Cleanliness is one of the key determinants of overall customer satisfaction in train stations. Customers’ perception of cleanliness is not limited to cleaning only but depends on multiple predictors. A better understanding of these predictors may contribute to the optimisation of perceived cleanliness in train stations. The current study was designed to examine how objective predictors (measures of cleaning quality), subjective predictors (e.g., customers’ perception of lighting, scent, staff), and demographic variables relate to perceived cleanliness in train stations. Data on cleaning quality were gathered by trained cleaning inspectors and data on subjective predictors of cleanliness were obtained through surveys collected at 25 train stations in the Netherlands (N = 19.206). Data were examined using correlation and regression analysis. Positive and significant correlates of perceived cleanliness in train stations were found, including: perception of scent, lighting, colour, and staff. In regression analysis, customers’ perception of scent and lighting appeared to be powerful predictors of perceived cleanliness. These findings underline that customers’ perception of cleanliness is not only influenced by cleaning quality, but also by other predictors, such as scent, lighting, colour, and staff behaviour.
Multiple studies have shown that Multisystemic Therapy (MST) is, at group level, an effective treatment for adolescents showing serious externalizing problem behavior. The current study expands previous research on MST by, first, examining whether subgroups of participants who respond differently to treatment could be identified. Second, we investigated if the different trajectories of change during MST could be predicted by individual (hostile attributions) and contextual (parental sense of parenting competence and deviant and prosocial peer involvement) pre-treatment factors. Participants were 147 adolescents (mean age = 15.91 years, 104 (71%) boys) and their parents who received MST. Pre-treatment assessment of the predictors and 5 monthly assessments of externalizing behavior during treatment took place using both adolescent and parents’ self-reports. Six distinct subgroups, showing different trajectories of change in externalizing problem behavior during MST, were identified. Two of the 6 trajectories of change showed a poor treatment response, as one class did not change in externalizing problem behavior and the other class even increased. The remaining 4 trajectories displayed a positive effect of MST, by showing a decrease in externalizing behavior. Most of these trajectories could be predicted by parental sense of parenting competence. Additionally, lower involvement with prosocial peers was a predictor of the group that appeared to be resistant to MST. Adolescents do respond differently to MST, which indicates the importance of personalizing treatment. Protective factors, such as parental sense of parenting competence and prosocial peers, seem to require additional attention in the first phase of MST.
BACKGROUND: Itching (pruritus) following burns is a well-known clinical problem. However, there are no long-term prospective studies that document the course and the extent of the problem. Studies on risk factors are anecdotal.OBJECTIVES: To study self-reported itching in a multicentre cohort among adults with burns at 3, 12 and 24 months postburn. Further, to examine psychological and injury characteristics in relation to itching at these three points in time.METHODS: Itching was assessed as part of a self-report scar complaint list in a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Injury characteristics, demographics and self-reported post-traumatic stress symptoms were examined as possible risk factors in three linear regression models.RESULTS: A total of 510 persons participated. The reported prevalence rates of mild to severe itching were as high as 87%, 70% and 67% at the three respective points in time. Significant predictors of itching at all three points in time were deep dermal injury and early post-traumatic stress symptoms. Along with these, total burned surface area and female gender were predictors at 3 months postburn.CONCLUSIONS: Itching remains a significant problem over a 2-year period. Individuals having undergone surgical procedures and experiencing early post-traumatic distress are more likely to suffer from long-term and persistent itching. Implications regarding practice and research are discussed.
De reclassering wil voorkomen dat hun cliënten opnieuw in de fout gaan. De werkalliantie tussen reclasseringswerker en cliënt speelt hierbij een belangrijke rol. Wat is de relatie tussen de kwaliteit van de werkalliantie en terugval in crimineel gedrag? Dit onderzoek is een voortzetting van het project ‘De werkalliantie in (semi-) gedwongen kader effectief versterkt’
