Leisure Activities For Children Research Articles

Computerspiele im Kindes- und Jugendalter unter besonderer Betrachtung von Suchtverhalten, ADHS und Aggressivität

Playing computer games has become one of the main leisure activities in children and adolescents and increasingly replaces traditional playing and interactional activities. There might exist developmental benefits or positive effects of computer games that can be used for educational or therapeutic purposes. More important several studies have well demonstrated that excessive computer game playing is associated with behavior that features all components of non-chemical addiction and the prevalences across all age groups seem to be impressingly high. This overview relies on a Medline research. Its objective is to describe motivational and developmental characteristics attributed to computer games as well as the prevalences of computer playing in children and adolescents to better understand the risks for addictive use. We especially focus on the relations of excessive computer playing with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and aggressive behavior. The results demonstrate that children with ADHD are especially vulnerable to addictive use of computer games due to their neuropsychological profile. Moreover excessive violent computer game playing might be a significant risk variable for aggressive behavior in the presence of personality traits with aggressive cognitions and behavior scripts in the consumers. The increasing clinical meaning of addictive computer games playing urgently necessitates the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for clinical practice as well as the cooperation with allied disciplines.

Do organized leisure activities for children encourage car-use?

Unlike school trips, the leisure activities of children and transport to these activities have received relatively little attention. Organized activities have increased and the immediate neighbourhood is not always the most appropriate or desirable area to play in or carry out various leisure activities. This paper presents findings from a nationwide survey in Norway that focus on children’s mobility. The results suggesting that a large proportion of children 6–12 years participate in organized leisure activities – sporting pursuits and music being the most popular and car is the main transport mode to these activities. The car share is higher than for school trips. The analysis indicates that children, particularly in these age groups, have parents with at least one car and who use the car for most purposes. Families who live in the larger cities have less access to a car than families living in other places, and this is reflected in the transport mode when children are escorted to leisure activities. Although distance to activities and children’s age are important for car-use, parents travel habits also have an impact on mode choice for these purposes.

Participation and enjoyment of leisure activities in school‐aged children with cerebral palsy

The objective of this study was to characterize participation in leisure activities in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and identify determinants of greater involvement. Ninety-five children of school age (9y 7mo [SD 2y 1mo]) with CP were recruited, and participation was evaluated with the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment in a subset (67/95; 42 males, 25 females) who could actively participate in completion of the assessment. Most had mild motor dysfunction (Gross Motor Function Classification System: 59% level I, 23% level II, 18% levels III-V) and had a spastic subtype of CP (23 hemiplegia, 17 diplegia, 16 quadriplegia, 11 other). Biomedical, child, family and environmental predictor variables were considered in the analysis. Results demonstrated that these children were actively involved in a wide range of leisure activities and experienced a high level of enjoyment. However, involvement was lower in skill-based and active physical activities as well as community-based activities. Mastery motivation and involvement in rehabilitation services enhanced involvement (intensity and diversity) in particular leisure activities, whereas cognitive and behavioral difficulties, activity limitations, and parental stress were obstacles to participation.

Determinants of Participation in Leisure Activities in Children and Youth with Cerebral Palsy: Systematic Review

Children and youth with cerebral palsy (CP) experience difficulties in their ability to move, problem solve, socialize, and communicate, associated with limitations in activities in all environments. They are at risk for lower participation in social and leisure activities critical in fostering friendships, developing interests, and promoting well-being. Little is known about involvement in leisure activities and their determinants. This systematic review aims to describe participation in leisure activities by children with CP and identify personal and environmental factors that influence participation. The following databases were reviewed—CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science, OTseeker, and REHABDATA—using the keywords participation, cerebral palsy, leisure, and recreation. The literature to date suggests that children with physical disabilities are less involved in leisure activities than their peers; activities are more passive, home based, and lack variety. Several factors influence participation in leisure activities, including age, gender, activity limitations, family preferences and coping, motivation, and environmental resources and supports.

