Frank van der Horst

Dr. Frank van der Horst is an Associate Professor at the Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Erasmus University Rotterdam, in the field of Youth and Family. His work integrates historical, clinical, and developmental perspectives on psychology, with a central focus on attachment theory and its evolution.

His research interests include:

• History and development of attachment theory
• Clinical applications in forensic and developmental contexts
• Intellectual history of psychology and education
• Personality disorders and domestic violence
• Child abuse and protection
• Psychotherapy effectiveness and integration

His recent scholarly output demonstrates a strong engagement with both theoretical and applied aspects of attachment, particularly in youth care and clinical practice. Themes across his articles include measuring attachment, reducing behavioral problems in adolescents, and bridging the gap between academic research and clinical psychotherapy. His work often involves interdisciplinary collaboration and historical analysis.

Scientific awards and grants received include:

• Grant from the Support Programme National and International Projects (2017)
• Köhler-Stiftung grant on Bowlby, Ainsworth, and Blatz (2016)
• Dobberke Foundation grants on Harlow and archival research (2010, 2015)
• Best PhD Dissertation Award, Leiden University (2012)

He is actively involved in clinical supervision, peer review, editorial work, and public engagement. He has delivered invited talks on John Bowlby and attachment diagnostics, and contributes to public discourse on parenting, childcare robotics, and the myth of the 'ideal family'. He mentors graduate and postgraduate clinicians in forensic psychiatry and continues to publish extensively in Dutch and international outlets.