Current projects
PROMOTING HEALTHY BEHAVIOUR
Healthy eating behaviour
We eat unhealthily even when we indicate that we do not want to do so. When people are able to quit their unhealthy habits, they often report more well-being.
We develop evidence-based tasks that target the automatic processes that underlie this behaviour.
Healthy habits
People sometimes report the goal to engage in enduring healthy behaviour, such as doing regular fitness exercises or playing sports, but do not succeed in this endeavour.
We develop products such as mobile phone apps that help people adopt and sustain healty habits.
Pro-environmental goals
People harm or pollute their natural environment and this often happens when environmental friendly goals clash with other goals such as obtaining money.
We examine how people can learn to follow pro-environmental goals in these situations.
Children who care for the environment
Being environmental friendly can be taught at an early age. This requires experiencing positive consequences of pro-environmental behaviour and practicing or training this behaviour.
We help schools develop programs teaching children to adopt environmental friendly habits.
Prosocial schools
Children sometimes engage in bullying or other unfriendly behaviour. It is important for schools to understand why this happens and to create an environment that reinforces prosocial behaviour.
We provide guidance to deal with problem behaviour and set up positive environments.
Happy and prosocial children
When children don't act prosocially, it can be difficult for care givers to deal with this. Science suggests that prosocial behaviour can be trained and provides guidelines.
We design action plans and programs to help promote happiness and prosociality in children.
Burn out
Cognitive processes influence the etiology and symptoms of many (physical) illnesses. In burn-out, people feel bot physically and emotionally empty.
We promote environments that foster healthy cognitions.
Addiction and Depression
Addiction and depression are highly prevalent in Western society. Research suggests that changing environmental influences can help treat these disorders.
We test how environments and interventions can prevent and treat addiction and depression.
