Paul Kocken

Dr. Paul Kocken is an Associate Professor in Behavior Change at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam. He plays a key role in the Health Psychology master’s program, coordinating courses in Health Psychology & Behavior Change and Professional Skills. His work bridges academic research and practical application in public health and behavioral science.

His research interests focus on the systematic development of behavior change interventions, including educational, nudging, and systems approaches, often incorporating digital solutions. He explores the epidemiology of health problems, health services research, and the application of behavioral insights to policy-making with an emphasis on equity. His work supports societal transitions toward healthier behaviors and leverages digital decision support tools to enhance public health outcomes.

The recent publications highlight a strong trend in qualitative and mixed-methods research on social-emotional learning in education, resilience in public sector workplaces, and equitable access to remote and psychosocial care. His work frequently addresses health disparities, stakeholder collaboration, and the implementation of evidence-based interventions in real-world settings.

• Member, Editorial Board, Tijdschrift voor Gezondheidswetenschappen (TSG)
• Academic Manager, Collaborative Expert Center Healthy’R
• Involved in national SSH sector plans on societal transitions and digitalization

Dr. Kocken actively collaborates with municipalities, care organizations, and policymakers, particularly with Rotterdam Municipality. He supervises students in the Health Psychology track and integrates research with teaching. His projects are often interdisciplinary and co-created with societal partners to ensure relevance and impact. He has contributed to large-scale research outputs, including systematic reviews and qualitative studies, and manages datasets related to school-based interventions like TalentQuest+.

He leads and contributes to applied research initiatives that aim to translate behavioral science into effective public health policies and practices, with a strong commitment to reducing health disparities and promoting equity through collaborative, evidence-based approaches.