Empathizing involves the understanding and responding to an individuals’ emotions, while systemizing refers to the understanding and the ability to predict systems. The topics of empathizing and...Show moreEmpathizing involves the understanding and responding to an individuals’ emotions, while systemizing refers to the understanding and the ability to predict systems. The topics of empathizing and systemizing have been studied in children and adults. However, as far as we are aware, no research has investigated these constructs in adolescence, whereas there is a lot of development that takes place during this period. Earlier studies found gender differences in systemizing and empathizing, with males scoring significantly higher on systemizing, while females scored significantly higher on empathizing. This study examined the current gap in research, by examining the relationship between empathizing and systemizing in adolescence and possible gender differences. We did this by estimating network models with partial correlations (Gaussian graphical model) and calculating bridge centrality which identified nodes. These nodes acted as important bridges between one or more communities (e.g., the relationship between understanding of empathizing and motoric systemizing), for both male and female participants. We utilized data from the empathizing and systemizing questionnaire in 6,644 adolescents (2574 males and 4070 females, aged 13-24 years old), which we obtained from the Open-Source Psychometrics Project. We found gender differences in the relationships between empathizing and systemizing nodes in the male and female networks. For instance, in the female network, a correlation was found between the subconstructs feeling of empathizing and natural systems, while in the male network no correlation was found between the two. Moreover, understanding of others’ feelings showed to be highly correlated with all subconstructs of systemizing in all three networks but was not correlated with other subconstructs of empathizing. This study provided a foundation for further exploration of how the constructs of empathizing and systemizing are related and could be used to help guide the design of gender-specific interventions aimed at enhancing both empathizing and systemizing skills in adolescence.Show less
This study examined the relationship between internalizing problem behavior and parental skills in children with sex chromosome trisomy (SCT). Focusing on children aged 1 to 7 years, it compared...Show moreThis study examined the relationship between internalizing problem behavior and parental skills in children with sex chromosome trisomy (SCT). Focusing on children aged 1 to 7 years, it compared them with typically developing peers. The hypothesis that children with SCT exhibit more internalizing problem behavior was confirmed; they scored significantly higher on anxious and withdrawn behavior. No significant difference was found in parental skills between parents of children with SCT and those of the control group, suggesting interventions for internalizing problem behavior may be universally applicable. Results indicate that only parental positive affect was significantly associated with internalizing problem behavior in children with SCT. This finding suggests that parents of children who exhibit a relatively high degree of internalizing problem behavior, may display more positive affect as an adaptive response to their children’s needs. No other parental skills were found to significantly contribute to the explanation of internalizing behavior. Factors other than parental skills, such as biological, psychological or environmental factors, may have a greater impact on the development of internalizing behavior in children with SCT. The study is limited by its cross-sectional nature and the selectivity of the sample, which may affect the generalizability of the results. Nevertheless, this research provides insight into the parenting skills of parents of children with SCT and offers an initial examination of the relationship between these skills and internalizing behavior in children with SCT. Additionally, it contributes to a better understanding of SCT in young children and underscores the importance of early identification and appropriate interventions to prevent more severe internalizing problems later in life.Show less
