University of Gothenburg
Image
Photo: Shutterstock
Breadcrumb

Social Mind, Cognition and Executive Functions

The research group Social Mind, Cognition and Executive Functions (SoCEF) study typical and non-typical function among children and adults in relation to the environment and biological factors. Our research concerns perception, thinking, langauge and social interaction..

Research on children and adolescents

Many SoCEF members (Petra Boström, Kerstin Falkman, Erland Hjelmquist, Maria Larsson, Marek Meristo, Isac Sehlstedt, Karin Strid) study development from cognitive, social-cognitive, linguistic and/or communicative perspectives. The research is mainly concerned with early development and includes children with and without impairments. More information about our various projects, together with information on the methods we employ, is found at Barnlaboratoriet.

ADHD is a common neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by attention deficits, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity. Its treatment entails medication combined with psychosocial/psychoeducative support. While many short-term studies (<1 yr) show good effects of this treatment, the long-term results are more uncertain, according to the relatively few studies addressing this topic. This is why Elin Nylander and Stefan Hansen analyze data on symptom burden and functional outcomes in children and adults with ADHD over the course of several years. These studies are carried out in collaboration with researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy.

Neurological and psychiatric conditions in adults

Neurological disease and brain injury might be associated with cognitive and emotional disorders. To explore their causes and short- and long-term consequences, Stefan Winblad and Hans Samuelsson perform neuropsychological studies on adult patients with conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular disorders (myotonic dystrophy type 1 and Duchenne muscular dystrophy). These studies are carried out in collaboration with researchers at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the Sahlgrenska Academy. The cognitive and psychological aspects of Duchenne muscular dystrophy are also studied by Jonas Gillenstrand och Malin Broberg.

Maria Gröndal and Stefan Winblad are also involved in studies on psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and premenstrual dysphoric disorders (PMDS). This research is performed in close cooperation with researchers at Sahlgrenska University Hospital and the Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology

Members

  • Stefan Hansen
    Biological psychology
  • Malin Broberg
    Psychology
  • Stefan Winblad
    Neuropsychology, executive functions, emotions
  • Hans Samuelsson
    Clinical neuropsychology, neglect and attention
  • Petra Boström

    Parenting, child, intellectual disability,mental health

  • Kerstin Falkman
    Development, language, mentalization, functional variation
  • Erland Hjelmqvist

    Language and communication development, executive functions,  theory of mind, dyslexia

  • Maria Larsson
    Language development, cognition, memory, atypical development
  • Marek Meristo
    Moral development, infant development, distributive fairness, social cognition, deaf children
  • Karin Strid
    Moral development, infant development, distributive fairness, social cognition, deaf children

PhD students