My research over the past decade has centered on context-sensitive basic research into the acceptance and sustained use of digital health interventions. Since fall 2019, I work at the Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine at the HHU. I investigate various human factors that determine whether digital health solutions, particularly those aimed at promoting mental health or managing chronic conditions, are successfully adopted and maintained in practice.

My key research areas focus on individual determinants, including credibility, perceived usefulness, attitudes, and digital health literacy. Using quantitative, mixed-methods and participatory approaches, my work ensures that digital interventions are tailored to user needs and integrate effectively into real-world healthcare and further health-promoting settings like universites.

Currently, I serve as Principal Investigator in the DFG-funded project “eMent-In-Pro” examining physicians' and psychotherapists' information needs and preferences regarding digital therapeutics for mental health purposes (DFG project number: 528399867). 

https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/528399867

Within this and related studies, my scope extends beyond patients and students to explore healthcare professionals' attitudes toward digital medicine and artificial intelligence. By clarifying discipline-specific differences, we develop crucial insights for customized implementation strategies.

In addition, I contribute to a nationwide project, in collaboration with medical informatics and psychology colleagues, to develop a health recommender system to deliver personalized mental health guidance for university students.

I am also committed to integration digital health into medical education. Since the WS 2019/20, I offer an elective course on digital therapeutics and the quality criteria of health apps to medical students at the HHU.

The work of my research group contributes to the field by connecting fundamental behavioral science on technology acceptance, specifically identifying the drivers and barriers of innovation diffusion, with human-centered design and practical implementation guidance for clinical practice.

By clarifying the conditions under which digital interventions and AI systems are accepted by key stakeholders, our goal is to generate insights that directly inform intervention design and clinical implementation. In this way, we aim to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and ensure that advances in digital medicine become clinically meaningful and widely adopted.

The valuable contributions of early career and doctoral researchers are central for the achieving the goals of the research group. 

Fatma Sahan M.Sc. Experimental Psychology and Neuroscience (Dr. PH candidate): 
For my doctoral project in the DFG project “eMent-In-Pro”, I am examining how healthcare professionals, including physicians and psychotherapists, perceive DiGAs (i.e., digital therapeutics on prescription), as well as the information and support needs they encounter in their work. Based on qualitative interviews, my research will expand with a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to systematically record information preferences. Another research interest concerns attitudes and the acceptance of artificial intelligence in areas like support for decision-making among health professionals and medical students. In addition, within the research group, I am involved in the development and teaching of an elective on digital therapeutics since 2021. 

Karin Panitz M.Sc. Psychology (Dr. PH candidate)
My research within a DFG project explores how psychotherapists, general practitioners, and occupational physicians respond to digital innovation and artificial intelligence in mental health care. This work sheds light on what drives professionals to adopt innovative technologies in their daily routines.

Jennifer Alissa Müller (medical student and M.Sc. Psychology candidate)
During my work as psychology intern and student assistant in the DFG project “eMent-In-Pro”, I gained experience in integrating digital health applications into medical education and analyzing the acceptance of digital health among health professionals. Currently, my research interest concerns determinants of mental health and the acceptance of (digital) mental health services in medical students. 

Dr. med. candidates (October 2025)

Charlotte Wagenaar
Luca Schuster
Omobolanle Mefful
Myriam Azimi
Alena Adiyaman
Dorcas Danielle Djeufa
Marieta Stoev
Derya Büber

Sahan, F., Guthardt, L., Panitz, K., Siegel-Kianer, A., Eichhof, I., Schmitt, B. D., & Apolinario-Hagen, J. (2024). Enhancing Digital Health Awareness and mHealth Competencies in Medical Education: Proof-of-Concept Study and Summative Process Evaluation of a Quality Improvement Project. JMIR medical education, 10, e59454. https://doi.org/10.2196/59454

Apolinário-Hagen, J., Drüge, M., Guthardt, L., & Haller, E. (2024). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: Navigating Depression Treatment in Traditional and Digital Settings with Insights from Current Research. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1456, 227–256. doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-4402-2_12