Numerous lifestyle, cardiovascular, and psychosocial factors have been implicated in the development of cognitive decline and dementia. Using a person-centered approach, this study explored...Show moreNumerous lifestyle, cardiovascular, and psychosocial factors have been implicated in the development of cognitive decline and dementia. Using a person-centered approach, this study explored clustering of modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia and investigated how these clusters are associated with declines in cognition and with dementia risk. Here, cognitive decline was operationalized as declining information processing speed. The sample consisted of 3787 older adults (age 55-85) enrolled in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Latent class analysis was performed over a subset of 14 lifestyle, cardiovascular, and psychosocial risk factors to identify latent subgroups. Latent growth curve modelling associated membership in identified subgroups with trajectories of processing speed. Logistic regression associated group membership with incidence of probable dementia (n=2611). A four-class solution was deemed to optimally represent the sample. Next to a large group with no specific salient features (n=845, 75.1%), other groups reflected pronounced depressive symptoms (n=324, 8.6%), cardiometabolic risk (n=410, 10.8%), and high physical activity (n=208, 5.5%), respectively. Latent growth curve modeling suggested that declines in processing speed accelerated with age, but latent class membership did not seem to affect these declines. Compared to the normative group, the depressed group had lower initial levels of processing speed (β_intercept=-2.38; 95% CI=[-3.38, -1.37]; p<.001), but further trajectory differences between latent classes were not statistically significant at α=5%. No significant differences in odds of probable dementia between the normative and other groups were found. Thus, this study did not find evidence of an effect of membership in identified latent classes on the strength or rate of cognitive decline, nor dementia. To draw implications for clinical and political decision-making, future research could test the robustness of findings by replicating analyses in similar cohorts, examine the utility of other grouping structures, consider inclusion of alternative risk factors, and investigate auxiliary outcome measures of cognitive decline and dementia.Show less
Introduction As dementia prevalence increases, more individuals are becoming caregivers for family members with dementia. This role can negatively impact the caregiver's quality of life (QoL), even...Show moreIntroduction As dementia prevalence increases, more individuals are becoming caregivers for family members with dementia. This role can negatively impact the caregiver's quality of life (QoL), even when the person with dementia resides in a nursing home. This study aimed to identify factors influencing caregivers' well-being. We investigated whether the type and stage of dementia, the QoL of the person with dementia, and their interactions could predict the family caregiver's QoL. Methods This study included 205 elderly participants with dementia from 19 nursing homes and their family caregivers. It measured the type of dementia by using a physician’s diagnosis, stage of dementia using the Bedford Alzheimer Nursing Severity-Scale (BANS-S) ( M = 14.92, SD = 4.58), QoL of the person with dementia using the Quality of Life in Late-Stage Dementia (QUALID) scale (M = 22.88, SD = 7.96 ), and caregiver QoL using a scale question from the TOPICS-MDS questionnaire (M = 7.36 , SD = 1.18). A general linear model was employed to analyze the data. Results Neither the type of dementia (F(3, 189) = 0.62, p = 0.6030), stage of dementia (F(1, 189) = 0.871, p = 0.352), nor the QoL of the person with dementia (F(1, 189) = 0.225, p = 0.636) predicted the QoL of the family caregiver. Additionally, no interactions between these factors were significant predictors of the family caregiver’s QoL (Type x Stage; F(3, 189) = .264, p = .851) (Type x QoL); F(3, 189) =.548 , p =.650) (Stage x QoL; F(1, 189) = .388, p = .534) (Type x Stage x QoL; F(3, 189) =.149, p = .930). Discussion None of the characteristics nor their interactions were able to predict the caregiver's quality of life. These results contradict earlier research. Possible explanations are the violations of certain assumptions within the GLM, the methods that were used to measure the variables and the difference in care setting between this study and previous studies. Further investigation is needed to clarify these discrepancies and refine our understanding of factors affecting family caregivers' QoL.Show less
Empathic Accuracy (EA) is an important skill in parenting. It promotes positive self- concept in adolescents and is a predictor for individual and family adjustment. Factors may influence parental...Show moreEmpathic Accuracy (EA) is an important skill in parenting. It promotes positive self- concept in adolescents and is a predictor for individual and family adjustment. Factors may influence parental EA, such as parental childhood maltreatment and parental or adolescent depression. Using a sample of 201 parents (55.2% mothers), this study measured with linear regression whether parental childhood maltreatment and parental depression contributed to parents misattributing their children’s negative emotions in the context of a conflict task. Adolescent depression was considered as a covariate. Parental childhood maltreatment, and depression of both adolescents and parents were measured using a self-report questionnaire. Parents (Mage = 49.31) and their adolescent child (Mage = 15.81) then participated in a video- recorded task, in which they were asked to solve a conflict. Afterwards, parents had to indicate how they thought their child