In this present study the monitoring pattern of social interactions of one year old infants of more sensitive mothers and less sensitive mothers is investigated. The study is guided by the...Show moreIn this present study the monitoring pattern of social interactions of one year old infants of more sensitive mothers and less sensitive mothers is investigated. The study is guided by the following main question: ‘Is maternal sensitivity related to the monitoring pattern of social interactions of one year old infants?’ The sample consisted of thirty-eight 12-month-old infants and their mothers. An eye-tracking experiment was carried out in which we measured infants’ monitoring pattern of social interactions. The eye-tracking stimuli consisted of an animated movies in which a social interaction between two geometric figures, a small and a big oval shape, is showed. The animated movies consisted of four segments, which are start, uphill, separation and response. In half of the movies a crying sound can be heard, while in the other half of the movies a laughing sound can be heard. There are four different animated movies, the responsive crying movie, the responsive laughing movie, the unresponsive crying movie and the unresponsive laughing movie. Supported by the sensitivity theory of Ainsworth, which states that mothers’ responses to their infants’ signals influence children’s development and supported by Bowlby’s theory of internal working models, in which the relationship with a primary caregiver influence how we understand the social world around us, it is hypothesized that infants of more sensitive mothers may show differences in their monitoring pattern of social interactions, while infants of less sensitive mothers do not show similar differences. Thus, it is hypothesized that maternal sensitivity can influence infants processing of social interactions. Maternal sensitivity was measured based on three different episodes, using the Ainsworth Sensitivity Scale. Results suggested that, in the separation part of the observed movies, the overall attention of infants of less sensitive mothers declined across the repetition of the presentation during the unresponsive movies but not during the responsive movies. Furthermore, infants of less sensitive mothers looked longer at the first four movies than infants of more sensitive mothers, while in the second four movies there was no such difference. We also found in the response part of the observed movies, that the overall attention of infants of less sensitive mothers declined across the repetition of the presentation during the unresponsive crying and responsive crying movies, while infants of more sensitive mothers did not show this decline. Limitations, strong aspects and recommendation for further research are discussed.Show less
Parliamentary committees are a crucial feature of legislative organization in European democracies. Increasing electoral volatility and new roles of emerging parties effect the nature of the...Show moreParliamentary committees are a crucial feature of legislative organization in European democracies. Increasing electoral volatility and new roles of emerging parties effect the nature of the legislative proceedings that take place in committee meetings. This thesis assesses the consequences of the drastic changes in the Dutch party system (large traditional centrist parties losing ground to the upcoming middle-sized parties) for the legislative process. By looking at the proceedings of committee meetings in two different periods of fragmentation (2005 and 2011), this study explores the contribution and participation of the different parties in the committee phase in parliament. A general correlation between smaller party sizes and a decline in the seats that are represented in committee meetings is detected. Furthermore, it is found that MPs of parties with centrifugal tendencies (towards the extremes of the political spectrum) are less likely to participate in committee meetings than MPs that are closer to the political center.Show less
Advanced master thesis | Political Science (Advanced Master)
open access
In 2010, the European External Action Service (EEAS) was launched. This service should serve as a 'ministry of foreign affairs' of the European Union. Goal of the EEAS: Creating a more coherent...Show moreIn 2010, the European External Action Service (EEAS) was launched. This service should serve as a 'ministry of foreign affairs' of the European Union. Goal of the EEAS: Creating a more coherent European foreign policy by providing a bridge between the member states and the European institutions, and between the European institutions themselves (Council and Commission). This thesis investigates whether the EEAS, in the short timespan that it is active now, has been able to achieve this goal. Three levels of coherence are identified: Horizontal coherence (coherence between the external policies of the different European institutions and organs), vertical coherence (coherence between the foreign policies of the different member states) and, finally, external coherence (the EU's ability to speak with a single voice to the rest of the world). Making use of a Principal-Agent theoretical framework, and relying on more than ten interviews with officials in Brussels, this contribution draws the conclusion that the EEAS has enhanced European foreign policy coherence, albeit moderately. As a result of the creation of a single High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission (HRVP), external coherence was fostered most convincingly. On the other hand, horizontal coherence - if not deteriorated - did not grow as a result of the EEAS. Hence, there is still much work to be done in the realm of inter-institutional relations in the EU.Show less
