We study what processes contribute to individuals engaging in detrimental decision-making and continue such behaviors despite negative consequences.
In the lab we employ a variety of methods, including qualitative interviews and surveys to study factors that contribute to development of or recovery after experiencing addictive behaviours. We also use behavioural experiments, functional MRI (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), to study (neural correlates of) risky decision-making and the role of dopamine in these behaviours.
Current projects include:
– GamblingLess: Early Detection and Support for Young Adults in the Netherlands (funded by ZonMW- preventie van kansspelverslaving)
– What makes them tick? Characteristics of youth that gamble, the prevalence and possible gateways to (harmful) gambling (funded by ZonMW- preventie van kansspelverslaving)
– Investigating Metacognition and behaviour in compulsive disorders (funded by EU-MCDN grant)
– Qualitive research into the experiences with people who experience gambling harm (funded by Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek- en Datacentrum)
– Network theory of addiction and depression in urban populations (funded by Center for Urban Mental Health – UvA).

Team members

dr. Ruth van Holst Principal Investigator
dr. Anke Snoek Senior onderzoeker
Jeroen Hairwassers PhD student (external)
Laura de Laere PhD student
Karoline Huth PhD student