Projects
Research on the mechanism of regulation of the mature human dopamine D4 receptor Ghent University
The dopamine D4 receptor (D4DR) is a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). Dopamine is and important neurotransmitter involved in motoric control, reward, endocrine functions, cognition and emotions. In this research we will try to unvravel the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of plasma membrane expressiono f D4DR. This implies research on degradation, endocytosis, recycling and internalisation of D4DR.
Changes in the representation of traumatic experiences during psychodynamic psychotherapy and relations to subjective well-being, affect regulation and (inter-)personal functioning. Ghent University
Traumatic experiences often have a tremendeous impact on someone’s functioning and cannot easily be integrated within the narrative identity. In this study it is investigated by means of systematic case studies how representations of traumatic experiences are constructed and change during psychodynamic psychotherapy. Effects on general well-being, emotional and relational functioning are also investigated as are facilitating therapeutic ...
"Two Hearts That Beat as One": Emotional Co-regulation in German and Japanese Couples. KU Leuven
Sabbatical J L Spilt: Co-regulation in close teacher-child relationship KU Leuven
In the last 30 years, there has been an increasing interest in research into the affective quality of dyadic teacher-student relationships. In the literature, the teacher-pupil relationship is described as a “secondary” or “ad-hoc” attachment relationship and teachers are considered “secondary” or “ad-hoc” attachment figures. This means that teachers perform the functions of safe harbor and secure base for children when primary attachment ...
How and when does job-related red tape affect teachers’ well-being and performance: The underlying role of emotions Ghent University
Teachers are overloaded with rules, regulations, and procedures. Unfortunately, many of these rules, regulations, and procedures turn out to be burdensome, while also lacking functionality, and can thus be classified as red tape. Past literature revealed that employees’ well-being and performance are both negatively affected by the presence of red tape. However, this past literature mainly focused on exploring the direct relationships between ...
Unpacking the Black Box of Emotional Acculturation. KU Leuven
Am I burned-out or depressed? Distinguishing school burnout and depression in adolescence via a cognitive vulnerability-stress model. Ghent University
This project examines the developmental pathways of school burnout and depression in adolescents. We hypothesize that both disorders develop via a vulnerability-stress interaction, but that different types of vulnerabilities and stressors result in either school burnout or depression. We investigate the role of early maladaptive schemas, interpersonal and school-related stressors and emotion regulation through a longitudinal questionnaire-, ...
RECONNECT: Researching Emotional CONNECTedness across domains of life Ghent University
The emotional connections that exist between people are central to human nature, and several challenges our society is facing, can be brought back to disruptions of this emotional connectedness. However, the current practice in behavioral science is not fully adept to address these challenges, as most research focuses on intra-personal processes, is static in nature, and/or does not take into account the broader social context or culture in ...