Ina Koning

This PhD project at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam examines how online and offline social relationships among young people are intertwined, and how digital experiences may support positive relationships, mental wellbeing, and flourishing. The position is embedded in the Stronger2gether consortium, a transdisciplinary research community that links science and practice. The doctoral researcher will work with students in vmbo, mbo, and special education , together with teachers and other professionals who play an important role in young people’s lives. The project combines a systematic review with qualitative focus groups, design-based research in close collaboration with young people and practitioners, and possibly mixed-methods evaluation work. A central aim is to help develop and refine interventions and existing approaches that teachers can use to strengthen positive peer relationships, including in relation to young people’s online and offline worlds. The research contributes to the development of the CARES model (Child & Adolescent Relationships & Ecological Support) and is explicitly intended to produce insights that can be applied in educational and practice settings. The student will join a collaborative environment within the VU Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences and the LEARN! research institute, with opportunities to work alongside other PhD candidates, researchers, and practitioners. The project also includes co-research with young people and participation in training, intervision, and methods sessions. Supervision is provided by Anne de Bruijn , Ina Koning , Svenja Buttner , and Chiel van der Veen .