The fun factor: Adolescents’ self‐regulated leisure activity and the implications for practitioners and researchers

There is mounting interest in Canadian society regarding the leisure activities of children and youth and the ensuing positive or negative effects. Complex influential factors on adolescent self‐regulated time coupled with increasing levels of sedentary activity have provoked a societal dilemma. Consequently, it is essential to determine the motivating factors in adolescents’ leisure choices in order to fully address the societal dilemmas involving youth inactivity. Understanding perceptions of “fun” by children and youth in relation to their leisure time formed the basis for this inquiry. Theoretically grounded in self‐determination theory, this study focused on fun‐provoking favourite activities among Grade 6 through Grade 8 students (n=220) at 13 schools across Ontario through surveys and interviews, as part of a larger study on children's media consumption. Also, the adolescents’ media consumption and physical activity patterns were examined in order to assess their leisure habits and gain insights into positive and effective programming for youth. The discussion includes dominant themes of “fun” in the adolescents’ lives. Implications for the development of a critical pedagogy are offered for researchers and practitioners in leisure education and physical education.

Assessment of Physical Activity among Hong Kong Primary Schoolchildren by Questionnaire

PURPOSE: To evaluate the test-retest reliability and validity of the 7-day recall physical activity questionnaire by ActiGraph monitor among primary schoolchildren in Hong Kong. METHODS: Nineteen boys (mean ± SE: age=10.8 ± 0.2 yr, BMI=18.8 ± 0.8 kg-2) and 50 girls (mean ± SE: age=10.3 ± 0.1 yr, BMI=17.2 ± 0.5 kg-2) completed a 7-day recall physical activity questionnaire on two occasions, one week apart. The questionnaire was modified from The Children's Leisure Activities Study Survey (CLASS) (Telford et al., 2004). All of the children wore an ActiGraph monitor during waking hours for seven consecutive days. Activity counts were recorded into the time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity, using the age-specific cut-off points developed by Freedson and co-workers (1998). Intraclass correlations coefficient (ICCs) were analyzed to determine the consistency of the questionnaire. Validity of the questionnaire was determined by performing Pearson coefficient correlations, and mean difference and 95% CI between questionnaire and ActiGraph data in time spent on activity. RESULTS: Repeatability of the self-reported duration in moderate activity was higher at weekends (ICC = 0.64, P<0.05) compared to that on weekdays (ICC = 0.36, P<0.05). Desirable consistency in reported vigorous activities, however, was only shown during weekdays (ICC = 0.70, P<0.05). Self-reported duration in overall time on physical activity showed moderate stability (ICC = 0.60, P<0.05). No difference were found in the total time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity per day (mean difference = −4.7min, 95% CI: −13.7-4.3min, P>0.05), and self-reported time spent in total physical activity was moderately correlated to that assessed by accelerometer (r = 0.44, P<0.05). However, children overestimated the duration in vigorous activity (mean difference = 5.9min, 95% CI = 2.8–9.0min, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggested that the 7-day recall physical activity questionnaire has moderate reliability and validity in assessing the overall physical activity among Hong Kong primary schoolchildren. However, children overestimated their levels of vigorous activity by self-report questionnaire.

Associations between family circumstance and weight status of Australian children

To examine associations between weight status and multiple indicators of family circumstance in Australian elementary school children. Data were combined from the 2001 Children's Leisure Activities Study (CLAS Study) and 2002/3 Health, Eating and Play Study (HEAP Study), involving 2520 children in Grades Prep (mean age 6 years) and 5-6 (mean age 11 years) in Melbourne, Australia. Children's body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight. Weight status (non-overweight or overweight) was determined according to International Obesity Taskforce cut-off points and BMI was transformed to z-scores based on the 2000 US growth chart data. Parents reported family circumstance (number of parents in the home, marital status, presence of siblings, parental education, parental employment status, parental work hours [HEAP Study only]) and parental BMI. Regression analyses were conducted for the sample overall and separately for young girls, young boys, older girls and older boys. Children in single-parent homes, those without siblings, and those with less educated mothers and fathers tended to have higher z-BMIs (p=0.002, p=0.003, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) and were more likely to be overweight (p=0.003, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.02, respectively). Associations were stronger for older children. Parental employment and work hours were not consistently associated with child weight status. The multivariable models did not demonstrate a cumulative explanatory effect (R(2)=0.02), except when maternal BMI was included (R(2)=0.07). Individual measures of family circumstance were differentially associated with child weight status and appeared to be largely independent of other measures of family circumstance. Childhood overweight interventions may need to be tailored based on the age, gender, maternal BMI and family circumstances of the target group.

