‘The risk in times of corona is that students will not get around to important matters such as leaving home or taking a long trip without their parents. Such experiences are not only fun for them, but especially important to become independent and mature.’

Odilia Laceulle is associate professor in Developmental Psychology (ius promovendi).

Laceulle investigates youth developmental pathways. She looks at both person characteristics (“Who are you?”) and at characteristics of the environment (“Which experiences do you have?”). Is the personality of young people shaped by environmental factors such as stress, trauma and social relationships? Or do young people create their own environment based on who they are? And what is the influence of personality traits and environmental factors on the mental health of young people, now and in the future?

Laceulle is affiliated as a senior researcher at the Center for Adolescent Psychiatry, Reinier van Arkel in Den Bosch and at HYPE, GGZCentraal in Amersfoort. Additionally, she was involved in research into the effects of corona on young people in the ‘Youth Challenge’ of the National Science Agenda. 

Laceulle is one of the community chair holders of Utrecht University strategic theme 'Dynamic of Youth', domain 'Thriving & Healthy Youth'.

Laceulle studied developmental psychology at Utrecht University and specialized in youth development. She obtained her PhD cum laude from the University of Groningen for her research into the adaptability of adolescents.