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Abdel Hadi S, Gharaibeh M, Alghazo E. Impulsiveness among Undergraduates from the United Arab Emirates and Jordan: Role of Socio-demographic Variables. Health Psychol Res 2023; 11:81045. [PMID: 37405311 PMCID: PMC10317514 DOI: 10.52965/001c.81045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some undergraduate students may appear impulsive in their behavior without taking enough time to think, and impulsiveness may vary according to gender, academic specialization, and academic level. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the differences in impulsiveness between undergraduates of different gender, academic specializations, and academic years at three private universities in the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. METHOD The research design of the study was a survey in nature. The researchers collected data online using a translated Arabic version of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) as described in Patton et al..1 A sample of 334 undergraduates was selected using the convenient non-probability sample technique. RESULTS To analyze data, the researchers deployed descriptive and inferential statistics and found no significant differences between the students in the subscales of motor impulsiveness, non-planning, attentional impulsiveness, and the total scale score according to gender, academic specializations, and academic years variables. CONCLUSION The researchers concluded that undergraduates have a moderate level of impulsiveness; except for attentional impulsiveness, the results indicated that the average student's score on the subscale was low. Motor impulsiveness, non-planning impulsiveness, and attentional impulsiveness were not significantly different between males and females, academic specialization, academic year variables, and their interaction. The limitations and implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samer Abdel Hadi
- College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Al Ain University
| | - Mahmoud Gharaibeh
- College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Al Ain University
| | - Emad Alghazo
- College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Al Ain University
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2
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Keye SA, Kinder CJ, Ragab S, Ouzidane M, Rich A, Richards KA, Khan NA. Effects of a Summer Physical Activity Program on Fitness and Cognitive Function among Children from Low Socioeconomic Households. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2023; 7:1-10. [PMID: 37363056 PMCID: PMC10240127 DOI: 10.1007/s41465-023-00266-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
During the summer months, school aged children experience a loss in academic gains made over the course of the school year, as well as engage in poorer health behaviors such as decreased physical activity and poor diet that can lead to excess weight gain. This study aimed to assess changes in body composition, fitness, and cognitive abilities in children from low-income households after a summer physical activity program and explored whether time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was related to these changes. Participant's (N = 77) body composition, aerobic fitness (i.e., PACER), and cognitive function (i.e., modified flanker task) were measured during week 1 and week 3. MVPA was collected via hip accelerometer worn during program hours. Paired t-tests and regression analyses were conducted to determine changes between week 1 and 3, whether participation was related to changes in fitness, adiposity, and cognitive function. T-tests revealed significant changes in PACER score (10.71 ± 7.72 to 13.301 ± 10.68; p < 0.001) and incongruent accuracy on the flanker task (65.94% ± 23.83 to 69.00% ± 21.89; p < 0.006), however no significant change in BMI-for-age percentile or body fat percentage was detected. Additionally, regression analyses revealed no significant relationship between change in MVPA or attendance, and changes in PACER, flanker task performance, BMI, or body fat percentage. Children that participated in a summer physical activity program targeted toward children affected by poverty exhibited significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive abilities, and no changes in body composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby A. Keye
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL United States
| | - Christopher J. Kinder
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL United States
| | - Sarah Ragab
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL United States
| | - Mariam Ouzidane
- School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL United States
| | - Abigail Rich
- School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL United States
| | - Kevin A. Richards
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL United States
| | - Naiman A. Khan
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL United States
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL United States
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL United States
- Beckman Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL United States
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Trifunović A, Pešić D, Čičević S. Experimental Study: Children's Perceptions Expressed Through Drawings and Coloring. Percept Mot Skills 2022; 129:1151-1176. [PMID: 35666521 DOI: 10.1177/00315125221104780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A large body of literature has addressed processes underlying human perception, with some assertions that children do not perceive space or colors in the same way as adults. Since children express themselves easily and acquire knowledge through graphic symbols, when determining psycho-motor maturity and perceptions of a preschool aged children, observers must evaluate their use of non-verbal graphics. Thus, we used young children's drawings to examine their use of color and spatial perception, as well as to identify differences between children in rural and urban communities. Of 94 participants from rural and urban communities, 46 were kindergarten aged (5.5-6.5 years), and 48 were preschool aged (4.5-5.5 years). Comparing children from urban and rural areas, there were significant differences in their perception of different colors and spatial relations. Motor abilities were significantly different between children of different ages and gender. We argue that the applied assessment methods, such as children's drawings, could be a basis for measuring effective learning and practicing of children's abilities as expressed in the classroom, and that tools may be useful for creating individualized educational plans and programs for developing children's skills through play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandar Trifunović
- 229817University of Belgrade, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dalibor Pešić
- 229817University of Belgrade, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Svetlana Čičević
- 229817University of Belgrade, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, Belgrade, Serbia
