Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2016-11-22T00:00:00Z
Sleeping difficulties have a negative influence on cognitive functioning and behavioral problems, in both children and adults (Alhola & Polo-Kantola, 2007; Astill et al., 2012). Studies have...Show moreSleeping difficulties have a negative influence on cognitive functioning and behavioral problems, in both children and adults (Alhola & Polo-Kantola, 2007; Astill et al., 2012). Studies have revealed that temperament might be a predictor of sleep disturbances in children. The aim of the current study was to examine the association between different temperament traits and sleep disturbances, sleep onset latency, sleep duration and subjective sleep quality in children. Participants were 113 children, aged 9 – 11 years (M = 10.47 years; SD = .72). Parents kept track of a sleep diary and both parents and children completed several questionnaires, regarding sleep and temperament. Significant associations were found between the different sleep disturbances and effortful control, high intensity pleasure/surgency, frustration, affiliation, and fear. Sleep duration was related to affiliation and fear. Subjective sleep quality was associated with affiliation and shyness. The current study provides evidence for the association between and sleep and temperament.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2016-01-01T00:00:00Z
This study examined whether temperament is a moderator of the association between sleep duration and the cognitive functions alertness, inhibition, and working memory in 130 children (56 boys and...Show moreThis study examined whether temperament is a moderator of the association between sleep duration and the cognitive functions alertness, inhibition, and working memory in 130 children (56 boys and 74 girls) aged 9 to 11 years. The children completed a short 3-min version of the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT), a GoNogo task and a visual Digit Span test. Furthermore, a questionnaire regarding temperament (EATQ-R) was filled out by the children. Parents kept a sleep log for a week. ANCOVA results showed that the relation between average sleep duration on weekdays and alertness (PVT mean reaction time (RT) and PVT number of lapses) was moderated by the temperament traits extraversion (pPVT_RT = .030, η2 = .05; pPVT_lapses = .076, η2 = .03) and negative affectivity (pPVT_RT = .039, η2 = .04; pPVT_lapses = .057, η2 = .04). Relatively high levels of extraversion or low levels of negative affectivity were associated with more adverse effects of inadequate sleep on alertness. For inhibition and working memory this effect was not found. No significant interaction effects appeared for the other temperament traits: effortful control and affiliativeness. We conclude that the sensitivity for sleep related cognitive decrements in children can be partly explained by differences in temperamental traits.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2017-10-10T00:00:00Z
We investigated the year prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) in residential and foster care and compared it with prevalence rates in the general population. We used two approaches to estimate...Show moreWe investigated the year prevalence of child sexual abuse (CSA) in residential and foster care and compared it with prevalence rates in the general population. We used two approaches to estimate the prevalence of CSA. First, 264 professionals working in residential or foster care (sentinels) reported CSA for the children they worked with (N = 6,281). Second, 329 adolescents staying in residential or foster care reported on their own experiences with CSA. Sentinels and adolescents were randomly selected from 82 Dutch youth care facilities. We found that 4.3 per 1000 children had been victims of CSA based on sentinel reports. In addition, 248 per 1000 adolescents reported having experienced CSA. Results based on both sentinel and self-report revealed higher prevalence rates in youth care than in the general population, with the highest prevalence in residential care. Prevalence rates in foster care did not differ from the general population. We conclude that residential placements should remain a last resort. Unfortunately foster care does not effectively protect children against sexual abuse either, and thus its quality needs to be further improved.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2017-09-20T00:00:00Z
