Our research focuses on social and emotional development. We concentrate on two closely related research lines. On the one hand, we conduct fundamental research on social and emotional development and related processes across the human life span. Taking a developmental perspective, we focus on social factors (e.g., parents and peers), individual factors (e.g., temperament, personality), and the interplay between the two. On the other hand, we conduct applied/clinical research on the causes and treatment of psychopathology in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood (including addiction, aggression, anxiety, depression, and trauma). Our ambition is to contribute new knowledge to developmental science that is also relevant for clinical, developmental and educational practice.
Social Development
Research
We study caregiver-child interaction in early and middle childhood, peer relationships in middle childhood and adolescence, and social and romantic relationships later in life. We study typical and atypical populations (e.g., youth with externalising and internalising problems and children of traumatised parents). We combine sophisticated longitudinal and observational methods of developmental research with innovative methodologies. We use randomised controlled trials, single case studies and innovative designs (e.g., micro trials) to test the effectiveness and working mechanisms of treatment and interventions.
Research methods
Our methods include questionnaires, implicit measures, behavioural paradigms, psychophysiology and hormonal assessments (e.g., cortisol), neuropsychological paradigms, fMRI, and EEG recordings. These are analysed statistically through sociometric analyses, sequential analyses, dynamic social network modelling, and advanced longitudinal data analyses (dynamic structural equation modelling, ecological momentary assessments). Because we deem it crucial that knowledge reaches the people for whom it is made (youngsters, parents, school staff, …), we are passionate about co-creation, science communication and knowledge dissemination.
Contact information
6525GD Nijmegen
6500HE NIJMEGEN