Project
The iBerry Study (Investigating Behavioral and Emotional Risk in Rotterdam Youth) is a large-scale research on addiction among youth in Rotterdam and surrounding areas. It is run by Nina Grootendorst, who follows a cohort of over a thousand young people. In this study, she and her team are charting the relationships between environment, psychiatric problems, and addiction. The Niessen Schmitz fonds supports this study.
Rotterdam rates for school dropouts, juvenile delinquency, and youth unemployment are among the highest in the country. But not everybody develops a drinking or drug habit. What makes the difference between growing up to be a healthy citizen, or becoming dependent on substances?
Charting the city’s youth
For the research, Grootendorst has found youth from diverse backgrounds. “The heart of our study consists of the interviews that we conduct with each participant every two years. We ask about their physical and mental health, their relationship with their parents, their performance at school, financial problems, whether they’re being bullied, among others. We also chart addictions, including gambling, but substance abuse is our primary focus. We’ve noticed that a combination of risk factors greatly increases the risks of addiction. Early detection of people who are subject to multiple risk factors is very important.”
“We’re very impressed with the loyalty and candor of our participants.” Few participants have dropped out of the study, which as been ongoing since 2015. “Their visits can last up to three hours, and often their accounts can be deeply moving.”
