A test of the Environmental Stress Hypothesis in children with and without Developmental Coordination Disorder. (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Yao-Chuen; Kwan, Matthew Y.W.; Clark, Heather J.; Hay, John; Faught, Brent E.; Cairney, John
• Is Part Of: Psychology of sport and exercise. Volume 37(2018)
• Page Start: 244
• Page End: 250
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Environmental Stress Hypothesis -- Developmental Coordination Disorder -- Mental illness -- Physical health -- Psychosocial well-being -- Mediation; Sports -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; Exercise -- Periodicals; Societies, Medical -- Periodicals; Psychology; Sports; Exercise; Societies, Medical; Sports -- Aspect psychologique -- Périodiques; Exercice -- Aspect psychologique -- Périodiques; 613.71019
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2017.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1469-0292

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: This study examined several underlying mechanisms hypothesized by the Environmental Stress Hypothesis (ESH) to explain the association between probable Developmental Coordination Disorder (pDCD) and internalizing problems. Design/Method: A cross-sectional analysis involving 1206 children aged 12–14 years (79 pDCD, 6.6% of the sample) was conducted. Children received assessments of motor coordination, physical activity, BMI, global self-worth, and internalizing problems. Path analysis was conducted to examine overall model fit and sex differences. Results: The results showed significant sex differences in the underlying pathways connecting pDCD to internalizing problems, indicating more mediating pathways through physical activity, BMI and global self-worth in girls, compared to boys. Conclusions: Overall, we were able to find support for some of the pathways identified in the ESH in school-aged children. Results also suggest that the development of interventions may need to be sex specific. Highlights: School-aged children with pDCD have higher levels of internalizing problems. Internalizing problems in children with pDCD are mediated by physical activity, BMI, and global self-worth. The underlying mechanisms of internalizing problems are different between boys and girls.