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Rehearsal and pedometer reactivity in children
Fiona C M Ling1, Richard S W Masters, Alison M McManus
1Institute of Human Performance, University of Hong Kong, Patrick, Manson Building, 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
|January 22, 2011
Summary
Children who frequently ruminate on negative experiences showed greater changes in daily step counts over time. This suggests considering rumination when measuring physical activity in children.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Physical Activity Research
Background:
- Pedometry is a common method for measuring physical activity.
- Reactivity, or changes in measurement over time, can affect pedometry data.
- Rumination, the tendency to dwell on negative experiences, is a known psychological construct.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of rehearsal (rumination) on pedometry reactivity in children.
- To understand how repetitive negative thinking influences physical activity measurement.
- To explore the relationship between psychological traits and objective physical activity data.
Main Methods:
- 156 Hong Kong Chinese children (aged 9-12) participated.
- Children completed the Rehearsal Scale for Children-Chinese (RSC-C).
- Participants wore pedometers for three consecutive weeks.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in mean daily steps was observed from Week 1 to Week 3.
- Children with high rehearsal tendencies exhibited a greater reduction in steps over the study period.
- Pedometry reactivity was influenced by individual differences in rumination.
Conclusions:
- Rehearsal (rumination) impacts pedometry reactivity in children.
- Physical activity interventions should account for reactivity in baseline measurements.
- Further research is needed on the link between habitual physical activity and rehearsal propensities.
