The Influence of Perceptions of Competence on Motor Skills and Physical Activity in Middle Childhood : A Test of Mediation

The mediating effect of perceptions of physical competence (PPC) on the relationship between motor competence and physical activity levels is documented in adolescence. However, it is unclear at what age this begins. In this study, we examined whether PPC mediated the relationship between moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or sedentary behaviour and motor competence in middle childhood. The participants were 129 children (mean age = 8.3 years) from eight elementary schools. MVPA and sedentary behaviour were measured using Actigraph accelerometers, and motor competence was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development, Second Edition. The Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children and The Self-Perception Profile for Children were used to assess PPC. In this study, PPC did not predict either MVPA or engagement in sedentary behaviours. Further, structural equation modelling revealed that PPC did not mediate the relationship between motor competence and MVPA or between motor competence and sedentary behaviour. These results suggest that at 8 years of age, children's perceptions do not influence their participation in physical activities. It is possible that factors influencing PPC, such as peer comparisons and performance outcomes, have more impact in later childhood or adolescence. In turn, those perceptions may affect children's or adolescents' choices to opt in or out of physical activities.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2023

Erschienen:

2023

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:20

Enthalten in:

International journal of environmental research and public health - 20(2023), 9 vom: 26. Apr.

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Crane, Jeff R [VerfasserIn]
Foley, John T [VerfasserIn]
Temple, Viviene A [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Children
Journal Article
Motor development
Perceptions
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Structural equation modelling

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 15.05.2023

Date Revised 16.05.2023

published: Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.3390/ijerph20095648

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM356769402