was feeling on a 7-point Likert scale for positive and negative emotions during high affect moments in this task. The results suggested that parents who have experienced childhood maltreatment, but not parents who suffered from depression, tended to overestimate their children’s negative emotions during the conflict task, showing a negative bias. Additionally, when an adolescent was suffering from depression, parents tended to underestimate their negative emotions. These findings highlight that EA is an interactive process which may be influenced by different factors (e.g. parental childhood maltreatment, adolescent depression). This knowledge can make parents more aware of biases they might have towards the emotions of their children, and thereby improving their communicative and empathic skills.Show less
Patients with prolactinoma are often initially treated with dopamine agonists (DAs). Although in many cases effective, DAs can cause severe (psychological) side effects and sometimes require...Show morePatients with prolactinoma are often initially treated with dopamine agonists (DAs). Although in many cases effective, DAs can cause severe (psychological) side effects and sometimes require lifelong intake. Neurosurgical counseling offers an alternative treatment option. The current study investigated whether neurosurgical counseling leads to better outcomes than DA treatment regarding adverse mood symptoms, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and disease burden in patients with prolactinoma. A preliminary analysis of the Prolactinoma Clinical Trial-study was conducted. Patients were included in a randomized controlled trial or the observational arm, receiving either neurosurgical counseling or DA treatment. Adverse mood symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale; HADS), HRQoL (Short-Form Health Survey; SF-36), and disease burden (Leiden Bothers and Needs Questionnaire; LBNQ) were measured at baseline and 12 months follow-up. Demographic and clinical variables were derived from electronic patient files. To investigate the effects of time, group, and time*group interaction, multivariate linear mixed models were performed on outcomes of the HADS, SF-36, and LBNQ, controlling for age, sex, and prolactin levels at baseline. Data were available for 71, 61, and 69 patients in the analysis on the HADS, SF-36, and LBNQ, respectively. A larger decline in anxiety symptoms was found in the group of neurosurgical counseling (time*group; B = -3.66 (95% CI [-5.85 – -1.47]), p = .001) compared to the DA group. Prolactin levels at baseline were predictive of more adverse mood symptoms, lower mental well-being, and more perceived bothers at 12 months follow-up (all p < .004). Neurosurgical counseling showed comparable effects to DA treatment in terms of HRQoL and disease burden but was superior at relieving anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, prolactin levels emerged as a more potent predictor of these outcomes than the choice of treatment. These findings may optimize treatment for patients with prolactinoma, addressing their mood, emotional well-being, and HRQoL.Show less
Decisions made at child protection sittings significantly impact the lives of children and their families. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the factors influencing these decisions. Previous...Show moreDecisions made at child protection sittings significantly impact the lives of children and their families. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the factors influencing these decisions. Previous research indicates that these decisions are not always made correctly and exhibit substantial variability. This study utilizes the Decision Making Ecology Model to analyse the influence of risk assessment tools and work experience on these decisions. Data were collected through a questionnaire and a case file study. The analyses show that the use of risk assessment tools has a significant impact on the decisions made. Work experience did not have a significant direct influence, but the use of risk assessment tools indirectly affected work experience, which in turn had a small effect on the final decisions.Show less
Het doel van dit experimentele scriptie onderzoek was om het effect van de verwachtings-optimalisatie tool op de verwachte omgang met pijn tijdens de bevalling te onderzoeken. Met de verwachtings...Show moreHet doel van dit experimentele scriptie onderzoek was om het effect van de verwachtings-optimalisatie tool op de verwachte omgang met pijn tijdens de bevalling te onderzoeken. Met de verwachtings-optimalisatie tool vormen vrouwen positieve, maar realistische verwachtingen. Verwachtingen zijn belangrijk, aangezien het voldoen aan eerdere verwachtingen een positieve ervaring van de bevalling creëert. Dit is essentieel omdat een negatieve bevallingservaring één van de grootste uitdagingen in de zorg is. Het overkoepelende pilotonderzoek wil de algemene bevallingservaringen verbeteren door met verwachtingen de effectiviteit van pijnbehandelingen te vergroten. Voor een positieve bevallingservaring is effectief