Parenting as Network
Although parenting programs have been around for years, their effects often prove modest. Why? One reason may be that current intervention models assume a simplified view of parenting. In the “Parenting as Network” (PNR) project, we study parenting as a network of interconnected nodes of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that influence each other and children's behavior. By understanding which nodes in this network are most influential, we can potentially make parenting interventions more effective.
The PNR-project combines network theory and dynamic system models to investigate 1) what parenting looks like as a network in everyday life, 2) which components from existing interventions could effectively influence this network, and 3) whether the targeted influence of central nodes in the network leads to improved parenting and fewer behavioral problems in children.
Your PhD project consists of three studies: a cross-sectional network analysis, a scoping review of intervention components, and an experimental study in which we test whether targeted intervention on central network nodes strengthens the parenting network as a whole, and so improves child development outcomes
In this project, you will be supervised by co-promoters Dr. Loes van Rijn-van Gelderen and Dr. Brechtje de Mooij, and promotor Prof. Dr. Geertjan Overbeek.
What are you going to do
- Co-design and conduct empirical and review studies on parenting.
- Conduct a literature review and large-scale data collection among parents with children between 2 and 12 years old.
- Analyze complex data using ideographic network models.
- Present findings at (inter)national conferences.
- Produce scientific papers and a dissertation.
What do you have to offer
Must have
You have a completed (Research) Master's degree in (Ortho)pedagogy, Psychology, or a related field.
You understand the importance of scientific research for improving parenting and family dynamics.
You enjoy thinking through complex ideas and spotting connections between them.
You enjoy working with data and are eager to learn new methods for analyzing it.
When things get busy, you know how to prioritize and keep track of your progress.
You feel confident sharing your ideas and findings in conversations and presentations.
Nice to have
You take initiative, ask for help when needed, and like working with others to get things done.
Some experience with conducting research and experience with or an interest in ideographic network analysis are a plus.
What else do we offer
The position offered is classified under the University Job Classification profile for PhD candidates (Promovendus). It is a temporary role, requiring a commitment of 38 hours per week for a maximum duration of 4 years, which includes a 10% teaching load. The initial employment contract will be for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, and unless circumstances change, this contract can be extended for up to 36 months, which will facilitate the completion of the PhD degree.
You will work here
You will work in an ambitious team of researchers passionate about (intervention) research in the parenting field, where there is an open and relaxed atmosphere. The core team will consist of Dr. Brechtje de Mooij, Dr. Loes van Rijn-van Gelderen, and Prof. Dr. Geertjan Overbeek. In addition, collaborations with other experts may be established.
Furthermore, you will be part of a research lab, where you will meet inspiring researchers in the field of prevention science. This research lab is embedded in the Research Institute of Child Development and Education. Our department brings together younger and older professionals with diverse expertise spanning multiple disciplines and career stages. We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where varied perspectives and experiences contribute to our collaborative success.
Parents play a crucial role in the well-being of children, but how do we best support them? And do we truly understand how parenting works to improve child development? In the innovative project “Parenting as a Network”, you will employ a novel network approach to answer these questions, by assessing parenting as a dynamic system. We are looking for a curious, driven PhD candidate ready to dive deep into this exciting new way of understanding and improving parenting and its implications for child development.
Parenting as Network
Although parenting programs have been around for years, their effects often prove modest. Why? One reason may be that current intervention models assume a simplified view of parenting. In the “Parenting as Network” (PNR) project, we study parenting as a network of interconnected nodes of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that influence each other and children's behavior. By understanding which nodes in this network are most influential, we can potentially make parenting interventions more effective.
The PNR-project combines network theory and dynamic system models to investigate 1) what parenting looks like as a network in everyday life, 2) which components from existing interventions could effectively influence this network, and 3) whether the targeted influence of central nodes in the network leads to improved parenting and fewer behavioral problems in children.
Your PhD project consists of three studies: a cross-sectional network analysis, a scoping review of intervention components, and an experimental study in which we test whether targeted intervention on central network nodes strengthens the parenting network as a whole, and so improves child development outcomes
In this project, you will be supervised by co-promoters Dr. Loes van Rijn-van Gelderen and Dr. Brechtje de Mooij, and promotor Prof. Dr. Geertjan Overbeek.
What are you going to do
- Co-design and conduct empirical and review studies on parenting.
- Conduct a literature review and large-scale data collection among parents with children between 2 and 12 years old.
- Analyze complex data using ideographic network models.
- Present findings at (inter)national conferences.
- Produce scientific papers and a dissertation.
What do you have to offer
Must have
You have a completed (Research) Master's degree in (Ortho)pedagogy, Psychology, or a related field.
You understand the importance of scientific research for improving parenting and family dynamics.
You enjoy thinking through complex ideas and spotting connections between them.
You enjoy working with data and are eager to learn new methods for analyzing it.
When things get busy, you know how to prioritize and keep track of your progress.
You feel confident sharing your ideas and findings in conversations and presentations.
Nice to have
You take initiative, ask for help when needed, and like working with others to get things done.
Some experience with conducting research and experience with or an interest in ideographic network analysis are a plus.
What else do we offer
The position offered is classified under the University Job Classification profile for PhD candidates (Promovendus). It is a temporary role, requiring a commitment of 38 hours per week for a maximum duration of 4 years, which includes a 10% teaching load. The initial employment contract will be for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, and unless circumstances change, this contract can be extended for up to 36 months, which will facilitate the completion of the PhD degree.
You will work here
You will work in an ambitious team of researchers passionate about (intervention) research in the parenting field, where there is an open and relaxed atmosphere. The core team will consist of Dr. Brechtje de Mooij, Dr. Loes van Rijn-van Gelderen, and Prof. Dr. Geertjan Overbeek. In addition, collaborations with other experts may be established.
Furthermore, you will be part of a research lab, where you will meet inspiring researchers in the field of prevention science. This research lab is embedded in the Research Institute of Child Development and Education. Our department brings together younger and older professionals with diverse expertise spanning multiple disciplines and career stages. We're committed to fostering an inclusive environment where varied perspectives and experiences contribute to our collaborative success.
Are you the colleague we are looking for? Then we look forward to receiving your application by June 30th. Applications (PDF) should include a curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation.
For questions, don’t hesitate to contact Loes van Rijn-van Gelderen (L.vanRijn-vanGelderen@uva.nl).
Invitations for the interviews (held at the UvA, Roeterseiland complex) will be sent on July 2nd.
The first round of job interviews will take place on July 8th (10:00-13:00) and 9th (14:00-17:00).
The expected starting date is 1st September, 2025.
