physical activity Flashcards
physical activity and parenting-
Parental Influence on Children’s Physical Activity (Tinsley et al., 2007)
Why it matters:
Low physical activity in children is linked to health problems like type II diabetes, obesity, and depression.
What the study looked at:
How parents influence their child’s physical activity (PA) through:
-Encouragement (praising, motivating)
-Modelling (being active themselves – kids copy what they see; Bandura, 1986)
-Instrumental behaviours (e.g., driving kids to sports, buying equipment)
-Other factors (like work habits or general family support)
Key finding:
More parental encouragement, modelling, and support were all linked to higher levels of PA in children and adolescents
Jago 2011 A
Examined parenting and physical activity
* 729 10-11yr olds
* Accelerometers and self-reports (issue)
* Parenting style; maternal and paternal logistic support
and modelling of PA
* Permissive parenting linked to greater PA in
boys and girls
* Logistic support also important
- Supports US data (Hennessey et al., 2010)
Jago 2011 B
Greater TV viewing associated with increased risk
of obesity and psychological difficulties
Jago et al. examined parenting and TV viewing
* 431 parent-child dyads
Children reported maternal parenting style (authoritarian, authoritative, or permissive)
- Daily TV viewing, (maternal) parenting style, and child
perceived parental (maternal and paternal) restriction of
sedentary behaviours
More children with permissive mothers watched ≥ 4 hours of TV per day, compared to children with authoritarian or authoritative mothers
Children who felt both parents demonstrated high restriction watched < 2 hours of TV per day.
~ Children who felt both parents demonstrated low
restriction of sedentary time watched ≥ 4 hours of TV per
day (p<.001).
ISSUE WITH THIS STUDY- we cannot say TV viewing causes obesity. However children’s adverts also associated with an increase in UPFS linked to obesity
Maternal parenting style and physical activity parenting practices were self-reported
ER
TROST ET AL., 2011-
This review evaluates 103 studies on how parental behaviors—such as their own physical activity, support, and parenting style—affect children’s physical activity levels.
It highlights that parental support consistently correlates positively with child activity, while the evidence linking parenting style and family cohesion to child physical activity is less conclusive.
ER 2
Doggui et al., 2021
This longitudinal study examined how parental support and control influenced adolescents’ moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) over five years. Results indicated that higher parental support was associated with increased MVPA, while higher parental control was linked to decreased MVPA
critical analysis
Parenting styles are heavily influenced by cultural norms and socioeconomic factors. What’s considered “authoritative” in one culture may look different in another. (Rudy et al., 2006)
Lower-income families might struggle to support PA due to limited access to safe spaces or time constraints.
Studies often rely on Baumrind’s classic categories (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, neglectful), but real-life parenting is more nuanced.
Parents might shift styles depending on context (e.g., strict about screen time, permissive about snacks).
It’s often assumed parenting causes higher or lower physical activity—but it could be bidirectional.
For example, kids who are naturally active may elicit more support and encouragement from parents.
Critique: Are we assuming causality when the relationship might be reciprocal?
and self report- (Conrade & Ho, 2001; Van Lissa et al., 2019). This study also highlighted a significant difference between adolescents perceived parenting styles and parental self-reported parenting styles. This is an important variable that must be discussed in future research, as most studies rely on self-report measures from the parent.
