Zhang, Y., Niu, L., Zhang, D., Ip, P., Ho, F., Jiang, Y., Sun, W., Zhu, Q. and Jiang, F. (2019) Social-emotional functioning explains the effects of physical activity on academic performance among Chinese primary school students: a mediation analysis. Journal of Pediatrics, 208, pp. 74-80. (doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2018.11.045) (PMID:30612814)
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Abstract
Objective: To examine the mediating effects of socioemotional and behavioral functioning in the association between physical activity and academic achievement in Chinese children. Study design: Chinese children (n = 17 318; aged 6-11 years) from the Shanghai Children's Health, Education and Lifestyle Evaluation study in 2014 were the source of data. Children reported the time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activities (MVPA) during weekdays and weekends. Parents rated their children's socioemotional and behavioral difficulties. Head teachers rated the academic performance of each student. A mediation analysis with multiple mediators was performed to test the mediation effects of 5 socioemotional and behavioral variables (emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity and inattention, peer relationship, and prosocial behaviors) in the association between MVPA and academic achievement, adjusting for demographic and health-related variables. Results: Results revealed that MVPA was positively associated with academic performance (b = 0.78; SE = .01; P < .001). Conduct problems, hyperactivity and inattention, and peer problems showed significant mediating effects in the association between MVPA and academic achievement, with hyperactivity and inattention being the strongest mediator (b = 0.38; SE = 0.04; P < .001) accounting for 49% of the total effect. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that MVPA is associated with fewer socioemotional difficulties, which, in turn, is associated with better academic achievement. Promoting physical activity among school-aged children may benefit their overall development.
| Item Type: | Articles |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Refereed: | Yes |
| Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: | Ho, Dr Frederick |
| Authors: | Zhang, Y., Niu, L., Zhang, D., Ip, P., Ho, F., Jiang, Y., Sun, W., Zhu, Q., and Jiang, F. |
| College/School: | College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health |
| Journal Name: | Journal of Pediatrics |
| Publisher: | Elsevier |
| ISSN: | 0022-3476 |
| ISSN (Online): | 1097-6833 |
| Published Online: | 04 January 2019 |
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