Laura Ballato

Laura Ballato is a Lecturer and Coordinator of the Buddy Project & Study Abroad Minor Programme at the University of Groningen’s Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences. She specializes in Developmental Psychology, Coaching, and Intercultural Competence, with expertise in Dynamic System methods and Longitudinal Research. Her work focuses on adolescent behavior, risk-taking, and social interactions.

Research interests include applying computational models (e.g., agent-based systems) to study developmental processes. She has published on topics like friendship dynamics and risk behaviors during adolescence, using dynamic systems theory to analyze behavioral patterns.

Ballato also maintains an ancillary practice as an ACT therapist and coach through her private practice, lauraballato.com. She holds a PhD in Developmental Psychology, as evidenced by her 2012 thesis on friendship interactions and risk behaviors.