Research master thesis | Psychology (research) (MSc)
under embargo until 2025-01-31
2025-01-31T00:00:00Z
Dissociation is a complex trans-diagnostic phenomenon, which ranges from normative to pathological. There are multiple ways of measuring and categorising dissociation, and different theories as to...Show moreDissociation is a complex trans-diagnostic phenomenon, which ranges from normative to pathological. There are multiple ways of measuring and categorising dissociation, and different theories as to the aetiology and function of dissociation in psychological disorders. People with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) experience more dissociation than healthy controls and other personality disorders, and dissociation is associated with other key features of BPD. Despite this, dissociation in BPD is poorly understood. It is unclear which types of dissociation manifest in BPD, in which situations, and the function that dissociation achieves. The aim of this study was to investigate the form and function of dissociation in BPD, by identifying themes across personal narratives. A thematic analysis was performed on narratives of dissociative experiences assessed within a script-driven imagery approach. The predominant forms of dissociation were depersonalisation and derealisation. Dissociation occurred in interpersonal and threatening situations, tended to follow negative affect, and was accompanied by physical reactions consistent with sympathetic nervous system activation. Dissociation functioned as psychological escape from internal experiences or external situations. These themes are discussed within the context of prominent theories of BPD and dissociation. These findings are in line with the idea that dissociation in BPD acts as a protective mechanism against high sensitivity and reactivity to affective and interpersonal experiences in the place of normative regulation skills. This paper concludes that dissociation in BPD offers psychological escape from intolerable experiences, and is related to a low threshold for threat perception and threat response mobilisation.Show less
Childhood neglect has been associated with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Research has shown the connection between NSSI and increased risk of suicide. The present study investigated the...Show moreChildhood neglect has been associated with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Research has shown the connection between NSSI and increased risk of suicide. The present study investigated the relationship between childhood neglect and NSSI, and whether intimate partner violence (IPV) mediates any of the effects. We conducted a secondary data analysis of an online survey on various constructs relating to childhood maltreatment, borderline personality disorder features, emotion regulation, and IPV. From there, a mediation analysis was performed on the before mentioned variables NSSI, childhood neglect, and IPV. Results indicated that there is no (partial) mediating effect of IPV on the relationship between childhood neglect and NSSI (B=.0016, SE=.0010, CI: [-.0003, .0035]). Given the increased risk of suicide, more attention should be paid to NSSI in people with a history of childhood neglect.Show less
Introductie: Internationaal is er veel aandacht voor zelfbeschadiging. Dit gedrag is een grote voorspeller van suicide, ook als men niet de intentie heeft tot zelfdoding. Om zelfbeschadiging te...Show moreIntroductie: Internationaal is er veel aandacht voor zelfbeschadiging. Dit gedrag is een grote voorspeller van suicide, ook als men niet de intentie heeft tot zelfdoding. Om zelfbeschadiging te verminderen is het nodig meer zicht te krijgen op de risicofactoren. Er is aanleiding te onderzoeken welke rol copingstrategieën spelen als beschermende en risicofactoren. Methoden: Om dit te onderzoeken is een zelfrapportage vragenlijst afgenomen bij de respondenten (n= 199). In deze vragenlijst zijn de Borderline Symptom List (23) en de Behavioural Emotion Regulation Scale opgenomen. Hier is een multipele regressie analyse op uitgevoegd om zicht te krijgen op de voorspellende waarden van verschillende copingstrategieën, geslacht en leeftijd op zelfbeschadiging. Resultaten: Copingstrategie Ignoring en Geslacht waren significant en hebben dus een voorspellende waarde op Zelfbeschadiging. De andere vier copingstrategieën en leeftijd waren niet significant en hebben dus geen voorspellende waarde. Discussie: Dit onderzoek ondersteund de verwachting dat copingstijl een voorspellende waarde kan hebben op zelfbeschadiging en mogelijk ook een risicofactor kan zijn. Er is meer inzicht nodig op dit gebied, daarvoor is vervolgonderzoek met een hoger respondenten aantal en een hetereogenere groep gewenst.Show less
Introduction: Childhood trauma (CT) is a broad concept and encompasses all forms of emotional and physical violence or neglect, with potentially serious consequences. CT may lead to intimate...Show moreIntroduction: Childhood trauma (CT) is a broad concept and encompasses all forms of emotional and physical violence or neglect, with potentially serious consequences. CT may lead to intimate partner violence (IPV) in later life. Insecure attachment has been found to influence the relationship between these two factors, but there is a lack of information on the extent of this association. This study examines the relationship between CT and IPV perpetration and victimization and the role of attachment style as a moderator within this relationship. Methods: An online survey on CT was used to cross-sectionally investigate self-reported CT, attachment styles and IPV within a sample of the general population (N = 421). Path analysis modelling using PROCESS was performed on the moderation model. Results: A direct effect of CT on IPV perpetration was found. There was no direct effect on the individual variables. There was no significant interaction effect of CT and attachment style on IPV. The hypothesis that the relationship between CT and IPV is moderated by attachment style was supported. Discussion: Although more research is needed on the specific effects of the different attachment styles on the relationship between CT and IPV, current findings suggest a moderating effect of attachment on the relationship between CT and IPV. The findings were only partly consistent with earlier findings, which encourages a critical view on the effects of CT on IPV in later life.Show less
Introduction: Both self-harming behavior and intimate partner violence (IPV) are significant health problems that can lead to multiple physical and psychological problems. Since both topics concern...Show moreIntroduction: Both self-harming behavior and intimate partner violence (IPV) are significant health problems that can lead to multiple physical and psychological problems. Since both topics concern violence against the body, the two concepts could be related. This study investigated whether a relationship between self-harming behavior and IPV exists. Method: by using an online survey, self-harming behavior and IPV were measured among the general population (n = 422) in a cross-sectional study. To investigate the relationship between IPV-, perpetration and victimization, and self-harming behavior, simple regression analyses were used. Results: Self-harming behavior had a significant effect on IPV perpetration. IPV victimization had a significant effect on self-harming behavior. Gender did not affect these effects. Discussion: the results correspond to previous research and may provide more understanding of both concepts and may inspire more research for better treatment options. Limitations of this study and suggestions for further research are discussed.Show less
