معرفی
Jolien van der Graaff is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University's Youth and Family Studies department within the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences. Her research focuses on empathy development, prosocial behavior in adolescence, and relationships with family and peers. She co-supervises research projects and teaches at bachelor and master levels. Additionally, she serves as a family mediator (MfN-registered) and team coach, and handles faculty contact roles for misconduct reporting.
Education:
- PhD in Adolescent Development (Utrecht University, 2009–2014)
- Research Master in Developmental Psychopathology (Leiden University, 2006–2009)
- Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies (Leiden University, 2003–2005)
- Bachelor in Social Work and Social Services (Rotterdam, 1995–1999)
Research Interests: Empathy, prosocial behavior, adolescent development, family dynamics, and mental health. Her work integrates longitudinal studies and multi-method approaches involving lab-based physiological measurements (e.g., facial EMG, ECG) and behavioral observations.
Key Awards:
- Paul van Geert Award (2020)
- Recognition for interdisciplinary empathy research (2013)
Teaching & Professional Roles: Teaches courses on child socialization and clinical practice. Active in youth welfare services and mediation since 1999. Leads projects like 'Hear Hear!' on child participation in divorce processes (NWO-funded).