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Wick K, Kriemler S, Granacher U. Associations between measures of physical fitness and cognitive performance in preschool children. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2022; 14:80. [PMID: 35501890 PMCID: PMC9063064 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-022-00470-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given that recent studies report negative secular declines in physical fitness, associations between fitness and cognition in childhood are strongly discussed. The preschool age is characterized by high neuroplasticity which effects motor skill learning, physical fitness, and cognitive development. The aim of this study was to assess the relation of physical fitness and attention (including its individual dimensions (quantitative, qualitative)) as one domain of cognitive performance in preschool children. We hypothesized that fitness components which need precise coordination compared to simple fitness components are stronger related to attention. METHODS Physical fitness components like static balance (i.e., single-leg stance), muscle strength (i.e., handgrip strength), muscle power (i.e., standing long jump), and coordination (i.e., hopping on one leg) were assessed in 61 healthy children (mean age 4.5 ± 0.6 years; girls n = 30). Attention was measured with the "Konzentrations-Handlungsverfahren für Vorschulkinder" [concentration-action procedure for preschoolers]). Analyses were adjusted for age, body height, and body mass. RESULTS Results from single linear regression analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) association between physical fitness (composite score) and attention (composite score) (standardized ß = 0.40), showing a small to medium effect (F2 = 0.14). Further, coordination had a significant relation with the composite score and the quantitative dimension of attention (standardized ß = 0.35; p < 0.01; standardized ß = - 0.33; p < 0.05). Coordination explained about 11% (composite score) and 9% (quantitative dimension) of the variance in the stepwise multiple regression model. CONCLUSION The results indicate that performance in physical fitness, particularly coordination, is related to attention in preschool children. Thus, high performance in complex fitness components (i.e., hopping on one leg) tends to predict attention in preschool children. Further longitudinal studies should focus on the effectiveness of physical activity programs implementing coordination and complex exercises at preschool age to examine cause-effect relationships between physical fitness and attention precisely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Wick
- University of Applied Sciences for Sports and Management Potsdam, Am Luftschiffhafen 1, 14471, Potsdam, Germany. .,Division of Training and Movement Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Susi Kriemler
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs Granacher
- Division of Training and Movement Sciences, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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Alternating Attention and Physical Fitness in Relation to the Level of Combat Training. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10020241. [PMID: 35206856 PMCID: PMC8872041 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The level of combat training (CT) of the future commander-leader is of critical importance to the armed forces in national defense. This study aimed to search for the relationship between the level of alternating attention, physical fitness and shooting accuracy (SA), and academic achievements in practical military subjects (PMS). The study group consisted of 137 cadets of the Military University of Land Forces. The measure of alternating attention in the study was the Color Trails Test results. Motor components were assessed by measuring hand static strength, endurance run, and time of a speed and agility run. SA and PMS were taken as measures of cadets’ CT. Significantly higher PMS were associated with higher levels of strength and better endurance in cadets. The physical fitness of the cadets did not significantly affect the cadets’ SA. The main result of the study is the revelation of the level of alternating attention as a strong determinant of cadets’ SA. The authors suggest that the main emphasis should be put on the physical preparation of a modern soldier, focused on the development of strength and endurance skills. It is also reasonable to introduce cognitive stimulation exercises to shooting training.
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Chiu K, Lewis FC, Ashton R, Cornish KM, Johnson KA. Higher Tablet Use Is Associated With Better Sustained Attention Performance but Poorer Sleep Quality in School-Aged Children. Front Psychol 2022; 12:742468. [PMID: 35046864 PMCID: PMC8761987 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.742468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There are growing concerns that increased screen device usage may have a detrimental impact on classroom behaviour and attentional focus. The consequences of screen use on child cognitive functioning have been relatively under-studied, and results remain largely inconsistent. Screen usage may displace the time usually spent asleep. The aim of this study was to examine associations between screen use, behavioural inattention and sustained attention control, and the potential modifying role of sleep. The relations between screen use, behavioural inattention, sustained attention and sleep were investigated in 162 6- to 8-year-old children, using parent-reported daily screen use, the SWAN ADHD behaviour rating scale, The sustained attention to response task and the children’s sleep habits questionnaire. Tablet use was associated with better sustained attention performance but was not associated with classroom behavioural inattention. Shorter sleep duration was associated with poorer behavioural inattention and sustained attention. Sleep quality and duration did not act as mediators between screen usage and behavioural inattention nor sustained attention control. These findings suggest that careful management of the amount of time spent on electronic screen devices could have a beneficial cognitive impact on young children. The results also highlight the critical role of sleep in enhancing both behavioural attention and sustained attention, which are essential for supporting cognitive development and learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Chiu
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Monash School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Frances C Lewis
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Monash School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Reeva Ashton
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kim M Cornish
- Monash School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Katherine A Johnson
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Jamro D, Zurek G, Lachowicz M, Lenart D. Influence of Physical Fitness and Attention Level on Academic Achievements of Female and Male Military Academy Cadets in Poland. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9101261. [PMID: 34682941 PMCID: PMC8535669 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A professional soldier should be characterized not only by high physical fitness but also by high intellectual and cognitive skills. Therefore, it is important to focus on the future commanding cadre-cadets that are educated in military academies. The aim of the study was to look for correlations between the level of physical fitness and attention and academic achievements (AA) in different subjects among cadets studying at military academies. The research group consisted of students of a military academy in Poland, i.e., 228 cadets, including 31 women and 197 men. Correlations between explained and explanatory variables were assessed using Pearson’s correlation. Correlations between AA and somatic parameters and motor components were analysed using optimal regression, using the best subset method. A statistical difference was found between men and women in terms of the level of somatic and motor development; men also performed significantly better in practical military subjects. In the female group, dominant hand strength is a significant determinant of AA in civilian and theoretical military subjects. The findings suggest the need for specialized training aimed at bridging the major differences in physical fitness between men and women by placing greater emphasis on muscle strength development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariusz Jamro
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, General Tadeusz Kosciuszko Military University of Land Forces, 51-147 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.J.); (D.L.)