One of the dysfunctions associated with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) are difficulties in social functioning, which may arise as a consequence of executive functioning (EF) and Theory of Mind ...Show moreOne of the dysfunctions associated with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) are difficulties in social functioning, which may arise as a consequence of executive functioning (EF) and Theory of Mind (ToM) deficits. In this study, the influence of EF on ToM skills in KS boys was examined, as well as how these skills relate to autistic features. ASD traits were assessed with the parent-report Autism-Spectrum Quotient. ToM skills were measured with the Social Cognitive Skills Test. EF skills were measured with the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals and Amsterdam Neuropsychological Tasks. 28 KS boys (Mage=13.2, SD=3.0) participated in this study, along with 45 ASD boys (Mage=11.9, SD=2.0) and 46 boys from the general population (Mage=12.2, SD=2.9) as control groups. KS boys showed substantially elevated levels of ASD traits compared to the general population, but lower levels than ASD boys. In addition, difficulties regarding ToM and cognitive flexibility were more prominent in KS boys than in ASD boys compared to the general population. ToM task performance could partly be explained by spatial WM and attention switching (as autistic trait) could partly be explained by ToM skills in KS boys. The current study highlights the importance of attention modulation skills and ToM skills in social functioning of individuals with KS, providing promising insights regarding prevention and intervention. Future studies should focus on the effectiveness of enhancing EF skills in KS boys and the role of the X chromosome in vulnerability for autistic traits.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2016-01-01T00:00:00Z
Methylation of the serotonin transporter gene (5HTTLPR) might be one of the underlying molecular mechanisms of epigenetics through which effects of child maltreatment persist into adulthood. We...Show moreMethylation of the serotonin transporter gene (5HTTLPR) might be one of the underlying molecular mechanisms of epigenetics through which effects of child maltreatment persist into adulthood. We investigated how the experience of child maltreatment is associated with methylation density of 5HTTLPR and whether 5HTT genotype moderates this relation. The sample consisted of 22 females selected from the larger TwinPAD study (Out, Pieper, Bakermans-Kranenburg & Van IJzendoorn, 2010). DNA was obtained from buccal cells. The percentage of methylation in the first 245 bps was assessed using quantitative mass spectroscopy. Experiences of child maltreatment were established using the Adult Attachment Interview, coded with the Modified Maltreatment Classification System. We found that maltreatment severity was not significantly related to higher methylation density of 5HTTLPR, but the interaction of genotype with maltreatment severity significantly predicted methylation density. For carriers of the ss and sl genotype, more severe maltreatment was associated with higher methylation density, while for carriers of the ll genotype more severe maltreatment was associated with lower methylation density. We conclude that the relation between maltreatment severity and methylation density of 5HTTLPR is moderated by genotype, with ll carriers being protected against the methylating effects associated with maltreatment experiences. This study suggests that DNA methylation may be one of the molecular mechanism by which child maltreatment affects current and long-term functioning.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2014-08-16T00:00:00Z
The aim of this study was to expand the knowledge about the specific social-emotional difficulties within Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) by measuring attention to social cues, emotion recognition...Show moreThe aim of this study was to expand the knowledge about the specific social-emotional difficulties within Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) by measuring attention to social cues, emotion recognition skills, empathy and emotional arousal. 14 participants with Klinefelter syndrome (age range 16-56) and 14 control participants (age range 22-60) were included. All participants watched four video clips designed to evoke empathy, and filled out a questionnaire about their own and the main character’s emotions after each video. Furthermore, they completed an emotion recognition task consisting of 80 pictures of faces with a neutral, happy, scared or angry expression. During both tasks eye movements and fixations were measured. Electrocardiogram and skin conductance measurements were done at baseline, during the video clips and during the emotion recognition task. Participants with Klinefelter syndrome had equal emotion recognition scores compared to the control group, but empathy scores were lower for the Klinefelter group. Participants with Klinefelter spent less time fixating on eyes and more time fixating outside the face during the emotion recognition task. No group differences in overall fixation times were found during the videos, but longer fixations on eyes and mouths and shorter on objects predicted better empathy scores. Psychophysiological responses differed between groups during the empathy videos: participants with Klinefelter showed somewhat stronger skin conductance reactions than controls. The current results can contribute to the development of interventions for Klinefelter syndrome. Moreover, the results can give insight into the role of the X-chromosome in the relation between (social) attention processes and social-cognitive functioning.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2017-09-01T00:00:00Z
