Profile

Dr. Nadja Walter

Dr. Nadja Walter

Research Fellow

Sportpsychologie
Haus 1, T-Trakt
Jahnallee 59, Room T0001
04109 Leipzig

Phone: +49 341 97 - 31656
Fax: +49 341 97 - 31639

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Abstract

Dr. Nadja Walter works as post-doctoral researcher at Leipzig University since 2015. She works at the Faculty of Sport Science, Sport Psychology. Her research focus is on behavior change and developing routines, strategies and habits in exercise and diet as well as mental health in the competitive sport context. She also investigates the ´dark side` of exercise and physical activity (e.g. exercise addiction, eating disorder), coach-athlete-relationship and digital health management and works as an applied sport psychological consultant.

Nadja Walter teaches in every study program the Faculty is offering: Bachelor, Master and teaching and is the coordinator of the master program in Sport and Exercise Psychology and it‘s double degree.

In 2020, Nadja Walter was appointed as arbitrator (mediator) for Leipzig University. In this position she is contact person for Phd students or post-doctoral researchers regarding conflicts with their supervisors.

Professional career

  • since 10/2022
  • since 01/2015
  • 05/2014 - 11/2014
  • since 02/2014
  • 02/2013 - 09/2013
  • 01/2013 - 02/2013
  • 03/2011 - 12/2012
  • 10/2008 - 12/2012
  • 10/2006 - 12/2012
  • 04/2004 - 10/2006

Education

  • 03/2016 - 04/2021
  • 11/2008 - 02/2011
  • 04/2008 - 10/2008
  • 10/2003 - 03/2008
  • 06/1990 - 06/2003

My current research encompasses two main lines of inquiry. First, I focus on the psychological aspects of behavior and lifestyle change. Through the VIBE project (Behavior Change in Physical Activity and Nutrition), the aim is to explain the developmental processes of habitual behavior, as well as the strategies and barriers associated with behavioral change. Second, I investigate the general psychological aspects of sports participation, which can also have negative consequences. In this field, I examine, for example, the difference between sport commitment and exercise addiction, and how habitual behavior and individual dietary habits play a role in these processes. Additionally, the mental health of athletes and coaches, as well as the coach-athlete relationship, are key areas of focus in this line of research. For instance, within the 2Steps4Health project, I study the impact of a multi-component (sport) psychology workshop program on the mental health of elite athletes and develop workshops for coaches to enhance their professional competencies.


  • Walter, N.; Wolburg, J.
    Teambuilding-Maßnahmen für Erzieherinnen und Erzieher in Kindertagesstätten = Team Building for Preschool Teachers
    Zeitschrift für Arbeits- und Organisationspsychologie. 2018. 62 (1). pp. 25–35.
    DOI: 10.1026/0932-4089/a000255
    show details
  • Walter, N.
    Verhaltensstabilität und Gewohnheitsverhalten Untersuchung potentieller Einflussfaktoren auf die Entwicklung von Gewohnheitsverhalten
    Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung. 2017. pp. 1–8.
    DOI: 10.1007/s11553-017-0625-y
    show details
  • Walter, N.; Löw, M.-O.; Ernst, S.
    Der Zusammenhang von Sportverletzungen und Stressvergangenheit : ein Beitrag zum aktuellen Forschungsstand
    Leistungssport. 2017. 47 (1). pp. 11–14.
    show details
  • Walter, N.
    Strategien und Barrieremanagement in der Verhaltensänderung
    Journal für Ernährungsmedizin. 2016. 18 (4). pp. 10–12.
    show details

more publications

In my lectures and seminars, I address topics such as "Opportunities for Behavioral Change and Performance Optimization" and "(Sport)Psychological Foundations in Communication, Dialogue, and Counseling" as well as the application of sport psychology in various settings (e.g., health, education, elite sports). I frequently incorporate methods for assessing psychological constructs into my teaching, combining qualitative methods like systematic observation with quantitative approaches (e.g., questionnaire development). I also tailor the content to the specific profiles of the degree programs, such as focusing on work and organizational psychology in the Master of Sport Management or applied sport psychology in the Master of Diagnostics and Intervention. The majority of my teaching is in for our own English-language Master's program in Sport and Exercise Psychology.

With a focus on career-oriented and sustainable competence development, my teaching emphasizes long-term learning. I provide students with a framework for self-directed, productive, active learning in social exchange, allowing them to engage autonomously with the demands of their respective professions.

In my teaching, I also draw on my experience as a personal trainer and mediator, and I integrate my current research activities to showcase projects such as VIBE, S4WIN, or 2S4H.

  • Teaching Master Sport and Exercise Psychology

  • Behavior analysis

  • Talent Identification and Promotion, Ensuring Resilience

  • Sport Psychology in occupational settings

  • Basics in physical activity and relaxation methods

  • Psychological Interventions, Guiding Groups and Behavioural Change in Preventive and Rehabilitational

  • Research methodology

  • Performance and Health Promotion

  • Teaching physical education in social settings

  • Understanding and Interpreting Sport Psychological Diagnostics (Diagnostics of Sportpsychology