E.S. Kunnen

A dynamic systems approach to adolescent development

S. Kunnen. Introduction. S. Kunnen & P. van Geert. A Dynamic Systems Approach of Adolescent Development. Part 1. S. Kunnen. The Search for Process Characteristics. P. van Geert, H. Steenbeek & S. Kunnen. Monte Carlo Techniques: Statistical Simulation for Developmental Data. S. Kunnen, M. van Dijk, A. Lichtwarck-Aschoff, M. Visser, P. van Geert. The Search for Variability and Change. T. Hollenstein. Using State Space Grids for Understanding Processes of Change and Stability in Adolescence. Part 2. S. Kunnen. Toy Models and the Search for Mechanisms. S. Kunnen. The Art of Building Dynamic Systems Models. S. Kunnen & H. Bosma. A Logistic Growth Model: Stage-Wise Development of Meaning Making. P. van Geert, H. Steenbeek & S. Kunnen. Agent-Based Modeling in Developmental Psychology. S. Kunnen, A. Lichtwarck-Aschoff & P. van Geert. The Search for the Relations between Micro and Macro Development. S. Kunnen. Overview, Conclusions and Future Perspectives.

The Role of Time Perspective, Motivation, Attitude, and Preparation in Educational Choice and Study Progress

The present study examined the relation between study progress in the first year of education and different aspects of the process of study choice of 89 students of higher professional education. This study consists of three parts. Firstly, we explored which concepts are important in open interviews concerning choice of study and study progress. Secondly, we examined the relations between future time perspective and motivation on the one hand and study success on the other hand. Students who focus on the here and now generally continued their studies while students focusing on the future and the ulterior profession, presenting an extended future time perspective, drop out more frequently. Intrinsic motivation is strongly related to positive study progress, and extrinsic controlled motivation is strongly related to dropout. Extrinsic autonomous motivation is in between. Furthermore, students’ attitudes towards their future studies were examined in relation to their study progress. The results show that students with an attitude characterized by doubt have the highest risk to drop out. Finally, comparing different orientation programs, we show that students who prepare themselves more intensively before making their choice show less dropout.

Young Dutch people’s everyday experiences of romance and sexuality: A mixed-method approach

Abstract Objectives: This exploratory study assessed young Dutch people’s emerging sexual experiences in everyday life, in addition to examine the feasibility of a mixed-methods diary study. Methods: Using one-week diaries, 12- –17-year-olds recorded qualitative reports of their everyday romantic and sexual experiences. Results: The qualitative findings identify “Making Contact” as a profound theme; however, it was expressed differently for each romantic and sexual experience. Contrary to the general idea, girls did not report more about romantic topics than boys did, nor did boys report more about sexual activities than girls did. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating a broad spectrum of everyday-life romantic and sexual experiences in future research, and have provided valuable support for the implementation of a forthcoming two-year diary study.