The relationship between child maltreatment and physiological reactivity to infant crying was evaluated using measures of heart rate (HR) in a sample of 30 maltreating and 24 non-maltreating...Show moreThe relationship between child maltreatment and physiological reactivity to infant crying was evaluated using measures of heart rate (HR) in a sample of 30 maltreating and 24 non-maltreating mothers. For the maltreating group, child maltreatment had been substantiated. During a standardized cry paradigm, mothers listened to nine cry sounds of three different pitches. Each fundamental frequency was presented three times, over three blocks. Mothers rated the urgency of each sound and indicated what their caregiving responses would be. Maltreating mothers showed a lower HR reactivity than non-maltreating mothers to the first and second block of cry sounds as compared to baseline. A lack of functional physiological reactivity when required may explain their impaired ability to respond adequately to their children.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2017-07-19T00:00:00Z
The investigation of aggressive behaviors in specific types – reactive and proactive – on the basis of knowledge about executive dysfunctioning is important for determining both the etiology and...Show moreThe investigation of aggressive behaviors in specific types – reactive and proactive – on the basis of knowledge about executive dysfunctioning is important for determining both the etiology and the treatment strategies for aggression. The present study aimed to identify executive functions as the mechanisms underlying reactive and proactive aggression. Twenty-seven boys from 7 to 12 years old (M = 9.78, SD = 1.37) participated in this study. We created a sample including boys with different types of aggression and a wide range of aggression scores. Several (computerized) neurocognitive tasks were used for the measurement of the executive functions: inhibition, attention, frustration tolerance, cognitive flexibility and planning. A teacher questionnaire was administered for the reactive and proactive aggression scores of the boys. We found that the executive dysfunctions were associated with higher levels of aggression. Inhibition problems were associated with both types of aggression, but we also delineated unique factors in the prediction of reactive or proactive aggression. These results are not only important for theoretical frameworks about the etiology of aggression, but we can also underpin the importance of stimulating the development of specific executive functions for the prevention and treatment of different types of aggression.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2017-04-16T00:00:00Z
González, Verkuyten, Weesie, and Poppe (2008) used the integrated threat theory to examine prejudice among Dutch adolescents. This study expanded this research and examined whether the integrated...Show moreGonzález, Verkuyten, Weesie, and Poppe (2008) used the integrated threat theory to examine prejudice among Dutch adolescents. This study expanded this research and examined whether the integrated threat theory is a valid model for both Dutch adolescents (n = 777) and Islamic adolescents (n = 307). Of the Dutch adolescents, 30% indicated having negative attitudes towards Muslims, while 10% of the Islamic adolescents indicated negative attitudes towards the Dutch population. Structural equation modeling indicated that the integrated threat theory is a valid model for both groups. Intergroup anxiety appeared to be the most prominent predictor of negative attitudes, followed by realistic threats and stereotypes. Symbolic threat appeared to be the least prominent factor, for Islamic adolescents not related to negative attitudes at all. Many of the threats mediated the relation between distal variables such as perceived status differences, perceived conflict, contact and willingness for contact, negative experiences and endorsement of multiculturalism. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2020-03-21T00:00:00Z
In an experimental Event-Related Potential (ERP) study amongst 7 highly-educated Dutch speaking females (aged 21-36), the neurological processing of congruent and incongruent picture-word...Show moreIn an experimental Event-Related Potential (ERP) study amongst 7 highly-educated Dutch speaking females (aged 21-36), the neurological processing of congruent and incongruent picture-word combinations was investigated. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were obtained prior to and after a single reading of the picture storybooks. Behavioral results showed that participants were better able to decide whether a picture word combination was congruent or incongruent after they knew the story context from which the words and pictures were taken. Furthermore, ERP data analysis revealed the occurrence of an N400 (peak related to semantic incongruencies) following the presentation of incongruent picture-word combinations. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
under embargo until 2027-01-01
2027-01-01T00:00:00Z
