Why do some adolescents and young adults develop mental or behavioural health problems while others do not? To answer this important question, I conduct interdisciplinary research focusing on social and cognitive processes related to (un)healthy behaviors (problematic social media use and smartphone use, alcohol use, cannabis and nicotine use) and mental health in adolescents and young adults. A key goal of my work is not only to understand these processes, but also to use this knowledge to prevent mental health problems and unhealthy behaviours before they arise.
I am interested in the interplay and complexity between the social context (e.g., peers, parents, digital environment, urban factors), and individual factors (e.g., motivational processes, self-regulation), and how these factors can serve as both risk and protective targets for prevention. In my research and collaborations, I combine developmental psychology with insights from pedagogical, medical, communication, and methodological disciplines and non-academic partners. I also develop and conduct intervention studies aimed at behaviour change and early prevention of unhealthy behaviours and mental health problems.
Next to my research and teaching, I am head of Developmental Psychology (UvA), PI and board member of RPA Youth Digitality, academic director of Mental Health, Youth and Society (Summer School UvA), and chair of the Dutch Society for Developmental Psychology (VNOP).