This research programme focuses on understanding the social, cognitive, and neural changes that occur during adolescence. The work examines how young people learn to navigate complex social environments, how their brains respond to rewards and risks, and how these processes influence behaviour and well‑being.
A central theme is the development of social cognition—how adolescents understand others, form relationships, and are influenced by their social context. Another key focus is decision‑making and reward processing, exploring why adolescents show heightened sensitivity to rewards and how biological changes during puberty contribute to shifts in motivation and behaviour.
Together, these perspectives highlight adolescence as both a vulnerable and an opportunity‑rich developmental window. By integrating behavioural research with neuroimaging and real‑world data, this research programme aims to deepen our understanding of how social experiences and brain development interact to shape the path toward adulthood.
STAFF MEMBERS
- Prof. dr. Lydia Krabbendam, Full Professor
- Prof. dr. Nienke van Atteveldt, Full Professor
- Dr. Barbara Braams, Associate Professor
- Dr. Mariët van Buuren, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Tieme Janssen, Assistant Professor
- Dr. TuongVan Vu, Assistant Professor
- Dr. Denise van der Mee, Visiting Fellow
- Maartje Overhaus, PhD Student
- Asja Prodan, PhD Student
- Jule Schretzmeir, PhD Student
- Tatvan Todor, PhD Student
- Zwanet Young, PhD Student