معرفی
Prof. Sander Thomaes is a Professor of Developmental Psychology and Vice-Dean for Research and Impact at Utrecht University’s Faculty of Social Sciences. He holds a PhD (cum laude) and MA in Developmental Psychology from VU University Amsterdam. His research focuses on the self-concept and identity formation in youth, particularly how self-perceptions influence psychological health and behavior. He integrates developmental, social, and clinical psychology to design interventions promoting sustainable behavior change, such as reducing narcissism and enhancing pro-environmental actions. Key roles include Associate Editorship of Self and Identity, leadership in Utrecht’s Open Science initiatives, and co-chairing the National Science Agenda’s ‘Youth Development’ committee. Thomaes authored Wat Je Denkt Ben Je Zelf, a children’s book on psychology, and teaches in Utrecht’s Psychology programs and master’s tracks in Development and Socialization in Childhood/Adolescence.
Research interests span narcissism, self-esteem, climate change behavior, and authenticity. Notable awards include his cum laude PhD and MA. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing open science and reproducibility. Recent projects include studying motive-alignment for environmental behavior and cross-cultural analyses of narcissism and wellbeing.
- Education: PhD (cum laude) 2007, VU Amsterdam; MA (cum laude) 2002, VU Amsterdam
- Administrative Roles: Vice-Dean (2024–present), Chair of Developmental Psychology Program (2016–2021)
- Grants/Awards: NWO Domain Board Member (2022–2024), Multiple ERC and NWO-funded projects
- Labs/Teams: Dynamics of Youth (DoY) research group at Utrecht University
Publications emphasize adolescent development, environmental psychology, and self-processes. Over 50 peer-reviewed articles in top journals like Child Development and PNAS.
