ADHD Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about ADHD, including details on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, drugs, treatment, symptoms.

Brief report: Television viewing and risk for attention problems in preschool children.

Miller CJ, Marks DJ, Miller SR, Berwid OG, Kera EC, Santra A, Halperin JM

Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, USA. cjmiller@uwindsor.ca

OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether high levels of television viewing are associated with attention problems and hyperactivity in preschool children. METHODS: Parent and teacher ratings of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, objectively measured activity level, and parental estimation of early television exposure were collected for a sample of preschool children. Separate linear regression analyses were conducted with parent and teacher behavioral ratings and objectively assessed activity level as outcome variables. RESULTS: Results indicated that after controlling for demographic factors (i.e., age, sex, and SES), television exposure accounted for a significant proportion of the variance in teacher ratings of inattentive/hyperactive behaviors, as well as objectively measured activity level. CONCLUSIONS: These findings partially replicate those from a recent, highly publicized study indicating a correlation between television exposure and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-associated behaviors. However, it remains unclear as to whether elevated levels of television viewing are the cause or result of ADHD symptoms.

Published 23 April 2007 in J Pediatr Psychol, 32(4): 448-52.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 ADHD Research Today. All Rights Reserved.