Longitudinal Associations Between 24-Hour Movement Behaviour and Early Life Mental Health Indicators

Common mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety and depression) can begin in early childhood, with many symptoms (e.g., high levels of irritability) present during the early years predicting mental health disorders in later life. Research suggests that healthy movement behaviours (i.e., physical activity, reducing sitting, sufficient sleep) are associated with lower risk of mental health disorders in older children and adolescents. However, whether these behaviours have the same protective effect in early childhood is unknown. This research aims to explore the link between movement behaviours and mental health indicators in early childhood. Children aged 2-4 years and their parents will be recruited. Children will be asked to wear a device for 7 days to measure their total movement behaviours. Parents will be asked to report information on their children’s sitting time (including screen time) and sleep. Parents will also be asked to complete two surveys to assess early life mental health symptoms (e.g., responding to situations with anger outbursts or temper tantrums, fights with other children). The primary way in which this work will benefit the Children’s Hospital will be through providing actionable recommendations that physicians and health care providers can offer to families in their care.

Faculty Supervisor:

Patricia Tucker;Shauna Burke

Student:

Partner:

London Health Sciences Centre

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

The University of Western Ontario

Program: