MAXLab

Head of project: Jean-Louis van Gelder
The 360º Virtual Scenario Method research program aims to remedy some of the defects of the traditional written scenario (or “vignette”) method by employing immersive 360º video. This immersive method is based on the as­sump­tion that the commonly used written scenarios lack contextual detail and are unlikely to capture the more visceral and emotional aspects that surround real-world offending, which commonly occurs during “hot” and al­tered states of mind. more

Head of project: Jean-Louis van Gelder
The Virtual Burglary Project is a research program co-headed by Prof. Claire Nee (University of Portsmouth) and involves a collaboration with researchers from Leiden University and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. The Virtual Burglary Project uses a VR approach to better understand the behavior of residential burglars and to contribute to crime prevention. Data collections occur in Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, and the United Kingdom. more

Heads of project: Jean-Louis van Gelder, Esther Mertens
FutureU is a novel and scalable behavioral intervention to increase future-orientation in offenders by connecting them to their future self. The research program, which was started with the (Dutch) Probation Service as a partner and stakeholder, is premised on the well-established notion that delinquents often live like there is no tomorrow because that tomorrow is not cognitively present in their minds. more

Head of project: Jean-Louis van Gelder
FutureU for Mental Health involves adaptations of the FutureU VR intervention paradigm for use with people experiencing symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation (SI). In these adaptations, research participants meet and embody realistic virtual avatars of either their future or their former (i.e., child) selves. Using therapeutic techniques and clinical interventions (e.g., two-chair technique, coping plan), the affordances of the FutureU VR paradigm are exploited to explore the potential of embodiment of the future and former self to treat disorders. more

Heads of project: Jean-Louis van Gelder, Yikang Zhang
Relationships with friends and peers play a pivotal role in shaping our behavior and decisions, whether positive or negative. Research consistently shows that these social bonds exert a powerful influence on individual choices, especially during adolescence and early adulthood. Peers provide information, reinforcement, and emotional support, that guide individuals toward healthy habits or, conversely, toward risk-taking and antisocial behaviors. more