In this thesis, the author observes the puzzle of escalation and de-escalation in irregular war, accounting for both the strong and weak actor, using a Strategic Theory (i.e. Clausewitzian logic)...Show moreIn this thesis, the author observes the puzzle of escalation and de-escalation in irregular war, accounting for both the strong and weak actor, using a Strategic Theory (i.e. Clausewitzian logic) narrative. He focuses on two arguments: (1) domestic politics cause friction for both actors, (2) international pressure (from state and non-state actors) causes friction for both actors. This international pressure also includes image. Using a variety of observation techniques and limited quantitative analysis, the author finds that (1) domestic political rivalry facilitates escalation for the strong and the weak actor and has no bearing on de-escalation; escalation erodes and diminishes domestic political rivalry. (2) International pressure and image facilitates de-escalation on both sides in order to maintain a positive image. (3) The weak actor must start de-escalating in response to the strong actor’s de-escalation; else it may very well damage its own capacity to achieve its political objectives. He then discusses the policy implications that this conclusion has, most notably (1) the way that policy-makers may change their behavior in order to improve their own image, or the image of the actor they represent. (2) They may or may not be more cautious when dealing with domestic rivalry, as they may seek to avoid escalating, and would rather tackle the actual cause of domestic rivalry. Opportunities for future research in the thesis. Most notable opportunities for future research include (1) the relationship between strong actor de-escalation and weak actor de-escalation and the way the former enables the latter. (2) The effect of the situation on the ground, rather than on the purely political level, on each actor’s decision to de-escalate.Show less
Background: High levels of aggressive behavior are associated with a low resting heart rate in boys. However, differences in underlying mechanisms, e.g. arousal levels, might exist between boys...Show moreBackground: High levels of aggressive behavior are associated with a low resting heart rate in boys. However, differences in underlying mechanisms, e.g. arousal levels, might exist between boys with disruptive behavior disorders, which might have implications for intervention programs to prevent aggressive behavior to develop further into adulthood. Methods: The current study investigated resting heart rate (beats per minute) and skin conductance levels (μS ) in boys, 8-12 years old (Mage = 9.67, SD = 1.18), with a disruptive behavior disorder (NDBD= 24, NControl = 25). Levels of anxiety and characteristics of an autism spectrum disorder were considered as co-occuring symptoms, to consider possible differences between the two groups and to infer the predictive value of these symptoms regarding arousal levels. Arousal levels in resting state were considered while the participants watched a three minute calming video of fishes. Levels of aggression, anxiety and amount of characteristics of an autism spectrum disorder were measured by questionnaires that were administered by the boys themselves (MASC) and the parents (ASEBA CBCL 6-18 and VISK). One-way analyses of variance were performed to infer possible differences between the control group and the DBD group. Moreover, multiple regression analyses were executed to consider the predictive value of the levels of the mentioned symptoms with regard to arousal levels. Results: No differences were found in arousal measures in resting state between the DBD group and the control group. However, expressing higher levels of characteristics of autism, especially not understanding social information (e.g. jokes), stereotypic behavior and anxiety for change, turned out to be partly predictive for higher levels of heart rate in the DBD group. None of the considered factors was predictive for variation in skin conductance levels in this group. Conclusions: The current findings suggest that some of the aggression seen in the DBD group could possibly origin from the lack of understanding as well as anxiety or tension with regard to social situations and is associated with somewhat higher levels of arousal instead of lower levels, as previously suggested. The tentative findings in the current study could incite to investigate in more depth the predictors of variation in levels of arousal, which could provide more information about differences between individuals with regard to underlying mechanisms of aggression.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2018-09-25T00:00:00Z
The present study was the first to investigate the association between mothers’ ability to reflect upon the relationship with her (unborn) infant during pregnancy and maternal and infant behavior...Show moreThe present study was the first to investigate the association between mothers’ ability to reflect upon the relationship with her (unborn) infant during pregnancy and maternal and infant behavior during the Still-Face Paradigm (SFP). The sample consisted of 52 mother-infant dyads, from both high (HR, N = 22)- and low (LR, N = 29) risk backgrounds, as defined by the presence/absence of unemployment, poverty or financial problems, housing problems, limited or instable social support network, being single or having changing partners, (subclinical) psychiatric problems (such as depression, anxiety, borderline, aggression), or substance abuse (smoking, alcohol, or drugs). High-risk (HR)-mothers had lower levels of reflective functioning than LR-mothers and showed less sensitive and more intrusive behavior in interaction with their infants. Infants from high risk backgrounds showed more negative affect during play and less gaze towards mother during the still-face episode of the SFP. Reflective functioning during pregnancy predicted maternal sensitive and intrusive behavior during play, but only for LR-mothers. In general, maternal reflective functioning predicted infant display of minimal positive affect during the still-face episode, an association that was not mediated by maternal behavior during the SFP. These results indicate that mothers’ reflective abilities predict later maternal sensitive and intrusive behavior, and even some infant behavior independently from maternal behavior. Future studies should further clarify the role of maternal reflective capacities in the development of children’s emotion regulation abilities, and its potential role in prenatal coaching and interventions.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2018-11-01T00:00:00Z
