Research Projects
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash
Social cognition & self-concept in adolescence
This research focuses on brain mechanisms underlying social cognition and self-concept and how these mechanisms relate to social functioning in adolescents. We want to gain understanding in what characterizes normal development and, ultimately, how abnormalities in these trajectories may contribute to social functioning difficulties and reduced wellbeing or even psychopathology. We believe that for understanding the brain, we need to take multiple factors into account. We therefore combine functional MRI with behavioral paradigms, hormone assessment and social network measures.
Part of this research is embedded within the ‘Growing Up Together in Society’ consortium. www.gutsproject.com. Research is funded by a Startinggrant of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and a Gravitation grant of the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science.
Photo by Jehyun Sung on Unsplash
Mental health stigma & social networks & self-concept
Mental health problems and stigma regarding these problems may have detrimental effects on social relationships in adolescents who experience (subclinical) psychopathology. In this research program, we want to gain understanding in how mental health problems and stigma affects social networks in adolescence, for example through peer rejection, but also because of withdrawal. Additionally, we focus on the effects of mental health stigma on the self-concept. In this research program, we make use of ecological momentary assessment and social network measures.
Visit www.onderzoekvrijegeest.nl for more information (in Dutch). Research is funded by Stichting tot Steun VCVGZ, and Ammodo Science Award for Groundbreaking Research 2020.