Thesis
Sedentary behaviour in 3-4 year olds : parental influences and associations with motor competence
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2026
- Thesis identifier
- T17696
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 202150966
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- Excessive screen time is becoming increasingly prevalent in the early years, raising concerns about its impact on other movement behaviours (physical activity and sleep) and on health outcomes, including motor competence. Limited evidence exists on how sedentary behaviour influences motor competence in 3-4-year-olds, and little is known about parental perceptions influencing adherence to screen time guidelines. This thesis aimed to address these gaps by examining associations between (a) screen time, habitual sedentary behaviour, and motor competence; (b) screen time, sedentary behaviour, guideline adherence and fine and gross motor skills; and (c) exploring parents perceived barriers and facilitators to meeting screen time recommendations. Three studies were conducted. Study 1 was a systematic review examining associations between screen time, habitual sedentary behaviour, and multiple domains of motor competence, including fundamental, fine, gross, locomotor, object control, and balance in 3-4-year-olds. Study 2 analysed data from the pilot phase of the SUNRISE International Study, comprising 1,394 children aged 3-4 years. Sedentary behaviour was objectively assessed using the activPAL accelerometer, while screen time and restraint were measured via parent questionnaires. Fine and gross motor skills were evaluated using the parent reported Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Third Edition (ASQ-3). Associations were examined between a) screen time and total daily accelerometery measured sedentary behaviour with gross and fine motor skills; b) meeting overall sedentary behaviour guidelines (restraint and screen time guidelines) and fine and gross motor skills. Using a mixed-methods design, Study 3 explored parental perceptions of adherence to the screen time guideline and examined differences in perceptions between those who meet and those who do not meet the guideline. The quantitative component included an exploratory sample of 56 participants aged 3-4 years, while the qualitative component included a convenience sample of 19 parents of children aged 3-4 years from both high- and low-income settings across Scotland. Screen time was measured using a parent report questionnaire. Higher screen time and sedentary behaviour were generally associated with poorer motor competence in Studies 1 and 2. The systematic review found predominantly negative associations between screen time and sedentary behaviour and various motor competence domains, suggesting that sedentary behaviour may negatively affect the motor competence of children aged 3-4 years. Study 2 confirmed these findings, showing that higher screen time was significantly associated with lower fine and gross motor skills, and that only 42% of children met the overall sedentary behaviour guidelines. Study 3 also showed that just 40% of children in the sample met the screen time guideline, with parents citing barriers to meeting the guideline, such as busy schedules, poor weather, and health challenges, while highlighting awareness of the guidelines and supportive family structures as key facilitators. Excessive screen time and sedentary behaviour may negatively influence motor competence in 3-4-year-olds. Low guideline adherence underscores the probable need for family-focused interventions that consider parental, environmental, and behavioural factors to promote healthier screen time and optimal motor competence in 3-4-year-olds.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Reilly, John J.
- Janssen, Xanne
- Resource Type
- DOI
- Date Created
- 2025
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PDF of thesis T17696 | 2026-04-21 | Public | Download |