Research Projects

Social cognition & self-concept in adolescence

This research focuses on brain mechanisms underlying social cognition and self-concept and how these mechanisms affect social functioning in adolescents. I 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. I believe that for understanding the brain, we need to take multiple factors into account. I therefore combine functional MRI with behavioral paradigms, hormone assessment and social network measures.

Intrinsic brain connectivity

Regions in the brain, and networks of regions, interact with each other. These network connectivity patterns during resting-state represent the intrinsic functional architecture of the brain. In this research line, I use functional MRI to investigate how inter-individual differences in this functional architecture contribute to differences between individuals in (social) cognition.

Mental health stigma & social networks

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, I 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, I focus on the effects of mental health stigma on the self-concept. In this research program, I make use of ecological momentary assessment and social network measures. Visit www.onderzoekvrijegeest.nl for more information (in Dutch).