PSY | Understanding Changes in Sexual Identity, Attraction and a Sense of Belonging in Vienna

New project funded by the City of Vienna launches at the Faculty of Psychology

Whether in everyday life or in academic discourse, sexual identity, attraction and a sense of belonging are often regarded as stable characteristics of individuals. However, international research suggests that these can change over the course of people’s lives. This also raises a question for the City of Vienna: How can the city provide support, advice and healthcare to people who are experiencing changes in their sexuality or feeling uncertain?

With funding from the City of Vienna, Dr. Barbara Rothmüller and her team are investigating these questions as part of the project Early Bloomers, Late Bloomers: Sexual Biographies in Vienna, using biographical-narrative interviews to study these population groups – which have so far received little empirical attention – and thereby laying the groundwork for municipal support services. By highlighting the diversity of life paths in Vienna, the project also contributes to anti-discrimination efforts and increased psychosocial awareness.

We congratulate Dr. Barbara Rothmüller and her team on being awarded the grant by the City of Vienna.

10 September 2026