Dr. Karen Holtmaat

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Karen Holtmaat is an Assistant Professor in Clinical Psychology at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her research is primarily focused on meaning-making in stressful situations, with a particular emphasis on climate change coping and psychosocial oncology. Based on her expertise in Climate Psychology, she examines the impact of climate change on mental health, investigating how eco-emotions and climate-related behaviors affect psychological well-being. Additionally, she explores interpersonal emotion regulation within romantic relationships, particularly in the context of cancer caregiving. Her projects include the ADJUST-study, which evaluates the prevalence and treatment efficacy for adjustment disorders in cancer patients, and the development of Oncokompas, an eHealth application designed to enhance self-management among cancer patients. Holtmaat's dissertation addressed the long-term effects of meaning-centered psychotherapy for cancer survivors, linking enhanced life meaning to reduced depressive symptoms and facilitating posttraumatic growth. As an Education Coordinator, she oversees various courses and supervises theses in Clinical Psychology, contributing to the academic development of future practitioners.

Research Interests

Courses

Low Intensity Treatments for Common Mental Health Problems Psyche en Soma

Requirements for Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:24
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:25
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field 12 ECTS in Research Methods/Statistics 12 ECTS in Clinical Diagnosis/Assessment
Application Checklist
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Official Transcripts
  • Motivation Letter
  • Proof of English Proficiency
Specialization Notes

Administered under the Department of Clinical Psychology for Master's in Clinical and Developmental Psychopathology.