Drüge, M., Guthardt, L., Haller, E., Michalak, J., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (2024). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depressive Disorders: Enhancing Access and Tailoring Interventions in Diverse Settings. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1456, 199–226. doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-4402-2_11

Vomhof, M., Bau, J. T., Hüter, P., Stehl, S., Haastert, B., Loerbroks, A., Icks, A., Calo, S. T., Schuster, L., Pischke, C. R., Kairies-Schwarz, N., Angerer, P., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (2024). Preferences Regarding Information Strategies for Digital Mental Health Interventions Among Medical Students: Discrete Choice Experiment. JMIR formative research, 8, e55921. https://doi.org/10.2196/55921 

Braun, P., Atik, E., Guthardt, L., Apolinário-Hagen, J., & Schückes, M. (2023). Barriers to and Facilitators of a Blended Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Depression and Anxiety Based on Experiences of University Students: Qualitative Interview Study. JMIR formative research, 7, e45970. https://doi.org/10.2196/45970

Apolinário-Hagen, J., Harrer, M., Salewski, C., Lehr, D., & Ebert, D. D. (2023). Akzeptanz und Nutzung von E-Mental-Health-Angeboten unter Studierenden: Sekundäranalyse eines Experiments [Acceptance and use of e-mental health services among university students]. Pravention und Gesundheitsforderung, 18(2), 196–203. doi.org/10.1007/s11553-022-00945-1

Braun, P., Schwientek, A. K., Angerer, P., Guthardt, L., Icks, A., Loerbroks, A., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (2023). Investigating information needs and preferences regarding digital mental health services among medical and psychology students in Germany: A qualitative study. Digital health, 9, 20552076231173568. doi.org/10.1177/20552076231173568

Paganin, G., Apolinário-Hagen, J., & Simbula, S. (2022). Introducing mobile apps to promote the well-being of German and Italian university students. A cross-national application of the Technology Acceptance Model. Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.), 1–12. Advance online publication. doi.org/10.1007/s12144-022-03856-8

Dederichs, M., Nitsch, F. J., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (2022). Piloting an Innovative Concept of e-Mental Health and mHealth Workshops With Medical Students Using a Participatory Co-design Approach and App Prototyping: Case Study. JMIR medical education, 8(1), e32017. doi.org/10.2196/32017

Braun, P., Drüge, M., Hennemann, S., Nitsch, F. J., Staeck, R., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (2022). Acceptance of E-Mental Health Services for Different Application Purposes Among Psychotherapists in Clinical Training in Germany and Switzerland: Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Survey. Frontiers in digital health, 4, 840869. https://doi.org/10.3389/fdgth.2022.840869

Atik, E., Schückes, M., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (2022). Patient and Therapist Expectations for a Blended Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program for Depression: Qualitative Exploratory Study. JMIR mental health, 9(12), e36806. doi.org/10.2196/36806

Breil, B., Salewski, C., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (2022). Comparing the Acceptance of Mobile Hypertension Apps for Disease Management Among Patients Versus Clinical Use Among Physicians: Cross-sectional Survey. JMIR cardio, 6(1), e31617. https://doi.org/10.2196/31617

Apolinário-Hagen, J., Harrer, M., Dederichs, M., Fritsche, L., Wopperer, J., Wals, F., Loerbroks, A., Lehr, D., Salewski, C., Angerer, P., & Ebert, D. D. (2021). Exploring the influence of testimonial source on attitudes towards e-mental health interventions among university students: Four-group randomized controlled trial. PloS one, 16(5), e0252012. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252012

Philippi, P., Baumeister, H., Apolinário-Hagen, J., Ebert, D. D., Hennemann, S., Kott, L., Lin, J., Messner, E. M., & Terhorst, Y. (2021). Acceptance towards digital health interventions - Model validation and further development of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Internet interventions, 26, 100459. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2021.100459