Introduction: childhood maltreatment (CM) is a prevalent worldwide problem. CM is linked to mortality, morbidity and many pervasive short-and long-term consequences during life. There are...Show moreIntroduction: childhood maltreatment (CM) is a prevalent worldwide problem. CM is linked to mortality, morbidity and many pervasive short-and long-term consequences during life. There are indications that the way children respond to CM have important implications, some behavioral emotion regulation strategies have the potential to buffer against psychopathology, others can actually amplify risk. Hence, this study cross-sectionally investigated whether there would be an association between types of CM (specifically emotional abuse, emotional neglect and/or physical abuse) and the behavioral emotion regulation strategies withdrawal and/or seeking distraction. Methods: behavioral coping styles and childhood trauma was assessed using an online survey among a sample from the general population (N = 599). Simple regression analyses and hierarchical regression analyses was performed to explore the association between CM and withdrawal and/or seeking distraction. Results: CM positively predicted withdrawal. Co-occurrence of multiple forms of CM did not specifically predict more withdrawal and/or seeking distraction. Discussion: although not all hypotheses were confirmed, current findings may contribute to existing data as well to research in the future. Some of the current findings were in line with earlier research, other findings in contradiction to current literature. Limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed to increase knowledge about the possible associations between CM and behavioral emotion regulation strategies by which knowledge, prevention and interventions can be improved.Show less
Introduction: Traumatic experiences may lead to pathological dissociation. Three components of dissociation can be distinguished: absorption, depersonalization, and amnesia. Especially maltreated...Show moreIntroduction: Traumatic experiences may lead to pathological dissociation. Three components of dissociation can be distinguished: absorption, depersonalization, and amnesia. Especially maltreated children are at risk for developing dissociative symptoms. Several studies support a relationship between childhood maltreatment (CM) and dissociation, but previous research often does not differentiate between different types of CM in relation to the different types of dissociation. Hence, this study explored whether different types of CM could predict different types of dissociation. Method: using an online survey, self-reported experiences of CM and dissociation were cross-sectionally assessed among a sample from the general population (N = 549). Multiple regressions were performed in order to investigate whether the different types of CM were predictors for the different types of dissociation. Results: the regression for CM and dissociation, with gender as a covariate, was significant. Emotional abuse and emotional neglect significantly predicted any type of dissociation, and specifically depersonalization; emotional abuse and sexual abuse significantly predicted absorption, with gender as a covariate; physical neglect and sexual abuse significantly predicted amnesia. Discussion: the findings fit previous research concerning the relationship between CM and dissociation, although more research is needed to investigate the specific role of emotional maltreatment in regard to other types of CM and how it is related to dissociation.Show less
Introduction: Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, feelings of social isolation, loneliness and stress increased. Coping styles are used to deal with stress. Theories suggest that social isolation...Show moreIntroduction: Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, feelings of social isolation, loneliness and stress increased. Coping styles are used to deal with stress. Theories suggest that social isolation increases the use of non-adaptive coping styles and decreases the use of adaptive coping styles. This study explored whether these findings correspond to social isolation during COVID-19. Method: By using an online survey, social isolation and coping styles were measured among the general population (N= 202) in a cross-sectional study. The effect of social isolation on non-adaptive and adaptive coping styles was investigated using simple linear regression analyses. Results: Social isolation had a significant effect on nonadaptive coping styles in general and on the non-adaptive coping style withdrawal. The relationship between social isolation and adaptive coping styles was not significant. Discussion: The results are partly consistent with previous research and may provide insight into an association between social isolation and coping styles during COVID-19. Limitations of current research include a relatively small, homogenous sample and the design of the study. Recommendations for additional research are done.Show less
Introduction: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) has a big impact on a person’s life and has increased in the last decade. DSH can be used to communicate in a different way, explain how someone is feeling,...Show moreIntroduction: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) has a big impact on a person’s life and has increased in the last decade. DSH can be used to communicate in a different way, explain how someone is feeling, manage, regulate or escape from overwhelming emotions and cope with stressors in daily life. Insecure attachment among individuals is more likely to be a risk factor to develop DSH. Of the different form of insecure attachment fearful attachment appears to be most related to DSH. This study examines whether insecure attachment is related to more deliberate self-harming behavior. Method: DSH behavior and attachment styles were crosssectionally assed using an online self-report survey among a sample from the general population (N= 391). A regression model and a non-dimensional Kruskal-Wallis test were used to assess the data. Results: A significant association between insecure attachment and DSH was found, and in addition the result of the Kruskal-Wallis showed a significant association between the different attachment styles and DSH. According to the MannWhitney U-test attachment styles in this sample differed from each other with the highest score on fearful attachment. Discussion: this study shows an association between insecure attachment and DSH and fearful attachment appears to be most strongly related to DSH which is in line with former studies. More research is needed to examine this topic as there appears to be a DSH increase among individuals. Furthermore, it is necessary to broaden this study among the normal population.Show less
