Mental Health
The theme of mental health is part of the research within Youth Studies and is divided into four sub-themes:
Subtheme 1: Development of adolescent mental health
We investigate changes over time in adolescent mental health, both within persons - focusing on the development from early adolescence until adulthood - and at the societal level - focusing on time trends in the last three decades across Europe. Among others, we attempt to identify societal processes responsible for the recent decreasing trends in adolescent mental health (e.g., schoolwork pressure, social media, mental health awareness).
Subtheme 2: Social Inequalities in Mental Health
We investigate the extent to which, why and for whom social inequalities in adolescent mental health exist and whether these have changed in recent decades. We distinguish between different types of inequalities, such as gender (identity), socioeconomic status/educational level, migration background and sexual orientation as well as how these inequalities strengthen.
Subtheme 3: Adolescent Mental Health in different contexts
The mental health of adolescents depends on the various contexts in which they grow up. In our research, we focus on (the combination of) different contexts, in particular: the neighbourhood, the school and the country. For example, we look at the social climate and socio-economic composition of these contexts and the extent to which this correlates with the mental health of adolescents.
Subtheme 4: Mental Health promotion/intervention
In our research, we strive to promote the mental health of adolescents in schools and neighbourhoods through impactful actions. We work to implement systemic changes, create supportive environments, and develop activities that increase the resilience of adolescents. We focus on universal prevention and interventions for at-risk groups, such as adolescents affected by armed conflict and adolescents growing up in poverty.
Examples of our research
Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBS) HBSC-the Netherlands is a national study on the health and welfare of students.
IMPROVA IMPROVA empowers adolescents and families to make better decisions regarding their mental health.
Minding the Gap (in Dutch) Minding the Gap is a research project on the mental health of young people (aged 12–25) who know what it is like to live with money worries, such as poverty and/or debt.
Mental Capital (in Dutch) The Regional Knowledge Centre for Youth and Family Development develops, collects and shares knowledge to enable young people to grow up as healthily, safely and opportunistically as possible.
Queer-NL/Queer-EU This project investigates why substantial mental health disparities among LGBTQ+ adolescents persist despite rising societal acceptance across Europe.
YOUth Got Talent How do young people see their future?
Young after corona Youth well-being between 2017 and 2022 and use of NP Onderwijsmiddelen [education resources] by schools
