For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), social contact can be particularly challenging, which can impact their level of peer acceptance. This study aimed to explore the relationship...Show moreFor children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), social contact can be particularly challenging, which can impact their level of peer acceptance. This study aimed to explore the relationship between social contact and peer acceptance among children with ASD. We hypothesized that children with ASD had fewer contacts and were less accepted by peers than children without ASD. Furthermore, we hypothesized that increased social contact was associated with greater levels of peer acceptance for both children with and without ASD, but less strong for children with ASD in comparison to children without ASD. With a novel approach, this study documented the amount of social contact and the level of peer acceptance of 95 children in two special education schools in the Netherlands. The sample included 46 children with (Mage = 10.2, SD = 1.0) and 49 children without ASD (Mage = 11.3, SD=1.0), with an age range from 8 to 13 years, who were observed through proximity tags to measure social contact, and the LITOP questionnaire was utilized to assess the level of peer acceptance. MANOVA was employed to investigate whether children with ASD had fewer contacts and were less accepted than their peers without ASD and the hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine the potential relationship between social contact and peer acceptance and. Surprisingly, children with ASD engaged in contact with more partners and were more accepted than children without ASD, despite the expectedly shorter duration of contact. Moreover, no significant relation was found between social contact and peer acceptance, for the two groups alike. These findings indicate that peer acceptance may not solely depend on the quantity of contact, but rather on the quality and context. Consequently, it is advised that educators facilitate structured social activities to facilitate finding similar peers and shared interests. Further research is required to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of the contact and its emotional aspects, with the aim of developing more effective strategies for enhancing peer acceptance among children with ASD. This could be achieved through a combination of quantitative measurements, such as proximity tags and qualitative measurement, including observationsShow less
Food waste is a global problem, which necessitates addressing. A pilot (N = 56) and main study (N = 124) used online survey research to explore the expected negative relationship between viewing a...Show moreFood waste is a global problem, which necessitates addressing. A pilot (N = 56) and main study (N = 124) used online survey research to explore the expected negative relationship between viewing a food waste reduction-poster and food waste intentions, the expected negative relationship between self-efficacy and food waste intentions and the expected moderating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between poster and food waste intentions. In the main study, participants were randomly allocated to a poster (N = 31) or control condition (N = 30) without a poster. Repeated measures ANOVA showed no differences between groups nor within participants when comparing food waste intentions between two measurement points. Regression analyses showed neither a main- nor a moderating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between seeing the poster and food waste intentions. Limitations, suggestions and implications were discussed and the importance of future research into this subject was highlighted.Show less
Objective Recent research has found conflicting interactions between health and different domains of physical activity (PA). Occupational physical activity (OPA) seems to negatively impact health,...Show moreObjective Recent research has found conflicting interactions between health and different domains of physical activity (PA). Occupational physical activity (OPA) seems to negatively impact health, whereas leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) positively impacts health, a phenomenon known as the physical activity paradox. What remains unclear is how these different domains of PA interact with each other and how their interaction influences health. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the main and interactive effects of OPA and LTPA on physical and mental health. A better understanding of these relations can contribute to more accurate PA advice, indirectly contributing to the closure of socioeconomic health inequalities. Based on previous studies, it was expected that higher OPA would relate to higher physical and mental health problems, while higher LTPA would relate to lower physical and mental health problems. Additionally, this study aimed to answer the research question whether LTPA functions as a buffer for the negative effects of high OPA on health or as an accelerator. Methods To investigate the hypotheses and research question, data from a longitudinal panel study were used. Two data measurement points were used with a one-year time lag. The sample was heterogeneous and consisted of Dutch employees working ≥ 24-hours a week (N = 1578). Results It was found that OPA and LTPA independently did not affect physical or mental health outcomes differently. Additionally, different combinations of OPA and LTPA did not lead to an increase or decrease in both physical mobility or mental health problems one year later. However, the results did show that individuals who had high levels of both OPA and LTPA had the highest chance on developing physical health problems one year later (b = 0.393, p = <0.001). Conclusion This study shows that OPA and LTPA may have different effects on the development of physical health problems, like headache and sleeping problems. The findings suggest that the health benefits of LTPA are affected by the extent of OPA and that a combination of both high OPA and LTPA is the most unfavourable combination. This combination is associated with an increase in physical health problems. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.Show less
Museums serve several different functions within society, from education to entertainment. For all objectives however, it remains important to provide the visitor with a good visiting experience....Show moreMuseums serve several different functions within society, from education to entertainment. For all objectives however, it remains important to provide the visitor with a good visiting experience. The current study investigates the presence and effectiveness of two possible influences on visitor’s experience. The first investigated topic regards the effects of museum labels on visitors’ emotional experience, and the second topic explores the impact of visitors’ characteristics on their viewing behaviour. Data was collected at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam over a span of three weeks, using three specifically selected paintings. Eye tracking glasses and questionnaires were used to gather data from 69 participants. The study found that the addition of a museum label helped with making the provided information for artworks clearer, which was especially relevant for paintings with a more subtle message. Secondly, visitors experienced more negative emotions viewing a slavery-related painting when it was accompanied by a descriptive label, implying its aid in connecting visual information to (historical) context. No effects were found for visitors’ characteristics on viewing behaviour, emphasizing the influence of individual characteristics over group characteristics. These findings provide further insight into how visitors observe art in museums, and how to optimize this experience.Show less
The DuLIP-Extended is the extension of the Dutch Linguistic Intraoperative Protocol (De Witte et al., 2015) which aims to test language function on the linguistic levels of phonology, semantics,...Show moreThe DuLIP-Extended is the extension of the Dutch Linguistic Intraoperative Protocol (De Witte et al., 2015) which aims to test language function on the linguistic levels of phonology, semantics, and syntax in cases of awake brain surgery on glioma patients with no or mild aphasia. The extension aims to make awake surgery feasible for glioma patients who have severe preoperative aphasia, by the addition of less complex tasks on all linguistic levels. This study aims to provide insight into how a healthy Flemish and Dutch sample perform on the DuLIP-Extended. Insight was gained by investigating which items should be removed depending on low accuracy rate in a healthy Dutch and a healthy Flemish sample, what the accuracy rates of the performances were on subtask level, whether the performances of the Dutch and Flemish samples significantly differed from each other, and whether the factors of sex, age, and education level affected task performances. The Dutch sample contained 71 participants and the Flemish contained 80 participants. Across the samples the age range was 18 years of age to 83 years of age. Accuracy rate was below 80% for only a few items (k = 6 in the Dutch sample, k = 3 in the Flemish sample) and these items were marked for removal in future versions of the DuLIP-Extended. Overall performances of both samples were high in accuracy (all subtask medians were above 80%). Mann-Whitney U tests revealed differences in performances on four subtasks of the DuLIP-Extended between the Flemish and Dutch sample. Lastly, sex, age, and education level had no effect on the performances of the Dutch sample.Show less
Bevordering van tijd en energie in hechtingsrelaties tussen ouder en kind, wordt gezien als een belangrijk element in de vroege ontwikkelingsperspectieven van het kind (Korteweg & Spiering,...Show moreBevordering van tijd en energie in hechtingsrelaties tussen ouder en kind, wordt gezien als een belangrijk element in de vroege ontwikkelingsperspectieven van het kind (Korteweg & Spiering, 2022). Duhn (2010) stelt dat fysieke aanraking bijdraagt aan bescherming en steun, waarin onderzoek van Hermans (2022) veronderstelt dat aanraking tijdens een dansles zorgt voor een positieve connectie. Binnen dit adviesrapport wordt door middel van literatuuronderzoek en empirisch onderzoek onderzocht of samen dansen bijdraagt aan een positieve gehechtheid tussen ouder en kind. De hoofdvraag luidde: Wat is de relatie tussen ouder-kind dansbeweging en hun gehechtheid en welke adviezen voor de danstoolkit in ontwikkeling vloeien hieruit voort? Deze vraag is opgedeeld in twee deelvragen: (1) Wat is in de literatuur bekend over relaties van ouder-kind dans/bewegingen op de gehechtheid tussen ouder en kind? En (2) In hoeverre is er een relatie tussen veilige gehechtheid tussen ouder en kind en de movement interaction quality?Show less
In the last few years there has been an increase of divorces and blended families. It is estimated that in about two-thirds of these blended families, the relationship between the new partners ends...Show moreIn the last few years there has been an increase of divorces and blended families. It is estimated that in about two-thirds of these blended families, the relationship between the new partners ends in separation. Improving the relationships between siblings is crucial to improve the stability and the dynamics in these families. Biological siblings seem to have better relationships than step- and halfsiblings, possibly due to the number of shared experiences in their childhood. This study examines the connection between shared experiences in childhood and the quality of the sibling relationship and examines whether this connection differs between different types of siblings. To investigate this, young adults between the age of 18 and 25 years old were asked to complete a questionnaire about the quality of the relationship with their siblings, the Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale, and other related aspects. The sample consisted of 112 participants that were recruited through online ads through social media, through flyers at Leiden University, and through SONA. The results show a significant association between the number of shared experiences in childhood and the quality of the brother-sister relationship. The experiences that were significant for the quality of the sibling relationship were ‘having the same hobbies or interests’ and ‘played together’. This association did not differ between the different types of siblings, this highlights the universal relevance of shared experiences between siblings. These findings underscore the importance of stimulating shared experiences between siblings. Especially within blended families, where sibling relationships play an important role in family cohesion. Future research should further explore approaches to enhance sibling relationships to improve the development of children and the family itself.Show less
Math is a skill that is relevant throughout life. Therefore, a good mastery of math is crucial for a successful education and career. Previous research indicates that training spatial skills...Show moreMath is a skill that is relevant throughout life. Therefore, a good mastery of math is crucial for a successful education and career. Previous research indicates that training spatial skills improves both math and spatial skills in students. Spatial anxiety might influence the effectiveness of the training. This study aims to determine which spatial training condition works best to improve students' math and spatial skills and what role the spatial anxiety has on this effect. The training in the current research consists of mental rotation tasks. Four training conditions are compared in the current study: concrete, digital, video and control. In the concrete condition, the students can hold a physical figure identical to the task. In the digital condition, the students can turn the figure on their laptop screen. In the video condition, the students can watch a video of the figure turning. In the control condition, the students were not provided with any tools. After correcting for missing values, 189 students from group 7 and 8 of primary schools in the West of The Netherlands participated in the current study. Math and spatial skills were measured through tests. Spatial anxiety was determined using a questionnaire. The results showed that students improved their spatial skills between the pretest and the posttest across all conditions. However, no significant differences were found between the conditions. Math skills improved among students in the control, digital and concrete condition. Spatial anxiety was not found to affect gains in math and spatial skills. These findings were partially aligned with previous research. The differences could possibly be explained by differences in research design or limitations of the current study. Based on this study, several suggestions are made for future research, such as adding an additional control group that does not undergo training.Show less
This study explores the relationship between teacher-student connectedness and teachers' efforts to adopt students' perspectives, considering the potential moderating role of emotional exhaustion....Show moreThis study explores the relationship between teacher-student connectedness and teachers' efforts to adopt students' perspectives, considering the potential moderating role of emotional exhaustion. Data were collected from 65 pre-service teachers who completed measures of connectedness, perspective-taking difficulty, and emotional exhaustion. Correlation analysis revealed weak, non-significant relationships among the variables and regression analyses indicated that connectedness was not a significant predictor of perspective-taking efforts. Additionally, emotional exhaustion did not moderate the relationship between connectedness and perspective-taking. The findings highlight the need for professional development programs aimed at enhancing teacher-student relationships and equipping teachers with strategies to manage emotional exhaustion and strengthen perspective-taking, contributing to a more positive and effective educational environment.Show less
The diagnosis of Sex Chromosome Trisomy (SCT) is increasing rapidly worldwide. About 1 in 650-1000 children are born with an extra X or Y chromosome. These common chromosomal abnormalities,...Show moreThe diagnosis of Sex Chromosome Trisomy (SCT) is increasing rapidly worldwide. About 1 in 650-1000 children are born with an extra X or Y chromosome. These common chromosomal abnormalities, including XXY/Klinefelter syndrome, XXX/Trisomy X and XYY syndrome, affect both physical development and behaviour. There is an increased risk of behavioural problems, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms, in children with SCT (Rijn, 2019; Tartaglia et al., 2010; Urbanus, 2022). Despite these findings, there has been limited research on the variations in ASD characteristics in children with SCT and possible protective and risk factors. Therefore, this study aims to better understand the characteristics of ASD in children with SCT, identify possible protective and risk factors related to parenting skills for this group, and ultimately optimise support measures, early detection and appropriate interventions for this specific genetic population. For this purpose, the following research question was formulated; Is there a difference in the level of ASD characteristics in children with SCT 3-7 years compared to peers? And to what extent do the parenting skills (mentalisation and sensitivity) of parents with children aged 3-7 years with SCT correlate with the level of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characteristics of this specific population? Data for this study is selected from a larger quantitative study conducted by Leiden University and the TRIXY Centre of Expertise. Children with SCT and their parents were recruited through support groups and clinical genetics departments in hospitals in the Netherlands, Belgium and the US. The control group was recruited from nurseries, public locations and primary schools. The study includes 145 children aged between 3 and 7 years, with 71 participants in control group and 74 participants in the SCT group. This study showed that a significant difference was found in the level of autism traits between children with SCT and children without SCT. Children with SCT scored significantly higher on every autism trait that was tested. In addition, no correlation was found between parenting skills; sensitivity and mentalisation and the level of autism traits in children with SCT. Based on this, a dimensional approach, rather than a binary criterion, is recommended as this could help detect subtle variations and gradations in ASD symptoms earlier, enabling early diagnosis. In addition, this research outcome implies that other factors such as biological, neurological and other environmental factors may have a greater influence on the level of ASD characteristics in children with SCT. More research needs to be done on this to say this with great certainty. This study is limited by no distinguish between different types of sex chromosome trisomy, which may limit the generalisability of the results. In addition, the study included children aged 3-7 years, but at this stage children develop rapidly, and ASD traits may manifest differently depending on age, which may limit the generalisability of the results to any age between 3 and 7 years. Besides these limitations, the study also has many strengths, such as contributing to increasing scientific knowledge about ASD traits in children with SCT, early detection of these and possible risk and protective factors.Show less
In Europe, more than half of adults are obese (WHO, 2022). Enhancing the self-regulation of energy intake, the ability to respond to one's own hunger or satiety signals, can reduce the risk of...Show moreIn Europe, more than half of adults are obese (WHO, 2022). Enhancing the self-regulation of energy intake, the ability to respond to one's own hunger or satiety signals, can reduce the risk of obesity (DiSantis et al., 2011). Promoting the self-regulation of energy intake as early as possible in development is therefore crucial. The present study examined the relation between maternal sensitivity in different contexts (during free play and during meals) at 18 months and the child's self-regulation of energy intake at 24 months. The sample consisted of 103 mother-child dyads (41.7% boys), obtained from the longitudinal study "Baby's first bites” (Van der Veek et al., 2019). Maternal sensitivity was measured using “the Ainsworth Maternal Sensitivity Scale” (Ainsworth et al., 1974). The self- regulation of energy intake was assessed using an “Eating in Absence of Hunger” paradigm (Schultink et al., 2021). First, no significant relation was found between maternal sensitivity during free play at 18 months and self-regulation of energy intake at 24 months. Second, maternal sensitivity during mealtime at 18 months was not related to self-regulation of energy intake at 24 months. Finally, maternal sensitivity during free play and during mealtime at 18 months did not make a unique contribution to the child's self-regulation of energy intake at 24 months. This study contributed to the emerging research area of parenting practices and the self-regulation of energy intake. Based on the current research, it cannot be stated that maternal sensitivity contributes to the child's self-regulation of energy intake. Therefore, it is not yet clear how parents can best contribute to good self-regulation of energy intake. Follow-up research is needed.Show less
Led by the current aims of museum decolonization and the Dutch government’s goal to improve education on the history of slavery, the present study investigated the effects of slavery-related...Show moreLed by the current aims of museum decolonization and the Dutch government’s goal to improve education on the history of slavery, the present study investigated the effects of slavery-related exhibits’ labels on museum visitors’ emotions and learning. 63 participants were recruited in the Rijks Museum and asked to look at three paintings under one of three label conditions: old labels (designed to guide visitors’ view), new labels (providing slavery-related historical context), and no labels (control condition). Eye-tracking, questionnaire, and interview data were collected. The labels did not seem to have a measurable effect on visitors’ learning, as no differences in label echoing and the number of history and slavery related words spoken during the interview between participants in different conditions could be observed. Moreover, participants in the new and no label condition displayed an increase in positive emotions. There were no changes in negative emotions across conditions. Overall, the differences in emotional changes between conditions were not significant, suggesting that labels did not have a measurable effect on emotions. Eye-tracking data suggested that participants did not find one type of label more engaging. By combining multiple types of data, the present study provides elaborate and complex insights about the challenges that museums face when addressing slavery-related topics.Show less
