Couch kids: correlates of television viewing among youth

Int J Behav Med. 2004;11(3):152-63. doi: 10.1207/s15327558ijbm1103_4.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review the published empirical correlates of television/video viewing among youth (2 to 18 years). A descriptive semi-quantitative review was conducted based on 68 primary studies. Variables consistently associated with TV/video viewing were ethnicity (non-white +), parent income (-), parent education (-), body weight (+), between meal snacking (+), number of parents in the house (-), parents TV viewing habits (+), weekend (+) and having a TV in the bedroom (+). Variables consistently unrelated to TV/video viewing were sex, other indicators of socio-economic status, body fatness, cholesterol levels, aerobic fitness, strength, other indicators of fitness, self-perceptions, emotional support, physical activity, other diet variables, and being an only child. Few modifiable correlates have been identified. Further research should aim to identify modifiable correlates of TV/video viewing if interventions are to be successfully tailored to reduce this aspect of inactivity among youth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anthropometry
  • Body Composition*
  • Body Mass Index*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Television / statistics & numerical data*