The research line of Prof. Dr. Lucres Nauta-Jansen at the department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care at Amsterdam UMC, concerns the neurobiological background of antisocial and disruptive behaviour. The main aim is to unravel the neurobiological mechanisms that, in interaction with other individual and environmental factors may explain the development, persistence and effectiveness of treatment of antisocial and delinquent behaviour in children and adolescents. Her research focuses on neuroendocrinological and neurophysiological factors such as HPA axis and ANS functioning. These are of main importance for adaptation to the (stressful) environment. Studies involve the association between neurobiological factors and current aggressive and/or delinquent behaviour, as well as the predictive value for treatment effect or reoffending.

One of the unique assets of this research line is the direct collaboration with societal and clinical partners. Projects involve studies on antisocial and delinquent adolescents in juvenile justice institutions, closed youth care and other groups of children and adolescents that are (at risk of) getting into contact with the police. Research partners involve the police, ministry of justice (WODC), juvenile justice institutions and youth care institutions. And Lucres Nauta-Jansen is also involved in the Academic Collaborative Centre Youth at Risk (AWRj). By collaborating with these partners, the research line is of direct relevance for societal issues related to youth delinquency and aggressive behaviour. Most studies are designed in collaboration with societal and clinical partners.

Research section Youth at Risk – head Lucres Nauta-Jansen

Reseach themes within Section Youth at risk:

• Mechanisms of delinquent development – Lucres Nauta-Jansen
• Risk Taxation – Michiel de Vries Robbe (Anneke Kleeven)
• Forensic Intervention & Care policy – Academic Workplace Youth at Risk – Eva Mulder (Lieke van Domburgh)

Close collaboration with Levvel in the Knowledge network Forensisch & Gedrag – Lucres Nauta-Jansen (Thimo van der Pol)