Primary education teachers can feel incompetent in responding to the needs and behaviors of their pupils, especially those showing disruptive behaviors. By taking the student’s perspective, the...Show morePrimary education teachers can feel incompetent in responding to the needs and behaviors of their pupils, especially those showing disruptive behaviors. By taking the student’s perspective, the teacher should be able to understand the student better and react more responsively. Through this the teacher experiences more positive interactions with the student which contribute to developing and maintaining a positive student-teacher relationship. It is suggested that teachers’ sense of self- efficacy could play a role in the relationship between student-perspective taking and the student- teacher relationship. Therefore, the current study researches the relationship that is described above, and the potential role the teacher’s self-efficacy plays within this. The sample consisted of 133 Dutch regular primary school teachers. Results showed a significant relationship between student-perspective taking and the student-teacher relationship when teachers take the student’s perspective on the level of articulation. The relationship with taking the student’s perspective on the level of positioning, is non-significant. Regarding the role of teachers’ self-efficacy within this relationship, the results show that there is no mediating role. Meanwhile, a significant, positive relationship has been found between the teacher’s self-efficacy and the student-teacher relationship. The findings of this study can be used in developing and shaping interventions for teachers for developing, improving and maintaining positive student-teacher relationships.Show less
This thesis investigates the impact of decisions to repurpose land formerly occupied by historical city fortifications on present-day urban nature. It explores the transformation of these...Show moreThis thesis investigates the impact of decisions to repurpose land formerly occupied by historical city fortifications on present-day urban nature. It explores the transformation of these fortifications, such as moats and ramparts, which once marked urban landscapes across Europe. Over time, these defensive structures became redundant, and most were either fully or partially destroyed, leaving behind traces. The land once occupied by these city fortifications has since been repurposed for various uses, one of which being green spaces. The thesis focuses not on the reasons behind these repurposing decisions but on their consequences. As such the main question that the thesis is answering is: How do decisions made in the past regarding the repurposing of land formerly occupied by historical city fortifications influence present-day urban greening efforts and green space allocation in the cities of Copenhagen and Groningen? Examining how these decisions have influenced the current distribution of green space and the urban greening agendas in cities, for this thesis Copenhagen and Groningen. By understanding the impact of past policies and planning strategies on the development of these former fortification sites, the thesis sheds light on how these decisions continue to shape contemporary urban environments. The thesis underscores the enduring influence of these land-repurposing decisions on today’s urban greening efforts. It highlights their significance for urban landscapes and cultural heritage and the current distribution of urban green spaces and urban greening initiatives. The study provides valuable insights into how past land use decisions continue to affect urban greening agenda efforts in the present day.Show less
This research aimed to comprehensively understand the demographics and characteristics of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals seeking mental health care upon initiating gender...Show moreThis research aimed to comprehensively understand the demographics and characteristics of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals seeking mental health care upon initiating gender-affirming care. Additionally, it focused on optimal integration of mental health care into gender-affirming care according to TGD individuals. Both were within the framework of an ongoing investigation at the Zaans Medical Centre. The quantitative data analysis consisted of intake questionnaire data of twenty-five TGD individuals, variables were derived from sections of the intake questionnaire. For the qualitative data analysis, seven semi-structured interviews were held with TGD individuals. The characteristics of TGD individuals consisted of self-reported psychological distress and well-being. Their relationship to requested mental health care intensity was studied through Spearman rank order correlations. The demographics included age, educational level, ethnicity, employment status, experienced income, and gender assigned at