Van der Molen conducts research into social behaviour and identity. By staging social situations in her work, she creates visions of the future that question rules of behaviour in the social sphere. Her work shows that every language, whether in word or body language, has its own function, but also refers to the underlying layers below the surface. The body language, text and utensils that are used in her work depend on the known associations. By making new combinations, dissecting language and changing rules of conduct, installations that question the social sphere are being formed. As a result, her work – which started with objects, costumes, installations, performance and video work – continues to expand in new disciplines.