Gender-linked Differences in the Toys, Television Shows, Computer Games, and Outdoor Activities of 5- to 13-year-old Children

This study was designed to compare how 5- to 13-year-old children's leisure activity preferences differ with age and gender. Responses from 60 boys and 60 girls about their favorite toys, television shows, computer games, and outdoor activities were compared across leisure categories. The results showed that gender was a significant factor. Overall, boys spent more time in these leisure activities than girls did. They spent the most time engaged in sports, watching television, and playing computer games, whereas girls spent the most time watching television. Results from a gender index for all activities indicated that boys' leisure preferences became slightly more masculine with age. For girls, preferences for television shows became more feminine with age, but preferences for toys, computer games, and sports became less feminine. These self-chosen preferences may provide differential opportunities for the development of visual-spatial skills, achievement, initiative, self-regulation, and social skills.

Children's television viewing and objectively measured physical activity: associations with family circumstance

BackgroundThe contribution of family circumstance to physical activity and television viewing has not been widely investigated in pre-adolescents, and available information is inconsistent. This study examines whether television viewing and objectively measured physical activity vary by different indicators of family circumstance.MethodsData from the 2001 Children's Leisure Activity Study and the 2002/3 Health, Eating and Play Study, involving Australian children in Grades Prep (mean age 6y) and 5–6 (mean age 11y), were combined. Children wore accelerometers for six consecutive 24 hour periods. Average min/day in low-intensity activity (1.0–1.9 METs) and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity activity (≥3 METs) were calculated. Parents reported children's television viewing and family circumstance. Linear regression analyses were conducted separately for young girls, young boys, older girls and older boys.ResultsComplete data were available for 2458 children. Parental education and, to a lesser extent, employment level were inversely associated with television viewing. Children in single-parent families, those whose fathers were not in paid employment, and those without siblings tended to spend more time in low-intensity activity than their peers. Children with siblings spent more time in moderate-to-vigorous-intensity activity; associations were stronger for girls. Maternal education was positively associated with moderate-to-vigorous-intensity activity for younger children. Maternal employment was positively associated with moderate-to-vigorous-intensity activity for older children. Multivariable models did not demonstrate a cumulative explanatory effect.ConclusionIndividual measures of family circumstance were differentially associated with television, low-intensity activity and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity activity and associations were often not consistent across age-by-gender groups. Interventions may need to be tailored accordingly.

An internationally shared health frame of reference created by a television program: The Simpsons, a content analysis of health messages

Watching television has become one of the most time‐consuming leisure activities of children in many nations. Television offers numerous opportunities to learn and be entertained, but can conbribute to a variety of public health concerns for youth. Thus, it is vital for health professionals to become aware of the types of health‐related messages (HRMs) broadcast on television. The purpose of this study was to content‐analyze the HRMs in a widely viewed, popular prime‐time program, The Simpsons, which is exported around the world and is rich in HRMs. Overall, nearly 40 percent of the HRMs on The Simpsons run counter to those promoted by health professionals. However, there were positive HRMs promoting practices recommended by health‐care professionals, such as choosing nutritious foods and eating together as a family. Future research should investigate how HRMs impact children's health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.

Are perceived neighborhood hazards a barrier to physical activity in children?

We hypothesized that children's perceptions of more neighborhood hazards would be associated with less physical activity, less aerobic fitness, and a higher body mass index. To examine the association between a hazardous neighborhood context and physical activity in children. Fourth-grade students (n = 796) of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds completed measures of neighborhood hazards, self-reported physical activity, physical fitness, height, and weight. Parents (n = 518) completed telephone interviews and provided data on their education level and occupation. As expected, children from families of lower socioeconomic status perceived significantly more neighborhood hazards. Contrary to our hypothesis, the perception of more hazards was significantly associated with more reported physical activity. This finding was not explained by school heterogeneity, alteration of the hazards measure, or differences in socioeconomic status. To further examine the relationship between neighborhood hazards and physical activity, we suggest that future studies include assessments of sedentary behavior, parental fear of violence, parental regulation of children's leisure activities, and cost and quality of available play areas and organized sports.

