Sexual minorities (SM) are at higher risk for various adverse health outcomes. The minority stress model identified possible variables that lead to mental distress in the sexual minority population...Show moreSexual minorities (SM) are at higher risk for various adverse health outcomes. The minority stress model identified possible variables that lead to mental distress in the sexual minority population. Various positive aspects on the contrary like resilience and mental flexibility might support SM’s psychological wellbeing. Within the framework of relational cultural theory, which states that striving for beneficial interpersonal connection is essential for growth and wellbeing, these variables might have a potential influence in reshaping SM’s relationships to others and thus, amending overall wellbeing. The aim of this study was to observe the effects and its interaction of resilience and psychological flexibility on wellbeing in order to potentially substantiate the consequences it might have on social aspects of SMI. It was hypothesized that resilience would exert a significant positive effect on wellbeing and further, a positive partial or full mediation through mental flexibility would be observed in this study. A secondary data analysis from 345 participants and three questionnaires was conducted: the Brief Resilience Scale, the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short- Form . A regression- and mediation analysis was conducted. The results demonstrated a significant total effect of resilience on wellbeing. Resilience significantly predicted wellbeing (β= .31, p< .001). An indirect effect and a partial mediation effect of psychological flexibility between resilience and wellbeing was furthermore observed. All results were in line with the hypotheses. The combined effects of resilience and mental flexibility on wellbeing in SMI were evident in this study which is in line with previous literature. Thus, they might be important mental components in dealing with adversity in SM as (consciously) ameliorating views into a constructive direction on relational situations and thus strengthening resilience through incremental social support might finally yield the desired benefits that SMI often still lack despite growing awareness of the general state of wellbeing.Show less
Value in nature has often been studied from two perspectives, either externally or internally. Schools of intrinsic value like deep ecology have been found extreme in the past, their implications...Show moreValue in nature has often been studied from two perspectives, either externally or internally. Schools of intrinsic value like deep ecology have been found extreme in the past, their implications undesirable to humans. External perspectives like anthropocentric value judgements, for example ecosystem-service arguments, or considerations of intergenerational justice have become increasingly common and well researched. However, this thesis starts from the observation that anthropocentric value based morality does little to protect ecosystems for their own sake. Instead, it merely focuses on those parts that either appeal, service, or otherwise are useful to humans. It is especially this perception of ecosystems that lies at the root of current and past exploitation of the ecosystem. The result is nearly irreversible damage to the ecosystem. This thesis argues for pro tanto moral rights for the ecosystem, on the basis of interest-based moral considerability. I will show that previous arguments for or against the moral considerability of nature lack sufficient knowledge of ecological processes. If ecological processes are properly understood, the ecosystem can be said to have an interest. This interest, or wellbeing, is the striving towards homeostasis. This means that the ecosystem has moral considerability and is a moral patient. It is therefore eligible for moral rights. These rights-relations occur between moral agents and moral patient when there is contact. This will be explained through developing the Contact-Theory.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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This research explores the potential effects of coming in contact with archaeology through active engagement for audiences with dementia, specifically with regard to wellbeing. The thesis is set up...Show moreThis research explores the potential effects of coming in contact with archaeology through active engagement for audiences with dementia, specifically with regard to wellbeing. The thesis is set up as an explorative research, which serves to test whether there are indications for a positive effect on wellbeing which warrant further systematic studying on a larger scale. Dementia is a term used to denote a syndrome that causes the progressive decline of cognitive ability, severe enough to interfere with an individual’s daily life. Dementia is often accompanied by negative psycho-social affects and has an adverse impact on quality of life and wellbeing. Currently, the prevalence of dementia is steadily increasing. While dementia causes severe psychosocial impact on individuals living with the syndrome, it has primarily been studied from a neuro-medical viewpoint. Understandings of the psychosocial consequences of the syndrome and implications with regard to wellbeing and quality of life are topics that have begun to emerge only recently. An involvement of other disciplines than the neurological and medical field can enrich the way dementia and its effects on the wellbeing of individuals are approached. This research reviews heritage-in-health and archaeology-in-health interventions and lays out a theoretical framework for the introduction of archaeology in dementia care, embedded in meaningful activity theory, existing therapies relevant in the context of dementia and person-centered dementia care. The ideas put forward in this thesis are tested in a small-scale quasi-experimental intervention. This research concludes that an active involvement in archaeology can facilitate high levels of engagement and can bring about quality moments, indicating a positive influence on wellbeing. Further research into these effects is warranted in order to gain a full understanding of archaeology’s potential to contribute to wellbeing in the context of health problems, and this research presents several avenues to pursue.Show less
In deze studie staat de relatie centraal tussen kwaliteit van kinderopvang en welbevinden. Hierbij is kwaliteit gemeten met globale kwaliteit en sensitiviteit van de pedagogisch medewerker. In deze...Show moreIn deze studie staat de relatie centraal tussen kwaliteit van kinderopvang en welbevinden. Hierbij is kwaliteit gemeten met globale kwaliteit en sensitiviteit van de pedagogisch medewerker. In deze studie is geen significant verband gevonden tussen kwaliteit en welbevinden. Daarnaast is gevonden dat temperament niet fungeert als medierende variabele tussen kwaliteit en welbevinden. Tevens is gevonden dat het geslacht van kinderen de relatie tussen kwaliteit van opvang en welbevinden niet beinvloedt.Show less
