Rebecca N H De Leeuw

Biographic Data

ID	1617490
NAME	Rebecca N H De Leeuw
GIVEN NAMES	Rebecca N H
FAMILY NAME	De Leeuw
SIGNATURE	DE LEEUW R N H
AFFILIATIONS	Radboud University Nijmegen
ORCID	0000-0003-4539-5168
VERIFIED	Yes
TOTAL WORKS	18
TOTAL CITATIONS	5
AUTHOR COUNT	18
EDITOR COUNT	0
FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR	2008
LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR	2026
H-INDEX	2

“One day I’ll know how far I’ll go”
Open AccessNienke C J Vervoort, Rebecca N H De Leeuw et al.ARTICLEJournal of Children and Media2026
Children spend an average of 50 minutes per day watching films, yet hardly any research focuses on how this can be meaningful for them. This qualitative study sheds light on whether watching films could lead to novel insights about life. Fifty-five Dutch children aged 7–12 years participated in duo interviews after watching the Disney film Moana (2016), a coming-of-age film that portrays character strengths and includes societally relevant messag…
How film stories can inspire character strengths
Open AccessThirsa T E J C Stolk, Rebecca N H De Leeuw et al.ARTICLEJournal of Children and Media2025
Recognizing character strengths in others, such as kindness and honesty, can encourage children to apply these strengths themselves. Developing character strengths is associated with various positive outcomes, such as improved life satisfaction and connectedness with others. As films are omnipresent in children’s lives nowadays, this qualitative study examined how exactly film stories can inspire children to apply character strengths. Fifty-two c…
How Stories in the Media Can Be Meaningful in Children’s Lives
Open AccessRebecca N H De Leeuw, Addy Weijers et al.ARTICLEMedia Psychology2024
Most children love stories, but studies examining their potential for growth are rare. In this qualitative study, we interviewed 66 children to understand how stories can be meaningful for them. Before the interview, they watched the Disney • Pixar film Inside Out. The story of this film follows the renowned framework of the Hero’s Journey and has been lauded for its premise concerning emotions and human connectedness. Findings from the in-depth …
Moral Beauty During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Open AccessRebecca N H De Leeuw, Thabo J Van Woudenberg et al.ARTICLECommunication Research2023
In this study, we examined whether adolescents helped others during the COVID-19 pandemic and how stories in the media inspired them in doing so. Using an online daily diary design, 481 younger adolescents ( M = 15.29, SD = 1.76) and 404 older adolescents ( M = 21.48, SD = 1.91) were followed for 2 weeks. Findings from linear mixed effects models demonstrated that feelings of being moved by stories in the media were related to giving emotional su…
Behind the policy frontline in the Netherlands during the Corona crisis
Open AccessMoniek Buijzen, Doeschka J Anschutz et al.ARTICLEJournal of Children and Media2021
From the onset of the Corona crisis, a specific policy challenge was identified in the Netherlands: How to motivate young people to adhere to the behavioral measures, such as physical distancing? Young people have an important role to play in stopping the virus from spreading, but they may be more difficult to reach and less motivated and able to adhere to the guidelines than adults. Mid-March, Moniek Buijzen was invited to consult the behavioral…
Promoting water consumption among Dutch children
Open AccessCrystal R Smit, Rebecca N H De Leeuw et al.ARTICLEBMC Public Health2021
NTR, NL6905, Registered 9 January 2018, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6905
How Music Awakens the Heart
Open AccessRebecca N H De Leeuw, Sophie H Janicke‐Bowles et al.ARTICLEMass Communication & Society2021Cited by: 2References: 7
Many studies in the field of positive media psychology have investigated the effects of meaningful film on viewer’s feelings and openness to others, all the while music is the number #1 media source for feeling moved, touched or inspired. Therefore, the current study examined the role of meaningful compared to pleasurable music on listeners emotional experiences, feelings of connectedness, and altruistic behaviors. In a pre-posttest experiment, 1…
Helping behavior in Disney animated movies and children’s helping behavior in the Netherlands
Open AccessRebecca N H De Leeuw, Christa A van der LaanARTICLEJournal of Children and Media2018
This study is the first to examine whether Disney animated characters can inspire children to help others immediately upon exposure. This experiment involved 113 Dutch children (M = 9.03; SD = .738) and their friends. Children in the experimental condition were exposed to a Disney clip in which the main character helped a friend, while children in the control condition watched a clip without helping behavior. Afterward, children’s helping behavio…
Children's Responses to Negative News
Open AccessMariska Kleemans, Rebecca N H De Leeuw et al.ARTICLEJournal of Communication2017
For a well-functioning democracy, it is crucial that children consume news. However, news can elicit overly negative emotions and discourage engagement in children. The question, therefore, is how news can be adapted to children’s sensitivities and needs but can still inform them. This study investigated whether constructive reporting (solution-based narratives including positive emotions) in news about negative events improved emotional response…
Introducing positive media psychology to the field of children, adolescents, and media
Open AccessRebecca N H De Leeuw, Moniek BuijzenARTICLEJournal of Children and Media2016
