Karolien Adriaens

Karolien Adriaens (PhD) is a researcher at Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, specializing in practice-oriented research on inappropriate behavior prevention and bystander behavior in sports environments. She manages the Erasmus+ project Safe Sport Allies and collaborates with sports stakeholders and victim organizations.

• Bachelor's in Applied Psychology (Thomas More, 2011)
• Master's in Clinical Psychology (KU Leuven, 2014)
• Doctorate in Psychology (KU Leuven, 2020)

Her research spans two major domains: smoking cessation efficacy of e-cigarettes and sports safety. Earlier work (2014–2021) focused on tobacco harm reduction, while recent projects (2021–present) address sexual violence prevention, harassment mitigation, and bystander intervention strategies in youth sports. She employs experimental and field-based methodologies to assess behavioral outcomes.

Current research trends emphasize multi-layered educational programs for coaches, athletes, and parents to recognize and respond to abuse. Her publications highlight practical frameworks for integrating bystander training into sports clubs and analyzing health risks linked to interpersonal violence in athletic populations.

She supervises Applied Psychology bachelor's students and research interns, bridging academic inquiry with real-world applications in mental health and sports welfare.