We investigate intra-individual processes of identity at the micro level. With an intensive longi... more We investigate intra-individual processes of identity at the micro level. With an intensive longitudinal design in the general context of higher education, we explore associations between changes in pivotal identity concepts: commitment and exploration and elaborate on how we conceptualize these concepts on a micro level. With our within-individual empirical approach, we revealed a large amount of variation between individuals with respect to the associations between exploration and commitment processes. At the same time, similarities were found amongst individuals, which help extend and clarify existing findings regarding identity development. Our findings highlight the necessity to, firstly, distinguish between micro-and macro-level identity processes. Secondly, and in the same vein, our findings emphasize the heterogeneous nature of micro-level identity processes, and the necessity to use a within individual approach to study these processes.
Research regarding the variability of state self-esteem commonly focuses on the magnitude of vari... more Research regarding the variability of state self-esteem commonly focuses on the magnitude of variability. In the current article we provide the first empirical test of the temporal structure of state self-esteem as a real-time process during parent-adolescent interactions. We adopt a qualitative phenomenological approach, whereby moment-to-moment emotional and behavioral indicators of state self-esteem are measured as they emerged during the interactions, resulting in state self-esteem time series. We conducted Detrended Fluctuation Analyses (DFA) on the state self-esteem time series and found that they exhibited a form of structured variability, called pink noise. The mean DFA exponent differed significantly from that of randomized surrogate data (p < 0.01), which revealed uncorrelated random variability, called white noise. This finding shows that the temporal structure of state self-esteem variability exhibits self-similarity and is not random. Additionally, a weak positive relationship was found between the DFA and context-independent autonomy levels.
Aim: in a growing old world, it is important to identify indicators of functional decline to bett... more Aim: in a growing old world, it is important to identify indicators of functional decline to better prevent negative health outcomes. In this view, the focus on trends of health indicators may be crucial (Idler & Benyamini, 1997). One of the main protective factor for chronic diseases is physical activity (Haskell, et al., 2007). Within this context, may be useful to identify the role of daily physical activity on health indicators. Specifically, according to dynamic systems theorists, daily variability may provide important information on the developmental process (Kunnen, 2012).The aim of this study is to understand the role of variability in daily physical activity on physical frailty and ADL. Method: 22 institutionalized older adults (mean age 84±6years, 68% Female) were enrolled in this longitudinal study. Self-report daily physical activity was measured with a VAS (from 0, inactive all day to 1 active all day). Physical frailty was assessed with the SHARE-FI questionnaire and ...
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a person-centered concept. The analysis of HRQOL is hig... more Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a person-centered concept. The analysis of HRQOL is highly relevant in the aged population, which is generally suffering from health decline. Starting from a conceptual dynamic systems model that describes the development of HRQOL in individuals over time, this study aims to develop and test a quantitative dynamic systems model, in order to reveal the possible dynamic trends of HRQOL among older adults. The model is tested in different ways: first, with a calibration procedure to test whether the model produces theoretically plausible results, and second, with a preliminary validation procedure using empirical data of 194 older adults. This first validation tested the prediction that given a particular starting point (first empirical data point), the model will generate dynamic trajectories that lead to the observed endpoint (second empirical data point). The analyses reveal that the quantitative model produces theoretically plausible trajectories, thus providing support for the calibration procedure. Furthermore, the analyses of validation show a good fit between empirical and simulated data. In fact, no differences were found in the comparison between empirical and simulated final data for the same subgroup of participants, whereas the comparison between different subgroups of people resulted in significant differences. These data provide an initial basis of evidence for the dynamic nature of HRQOL during the aging process. Therefore, these data may give new theoretical and applied insights into the study of HRQOL and its development with time in the aging population.
