Psychosocial determinants and consequencesof sedentary behavior

Over the recent years, researchers have observed an increased tendency for sedentary behavior among children and adults. In particular, people spend more and more time engaging in predominantly sedentary activities such as watching TV, and using computer tablets or smartphones. Studies conducted to date indicate that an increasing level of sedentary behaviors is accompanied by a decrease in physical activity.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize the existing empirical evidence on the correlation between the amount of time spent sitting and the quality of life, among children and adults, and in the population of healthy and chronically ill people. The findings indicate a significant relationship between the amount of time spent sitting and the quality of life in the physical domain, including factors such as pain, discomfort, physical energy and fatigue. People who spend less time sitting are significantly more satisfied with their health and physical well-being and report fewer health problems. Importantly, this relationship was found not only among chronically ill, but also among healthy people. Among the healthy individuals, the amount of time spent sitting was associated with lower quality of life in emotional domain, which means that the more time people spend sitting, the lower quality of life they report and they are less satisfied with their emotional or mental well-being.

The growing body of evidence, which indicates a significant link between the amount of time spent on sedentary behavior and well-being, has prompted researchers to look for modifiable factors that can help to reduce time spent on sitting behavior.

The study was conducted on 879 children and their parents. It indicated that the children who declared that their parents limited their screen time, had less body fat after 7 to 8 months. Additionally, the study showed that a higher number screen devices (TVs, computers, tablets, smartphones) available in the home environment was linked with more screen time per child and, consequently, higher body fat of these children, measured after 7 to 8 months.

Another study indicated that maternal practices shaped the behavior of children. The recommendations were that mothers should monitor the amount of screen time available to their children, and should encourage children to take part in physical activities. Application of these parental rules is crucial not only for the child’s behavior (screen time versus physical activity), but also the child’s Body Mass Index (BMI).

However, it should be noted that pushing the child to be active may cause the reactance effect and ultimately increase the probability of unwanted behavior (i.e., higher levels of screen use).