Number sense is considered the start-up kit for learning mathematics and a lack of number sense causes serious numerical impairments. The present study describes two 9-years-old identical twins who...Show moreNumber sense is considered the start-up kit for learning mathematics and a lack of number sense causes serious numerical impairments. The present study describes two 9-years-old identical twins who experience severe difficulties with counting, comparing quantities and arithmetic. Test results showed that they had severe dyscalculia and that at least N probably suffers from the Gerstmann syndrome. The twins were given an intensive intervention to remediate their numerical problems. During 3 months, they played the Linear number board game and the Number Race twice a week during 15-20 minutes. Results showed little progress in the games for J, but almost no progress for N. No improvement was made on tasks concerning magnitude comparison, dots estimation, addition, subtraction, and number line estimation. The persistent number sense problem presumes brain damage. Possible candidates for brain lesions are the horizontal segment of the intraparietal sulcus (HIPS), the posterior superior parietal lobule (PSPL), or a small region of subcortical parietal white matter where fiber bundles related to symptoms of Gerstmann’s syndrome come together. Future research should indicate the exact location.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2017-01-01T00:00:00Z
The aim of this study is to explore the role of language skills, communication and emotion regulation in relation to the degree of externalizing behavior. Studying children with an additional X...Show moreThe aim of this study is to explore the role of language skills, communication and emotion regulation in relation to the degree of externalizing behavior. Studying children with an additional X chromosome, who are known to have language deficits, can reveal insights into the underlying mechanisms of the development of externalizing behavior problems. A total of 85 normal developing children (34 boys and 51 girls) and 33 children with an additional X chromosome (16 girls and 17 boys) participated in the study. All children were tested on language skills (vocabulary, word associations, formulating sentences and concealed meaning) and emotion regulation (Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire- kids). Parents completed questionnaires to assess social communication (Autism Questionnaire-children and Pragmatics Profile) and externalizing behavior (Social Skills Rating System and Child Behavioral Checklist).Our results indicate poorer language and social communication skills, more externalizing problem behavior and lowered levels of self-control in children with an additional X chromosome. Emotion regulation strategies were similar to controls although rumination was more often used as a regulation strategy. Though no direct association between language skills and externalizing behavior was found, findings did indicate an indirect association via social communicational skills. The findings also suggest that emotion regulation was linked to externalizing behavior. Future studies should focus on these possible risk factors in relation to the development of externalizing behavior. This might provide more insight into the treatment of the children with an additional X chromosome, as they have an high risk to develop externalizing behavior problems, early in life.Show less
Research master thesis | Developmental Psychopathology in Education and Child Studies (research) (MSc)
open access
2017-01-01T00:00:00Z
Individuals with a SCT characterized with an additional X chromosome encounter difficulties in social functioning, which is most prominent in there higher susceptibility for developing autism. The...Show moreIndividuals with a SCT characterized with an additional X chromosome encounter difficulties in social functioning, which is most prominent in there higher susceptibility for developing autism. The current study aimed to systematically address underlying mechanisms related to these difficulties by examining differences in executive functions of children with a SCT karyotype and typically developing children. Furthermore, we examined to what extent executive function deficits were related to higher autism traits. 135 boys and girls (M = 11.4, SD = .2) participated in this study, 85 typically developing children and 50 children with a SCT. We used computerized tasks, a questionnaire, and a verbal task to asses a wide range of executive functions. A questionnaire was used to address autism traits. Children with a SCT showed increased difficulties in encoding verbal information, cognitive flexibility, sustained attention, and more difficulties in executive functions during daily life compared to the typically developing children. Higher autism traits were associated with more difficulties in executive functions during daily life, cognitive flexibility, and encoding verbal information. This provides evidence for impairments in executive functions among individuals with a SCT of which some of them are related to increased difficulties in social functioning. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.Show less
