prof. Lesley Verhofstadt (PhD)

Keywords:

couple and family studies - couple and family therapy

Experience & expertise:

As head of the UGent Familylab I have been conducting research on

• (dys)functional cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes within couples/families
• the impact of stressors (including chronic illness, cancer) on couples/families.

To this end, we use multi-method research (survey, ESM, observational lab studies, multi-family-member interviews). We are also strongly committed to translating our research findings into preventive and therapeutic interventions for couples/families. 
Together with prof. dr. L. Goubert, I have recently supervised PhD research by M. Van Schoors, on the impact of childhood cancer on families. In collaboration with prof. dr. K. Claes, dr. R. De Putter, and dr. S. Hellemans, I’m currently supervising PhD research by S. Van Hoyweghen, on genetic counseling in families facing pediatric cancer. 

Current & future plans:

Our lab has the ambition to further develop our line of research on cancer in couples/families and is therefore in the process of submitting funding applications.

• Prof. Lesley Verhofstadt is co-promotor for PhD student Marthe Tulpin