This study investigated the effect of maternal depression on mother and infant behavior during the Still Face Paradigm (SFP). It was investigated whether the SFP elicited the still-face effect. In...Show moreThis study investigated the effect of maternal depression on mother and infant behavior during the Still Face Paradigm (SFP). It was investigated whether the SFP elicited the still-face effect. In addition, the effect of maternal depression on infant’s emotion regulation and maternal behavior during the SFP was examined. Fifty-two mother-infant dyads participated in this study. Maternal depression was measured using a positive score on either the MINI-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-Plus) or Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) during the first or second appointment. Additionally, the cognitive development of six-month old infants was measured using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-II). During a home-visit, the SFP was administered by trained PhD- or graduate students, and mother and infant behaviors were coded afterwards. Results indicated that the still face effect was found for negative affect, arching and/or squirming behavior, gaze toward mother, and additionally for maternal sensitivity and maternal positive affect. Infants of depressed mothers averted gaze during all episodes of the SFP compared to infants of non-depressed mothers. Combination of SFP episodes and maternal depression resulted in more arching and/or squirming behavior during the play and reunion episodes for infants of depressed mothers. Furthermore, mothers who feel depressed showed more internalizing or helpless behavior during the reunion. The findings of this study increase the knowledge of the effects of maternal depression on mother behavior and infant’s regulatory capacities during stress exposure.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2016-12-01T00:00:00Z
Psychological adaptation was examined in 993 Dutch internationally adopted adults (M= 38 years; 58% female) with a relatively high percentage of pre-adoption adversity, and the international...Show morePsychological adaptation was examined in 993 Dutch internationally adopted adults (M= 38 years; 58% female) with a relatively high percentage of pre-adoption adversity, and the international adoptees were compared with their Dutch non-adopted peers and with Dutch domestic adoptees. Psychological adaptation was indicated by internalizing and externalizing problem behavior, and self-esteem. We found that the majority of the international adoptees were well adapted and showed even higher levels of self-esteem than their non-adopted peers from the general population. After controlling for the effects of the pre-adoption adversity, we found that international adoptees who reported a more negative appraisal of relinquishment and adoption, showed more feelings of loss, more negative coping strategies, and less optimal psychological adaptation. Whilst comparing the international and domestic adoptees, we found that the international adoptees showed a more positive appraisal of both relinquishment and adoption than the domestic adoptees. Based on these findings, we suggest that both the appraisal of relinquishment and adoption and feelings of loss play a key role in the psychological adaption of adoptees. These insights should be used in the preparation of new adoptive parents and helping children to adapt to their new life environment and to prevent problems later in life. Furthermore, in treatment and psychological help, adult adoptees with problems might benefit from reflecting on the feelings of loss towards the biological parents and the feelings towards being relinquished and adopted.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2018-07-19T00:00:00Z
This study investigated whether maternal reflective functioning was related to maternal sensitivity during the Still Face Paradigm (SFP). It was investigated whether the SFP elicited the still face...Show moreThis study investigated whether maternal reflective functioning was related to maternal sensitivity during the Still Face Paradigm (SFP). It was investigated whether the SFP elicited the still face effect. Additionally, the effect of maternal sensitivity on infants’ regulatory behaviors during the SFP was examined. Infants’ stress reactivity during the SFP was explored using skin conductance levels. Maternal risk status and infants’ temperament has been taken into account. The sample consisted of 52 mother-infant dyads (mean age infants 5.96 months). Reflective functioning was measured with an interview around 27 weeks of pregnancy. During a home-visit the SFP was administered and mothers reported about the infants’ temperament using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire. Infant and maternal behaviors were coded based on the SFP. Results indicated that the still face effect was found for arching and squirming, while it was not found for self-soothing behavior. Preliminary results showed an increased skin conductance level, and thus stress reactivity, over the whole SFP. Furthermore, maternal reflective functioning was found as predictor of maternal sensitivity during the SFP. Higher levels of maternal sensitivity predicted more self-soothing behaviors during the first minute of the reunion and less arching and squirming behaviors during the second minute of the reunion. It was not related to any other regulatory behaviors measured. Infants’ temperament was not associated with infants’ regulatory behaviors. The findings of this study can be used in developing interventions to improve maternal reflective functioning and sensitivity, which, in turn, can influence infants’ regulatory behaviors and emotional development.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2018-01-01T00:00:00Z
The aim of the present study was to examine infant emotion regulation, expressed in autonomic nervous system-reactivity, during the Still-Face Paradigm (SFP). In addition, the effect of maternal...Show moreThe aim of the present study was to examine infant emotion regulation, expressed in autonomic nervous system-reactivity, during the Still-Face Paradigm (SFP). In addition, the effect of maternal risk status on children’s emotional and behavioural development was examined. The sample consisted of 51 mothers and their 6-month-old infants. Measures of heart rate, pre-ejection period (PEP), skin conductance level (SCL), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) were collected during baseline and during the SFP episodes. Infant behavioural responses were coded as well. The SFP was able to elicit sympathetic and parasympathetic activity. In response to the still-face an increase in sympathetic activity was found, but only by SCL and heart rate, not by PEP. In addition, the still-face elicited an inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system, the RSA decreased and the heart rate increased. In the transition from still-face to reunion, an effect of risk status was found on the pattern of heart rate and SCL. Infants from the high-risk group showed more sympathetic activity, indicating more stress and less emotion regulation. Overall, the SFP is able to elicit physiological features of emotion regulation and is able to indicate early differences in the autonomic nervous system activity in response to stress. Future studies should replicate these findings and should further investigate the role of maternal risk status.Show less
