In this project, you will be involved in the ‘Need to Share’ project. This project aims to understand the neural underpinnings of role models in adolescence and young adulthood. You will be involved in the set-up of the study, including the creation of neuroimaging tasks, pilot testing and assisting at the MRI scanner. Depending on timing, you will also be involved in data collection. If the data will not be available in time, there are other projects (https://erasmus-synclab.nl/project/self-concept/) that you can write your thesis on. You will be part of the SYNC (Society, Youth and Neuroscience Connected) lab at Erasmus University Rotterdam. We combine fundamental neuroimaging methods with participatory research with youth. For questions, please contact Yara Toenders at toenders@essb.eur.nl.

Theoretical background: Adolescence and young adulthood are formative phases for development of the self in relation to others and societal contributions (Becht et al., 2018; Patton et al., 2016; Sawyer et al., 2012). The current generation of youth goes through these formative phases in an era characterized by multiple global societal challenges, such as the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, wars, geopolitical tensions, and increasing social inequality and poverty (Choudhury et al., 2023; Lass-Hennemann et al., 2023; Poletti et al., 2022). These multiple societal challenges may affect their future goals and wellbeing (Green et al., 2023; Toenders et al., 2024). Thus, amid the societal challenges and uncertainties that youth face, understanding the developmental processes that influence behaviour and brain development is crucial.

Role models, someone who is an example or inspires you, may serve as anchors for self-disclosure. Role models are individuals who serve as an inspiration for young people, such as parents, teachers, peers, athletes, or influencers. Previous research shows that about 60% of young people have a role model who is close to them (such as a parent), while the remaining young people have a role model who is more distant (such as an influencer) (Yancey et al., 2002; Johnson et al., 2016). The choice of a type of aspiration model is related to various outcomes in a young person’s life, such as interest in education and happiness/life satisfaction (Atif et al., 2022). Importantly, these functions can differ depending on whether the role model is a close, personally known person (e.g., a parent or teacher) or a distant, publicly admired person (e.g., a celebrity or activist). Role models may support young people to discuss their mental wellbeing.

The aim of the current study is to unravel the neural correlates of self-disclosure of societal opinions, the power of role models, future thinking, and wellbeing among adolescents and young adults. This cross-sectional study aims to include adolescents and young adults aged 16–29 years. The study includes neuroimaging research (measuring neural activation during functional MRI), behavioral experiments, and questionnaires.