The field of children, adolescents, and media has predominantly focused on harmful media effects, for instance, concerning the potential harm of media violence. Although we recognize the relevance of that research, we propose that the balance in the field should be restored with research that also considers the beneficial effects of media exposure. In this essay we introduce positive media psychology to the arena of children, adolescents, and med…
A social network-based intervention stimulating peer influence on children's self-reported water consumption
Open AccessCrystal R Smit, Rebecca N H De Leeuw et al.ARTICLEAppetite2016Cited by: 2References: 38
How do influence agents successfully promote health behaviours
Open AccessCrystal R Smit, Crystal Smit et al.ARTICLEAppetite2016
Analyzing prisoners', law enforcement agents', and civilians' moral evaluations of The Sopranos
Open AccessMerel Van Ommen, Serena Daalman et al.ARTICLEPoetics2016References: 33
The Impact of Prosocial Television News on Children’s Prosocial Behavior
Rebecca N H De Leeuw, Mariska Kleemans et al.ARTICLEJournal of Children and Media2015
The aim of this experimental study was to examine whether prosocial behavior in television news affects children’s prosocial intentions and behaviors. In this study, 372 Dutch children (9–13 years old) participated. Children in the experimental condition were exposed to prosocial news showing children organizing a fundraising action for UNICEF. In the control condition, children were exposed to news about UNICEF in which no prosocial behavior was…
The General Factor of Personality (GFP) and parental support
Open AccessDimitri Van Der Linden, Aurelio J Figueredo et al.ARTICLEEvolution and Human Behavior2012
One cigarette for you and one for me’
Rebecca N H De Leeuw, Maaike Verhagen et al.ARTICLETobacco Control2011
Through their own smoking, parents appear to be able to influence the way in which their children interact with peers regarding pretend smoking. More specifically, children of smoking parents might instigate smoking among their peers
Parental smoking and pretend smoking in young children
Rebecca N H De Leeuw, Rutger C M E Engels et al.ARTICLETobacco Control2010
These findings indicate that young children, who reported having parents who smoke, already associate having dinner with a (after-dinner) cigarette
Parental Smoking-specific Communication, Adolescents’ Smoking Behavior and Friendship Selection
Open AccessRebecca N H De Leeuw, Ron H J Scholte et al.ARTICLEJournal of Youth and Adolescence2008Cited by: 1References: 44
In this study, we investigated whether parental smoking-specific communication is related to adolescents’ friendship-selection processes. Furthermore, we investigated whether adolescents and their best friends influence each other over time, and what role parents play in this process. In the present study we used data from the Family and Health project in which at baseline 428 full families participated. In this 2-year, three-wave longitudinal st…

Parental Smoking-specific Communication, Adolescents’ Smoking Behavior and Friendship Selection
Open AccessRebecca N H De Leeuw, Ron H J Scholte et al.ARTICLEJournal of Youth and Adolescence2008Cited by: 1References: 44
In this study, we investigated whether parental smoking-specific communication is related to adolescents’ friendship-selection processes. Furthermore, we investigated whether adolescents and their best friends influence each other over time, and what role parents play in this process. In the present study we used data from the Family and Health project in which at baseline 428 full families participated. In this 2-year, three-wave longitudinal st…
Parental smoking and pretend smoking in young children
Rebecca N H De Leeuw, Rutger C M E Engels et al.ARTICLETobacco Control2010
These findings indicate that young children, who reported having parents who smoke, already associate having dinner with a (after-dinner) cigarette
One cigarette for you and one for me’
Rebecca N H De Leeuw, Maaike Verhagen et al.ARTICLETobacco Control2011
Through their own smoking, parents appear to be able to influence the way in which their children interact with peers regarding pretend smoking. More specifically, children of smoking parents might instigate smoking among their peers
The General Factor of Personality (GFP) and parental support
Open AccessDimitri Van Der Linden, Aurelio J Figueredo et al.ARTICLEEvolution and Human Behavior2012
The Impact of Prosocial Television News on Children’s Prosocial Behavior
Rebecca N H De Leeuw, Mariska Kleemans et al.ARTICLEJournal of Children and Media2015
The aim of this experimental study was to examine whether prosocial behavior in television news affects children’s prosocial intentions and behaviors. In this study, 372 Dutch children (9–13 years old) participated. Children in the experimental condition were exposed to prosocial news showing children organizing a fundraising action for UNICEF. In the control condition, children were exposed to news about UNICEF in which no prosocial behavior was…
Introducing positive media psychology to the field of children, adolescents, and media
Open AccessRebecca N H De Leeuw, Moniek BuijzenARTICLEJournal of Children and Media2016
The field of children, adolescents, and media has predominantly focused on harmful media effects, for instance, concerning the potential harm of media violence. Although we recognize the relevance of that research, we propose that the balance in the field should be restored with research that also considers the beneficial effects of media exposure. In this essay we introduce positive media psychology to the arena of children, adolescents, and med…
A social network-based intervention stimulating peer influence on children's self-reported water consumption
Open AccessCrystal R Smit, Rebecca N H De Leeuw et al.ARTICLEAppetite2016Cited by: 2References: 38
How do influence agents successfully promote health behaviours
Open AccessCrystal R Smit, Crystal Smit et al.ARTICLEAppetite2016
Analyzing prisoners', law enforcement agents', and civilians' moral evaluations of The Sopranos
Open AccessMerel Van Ommen, Serena Daalman et al.ARTICLEPoetics2016References: 33
Children's Responses to Negative News
Open AccessMariska Kleemans, Rebecca N H De Leeuw et al.ARTICLEJournal of Communication2017
For a well-functioning democracy, it is crucial that children consume news. However, news can elicit overly negative emotions and discourage engagement in children. The question, therefore, is how news can be adapted to children’s sensitivities and needs but can still inform them. This study investigated whether constructive reporting (solution-based narratives including positive emotions) in news about negative events improved emotional response…
Helping behavior in Disney animated movies and children’s helping behavior in the Netherlands
Open AccessRebecca N H De Leeuw, Christa A van der LaanARTICLEJournal of Children and Media2018
This study is the first to examine whether Disney animated characters can inspire children to help others immediately upon exposure. This experiment involved 113 Dutch children (M = 9.03; SD = .738) and their friends. Children in the experimental condition were exposed to a Disney clip in which the main character helped a friend, while children in the control condition watched a clip without helping behavior. Afterward, children’s helping behavio…
Behind the policy frontline in the Netherlands during the Corona crisis
Open AccessMoniek Buijzen, Doeschka J Anschutz et al.ARTICLEJournal of Children and Media2021
From the onset of the Corona crisis, a specific policy challenge was identified in the Netherlands: How to motivate young people to adhere to the behavioral measures, such as physical distancing? Young people have an important role to play in stopping the virus from spreading, but they may be more difficult to reach and less motivated and able to adhere to the guidelines than adults. Mid-March, Moniek Buijzen was invited to consult the behavioral…
Promoting water consumption among Dutch children
Open AccessCrystal R Smit, Rebecca N H De Leeuw et al.ARTICLEBMC Public Health2021
NTR, NL6905, Registered 9 January 2018, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/6905
How Music Awakens the Heart
Open AccessRebecca N H De Leeuw, Sophie H Janicke‐Bowles et al.ARTICLEMass Communication & Society2021Cited by: 2References: 7
Many studies in the field of positive media psychology have investigated the effects of meaningful film on viewer’s feelings and openness to others, all the while music is the number #1 media source for feeling moved, touched or inspired. Therefore, the current study examined the role of meaningful compared to pleasurable music on listeners emotional experiences, feelings of connectedness, and altruistic behaviors. In a pre-posttest experiment, 1…
Moral Beauty During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Open AccessRebecca N H De Leeuw, Thabo J Van Woudenberg et al.ARTICLECommunication Research2023
In this study, we examined whether adolescents helped others during the COVID-19 pandemic and how stories in the media inspired them in doing so. Using an online daily diary design, 481 younger adolescents ( M = 15.29, SD = 1.76) and 404 older adolescents ( M = 21.48, SD = 1.91) were followed for 2 weeks. Findings from linear mixed effects models demonstrated that feelings of being moved by stories in the media were related to giving emotional su…
How Stories in the Media Can Be Meaningful in Children’s Lives
Open AccessRebecca N H De Leeuw, Addy Weijers et al.ARTICLEMedia Psychology2024
Most children love stories, but studies examining their potential for growth are rare. In this qualitative study, we interviewed 66 children to understand how stories can be meaningful for them. Before the interview, they watched the Disney • Pixar film Inside Out. The story of this film follows the renowned framework of the Hero’s Journey and has been lauded for its premise concerning emotions and human connectedness. Findings from the in-depth …
How film stories can inspire character strengths
Open AccessThirsa T E J C Stolk, Rebecca N H De Leeuw et al.ARTICLEJournal of Children and Media2025
Recognizing character strengths in others, such as kindness and honesty, can encourage children to apply these strengths themselves. Developing character strengths is associated with various positive outcomes, such as improved life satisfaction and connectedness with others. As films are omnipresent in children’s lives nowadays, this qualitative study examined how exactly film stories can inspire children to apply character strengths. Fifty-two c…
“One day I’ll know how far I’ll go”
Open AccessNienke C J Vervoort, Rebecca N H De Leeuw et al.ARTICLEJournal of Children and Media2026
Children spend an average of 50 minutes per day watching films, yet hardly any research focuses on how this can be meaningful for them. This qualitative study sheds light on whether watching films could lead to novel insights about life. Fifty-five Dutch children aged 7–12 years participated in duo interviews after watching the Disney film Moana (2016), a coming-of-age film that portrays character strengths and includes societally relevant messag…