omgaan met pijn cruciaal. In dit scriptie onderzoek waren er twee hypotheses, namelijk dat respondenten na het doorlopen van de tool een betere verwachte omgang met pijn verwachten en dat dit effect versterkt werd door een hoge zelfeffectiviteit. De steekproef (N = 32) bestond uit vrouwen met zwangerschapsplannen binnen vijf jaar, willekeurig verdeeld over een interventie- (n = 16) en een controlegroep (n = 16). De interventiegroep voltooide de tool, terwijl de controlegroep enkel het geboorteplan invulde in Qualitrics. Data-analyse werd uitgevoerd middels een onafhankelijke t-toets en Hayes’ PROCESS-macro. De resultaten toonden geen significant effect van de tool op de verwachte omgang met pijn (d = 0,40 ), noch een interactie-effect in de moderatieanalyse (b = - 0,07 ). Ondanks dat de hypothesen niet werden bevestigd, vormt dit onderzoek een eerste stap in de ontwikkeling van interventies gericht op het cultiveren van positieve, realistische verwachtingen om de bevallingservaring te verbeteren en in het begrijpen wat voor rol zelfeffectiviteit speelt.Show less
Monochorionic (MC) twins share a placenta, which leads to a heightened risk of developing medical complications. This study explored the impact of adverse intrauterine circumstances on the...Show moreMonochorionic (MC) twins share a placenta, which leads to a heightened risk of developing medical complications. This study explored the impact of adverse intrauterine circumstances on the temperament development of 6-month-old infants, focused on Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), Twin Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS), and selective Fetal Growth Restriction (sFGR). The investigation measured temperament in terms of positive and negative affectivity. It was hypothesized that MC twins affected by TAPS and sFGR would display differential affectivity, with donors and smaller twins exhibiting lower positive affectivity and higher negative affectivity compared to their co-twins. For TTTS, no significant long-term temperamental differences between twins were anticipated. Additionally, it was expected that MC twins from uncomplicated pregnancies would show higher positive affectivity and lower negative affectivity compared to those with medical complications. Conducted as part of the TwinLIFE study, this research examined 103 MC twin pairs, a group naturally controlling for genetic and environmental confounders, thereby exploring the effects of these specific prenatal circumstances. The Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised Very Short Form (IBQ-R-VSF) was administered to assess temperament for each individual twin at 6 months of age. Results indicated no significant within-pair differences in temperamental development among medically complicated twins, as expected for TTTS, but contrary to expectations regarding TAPS and sFGR. These results indicate a sense of relief for parents with twins from complicated pregnancies, as they suggest no need for additional intervention to promote healthy development. Contrary to expectations, comparisons between twins from uncomplicated and complicated pregnancies revealed lower positive affectivity in the uncomplicated group. These findings could be explained by a potential influence of parental focus on positive reinforcement in children with complications in the context of the child's survival and well-being. These results highlight that intrauterine circumstances do not necessarily cause any substantial differences but suggest a complex interplay between parental interactions and temperamental expression, warranting further investigation into the long-term outcomes and support programs.Show less
Functioneren is een belangrijk concept in de zorg, maar dit wordt nog niet uitgevraagd als single item vraag in gezondheidsmonitors, zoals dat bij ervaren gezondheid gebeurt. De verwachte stijgende...Show moreFunctioneren is een belangrijk concept in de zorg, maar dit wordt nog niet uitgevraagd als single item vraag in gezondheidsmonitors, zoals dat bij ervaren gezondheid gebeurt. De verwachte stijgende prevalentie van ouderdomsziektes door vergrijzing levert een behoefte aan een oplossing voor de hoge werkdruk bij zorgpersoneel en single item vragen verminderen werklast bij zorgpersoneel en patiënt. Het doel van dit onderzoek was om te onderzoeken of ervaren functioneren en ervaren gezondheid twee verschillende constructen zijn. De hypothese was dat dit twee verschillende constructen zouden zijn. Deze zouden naast elkaar uitgevraagd kunnen worden in gezondheidsmonitors en gezondheidsevaluatielijsten in de zorg om aanvullende informatie te geven over kwaliteit van leven en welzijn van een patiënt. Uit verschillende bestaande gezondheidsmonitors is een vragenlijst samengesteld. Hieraan zijn items over demografische kenmerken en de ervaren gezondheid en zelf ontworpen ervaren functioneren vraag toegevoegd. De vragenlijst bestond uit 47 vragen en is verspreid via sociale media. De dataset bestond uit 281 respondenten, waarvan 42,3 % man, 55,9% vrouw en 1,1% non-binair. 65,5% van de respondenten had geen ervaring met een langdurige ziekte, 22,8 % met één langdurige ziekte en 11,7% met twee of meer langdurige ziekten. De correlaties tussen drie van vijf items van de EQ-5D5L (mobiliteit, pijn/ongemak en angst/somberheid) en ervaren functioneren waren significant verschillend met de correlaties tussen de items en de ervaren gezondheid vraag. Ook de EQ-VAS correleerde significant verschillend. Hoewel ervaren functioneren en ervaren gezondheid niet significant verschillend correleerden op elk item van de EQ-5D5L, reageerden ze niet identiek. Dit kan een aanwijzing zijn dat ervaren functioneren en ervaren gezondheid twee verschillende constructen zijn. Er is meer onderzoek nodig naar de domeinen waarop ervaren functioneren en ervaren gezondheid wel dan niet verschillen.Show less
