Scientific publications

THRIVE project

Sorted by work packages

WP1: Understanding vaccine hesitancy: a person-centered approach

Beylat, M., Wollast, R., Luminet, O., et al. (2025). COVID-19 and Memory (Manuscript in preparation).

WP 2: The COVID-19 crisis: a lingering mental scar or an opportunity for growth?

Preece, D., Wollast, R., Luminet., O., et al. (2025). Loneliness and alexithymia, Manuscript under review.

Preece, D., Wollast, R., et al. (2025). Loneliness, Depression and Emotion Regulation, Manuscript under review.

Waterschoot, J., Yzerbyt, V., Vansteenkiste, M., et al. How political regimes shape expected psychological need experiences in societal crises. Manuscript in progress

Waterschoot, J., Morbée, S., De Mulder, F., Soenens, B., & Vansteenkiste, M. Turning Distress into Growth: The unique role of integrative emotion regulation. Manuscript submitted

Wollast, R., Birtel, M., & Luminet, O. (2025). The Multidimensional Loneliness Questionnaire (MLQ): Development and psychometric validation. Manuscript in preparation.

Wollast, R., Lüders, A., Nugier, A., Guimond, S., Phillips, J. B., Sutton, R. M., Douglas, K. M., Sengupta, N. K., Lemay, E. P., Zand, S., Van Lissa, C. J., Bélanger, J. J., et al. (2025). Gender inequality and cultural values in explaining gender differences in positive and negative emotions: A comparison of 24 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current Psychology, 44, 7584-7602. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06989-0

Wollast, R., Petrova, K. Li, Hanqiu, Gross J. J, Lacourse, E., de la Sablonnière, S., Phillips, J. B., Sengupta, N. K., Sutton, R. M., Douglas, K. M., et al. (2025). Heterogeneity in Trajectories of Positive and Negative Emotions: A Longitudinal Study Across 20 Countries. Manuscript under review.

Wollast, R., Preece, D. A., Schmitz, M., Bigot, A., Gross, J. J., & Luminet, O. (2024). The role of self-compassion in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic: a group-based trajectory modelling approach. Cognition and Emotion, 38(1), 103-119. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699931.2023.2270201

Wollast, R., Waterschoot, J., Vansteenkiste, M., DeSmet, A., & Luminet, O. (2025). Heterogeneous trajectories of autonomy, competence, and relatedness: A group-based modeling approach. Manuscript in preparation.

Wollast, R., Birtel, M., Waterschoot, J., & Luminet, O. (2025). Trajectories of loneliness among minority groups. Manuscript in preparation.

WP3: Health behaviors during and beyond the pandemic: exploring contrasting paths and their mental health impact

Wollast, R., Phillips, J. B., Hagger, M. S., Hamilton, K., DeSmet, A., & Luminet, O. (2025). Loneliness, trust, and willingness to re-adopt preventive behaviors in a post-pandemic context. Manuscript in preparation.

Wollast, R., Sadeghi-Bahmani, D., Schmitz, M., Bigot, A., Gross, J. J., & Luminet, O. (2025). Are There Three Subtypes of Social Distancing? A Longitudinal Investigation of Physical Distancing, Social Contact Limitations, and Emotional Distancing. European Journal of Health Psychology. 32(3), 148-164. https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000179

Wollast, R., Schmitz, M., Bigot, A., Speybroeck, N., de la Sablonnière, R., Lacourse, E., & Luminet, O. (2023). Trajectories of health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal analysis of handwashing, mask wearing, social contact limitations, and physical distancing. Psychology & Health, 39(13), 1899-1926. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2023.2278706

Wollast, R., Schmitz, M., Bigot, A., Brisbois, M., Luminet, O. (2024). Predicting health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study. PLoS ONE, 19(3), e0299868. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299868

Wollast, R., Phillips, J. B., Hagger, M. S., Hamilton, K., DeSmet, A., & Luminet, O. (2025). Theory of Planned Behavior constructs as mediators of relations between personality traits, trust, and COVID-19 preventive behavior adherence. Social Science & Medicine, 384, 118531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118531

WP4: Navigating transitions in adolescence during the pandemic

WP 5: Trust in politicians, experts, and health care workers: The impact of communication during a pandemic

Beylat, M., Lalot, F., Vansteenkiste, M., Waterschoot, J., Klein, O., & Yzerbyt, V. No Fear Needed When Trust Runs Deep: How Perception of Risk and Institutional Integrity Shape Vaccination. Manuscript submitted to Political Psychology

Brad, L., Waterschoot, J., Vansteenkiste, M., Yzebyt, V., et al. Role of perceived communication style on motivation and the moderating role of need satisfaction and risk perception. Manucsript in progress

WP6: Understanding the impact of the Covid-Safe Ticket on vaccination intentions and public trust

Waterschoot, J., Yzerbyt, V., Morbée, S., Ryan, R., & Vansteenkiste, M. Health Policies can Impact Citizens’ Psychological Needs and Mental Health: Evidence from Covid-Safe Health Certifications. Manuscript submitted.

