzburg)
2017–2020: Master’s degree in psychology (University of Salzburg, Department of Psychology)
2014–2017: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology (University of Salzburg, Department of Psychology)
Research:
My research focuses on prospection and coaching. Prospection refers to the ability to imagine one’s own future or various future possibilities (Gilbert & Wilson, 2007). I am interested in both basic scientific questions—such as which forms of future-oriented cognition are linked to well-being—and applied questions, such as to what extent beneficial prospecting can be enhanced through coaching.
In the current research project “Prospecting Brain,” I am responsible for conducting the coaching study and its scientific evaluation. Among other things, I am investigating the extent to which prospection, as a mechanism, can help individuals with high behavioral inhibition (BIS) achieve greater behavioral activation (BAS) through prospective coaching.
Publications:
Schuster, R., Fischer, E., Jansen, C., Napravnik, N., Rockinger, S., Steger, N., & Laireiter, A. R. (2022). Blending Internet-based and tele group treatment: Acceptability, effects, and mechanisms of change of cognitive behavioral treatment for depression. Internet Interventions, 29, 100551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2022.100551
Fischer, E., Glashauser, A., & Laireiter, A. R. (2022). Development and Evaluation of a prospective group coaching program: increasing well-being and openness to the future in a subclinical sample. Journal of Happiness Studies, 23(8), 3799-3842. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-022-00561-y
Furchtlehner, L. M., Fischer, E., Schuster, R., & Laireiter, A. R. (2024). A comparative study on the efficacy of group positive psychotherapy and group cognitive behavioral therapy on flourishing, happiness and satisfaction with life: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Happiness Studies, 25(7), 104. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-024-00806-y
Fischer, E., Mühlberger, C., Weber, J., Jonas, E., Kuhl, J., & Quirin, M. (2024). Personal growth and motto goals: Strengthening emotion regulation ability via affirmatory metaphors coaching. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 20(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.12031
Fischer, E. (2024). The power of our prospection: Measuring prospection and the impact of prospective coaching on well-being [Doctoral dissertation, Paris Lodron University Salzburg]. https://eplus.uni-salzburg.at/obvusbhs/content/titleinfo/10211207/full.pdf
Fischer, E., Quirin, M., & Laireiter, A. R. (2025). Development and validation of the Future Simulation Scale (FSS): A comprehensive measure of beneficially imagining future outcomes. Personality and Individual Differences, 240, 113135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2025.113135
Tulis, M., Kinskofer, F., & Fischer, E. (2024). 4. Ergenisse der quantitativen Erhebung zur KI-Nutzung an Hochschulen. Von KI lernen, mit KI lehren: Die Zukunft der Hochschulbildung, 74.
Tulis, M., Cramer, L., Kinskofer, F., & Fischer, E. (2025). Neue Technologie, alte Muster? Motivationale Aspekte und geschlechtsbezogene Unterschiede bei Hochschullehrenden in Zusammenhang mit Künstlicher Intelligenz. Zeitschrift für Hochschulentwicklung, 20(SH-KI-1), 203-223.
Qualifications:
Certified Career Coach (Coaching and Counseling Center Regensburg, Dipl.-Psych. Isabell Braumandl)
Course in University Teaching Methods (HSD+) at the University of Salzburg
