College students experience a high prevalence of mood disorders, largely due to unstable life structure. This group encounters multiple barriers in accessing mental health treatment, including a...Show moreCollege students experience a high prevalence of mood disorders, largely due to unstable life structure. This group encounters multiple barriers in accessing mental health treatment, including a demanding schedules limited time, stigma, and a tight budget. Moodpep, an online eHealth intervention designed to address depressive symptoms, helps overcome these barriers. This study investigated the effectiveness of Moodpep, a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy based online intervention for students with depressive symptoms, and examined whether its effects persisted during follow-up. Additionally, this study explored the impact of gender, concurrent treatment, and the differential improvement between clinically and subclinically depressed participants. The sample consisted of 255 students from 9 universities in the Netherlands. Repeated measures ANOVA and independent samples t-tests were used for data-analysis. The findings indicated that depressive symptoms significantly reduced after completing Moodpep, with these improvements maintained at the six-month follow-up. Gender and concurrent treatments did not have a significant effect on the outcomes. Notably, participants with clinical levels of depression showed greater improvement compared to those with subclinical symptoms. Despite these promising results, the study faced limitations, including high dropout rates, uncertainty regarding the reasons for dropout, lack of a control group and regression toward the mean. Future research should focus on understanding dropout causes, conducting randomized controlled trials, evaluating long-term effects, and exploring the integration of eHealth interventions with traditional face-to-face treatments. Moodpep offers a promising early intervention for depressive symptoms by providing an anonymous, travel-free, flexible treatment option accessible to all students. The practical implication could be increased by raising awareness of Moodpep's availability.Show less
Master thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (MSc)
closed access
This thesis dives into the stories and lives of female low-caste garment workers in South India, uncovering their agency and strategies within the complex web of social norms and expectations. It's...Show moreThis thesis dives into the stories and lives of female low-caste garment workers in South India, uncovering their agency and strategies within the complex web of social norms and expectations. It's all about understanding how factors like caste, gender, and labor intertwine to shape their lives in the bustling world of textile factories. The journey starts by shining a light on the influence of big international brands on the factories' conditions and how the caste systems still affects people’s lives and opportunities. We dig into how traditional gender roles shape the lives of these female workers, dealing with both unequal power dynamics and family expectations. With the guiding question, "How exactly do female low-caste garment workers in South India show their power, and how do they tackle the challenges they face in their lives and jobs?" in mind, the research takes us through six chapters. The heart of the matter reveals that these workers, despite the odds, aren't just passive players. They've got agency and plans, like prioritizing their children’s education if their financial situation allows it in order to break free from the cycle of struggle. And then there's the central role of NGOs like READ, who give them skills and a voice to demand better conditions. Wrapping it all up, the conclusion shows strength doesn't always mean pushing back hard; it's often about finding ways to stand tall and find strategies when facing difficulties. All said and done, this research paints a vivid picture of these female workers' multi-faceted strengths, highlighting how they navigate their world with grit and grace, all while shaking up the social norms that surround them.Show less
This thesis is based on the hypothesis that women were present in Roman forts during the time that the Dutch limes was functioning as a border of the Roman Empire. Many castella were built along...Show moreThis thesis is based on the hypothesis that women were present in Roman forts during the time that the Dutch limes was functioning as a border of the Roman Empire. Many castella were built along the limes to help regulate and keep watch over the transport via the Rhine. One of these castella was Albaniana, located at present time Alphen aan den Rijn. This castellum has been well documented through excavations and archaeological material. However, the view of Roman forts and its inhabitants has been aged and is no longer correct. In the past, Roman forts have been thought of as exclusively male, with soldiers and officers of the Roman army occupying them. Nevertheless, in several cases it has been proven through the archaeological record that women were in fact present within these military communities, and not just as visitors. The extent of their presence can be seen within multiple finds categories. To determine whether or not it is possible to state that women were in fact present at castellum Albaniana, the metal finds found by metal detector in the soil that was dug up from the Rhine riverbed were analysed and compared with earlier research completed in the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (Allison 2006; Furger 1990). First the metal finds from the landfill were analysed by category, separating personal objects from domestic objects. Features such as extensive decoration or female marks were observed closely, to see whether an object could be associated to female dress or adornment. When possible, finds were sorted into tables to compare sizes. Smaller sizes of rings and brooches for example might point to female possession as well. Next, the amount of material associated with female possession in total was analysed and through this information the research questions were answered, showing that women and perhaps even children were present in the fort of Alphen aan den Rijn.Show less