We investigate intra-individual processes of identity at the micro level. With an intensive longi... more We investigate intra-individual processes of identity at the micro level. With an intensive longitudinal design in the general context of higher education, we explore associations between changes in pivotal identity concepts: commitment and exploration and elaborate on how we conceptualize these concepts on a micro level. With our within-individual empirical approach, we revealed a large amount of variation between individuals with respect to the associations between exploration and commitment processes. At the same time, similarities were found amongst individuals, which help extend and clarify existing findings regarding identity development. Our findings highlight the necessity to, firstly, distinguish between micro-and macro-level identity processes. Secondly, and in the same vein, our findings emphasize the heterogeneous nature of micro-level identity processes, and the necessity to use a within individual approach to study these processes. Introduction Since Erikson formulated his theory on adolescent identity development in 1968, many perspectives have been taken on what identity actually is, and how it develops over time. Because of the difficulty in translating such a complex, abstract construct as identity into something that can be measured in many ways, questions on what identity is and how it develops are still relevant. This is true even after more than half a century of both qualitative and quantitative identity research (e.g. Syed & McLean, 2015). In this article, we aim to further understanding and stimulate discussion on micro-level processes (which contrast macro-level processes) of identity development (Lichtwarck-Aschoff, Van Geert, Bosma, & Kunnen, 2008). Building on the work of Klimstra et al. (2010) we elaborate the conceptualization and operationalization of identity on a micro-level, specifically in the domain of education/career choice. In our empirical study we explore associations between micro-level change processes of exploration and commitment within individuals. Macro and micro approaches to identity processes There is both a lot and little known about identity development, depending on the feature of identity that is the focus. A lot is known about what Lichtwarck-Aschoff et al. (2008) termed the 'macro-level' feature of identity development. This feature
This research explores the role of non-formal education in rebuilding active citizenship and empo... more This research explores the role of non-formal education in rebuilding active citizenship and empowering women in war-affected rural areas of Northern Uganda. A qualitative, explorative design with elements of action research is used. Female headed households of a sustainable agricultural community based reintegration programme (n=17) and female students of a vocational skills training school (n= 14) have been interviewed in depth about their experiences and perceptions of taking part in the programme. Furthermore relevant voices from stakeholders and local authorities are presented. This study shows the changes women have undergone since the end of the civil conflicts, providing insights into challenges and opportunities women experience by actively taking part in economic, social and leadership activities. Both of the programmes were able to stimulate the female participants to shift their previously marginalised identity towards a more respected member of the community by engaging in income generating activities. Providing a communal space of practice seemed to be central in the process of rebuilding trust and communal values, which serve as fundaments towards citizenship recreation. #sustainable agriculture #active citizenship #gender equality #post-conflict #non-formal education #empowerment
We investigate intra-individual processes of identity at the micro level. With an intensive longi... more We investigate intra-individual processes of identity at the micro level. With an intensive longitudinal design in the general context of higher education, we explore associations between changes in pivotal identity concepts: commitment and exploration and elaborate on how we conceptualize these concepts on a micro level. With our within-individual empirical approach, we revealed a large amount of variation between individuals with respect to the associations between exploration and commitment processes. At the same time, similarities were found amongst individuals, which help extend and clarify existing findings regarding identity development. Our findings highlight the necessity to, firstly, distinguish between micro-and macro-level identity processes. Secondly, and in the same vein, our findings emphasize the heterogeneous nature of micro-level identity processes, and the necessity to use a within individual approach to study these processes.
Research regarding the variability of state self-esteem commonly focuses on the magnitude of vari... more Research regarding the variability of state self-esteem commonly focuses on the magnitude of variability. In the current article we provide the first empirical test of the temporal structure of state self-esteem as a real-time process during parent-adolescent interactions. We adopt a qualitative phenomenological approach, whereby moment-to-moment emotional and behavioral indicators of state self-esteem are measured as they emerged during the interactions, resulting in state self-esteem time series. We conducted Detrended Fluctuation Analyses (DFA) on the state self-esteem time series and found that they exhibited a form of structured variability, called pink noise. The mean DFA exponent differed significantly from that of randomized surrogate data (p < 0.01), which revealed uncorrelated random variability, called white noise. This finding shows that the temporal structure of state self-esteem variability exhibits self-similarity and is not random. Additionally, a weak positive relationship was found between the DFA and context-independent autonomy levels.
Aim: in a growing old world, it is important to identify indicators of functional decline to bett... more Aim: in a growing old world, it is important to identify indicators of functional decline to better prevent negative health outcomes. In this view, the focus on trends of health indicators may be crucial (Idler & Benyamini, 1997). One of the main protective factor for chronic diseases is physical activity (Haskell, et al., 2007). Within this context, may be useful to identify the role of daily physical activity on health indicators. Specifically, according to dynamic systems theorists, daily variability may provide important information on the developmental process (Kunnen, 2012).The aim of this study is to understand the role of variability in daily physical activity on physical frailty and ADL. Method: 22 institutionalized older adults (mean age 84±6years, 68% Female) were enrolled in this longitudinal study. Self-report daily physical activity was measured with a VAS (from 0, inactive all day to 1 active all day). Physical frailty was assessed with the SHARE-FI questionnaire and ...
Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a person-centered concept. The analysis of HRQOL is hig... more Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a person-centered concept. The analysis of HRQOL is highly relevant in the aged population, which is generally suffering from health decline. Starting from a conceptual dynamic systems model that describes the development of HRQOL in individuals over time, this study aims to develop and test a quantitative dynamic systems model, in order to reveal the possible dynamic trends of HRQOL among older adults. The model is tested in different ways: first, with a calibration procedure to test whether the model produces theoretically plausible results, and second, with a preliminary validation procedure using empirical data of 194 older adults. This first validation tested the prediction that given a particular starting point (first empirical data point), the model will generate dynamic trajectories that lead to the observed endpoint (second empirical data point). The analyses reveal that the quantitative model produces theoretically plausible trajectories, thus providing support for the calibration procedure. Furthermore, the analyses of validation show a good fit between empirical and simulated data. In fact, no differences were found in the comparison between empirical and simulated final data for the same subgroup of participants, whereas the comparison between different subgroups of people resulted in significant differences. These data provide an initial basis of evidence for the dynamic nature of HRQOL during the aging process. Therefore, these data may give new theoretical and applied insights into the study of HRQOL and its development with time in the aging population.
We investigate intra-individual processes of identity at the micro level. With an intensive longi... more We investigate intra-individual processes of identity at the micro level. With an intensive longitudinal design in the general context of higher education, we explore associations between changes in pivotal identity concepts: commitment and exploration and elaborate on how we conceptualize these concepts on a micro level. With our within-individual empirical approach, we revealed a large amount of variation between individuals with respect to the associations between exploration and commitment processes. At the same time, similarities were found amongst individuals, which help extend and clarify existing findings regarding identity development. Our findings highlight the necessity to, firstly, distinguish between micro-and macro-level identity processes. Secondly, and in the same vein, our findings emphasize the heterogeneous nature of micro-level identity processes, and the necessity to use a within individual approach to study these processes. Introduction Since Erikson formulated his theory on adolescent identity development in 1968, many perspectives have been taken on what identity actually is, and how it develops over time. Because of the difficulty in translating such a complex, abstract construct as identity into something that can be measured in many ways, questions on what identity is and how it develops are still relevant. This is true even after more than half a century of both qualitative and quantitative identity research (e.g. Syed & McLean, 2015). In this article, we aim to further understanding and stimulate discussion on micro-level processes (which contrast macro-level processes) of identity development (Lichtwarck-Aschoff, Van Geert, Bosma, & Kunnen, 2008). Building on the work of Klimstra et al. (2010) we elaborate the conceptualization and operationalization of identity on a micro-level, specifically in the domain of education/career choice. In our empirical study we explore associations between micro-level change processes of exploration and commitment within individuals. Macro and micro approaches to identity processes There is both a lot and little known about identity development, depending on the feature of identity that is the focus. A lot is known about what Lichtwarck-Aschoff et al. (2008) termed the 'macro-level' feature of identity development. This feature
This research explores the role of non-formal education in rebuilding active citizenship and empo... more This research explores the role of non-formal education in rebuilding active citizenship and empowering women in war-affected rural areas of Northern Uganda. A qualitative, explorative design with elements of action research is used. Female headed households of a sustainable agricultural community based reintegration programme (n=17) and female students of a vocational skills training school (n= 14) have been interviewed in depth about their experiences and perceptions of taking part in the programme. Furthermore relevant voices from stakeholders and local authorities are presented. This study shows the changes women have undergone since the end of the civil conflicts, providing insights into challenges and opportunities women experience by actively taking part in economic, social and leadership activities. Both of the programmes were able to stimulate the female participants to shift their previously marginalised identity towards a more respected member of the community by engaging in income generating activities. Providing a communal space of practice seemed to be central in the process of rebuilding trust and communal values, which serve as fundaments towards citizenship recreation. #sustainable agriculture #active citizenship #gender equality #post-conflict #non-formal education #empowerment
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Papers by E. Kunnen