Five VENI grants Faculty BSS

Five researchers from the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences of the University of Groningen (UG) have been awarded VENI grants within the framework of NWO’s Innovational Research Incen tives Scheme : Laura Baams, Maarten Eisma, Bertus Jeronimus, Gerine Lodder and Steffie van der Steen . VENI grants are intended for researchers who have recently gained a PhD and have significant and original talent for innovative research. The grant is up to € 250,000 and offers these young researchers the chance to develop their ideas over the next three years.

Not straight? Sexual orientation disparities in macro and micro-processes of youth victimization and mental health
Dr L. (Laura) Baams (f), RUG –Pedagogical and Educational Sciences

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth report poorer mental health (depression, suicidality) and are victimized more often than heterosexual youth. How can this be explained? Using survey- and daily-diary studies, I will research sexual orientation disparities, critical mechanisms, and whether a positive school climate can help improve mental health.

Grief’s paradox: approach and avoidance in prolonged grief disorder
Dr M. C. (Maarten) Eisma (m), RUG - Clinical Psychology

Approach and avoidance of deceased-related cues are both proposed to perpetuate prolonged, severe and disabling grief. To solve this striking paradox, I will test the innovative idea that prolonged grief is characterized by approach of reminders of the deceased, yet avoidance of those reminders that signal separation from the deceased.

The lessons to be learned from happy neurotics
Dr B.F. (Bertus) Jeronimus (m), RUG - Developmental psychology

The neuroticism personality traits predicts poor somatic and mental health and social and occupational dysfunction. Nonetheless, happy and high functioning neurotics do exist. Three studies utilize different methodologies to identify structural differences in happy neurotics’ social networks and daily patterned feelings, thoughts and activities, compared to the typical vulnerable type.

The Proximity Project: Loneliness in Adolescence Explained by Social Relations and Social Appraisals
Dr G.M.A. (Gerine) Lodder (f), RUG - sociology

Loneliness in adolescence has detrimental consequences. The Proximity Project will examine what drives the development of loneliness. The focus is on daily contact, friendships, and perceptions of social relations. This will be examined using wearables that measure contact, using smartphone questionnaires, and by analyzing friendship networks.

(How) Does animal assisted therapy work?
Dr S. (Stephanie) van der Steen (f), RUG – Orthopedagogy

Animal-assisted therapy is gaining popularity, but there is no conclusive evidence for its effect. This study investigates the effect of dog-assisted therapy for children with Down syndrome and Autism, and looks for a possible mechanism to explain this effect: Increased synchronization between the movements of child and therapy dog.