Ernst Koster
Motivations
What is your main motivation for research?
Depression and anxiety are the most common psychological complaints. A better understanding of the causal mechanisms of these complaints is essential to improve existing treatments. Within our research, we seek to develop innovative treatments based on insights into cognitive, behavioral and biological processes.
Why do you think strengthening mental health is so important?
There are significant challenges in both preventing and treating mental health problems. Despite extensive research and interventions, mental health problems are not declining within the population. Likewise, we know that self-researched treatments are still not effective for everyone.
How can research change the world?
Through careful research in collaboration with clinical practice, we learn about the challenges and gaps in our understanding and treatment of mental health problems. In doing so, research is essential to implement effective and targeted mental health policy. At the same time, research on mental health problems teaches us to reflect on questions about what mental health is, what suffering means and how to positively shape mental well-being.
With whom outside academia have you already collaborated and achieved significant results?
I have one leg in clinical practice as a clinical psychologist and behavioral therapist to be maximally in touch with clinical practice.
In our psychopathology and affective neuroscience lab, we frequently collaborate with non-academic partners such as psychiatric centres and hospitals, online help initiatives such as depression help online and also patient associations such as Ups & Downs.
Furthermore, I am a member of the board of directors of the Flemish Association of Clinical Psychologists to weigh in on mental health along those lines too.
Publications
https://biblio.ugent.be/person/801001457380