Julia Jeannine Schmid was a PhD Candidate in the URPP Human Reproduction Reloaded | H2R, sub-project 2 Human Reproduction in Societies and Markets at the University of Zurich.

Julia’s research interests include Behavioral Medicine and Biological Psychology. Her current research focuses on the psychological effects of fertility treatments for parents and their children.

Projects by Julia Jeannine Schmid & Prof. Dr. Ulrike Ehlert

StART Familie – Studie zum Einfluss assistierter Reproduktionstechniken auf die Familie (The impact of assisted reproductive techniques on the family)
The project «StART Familie» (PDF, 790 KB) aims to examine the medium-term biopsychological effects of assisted reproductive techniques on the family for a better understanding of their risks and opportunities. We are analyzing whether the use of assisted reproductive techniques affects the mental health of parents, various aspects of parenthood, and the psychosocial development of children. In addition, we would like to know more about the biological and psychological mechanisms behind it. The study participation includes filling out psychological questionnaires by the parents and collecting fingernail samples and saliva samples from the whole family at home. The expected duration of the project is from September 2021 to August 2024.

EEggg – Eizellen Einfrieren – geplant, gemacht, genutzt? (Egg freezing - planned, done, used?)
In industrialized countries, more and more women are freezing some of their eggs to increase their chances of pregnancy later in life. If this is not done for medical reasons (e. g. before chemotherapy), this is called social egg freezing (SEF). The psychological background of this decision has not yet been studied. The aim of the study «EEggg» is to investigate psychological aspects of SEF. On one hand, we would like to explore how women in German-speaking countries think about SEF. On the other hand, we would like to find out what psychological characteristics women who freeze eggs have, and what their reasons are for this decision. It is a 40-minute anonymous online study open to women aged 18 and over. Participation: Link

Education

• PhD Candidate, URPP Human Reproduction Reloaded | H2R - University of Zurich (since 2021)
• Master of Advanced Studies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Behavioral Medicine - University of Zurich (since 2021)
• Master of Science in Psychology - University of Zurich (2019 - 2021)
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology - University of Zurich (2016 - 2019)

Work and research experience

• Tutor - Department of Psychological Methods, Evaluation and Statistics, University of Zurich (2021)
• Research Tutor - Department of Applied Social and Health Psychology, University of Zurich (2019 - 2021)
• Intern - Psychiatric University Clinic Zurich (2019 - 2020)
• Tutor - Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich (2019 - 2021)
• Research Intern - Department of Applied Social and Health Psychology, University of Zurich (2019)
• Semester Assistant- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich (2019 - 2021)
• Tutor - Department of Applied Social and Health Psychology, University of Zurich (2019)
• Research Intern - Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich (2018 - 2019)