Leiden University Student Repository

Huisman, José (2023)

Het verschil in rigide gedrag tussen jongens en meisjes: Is er sprake van een verschil in cognitieve flexibiliteit?

Master thesis | Education and Child Studies (MSc)

Repetitive and restricted behavior has been related to difficulties in cognitive flexibility. However, previous research on differences in repetitive and restricted behavior between gender shows inconsistent results. The current study investigates if there is a difference in repetitive and restricted behavior between boys and girls, and whether this difference could be explained by differences in cognitive flexibility. This study uses the Trail Making Test and Social Responsiveness Scale to examine cognitive flexibility and repetitive and restricted behavior in 18 boys and 13 girls, between 8 and 16 years old. First of all, a Pearson correlation analysis shows no association between cognitive flexibility and repetitive and restricted behavior. Furthermore, an independent t-test shows no differences on parent questionnaires, measuring rigid behavior between boys and girls. Lastly, mediation analysis, using PROCESS, does not result in differences between boys and girls in repetitive...Show moreRepetitive and restricted behavior has been related to difficulties in cognitive flexibility. However, previous research on differences in repetitive and restricted behavior between gender shows inconsistent results. The current study investigates if there is a difference in repetitive and restricted behavior between boys and girls, and whether this difference could be explained by differences in cognitive flexibility. This study uses the Trail Making Test and Social Responsiveness Scale to examine cognitive flexibility and repetitive and restricted behavior in 18 boys and 13 girls, between 8 and 16 years old. First of all, a Pearson correlation analysis shows no association between cognitive flexibility and repetitive and restricted behavior. Furthermore, an independent t-test shows no differences on parent questionnaires, measuring rigid behavior between boys and girls. Lastly, mediation analysis, using PROCESS, does not result in differences between boys and girls in repetitive and restricted behavior. Cognitive flexibility does not mediate this effect. The results did not provide evidence for a difference between repetitive and restricted behavior between boys and girls, and the difference could not be explained by a difference in cognitive flexibility. However, the current study highlights the importance for future research. It is of great importance to further explore differences in repetitive and restricted behavior between boys and girls, and possible mechanisms explaining this. This study contributes to improvements in clinical health care, because results will contribute to the development of new treatment methods and increased understanding of repetitive and restricted behavioral patterns in children and adolescents at risk.Show less

Cognitive flexibility

Author

Huisman, José

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Orthopedagogiek

Supervisors

C. E. Bergwerff

ECTS Credits

20

Language

nl