Individual and contextual factors contributing to the development of mental and physical helath

INKOMET

Project summary and objectives

Short description / project summary

The project “Individual and Contextual Factors Contributing to the Development of Mental and Physical Health” focuses on investigating factors that influence the mental and physical health of primary school–aged children, with a particular emphasis on children with chronic illnesses, especially type 1 diabetes. The project examines the effects of psychotherapy, motivation for physical activity, and the interrelationships between physical activity, mental health, and quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach is employed, including the development of new measurement instruments, such as a tensiometric platform for the early detection of neuropathy, as well as the use of smart technologies (smartwatches, Freestyle Libre). The results will be disseminated through scientific publications, conferences, science festivals, and collaboration with educational and healthcare institutions.

General and specific objectives

Overall Objective

The overall objective of the project is to examine the interrelationships between psychological interventions, lifestyle factors, and physical activity in the promotion, maintenance, and improvement of mental and physical health in children, with a particular focus on children living with type 1 diabetes.

Specific Objectives

  • To assess the impact of psychotherapeutic interventions on mental and physical health outcomes in children

  • To identify motivational determinants influencing children’s participation in physical activity

  • To evaluate the effects of physical activity and lifestyle-related factors on health outcomes and quality of life in children with type 1 diabetes

  • To develop, pilot, and validate measurement instruments for assessing mental health, physical activity levels, and quality of life in children

Scientific and/or societal significance of the project

The project addresses current public health challenges, including children’s mental health, sedentary lifestyles, and chronic diseases. Its scientific relevance is reflected in the development of novel measurement instruments, the integration of psychological, kinesiology-related, and biomedical indicators, as well as the application of objective health measures.

Expected contribution to science, the institution, and/or the economy
  • Publication of eight scientific papers in WoS/Scopus-indexed journals

  • Strengthening of the institution’s research capacity

  • Development of tools applicable in educational and healthcare settings

  • Enhanced collaboration with sports and healthcare organizations

Basic information about the project

Project title
Individual and contextual factors contributing to the development of mental and physical helath
Project acronym
INKOMET
Project duration
48 months (starting from 1 October 2025)
Project institution
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek
Constituent unit
Faculty of Education
Project manager
Daria Župan Tadijanov, Ph.D., Assistant Professor,
Source of funding
Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (NextGenerationEU), source 581
Total project value
63.540,00 EUR
Partner institutions (collaborations)
  • Primary Schools of the City of Osijek

  • School Sports Association of Osijek-Baranja County

  • Sports Association of Osijek-Baranja County

  • Association of Young Diabetics Osijek

  • School Sports Association of the City of Osijek

  • Osijek Sports Community (ZOS)

  • Association of Kinesiologists of Osijek-Baranja County (UKOBŽ)

Project team

Project manager

Members of the research team and collaborators

Planned and implemented activities

  • Preparation and organization of the research

  • Implementation of psychological and physical interventions

  • Data analysis and evaluation

  • Dissemination and communication of results

  • Project management and involvement of early-career researchers

Contact

Contact person
Daria Župan Tadijanov, Ph.D., Assistant Professor,
Constituent unit
Faculty of Education,
Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek
INKOMET
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