Research

Klimaatdemonstratie

Understanding what helps youth reach their potential
 

Which psychological processes help children, adolescents, and young adults thrive in different environments? This question drives our group. We address this question using diverse theoretical and methodological approaches, with two interconnected aims:

  1. To understand and promote agency among youth. We learn from and help create diverse and inclusive environments where youth thrive by leveraging their own values, motivations, and talents. We also examine how to provide youth with the psychological resources they need to make self-determined decisions in a changing, complex society.
  2. To develop or optimize psychological interventions tailored to underrepresented or vulnerable youth. We examine how to personalize education via adaptive teaching and psychosocial support in school settings, and how to mobilize social support networks within the family and the broader community to increase intervention effectiveness.

Examples of our research

  • APOLO A longitudinal research project on adolescents with severe problems in psychological, self- or social functioning.
  • Key2Teach A study on the effect of a teacher-focused coaching program in regular and special primary education.
  • GREENTEENS A research project on adolescents’ eco-friendly behavior.
  • Hidden talents A research project on hidden talents of young people living in adverse conditions.