Breil, B., Dederichs, M., Kremer, L., Richter, D., Angerer, P., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (2021). Bekanntheit und Nutzung von digitalen Gesundheitsangeboten in Deutschland: eine bevölkerungsrepräsentative Querschnittsuntersuchung [Awareness and Use of Digital Health Services in Germany: A Cross-sectional Study Representative of the Population]. Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband der Arzte des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany)), 83(12), 1019–1028. doi.org/10.1055/a-1335-4245

Harrer, M., Apolinário-Hagen, J., Fritsche, L., Salewski, C., Zarski, A. C., Lehr, D., Baumeister, H., Cuijpers, P., & Ebert, D. D. (2021). Effect of an internet- and app-based stress intervention compared to online psychoeducation in university students with depressive symptoms: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Internet interventions, 24, 100374. doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2021.100374

Apolinário-Hagen, J., Drüge, M., Hennemann, S., & Breil, B. (2021). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder: Insights into a New Generation of Face-to-Face Treatment and Digital Self-Help Approaches. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1305, 311–332. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-6044-0_17

Apolinário-Hagen, J., Fritsche, L., Wopperer, J., Wals, F., Harrer, M., Lehr, D., Ebert, D. D., & Salewski, C. (2021). Investigating the Persuasive Effects of Testimonials on the Acceptance of Digital Stress Management Trainings Among University Students and Underlying Mechanisms: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 738950. doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.738950

Dederichs, M., Weber, J., Pischke, C. R., Angerer, P., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (2021). Exploring medical students' views on digital mental health interventions: A qualitative study. Internet interventions, 25, 100398. doi.org/10.1016/j.invent.2021.100398

Apolinário-Hagen, J., Drüge, M., & Fritsche, L. (2020). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy for Anxiety Disorders: Integrating Traditional with Digital Treatment Approaches. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1191, 291–329. doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9705-0_17

Ebert, D. D., Harrer, M., Apolinário-Hagen, J., & Baumeister, H. (2019). Digital Interventions for Mental Disorders: Key Features, Efficacy, and Potential for Artificial Intelligence Applications. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1192, 583–627. doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9721-0_29

Apolinário-Hagen, J., Harrer, M., Kählke, F., Fritsche, L., Salewski, C., & Ebert, D. D. (2018). Public Attitudes Toward Guided Internet-Based Therapies: Web-Based Survey Study. JMIR mental health, 5(2), e10735. doi.org/10.2196/10735

Apolinário-Hagen, J., Menzel, M., Hennemann, S., & Salewski, C. (2018). Acceptance of Mobile Health Apps for Disease Management Among People With Multiple Sclerosis: Web-Based Survey Study. JMIR formative research, 2(2), e11977. doi.org/10.2196/11977

Selected conference contributions

Sahan, F., Wagenaar, C., Panitz, K., Kairies-Schwarz, N., Vomhof, M., Zinn, M, & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (23.09.2025). Bedarfe und Wünsche von Hausärzten zu Informationen über digitale Gesundheitsanwendungen im Bereich Psyche (Poster). 2. Symposium der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Digitale Medizin (DGDM), 23.-24.09.2025, Universität Potsdam und Hasso-Plattner-Institut, Potsdam.

Sahan-Ulutürk, F., Gutermuth, A., Muth, T., Panitz, K., &, Apolinário-Hagen, J. (04.04.2025). Akzeptanz und Nutzung von digitalen Gesundheitstechnologien unter Physiotherapeutinnen und Physiotherapeuten. 65. Wissenschaftliche Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Arbeitsmedizin und Umweltmedizin (DGAUM 2025), 02.-05.04.2025, Wuppertal.