WP7: Does stringent policy always undermine motivation and mental health? The key role of proportionality

Waterschoot, J., Morbée, S., Van den Bergh, O., Yzerbyt, V., Raemdonck, E., Brisbois, M., Schmitz, M., Klein, O., Luminet, O., Van Oost, P., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2023). How the Stringency of the COVID-19 Restrictions Influences Motivation for Adherence and Well-Being: The Critical Role of Proportionality. International Journal of Health Policy and Management, 12(1), 1-13. doi: 10.34172/ijhpm.2023.8021

Motivation Barometer

Overview papers

Vansteenkiste, M., Waterschoot, J., Morbée, S., Van Oost, P., Schmitz, M., Klein, O., Luminet, O., Yzerbyt, V., & Van den Bergh, O. (2023). Psychological science and its societal mission during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: The Motivation Barometer as an evidence-informed policy instrument in Belgium. Social Issues and Policy Review, 1–30. https://doi.org/10.1111/sipr.12101

Waterschoot, J. (2023). The motivation barometer during the COVID-19 crisis in Belgium : the role of basic needs, risk perception and motivation predicting behavior and well-being. Ghent University. Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ghent, Belgium. http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-01H4WQ7YAZA9ES768Z4C41Q16C

Motivation, risk perception, and behavioral adherence

Morbée, S., Haerens, L., Waterschoot, J., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2021). Which cyclists manage to cope with the corona crisis in a resilient way? The role of motivational profiles. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 20(4), 1049-1067. https://doi.org/10.1080/1612197X.2021.1940241

Morbée, S., Vermote, B., Waterschoot, J., Dieleman, L., Soenens, B., Van den Bergh, O., Ryan, R. M., Vanhalst, J., De Muynck, G.-J., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2021). Adherence to COVID-19 measures: The critical role of autonomous motivation on a short- and long-term basis. Motivation Science, 7(4), 487–496. https://doi.org/10.1037/mot0000250

Schmitz, M., Luminet, O., Klein, O., Morbée, S., Van den Bergh, O., Van Oost, P., Waterschoot, J., Yzerbyt, V., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2022). Predicting vaccine uptake during COVID-19 crisis: A motivational approach. Vaccine, 40(2), 288-297. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.11.068.

Van Oost, P., Schmitz, M., Klein, O., Brisbois, M., Luminet, O., Morbée, S., Raemdonck, E., Van den Bergh, O., Vansteenkiste, M., Waterschoot, J., & Yzerbyt, V. (2024). When views about alternative medicine, nature and god come in the way of people’s vaccination intentions. European Journal of Social Psychology, 54(3), 767-784. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.3047

Van Oost, P., Yzerbyt, V., Schmitz, M., Vansteenkiste, M., Luminet, O., Morbée, S., Van den Bergh, O., Waterschoot, J., & Klein, O. (2022). The relation between conspiracism, government trust, and COVID-19 vaccination intentions: The key role of motivation. Social Science & Medicine, 301, 114926. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114926

Waterschoot, J., Morbée, S., Van den Bergh, O., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2022). Merry Christmas and a ‘Healthy’ New Year: Assessing people’s Expectations regarding Christmas Gathering in Pandemic Times. European Journal of Health Psychology, 30(1), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000114.

Waterschoot, J., Morbée, S., Yzerbyt, V., Van Oost, P., Klein, O., Luminet, O., Schmitz, M., Van den Bergh, O., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2024). Why Motivation for Adhering to COVID-19 Measures Matters: Investigating Time-Lagged Associations with Epidemiological Indicators. Motivation Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/mot0000346

Waterschoot, J., Van Oost, P., Vansteenkiste, M., Bribois, M., Schmitz, M., Morbée, S., Klein, O., Luminet, O., Van den Bergh, O., Raemdonck, E., & Yzerbyt, V. (2023). Who is Motivated to Accept a Booster and Annual Dose? A Dimensional and Person-Centered Approach. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 15(4), 1293-1318. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12437

Waterschoot, J., Vansteenkiste, M., Brisbois, M., Klein, O., Luminet, O., Morbée, S., Raemdonck, E., Schmitz, M., Van Oost, P., Yzerbyt, V. & Van den Bergh, O. (2024). Risk perception as a motivational resource during the COVID-19 pandemic: the role of vaccination status and emerging variants. BMC Public Health, 24, 731. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18020-z

Waterschoot, J., Yzerbyt, V., Soenens, B., Van den Bergh, O., Morbée, S., Schmitz, M., Van Oost, P., Luminet, O., Klein, O., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2023). How do vaccination intentions change over time? The role of motivational growth.Health psychology, 42(2), 113–123. https://doi.org/10.1037/hea0001228