This study investigates the relationship between rejection sensitivity and social feedback learning rate. Rejection sensitivity is an aspect of social anxiety disorder which is especially prevalent...Show moreThis study investigates the relationship between rejection sensitivity and social feedback learning rate. Rejection sensitivity is an aspect of social anxiety disorder which is especially prevalent in adolescents. SAD has a significant relationship with social feedback learning rate and this study aims to go a step further and research whether rejection sensitivity is a leading factor in this relationship. Participants fill in the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale as well as the Children’s Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire. Afterwards they will do a speech task which includes a public speaking section and is judged by confederate judges who will rate them on their performance. The participants rate themselves before and after the feedback from the judges. The difference between individual’s rating before and after the feedback will be measured and this will form the basis of our data for analysis. During the analysis a correlational relationship will be analyzed between rejection sensitivity, its sub measures and social feedback learning rate. The hypothesis of the study is that individuals with higher rejection sensitivity score will have higher negative social feedback learning rates. Results show no significant relationship between the variables.Show less
Social anxiety can have a huge impact on adolescents’ lives, including emotional, social, and educational problems. The relationships between social anxiety, audience perception, and expressiveness...Show moreSocial anxiety can have a huge impact on adolescents’ lives, including emotional, social, and educational problems. The relationships between social anxiety, audience perception, and expressiveness are considered to play a role in the development of those problems, since they cause intense distress or even avoidance of social or performance situations. Effective treatment options are therefore important to prevent further problems. This study examined the relationship between social anxiety, audience perception, and expressiveness, and the feasibility of blended care. To examine this, 43 participants followed a 12 week blended care intervention consisting of psychoeducation, social skills training, cognitive restructuring techniques, exposure tasks, assertiveness training, and homework assignments. In addition, the Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents, the Audience Perception Questionnaire, and the Speech Performance Observation Scale for Youth were administered before and after treatment. A mediation analysis was done to study whether audience perception mediated the relationship between social anxiety and expressiveness. To test whether blended care was feasible in reducing symptoms of social anxiety, and increase audience perception and expressiveness, multiple paired samples t-tests were performed. No significant relationships were found between social anxiety and audience perception (β = -.054, p = .40), between social anxiety and expressiveness (β = .005, p =.37), and between audience perception and expressiveness (β = -.009, p =.75). Logically, the whole mediation model was also not significant (β = .005, p =.45). Results from the paired samples t-tests showed significant differences for social anxiety (t(29) = 2.66, p = .013), lowering the mean scores from 56.8 to 50.6, and audience perception (t(28) = -4.00, p < .001), increasing the mean scores from -3.2 to -0,8. No significant differences were found for expressiveness (t(13) = .10, p = .92). The results show no relationships between social anxiety, audience perception, and expressiveness, which could be explained by the unfamiliarity of the concept of expressiveness, a different mediator that has influence on these variables, having a small sample size, or participants’ level of education. Further research is needed on both, to gain more insight in relationships affecting social anxiety in adolescents. The results did show the feasibility of blended care in reducing social anxiety and increasing audience perception. Using blended care is encouraged to provide more and better care to adolescents.Show less
