Bidirectional associations between screen time and children’s externalizing and internalizing behaviors

Bibliographic Data

ID21344262
AuthorsRoss D Neville (0000-0002-2064-5952, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science University College Dublin Dublin Ireland, corresponding author), Brae Anne McArthur (0000-0001-9141-7095, Department of Psychology University of Calgary Calgary AB Canada), Rachel Eirich (0000-0003-1030-3163, Department of Psychology University of Calgary Calgary AB Canada), Kimberley D Lakes (0000-0003-3698-274X, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience School of Medicine University of California Riverside CA USA), Sheri Madigan (0000-0002-7536-3258, Department of Psychology University of Calgary Calgary AB Canada)
Year2021
Volume62
Issue12
Pages1475-1484
Publication date2021-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0021-9630 • E-ISSN: 1469-7610
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/jcpp.13425
PMID33945153
OpenAlexW3157060331
LanguageEN
Citations received27
References cited35

BACKGROUND: While it has been purported that excessive screen time can lead to behavioral problems, it has also been suggested that children with behavioral dysregulation receive more access to screens to manage problematic behavior. In this study, both temporally stable and longitudinal associations between screen time and externalizing and internalizing behaviors across childhood are examined to directly address this issue of directionality. METHODS: Data are from a prospective cohort of 10,172 Irish children, collected between 2010 and 2018 when children were ages 3, 5, 7, and 9. Children's screen time (hours/day) and externalizing and internalizing behaviors (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) were assessed via caregiver report. Random-intercepts cross-lagged panel models were used to estimate longitudinal bidirectional associations while controlling for temporally stable (i.e., 'time-invariant' or 'trait-like') differences between children. RESULTS: Temporally stable differences between children were observed for both screen time and behavior problems. Longitudinal trajectories for screen time lacked stability; however, and externalizing and internalizing behaviors stabilized increasingly during later childhood. Greater externalizing and internalizing behaviors at age 3 were directionally associated with increased screen time at age 5. Greater screen time at ages 3 and 5 was directionally associated with increased internalizing behaviors at ages 5 and 7, respectively. More screen time at age 7 was directionally associated with fewer internalizing behaviors at age 9. Screen time was not associated with later externalizing behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Bidirectional associations between screen time and internalizing behaviors were observed for preschoolers. Directional associations between screen time and internalizing difficulties were observed across childhood. These findings can inform screen use guidelines and family media planning at different ages and stages of development

Association (psychology) · Developmental psychology · Early childhood · Longitudinal study · Physical activity · Screen time · Trait · Child Development and Digital Technology · Clinical Psychology · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Literacy, Media, and Education · Medicine · Psychology

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