| | - Grzegorz Zurek
- Department of Biostructure, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Maciej Lachowicz
- Department of Biostructure, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Dariusz Lenart
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, General Tadeusz Kosciuszko Military University of Land Forces, 51-147 Wroclaw, Poland; (D.J.); (D.L.)
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Nasvytienė D, Lazdauskas T. Temperament and Academic Achievement in Children: A Meta-Analysis. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2021; 11:736-757. [PMID: 34563066 PMCID: PMC8314362 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe11030053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to systematize the diverse and rather controversial findings of empirical research on the relationship between the temperament and academic achievement of school children, as well as to determine the average effect size between these variables. We included 57 original studies of published and unpublished research conducted in 12 countries between 1985 and 2019, with cumulative sample size of 79,913 (varying from 6333 to 14,126 for links between particular temperament dimensions and specific domains of achievement). A random-effects and mixed-effects model was fitted to the data for the central tendency of the temperament-achievement relation and for analyzing moderators, respectively. The high heterogeneity of studies was tackled by selected specific moderators, namely, education level, transition status, family's socio-economic level, and sources of report on achievement and temperament. The main findings of this meta-analysis affirmed the positive association of effortful control (EC) and inverse relationship of negative affectivity (NA) with a child's academic performance, together with no apparent trend of surgency (SU) in this relationship; additionally, the sources of report significantly moderated the link between temperament and academic achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Nasvytienė
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, Vilnius University, 3 Universiteto Str., LT-01513 Vilnius, Lithuania;
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Arán Filippetti V, Gutierrez M, Krumm G, Mateos D. Convergent validity, academic correlates and age- and SES-based normative data for the d2 Test of attention in children. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2021; 11:629-639. [PMID: 34033722 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2021.1923494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The d2, test of attention is one of the most used neuropsychological tests to measure attention in clinical and research settings. To date, no studies have examined neither its convergent and divergent validity in children nor its relationship with academic skills at school age. The aims of the present study were: (1) to examine the convergent and divergent validity of the d2 Test in a non-clinical pediatric population, (2) to explore the relationship between d2 task performance and academic skills (i.e., math, reading and writing abilities) and (3) to develop normative data for Spanish-speaking children (n = 360 8- to 12-year-old children) stratified by age and socioeconomic status (SES). Pearson's correlation and Structural Equation Models (SEM) were used to analyze the d2 Test validity and its relationship with academic skills. A between-subjects factorial MANOVA was used to examine differences among SES (Middle, Low), age (8-10, 11-12), and sex (male, female). Findings revealed a significant relationship between d2 task performance and all attention and executive functions (EF) measures under analysis providing evidence of good convergent validity. Furthermore, SEM results showed that attention has direct effects on math and reading and writing skills. Finally, our study confirms the influence of age and SES on d2 task performance and provides normative data for middle- and low-SES children. These results have important implications for the assessment of attention functions in clinical and research settings in children with typical and atypical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Arán Filippetti
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Centro Interdisciplinario en Ciencias de la Salud y del Comportamiento (CIICSAC), Universidad Adventista del Plata, Entre Ríos, Argentina.,Facultad de Humanidades, Educación y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Adventista del Plata, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Marisel Gutierrez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Centro Interdisciplinario en Ciencias de la Salud y del Comportamiento (CIICSAC), Universidad Adventista del Plata, Entre Ríos, Argentina.,Facultad de Humanidades, Educación y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Adventista del Plata, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Krumm
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Centro Interdisciplinario en Ciencias de la Salud y del Comportamiento (CIICSAC), Universidad Adventista del Plata, Entre Ríos, Argentina.,Facultad de Humanidades, Educación y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Adventista del Plata, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Diego Mateos
- Universidad Autónoma de entre Ríos (UADER), Entre Rios, Argentina.,Instituto de Matemática Aplicada del Litoral (IMAL-CONICET-UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
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