Barbara Braams

My research focuses on adolescent neurocognitive development and decision-making. I am especially interested in (real life) risk-taking behavior and social influence on risk-taking behavior. In my work, I utilize a multi-method approach in which I combine neural measures, hormone assessments, behavioral tasks and daily diary measures as real-life assessments of behavior. In different research projects I investigate the factors that are related to increases in risky decision making in adolescence and which individuals are particularly vulnerable to adverse consequences due to excessive risk taking. Ultimately, my work will help build a better understanding of adolescence and can inform broader ways in which we can help support or intervene in adolescent development to get adolescents on the best possible trajectory towards independence.