Panitz, K., Wagenaar, C., Sahan-Ulutürk, F., Karies-Schwarz, N., Vomhof, M., Loerbroks, A., Pischke, C.R., Angerer, P., Zinn, M., Bau, J., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (04.04.2025). Einstellungen und Informationswünsche von Psychotherapeut:innen zum Einsatz von Digitalen Gesundheitsanwendungen für den Bereich Psyche: Eine qualitative Inhaltsanalyse. 65. Wissenschaftliche Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Arbeitsmedizin und Umweltmedizin (DGAUM 2024), 02.-05.04.2025, Wuppertal.

Fien Buelens, F., De Witte, N. A. J., Apolinário-Hagen, J. & Van Daele, T. (06.2024). Digital or Analog? Attitudes and expectations towards (digital) mental health support in a general population. 12^th International Society for Research on Internet Interventions (ISRII) Scientific Meeting, 02.-05.06.2024, University of Limerick, Limerick

Bau, J., Vomhof, M., Braun, P., Calo, S., Stehl, S., Haastert, B., Schuster, L., Icks, A., Loerbroks, A., Pischke, C., Kairies-Schwarz, N., Angerer, P., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (04.2024). How to inform medical students about digital mental health interventions? A discrete choice experiment (Poster). 34th International Congress on Occupational Health (ICOH2024), 28.4.-03.05.2024, Marrakesh, Morocco.

Bau, J., Vomhof, M., Pischke, C.R., S Stehl, S., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (03.2024). Wünsche von Medizinstudierenden in Bezug auf die Integration von digitalen Gesundheitsanwendungen in das Curriculum. 64. Wissenschaftliche Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Arbeitsmedizin und Umweltmedizin (DGAUM 2024), 13.-16.03.2024, München.

Guthardt, L., Sahan, F., Stehl, S., Siegel-Kianer, A., Thomas Muth, M., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (15.03.2024). Prototypenentwicklung von Apps zur psychischen Gesundheit im Medizinstudium: Pilotversuch und konzeptioneller Rahmen für einen Design-Thinking-Ansatz zur Verbesserung der Digital Health Literacy in der medizinischen Ausbildung. 64. Wissenschaftliche Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Arbeitsmedizin und Umweltmedizin (DGAUM 2024), 13.-16.03.2024, München.

Schuster, L., Braun, P., Muth, T., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (16.03.2023). Evidenzbasierte Programme zur Resilienzförderung von Medizinstudierenden: Umfrage und Scoping Review. Forum: AG Psychische Gesundheit. 63. Wissenschaftliche Jahrestagung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Arbeitsmedizin und Umweltmedizin e. V. (DGAUM), 15.-18. 03. 2023, Jena.

Philippi, P., Baumeister, H., Apolinário-Hagen, J., Ebert, D.D., Hennemann, S., Kott, L., S., Lin, J., Messner, E.-M., & Terhorst, Y.  (22.02.2023). Akzeptanz digitaler Gesundheitsinterventionen – Modellvalidierung und Weiterentwicklung der Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology. Session: Digitale Angebote. 32. Rehabilitationswissenschaftliches Kolloquium Deutscher Kongress für Rehabilitationsforschung Veränderungskultur fördern - Teilhabe stärken - Zukunft gestalten, 20.-22. 02.2023, Hannover.

Schwientek, A., Braun, P., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (10.2022). Wünsche von Medizinstudierenden in Bezug auf die Verankerung von E-Mental-Health-Kompetenzen im Curriculum und mit Blick auf das ärztliche Handeln: Eine qualitative Studie (Poster). 21. Deutscher Kongress für Versorgungsforschung, Deutsches Netzwerk Versorgungsforschung., 05.-07.10.2022, Potsdam.

Braun, P., Schwientek, A., Guthardt, L., Loerbroks, A., & Apolinário-Hagen, J. (06.2022). How to raise awareness about electronic mental health services among prospect healthcare providers: A qualitative study on information preferences. 30th European Congress of Psychiatry (EPA 2022). Linking Clinical Practice and Research for Better Mental Health Care in Europe” (virtual meeting), 04.-07.06.2022. Budapest, Hungary.