The purpose of this study was to examine to what extent CBM Maze scores were indicators of general reading proficiency for students enrolled in Dutch vocational secondary education (PrO-schools)....Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine to what extent CBM Maze scores were indicators of general reading proficiency for students enrolled in Dutch vocational secondary education (PrO-schools). Three research questions were addressed regarding the reliability, the validity and the sensitivity to growth of the Maze scores. The participants were 96 students (44 girls; 51 boys; 1 unknown sex) across four school years enrolled in a Dutch secondary school for practical education. The relation between the CBM Maze scores and two criterion variables (a reading comprehension test Nieuwsbegrip and School Grades for Dutch) was examined. In addition, beginning-and-end-of-year mean Maze scores were examined in order to determine whether the scores were sensitive to growth. Positive and moderately to strong correlations provide support for the reliability of the Maze scores. The present data, however, provide only minimal support for their validity. Finally, results suggest the Maze scores were sensitive to growth.Show less
There is evidence that at an age of 6 months old, infants are able to at least interpret a simple goal-directed action as intentional. But there are still questions on how infants come to a goal...Show moreThere is evidence that at an age of 6 months old, infants are able to at least interpret a simple goal-directed action as intentional. But there are still questions on how infants come to a goal-directed interpretation of human actions. Therefore, we conducted two experiments, investigating the role of cues from the situation and from the actor’s behavior allowing infants to understand the goal-directedness of an action. More specifically, using the violation of expectations method, we examined how 6 and 9 months old infants interpret a simple action of a hand, which does not provide infants with any situational and behavioral cues. Therefore, we first familiarized infants with a reach and grasp movement of a hand towards a toy. This was followed by two test events: one in which the path of the hand was changed (to reach for the same object) and one in which the target object changed (either grasping a new object in Experiment 1 or stopping at the new object in Experiment 2). We found that infants of 9 months old looked both longer to the new goal test event (Experiment 1) and no goal test event (Experiment 2) compared to the same goal test event (used in both experiments). This indicates they found both the reach and grasp of a new goal and the achievement of no goal at all more unexpected compared to achieving the same goal. Six months old infants however, only found it more unexpected when the hand did not achieve a goal anymore, but only when provided with additional situational cues (our control condition). This suggests a developmental shift in the role of cues from the actor and the situation for the interpretation of goal-directed actions of humans by infants.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2017-08-28T00:00:00Z
This study was conducted to assess subjective quality of life and to distinguish predictors of quality of life in young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Young adults with ASD enrolled in...Show moreThis study was conducted to assess subjective quality of life and to distinguish predictors of quality of life in young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Young adults with ASD enrolled in higher education were compared to control students without ASD with respect to quality of life, executive functioning, motivation performance, social anxiety, emotion regulation, stress coping abilities, ASD symptoms, adaptive functioning, and self-reflection. Young adults with ASD reported lower subjective quality of life than control peers and showed higher impairment in all of the above-mentioned areas. Within the ASD group, low initiative taking, high internalizing problems, and high negative tension in social situations predict lower quality of life. Together, these findings indicate that deficits in the stress regulation system lead to lower subjective quality of life in young adults with ASD, despite their high functioning.Show less
Storybook reading is a widespread activity in the kindergarten classrooms. Preschool teachers usually read the narration of each page from print storybooks and show the illustrations around...Show moreStorybook reading is a widespread activity in the kindergarten classrooms. Preschool teachers usually read the narration of each page from print storybooks and show the illustrations around afterwards. However, presenting the illustrations at the same time as the oral narration might be more effective for children’s vocabulary development. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of different timing between pictures and text during a story reading on young kindergartener’s vocabulary acquisition. 22 children listened to digitalized storybooks presenting the visual and the verbal information either at the same time or successively. Children’s book-based vocabulary growth was assessed. The findings showed that simultaneous storybooks were more beneficial than non-simultaneous ones on young kindergartner’s vocabulary development. Students with larger initial vocabularies benefited more from the simultaneous storybooks than the non-simultaneous ones. However, the mode of presentation made no difference in learning gains for students with low initial vocabulary knowledge. Digitalized storybooks are suggested for preschool reading sessions.Show less