Mental health

Brenning, K., Waterschoot, J., Dieleman, L., Morbée, S., Vermote, B., Soenens, B., Van der Kaap-Deeder, J., van den Bogaard, D., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2022). Maladaptive Emotion Regulation as a Vulnerability Factor during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A 10-Wave Longitudinal Study. Stress & Health, 39(3), 562-575. https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.3204

Morbée, S., Beeckman, M., Loeys, T., Waterschoot, J., Cardon, G., Haerens, L., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2023). A Brief Report on the Reciprocal Associations between Physical Activity and Mental Well-being during the First 9 Weeks of the COVID-19 Lockdown in Belgium. Mental Health and Physical Activity, 24, 100500. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mhpa.2022.100500

Van de Casteele, M., Waterschoot, J., Anthierens, S., DeSmet, A., Galand, B., Goossens, H., Morbée, S., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2022). Saliva testing among teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Effects on health concerns, well-being, and precautionary behavior. Social Science & Medicine, 311, 115295. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115295

Vermote, B., Morbée, S., Soenens, B., Vansteenkiste, M., Waterschoot, J., Beyers, W., & der Kaap-Deeder, V. (2023). How do late adults experience meaning during the COVID-19 lockdown? The role of intrinsic goals. Journal of Happiness, 24(5), 1759-1780.. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-023-00657-z

Vermote, B., Waterschoot, J., Morbée, S., Van der Kaap-Deeder, J., Schrooyen, C., Soenens, B., Ryan, R., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2022). Do Psychological Needs Play a Role in Times of Uncertainty? Associations with Well-Being During the COVID-19 Crisis. Journal of happiness studies, 23(1), 257–283. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-021-00398-x

Waterschoot, J., Morbée, S., Soenens, B., Van den Bergh, O., Raemdonck, E., Brisbois, M., Schmitz, M., Klein, O., Luminet, O., Van Oost, P., Yzerbyt, V., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2023). Psychological need fulfillment as a source of resilience: Its protective role in concerns and symptoms of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applied psychology: Health and well-being. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12508

Waterschoot, J., Morbée, S., Vermote, B., Brenning, K., Flamant, N., Vansteenkiste, M., & Soenens, B. (2022). Emotion regulation in times of COVID-19: A person-centered approach based on self-determination theory. Current Psychology, 42, 20211–20225. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02623-5

Waterschoot, J., Van der Kaap-Deeder, J., Morbée, S., Soenens, B., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2021). “How to unlock myself from boredom?” The role of mindfulness and a dual awareness-and action-oriented pathway during the COVID-19 lockdown. Personality and Individual Differences, 175, 110729. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2021.110729

Vulnerable groups

Desimpelaere, E., Soenens, B., Prinzie, P., Waterschoot, J., Vansteenkiste, M., Morbée, S., Schrooyen, C., & De Pauw, S. (2023). Parents’ Stress, Parental Burnout, and Parenting Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparing Parents of Children with and without Complex Care Needs. Journal of Child Family Studies, 32, 3681–3696. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-023-02702-0

Schrooyen, C., Soenens, B., Waterschoot, J., Vermote, B., Morbée, S., Beyers, W., Brenning, K., Dieleman, L., Van der Kaap-Deeder, J., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2021). Parental identity as a resource for parental adaptation during the COVID-19 lockdown. Journal of Family Psychology, 35(8), 1053-1064.

van der Kaap-Deeder, J., Vermote, B., Waterschoot, J., Soenens, B., Morbée, S., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2021). The role of ego integrity and despair in older adults’ well-being during the COVID-19 crisis: the mediating role of need-based experiences. European Journal of Ageing, 19, 117–129. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10433-021-00610-0

Wauters, A., Vervoort, T., Dhondt, K., Soenens, B., Vansteenkiste, M., Morbée, S., Waterschoot, J., Haerynck, F., Vandekerckhove, K., Verhelst, H., Van Aken, S., Raes, A., Schelstraete, P., Vande Walle, J., & Van Hoecke, E. (2022). Mental health outcomes among parents of children with a chronic disease during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of parental burn-out. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 47(4), 420-431. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/jsab129

Contextual predictors

Morbée, S., Waterschoot, J., Yzerbyt, V., Klein, O., Luminet, O., Schmitz, M., Van den Bergh, O., Van Oost, P., De Craene, S., & Vansteenkiste, M. (2022). Personal and contextual determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention: a vignette study. Expert review of vaccines, 21(10), 1475-1485. https://doi.org/10.1080/14760584.2022.2105212

Communication style

Legate, N., Ngyuen, T. V., Weinstein, N., Moller, A., Legault, L., Vally, Z., … & Ogbonnaya, C. E. (2022). A global experiment on motivating social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(22). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2111091119

Morbée, S., Vansteenkiste, M., Waterschoot, J., Klein, O., Luminet, O., Schmitz, M., Van den Bergh, O., Van Oost, P., & Yzerbyt, V. (2022). The Role of Communication Style and External Motivators in Predicting Vaccination Experiences and Intentions: An Experimental Vignette Study. Health communication, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2022.2125012