Citation

Miller CJ, Marks DJ, Miller SR, Berwid OG, Kera EC, Santra A, Halperin JM. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 2007; 32(4): 448-452.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, USA. cjmiller@uwindsor.ca

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/jpepsy/jsl035

PMID

17012738

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether high levels of television viewing are associated with attention problems and hyperactivity in preschool children. METHODS: Parent and teacher ratings of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, objectively measured activity level, and parental estimation of early television exposure were collected for a sample of preschool children. Separate linear regression analyses were conducted with parent and teacher behavioral ratings and objectively assessed activity level as outcome variables. RESULTS: Results indicated that after controlling for demographic factors (i.e., age, sex, and SES), television exposure accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in teacher ratings of inattentive/hyperactive behaviors, as well as objectively measured activity level. CONCLUSIONS: These findings partially replicate those from a recent, highly publicized study indicating a correlation between television exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-associated behaviors. However, it remains unclear as to whether elevated levels of television viewing are the cause or result of ADHD symptoms.

Language: en