birth. Their association with requesting mental health care was explored through chi-square tests. A thematic analysis with semantic approach was performed to analyse the data. No significant correlations were found between demographic variables and mental health care requests at admission. The correlation between self-reported psychological distress and mental health care intensity was χ2 = -.003, p = .987, for self-reported psychological well-being and mental health care intensity χ2 = -.001, p = .997. Thematic analysis of interview data yielded three overarching themes: motives for seeking mental health care, recommendations for integrating mental health services into gender-affirming care, and desirable attributes of mental health care providers. Reasons for refraining from or seeking mental health care included experiencing psychological distress or good psychological well-being, experiences due to gender dysphoria, acceptance of themselves, and experienced lack of support. Suggestions for optimal mental health care integration were better and more provision of (mental) health care and travel distance to mental health care. Qualities of the ideal mental health care professional were having certain character traits such as being accepting and being specialized in TGD. Overall, this research emphasizes the importance of knowledgeability and empathetic and inclusive qualities in mental health care professionals in the treatment of TGD individuals suggesting its importance over mental health care professionals’ gender identity.Show less
This study examines the relationship between picky eating, parental encouragement, and the frequency of family meals at the table on children's vegetable intake. Understanding the factors that...Show moreThis study examines the relationship between picky eating, parental encouragement, and the frequency of family meals at the table on children's vegetable intake. Understanding the factors that influence vegetable intake is vital for promoting healthy development in children, as unhealthy eating habits can increase the risk of diseases like cardiovascular conditions, cancer, and diabetes. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 256 mother-child dyads (age children M = 4,68, SD = 0,42). Participants were recruited through email lists and child health centers in four Dutch provinces, targeting mothers about to introduce solid foods to their 4-6 month-old infants The data in this study was collected from the same sample of children, but when they were 24 months old. Information about the variables was gathered using multiple questionnaires: Compl-Eat, Meals in Our Household, CFPQ, and CEBQ-T. Results show that less picky children consume significantly more vegetables on average than picky children, with an average difference of 38.64 grams. However, no significant effects were found for parental encouragement or the frequency of family meals at the table on vegetable intake. Possible explanations for the lack of significant results include the skewed data distribution and potential social desirability bias in parental reporting. Future research should aim to precisely define and measure 'encouragement' and 'meals at the table', considering factors like frequency, method, and context. This will lead to the development of more precise measurement tools, improving the accuracy and reliability of findings. These insights are crucial for developing effective interventions to promote vegetable consumption in children and improve their overall health.Show less
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which children do not speak in certain social situations, while they do speak in others. Selective mutism shares similarities with social anxiety disorder...Show moreSelective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which children do not speak in certain social situations, while they do speak in others. Selective mutism shares similarities with social anxiety disorder. The cause of selective mutism is unknown, although several factors appear to be involved. The current study examined whether children with selective mutism have deficits in their inhibition and mental flexibility. Using parent questionnaires and a neurocognitive task for the children, inhibition in daily life, inhibition on a cognitive task, flexibility in daily life, flexibility on a cognitive task, and the social anxiety of both silent and non-silent children were assessed. A total of 33 children between four and six years old participated in the study, including 16 silent and 17 non-silent children. The results imply that inhibition and flexibility as behavioral characteristics are not the same constructs as inhibition and flexibility as cognitive functions but should be used to complement each other. Silent children were found to have more difficulty suppressing their responses on a cognitive task compared to the non-silent group. This difference was not observed for inhibition measured in daily life. It is suggested that silent children may struggle to suppress cognitive reactions for instance anxious thoughts in new situations while being capable of controlling impulses at a behavioral level. Additionally, silent children did not differ in their cognitive task-based mental flexibility from non-silent children, but they did differ in their mental flexibility in daily life. One explanation for this difference may be that environmental influences, such as stress, may prevent a child from effectively applying certain skills. Furthermore, in the present study of young children mental flexibility skills in daily life explained about a significant portion of the variance in social anxiety.Show less
