معرفی
Prof. Laura Batstra is a Professor in the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences at the University of Groningen, specializing in developmental and behavioral disorders in education and care. Her research focuses on de-medicalization of childhood behavioral issues, ADHD critique, and the implementation of non-pathologizing interventions like 'Stepped Diagnosis'. She holds adjunct roles at Academica University of Applied Sciences and chairs the Stichting Pedagogisch Onderwijs board. Batstra's work bridges academic research and public engagement, advocating for evidence-based approaches in education and mental health.
Education: Clinical Psychology (BSc), Social Psychology (minor), Psychology of Work, Organization & Personnel (minor) from the University of Groningen. PhD in Medical Sciences (2004) on birth circumstances and mental health. Former child psychiatry practitioner and developer of home treatment programs for ADHD/ODD.
Research interests emphasize reducing overdiagnosis through alternative frameworks, such as the 'Stepped Diagnosis' approach with Allen Frances. Her team, 'Wild & Willful', studies pre-diagnostic interventions for unruly children. She has authored widely cited books on ADHD and frequently lectures on societal impacts of medicalization.
Recent articles highlight critiques of psychiatric labeling, teacher training methods, and psychotherapy efficacy. Awards include grants from Academica University, the Municipality of Groningen, and the Eemsdelta Region. She collaborates with international scholars and actively participates in public discourse through media interviews and podcasts.
Teaching roles include coordinating courses on orthopedagogy, child psychopathology, and qualitative research methods. Her lab, 'Wild & Willful', focuses on parent-teacher support programs without psychiatric labels.
