Official Website
handrélaubscher
Psychology researcher, published author,
university lecturer & photographer —
from the heart of South Africa.
Author · Researcher · Founder
Official Website
Psychology researcher, published author,
university lecturer & photographer —
from the heart of South Africa.
Biography
Paul Handré Laubscher — known as Handré — is a South African writer, independent psychology researcher, and photographer from Christiana, North West. He operates his photography practice under the name Laubscher Lenswerke and his academic work through Laubscher Research.
From an early age, Handré showed a rare fascination with human behaviour — skipping fairy tales for encyclopaedias and psychology textbooks. By his mid-teens he had earned two diplomas in psychology through Alison — one in mental health, one in child and educational psychology — and was teaching international courses in abnormal psychology as an online instructor.
At sixteen, his research paper The Law of Control was published in the Journal of Organizational Psychology, making him one of the youngest researchers to appear in a recognised psychology journal. He has authored three books — Psychecracy, Fameocracy, and Happiness is Overrated — all self-funded, and has founded the Laubscher Institute for Research to help other young scholars publish earlier.
Publications
Academic Work
This paper proposes a paradigm shift: power derives less from the possession of resources than from control over the mechanisms through which psychological resources are exchanged. The Law of Control holds that influence is an illusion if one does not dictate the flow of psychological resources. Through historical, economic, and digital case studies — from monarchs regulating trade to social media platforms shaping visibility — the paper demonstrates that lasting authority stems from structuring exchanges, not holding assets.
View publication →Researcher ID
ORCiD registered researcher
Academic publications verified and indexed via the Open Researcher and Contributor ID system.
Independent · South Africa
Founded to support young academics and writers in publishing their work professionally and beginning their careers earlier. The Institute offers mentorship, publication guidance, and research support for emerging scholars.
Enquire about the Institute →Press & Features
YOU Magazine
South Africa's leading English lifestyle magazine profiled Handré's extraordinary journey — from analysing peers at birthday parties to publishing peer-reviewed research, all while still in high school.
Read feature →Huisgenoot
Huisgenoot — South Africa's most widely read Afrikaans magazine — covered Handré's story, reaching millions of households across the country.
Rapport
Rapport included Handré's research and books in its coverage, placing his work before one of the country's most influential Afrikaans readerships.
Beeld
Beeld, the flagship Afrikaans daily for Gauteng, connected Handré's work to a broad urban Afrikaans audience.
Maroela Media
One of South Africa's most trusted Afrikaans news platforms covered Handré's books, journal breakthrough, and his founding of the Laubscher Institute.
Read feature →Netwerk24
Netwerk24, the digital home of all Media24 Afrikaans publications, covered Handré's work on multiple occasions across its full stable.
Rosestad FM
Rosestad FM featured Handré's work and publishing story in its programming for an Afrikaans community radio audience.
Groot FM
Groot FM featured Handré's psychology, youth, and publishing work for a national Afrikaans radio audience.
What's the Jam (UK/International)
Handré's story drew international attention — sparking conversations about age, ambition, and the gatekeeping of academic institutions.
Read feature →Europese Pers — Tsjeggiese Republiek
A Czech publication was among the European outlets that picked up Handré's story — extending his reach into Central Europe.
Media Enquiries
Available to speak on psychology, youth in academia, South African politics, Afrikaans culture, and the attention economy.
info@handrelaubscher.online →Get in Touch
Whether you're a reader, researcher, journalist, or collaborator — Handré welcomes correspondence.
Photography
Laubscher Lenswerke
Based in
Christiana, North West, South Africa
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