The Impact of Parents' Marital Status on the Time Adolescents Spend in Productive Activities

Time-diary data from single-mother and two-parent families are utilized to examine differences in how adolescents use productive time in three domains: housework, school work, and paid employment Multivariate analyses reveal suggestive evidence that living in a single parent family increases adolescent girls' employment time and decreases adolescent boys' school time relative to girls and boys living in two parent families. The adolescent's age and the mother's education and employment status appear to be more important influences on time allocation than is family structure. The amount of debate regarding how family structure affects children's welfare has increased markedly as the number of children living in divorced and never-married families has risen. Much of the scholarly research in this area (reviewed in Demo & Acock, 1991) has focused on the negative effects of divorce on children's social, psychological, and academic outcomes. For example, in their recent longitudinal study, Haveman and Wolfe (1994) found an inverse relationship between the number of years a minor child lives in a single-parent household and the child's educational attainment. Explanations for the observed associations between family structure and various childhood outcomes sometimes allude to differences in children's timeuse patterns as an intermediate factor. The conventional wisdom is that children in single-parent households have less parental supervision than their counterparts in two-parent households. Indeed, several studies (reviewed in McLanahan & Booth, 1991) have found that single parents are less involved in monitoring their children's social and school activities than their two-parent counterparts. Less parental supervision may lead these children to spend less time in school work. At the same time, children in single-parent families may feel greater pressure to do housework to help the parent better balance work and family responsibilities. These children also may want to do more paid work so that they can acquire the consumer goods that their more affluent peers in two-parent households have. Wallerstein and Blakeslee (1990) go so far as to suggest that a shift away from leisure activities for children whose parents have divorced, coupled with the psychological stress of the divorce, may mean the end of a care-free childhood for many of these children. The theory of social capital developed by Coleman (1990) can be used to formalize this conventional wisdom and generate testable hypotheses about the impact that marital status has on adolescents' time use. Coleman argues that individuals provide resources to other individuals in various forms that include obligations, expectations, information, norms, sanctions, authority, and organizational structures. These social relationships that can be used by an individual to facilitate his/her self-interest are termed social capital. Within the context of the family, social capital is hypothesized to influence adolescents' human capital acquisition and, consequently, the time they allocate to various productive activities. Specifically, when a mother and father are both present in the home, there is the opportunity for more parental supervision and communication with a teenager regarding expected time use (e.g., reinforcement of setting aside time to do homework) compared to singleparent households. If parents in two-parent families take advantage of these additional opportunities to bolster positive activities and discourage less fruitful uses of time, then adolescents' time allocation is likely to vary across these two family types. The limited research that has made use of the social capital framework (Asmussen & Larson, 1991; Haveman & Wolfe, 1994) has found that the absence of a parent alters the mix of children's time spent with family members and their early adulthood outcomes. Both of these findings are consistent with our hypotheses. Although assessing the influence of family structure is the primary focus of the current analysis, other available indicators of the family's social capital will also be examined. …

Leisure activities in adolescents as a predictor of occupational choice in young adults: A longitudinal study

Leisure activities in children may be a valid predictor of talented accomplishment in adults (Milgram, 1989, 1990a, 1991, in press). Lei- sure activities are intrinsically motivated out-of-school hobbies and activities that young people do for their own enjoyment and by their own choice, and not in order to fulfill school requirements or to earn grades or credits. Even though they are not related to school they may be highly intellectual endeavors (e.g., computer programming, working out mathematical solutions, conducting scientific experi- ments, composing music). One reason why these activities may in- deed predict adult accomplishment is because their performance require not only intellectual abilities, but also task commitment, per- sistence, and other cognitive and personal-social attributes that strongly determine life outcomes. Super (1984), a leader in the area of career development, claims leisure activities can be valuable explora- tory experiences which provide the opportunity to experience occupa- tionally-related activities. A series of innovative studies of intrinsically motivated creative activities and accomplishments in adolescence were conducted by

Leisure Activities and the Socioeconomic Status of Children

Data on leisure activities of children from family backgrounds at four socioeconomic levels tend to support two separate but not mutually exclusive hypotheses. First, children from different social-class background engage in leisure activities which are quantitatively and qualitatively different. Second, children whose behavior is not typical of their class culture pattern prepare for social mobility by interacting with children from families at other class levels. They thus have the opportunity to learn techniques and ways of thinking and feeling which prepare them for upward mobility.