Actual and perceived motor competence: Are children accurate in their perceptions?

Milena Morano,Laura Bortoli,Claudio Robazza,Montse C Ruiz,Angelo Campanozzi,Fabio Lucidi

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0233190

Abstract

The aims of this study were (1) to investigate whether 6−7-year-old children are accurate in perceiving their actual movement competence, and (2) to examine possible age- and gender-related differences. A total of 603 children (301 girls and 302 boys, aged 6 to 7 years) were assessed on the execution accuracy of six locomotor skills and six object control skills using the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2). The perceived competence of the same skills, plus six active play activities, was also gauged through the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence (PMSC-2). The factorial validity of the TGMD-2 and PMSC-2 scales was preliminarily ascertained using a Bayesian structural equation modeling approach. The relationships between the latent factors of the two instruments were then assessed. Gender and age differences were also examined. The factorial validity of the TGMD-2 and the PMSC-2 was confirmed after some adjustments. A subsequent analysis of the relationship between the latent factors (i.e., locomotor skills and object control) of the two instruments yielded very low estimates. Finally, boys and older children showed better competence in object control skills compared to their counterparts. Weak associations between actual and perceived competence suggest that inaccuracy in children’s perceptions can be likely due to a still limited development of cognitive skills needed for the evaluation of the own competence. From an applied perspective, interventions aimed at improving actual motor competence may also increase children’s self-perceived motor competence and their motivation toward physical activity.

Highlights

The development of motor competence in children and adolescents and the adoption of a lifestyle involving participation in regular exercise and physical activity have been associated with numerous physical and psychological health benefits, which are well documented in the literature [1,2,3]
Convergence in the subsample was reached on both the Test of Gross Motor Development– 2nd edition (TGMD-2) and Perceived Movement Skill Competence– 2nd edition (PMSC-2) data (PSR < 1.01) and the visual inspection of plots for each of the model parameters was consistent with that finding
The factorial validity of the TGMD-2 was confirmed in a preliminary analysis, while an acceptable factorial solution of the PMSC-2 was reached after three items were removed, one for each scale

Summary

Introduction

The development of motor competence in children and adolescents and the adoption of a lifestyle involving participation in regular exercise and physical activity have been associated with numerous physical and psychological health benefits, which are well documented in the literature [1,2,3]. Motor competence in children are necessary to manage everyday tasks, such as walking, running, jumping, catching, throwing, kicking, and rolling [4,5,6]. It is considered one of the most powerful underlying mechanisms that promote engagement and persistence in physical activity, higher levels of sport participation, and physical fitness [2,3]. Children with a higher level of actual motor competence are more apt to become physically active and fit adolescents [3]. Research has shown that the relationship between physical activity and motor competence might vary depending on children’s age [4]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion