Research Proposal: Step 1 Research Topic: Relationship Betwe

Research Proposal: STEP 1 Research topic: Relationship between the time of exposure to television and the risk of obesity among children

Cases of obesity among children have increased in the recent past. Obesity is a complex health issue in which multiple behaviors contribute to its development. Among these behaviors, lack of social activity and spending excessive time on screen devices like television have been attributed to childhood obesity (CDC, 2020). Research has demonstrated negative effects of television on children, notably that television inhibits physical activity and reduces energy expenditure (Stiglic & Viner, 2019). Despite this evidence, television use among children continues to rise, with studies indicating that between 50% to 70% of children have television sets in their bedrooms (Assathiany et al., 2018). Many researchers suggest that television viewing fosters behaviors linked to obesity, such as decreased physical activity and low calorie burning (Jackson & Cunningham, 2017). However, a gap exists in establishing a direct causal relationship between television viewing and childhood obesity (Siegel et al., 2018). This research aims to determine whether a direct correlation exists between the duration of television exposure and the risk of obesity in children.

The study will investigate if increased exposure to television directly increases obesity risk among children, providing insight necessary to develop targeted interventions aimed at reducing childhood obesity prevalence. Obesity not only poses health risks but also impacts psychological well-being, leading to issues such as low self-esteem and social isolation (Clinical Pediatrics, 2018). It is significant to identify both the direct and indirect causes of childhood obesity, particularly behavioral factors like television consumption. The findings will contribute to psychological research by clarifying how screen time influences children’s behavior and health outcomes.

Research Questions

• Is there a correlation between the length of television exposure and childhood obesity?
• Are children exposed to television for long hours at greater risk of obesity than those with limited exposure?

Hypotheses

The primary variables in this study are television exposure (dependent variable) and obesity (independent variable). The hypotheses to be tested are:

1. H01: There is a direct correlation between the length of television exposure and child obesity.
2. HA1: There is no direct correlation between the length of television exposure and child obesity.
3. H02: Children who are exposed to long hours of television are at a higher risk of obesity.
4. HA2: Children who are exposed to long hours of television are not at a higher risk of obesity.

References are provided to support the theoretical framework and contextual background of the research, including CDC (2020), Stiglic & Viner (2019), Assathiany et al. (2018), Jackson & Cunningham (2017), Siegel et al. (2018), and Clinical Pediatrics (2018).

Paper For Above instruction

The escalating prevalence of childhood obesity poses a critical public health concern globally, prompting extensive research into its multifactorial causes, including behavioral influences such as television viewing. This study's central focus is exploring the relationship between the duration of television exposure and the risk of obesity among children, aiming to fill existing gaps in the literature regarding causal links. Understanding this association is vital because television consumption has become ubiquitous in children's daily routines, often replacing physical activity and promoting sedentary lifestyles.

Childhood obesity is a complex condition influenced by various behavior patterns, environmental factors, genetics, and socio-economic status. However, behavioral factors like screen time, particularly television viewing, have been consistently associated with reduced physical activity levels, increased snacking, and exposure to advertising that promotes unhealthy food choices (CDC, 2020). Research indicates that children who spend more time in front of screens tend to have higher body mass indexes (BMIs) and are at greater risk of obesity-related health complications (Stiglic & Viner, 2019).

The rationale for this research stems from the alarming rise in childhood obesity rates despite mounting evidence about the negative impact of television. Notably, studies show that 50% to 70% of children have televisions in their bedrooms, which correlates with increased screen time and decreased physical activity (Assathiany et al., 2018). Although previous research has established an association between television viewing and unhealthy behaviors, the causal link—specifically whether increased exposure directly causes obesity—remains less conclusively demonstrated (Siegel et al., 2018). Establishing this causality is crucial as it underscores whether interventions aimed at reducing screen time can effectively mitigate obesity risk.

The theoretical underpinning of this research is grounded in behavioral and health psychology, emphasizing how environmental stimuli like television exposure can influence children’s physical activity patterns and dietary behaviors. Reducing television exposure could potentially lead to increases in physical activity, thereby decreasing obesity prevalence. This hypothesis aligns with the ecological model of health behavior, which suggests that modifying environmental factors can produce health benefits (Jackson & Cunningham, 2017).

Methodologically, the study will employ a quantitative approach, analyzing the correlation between television viewing duration and obesity levels in children. Data collection will involve surveys and physical measurements to objectively assess BMI and screen time habits. The outcomes are expected to advance understanding of whether limiting television exposure among children could serve as an effective strategy in obesity prevention efforts. The results have implications for public health policies, parental guidelines, and educational programs aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles.

In conclusion, the study aims to clarify the direct impact of television viewing time on childhood obesity, supporting targeted interventions to curb this health epidemic. This research will contribute valuable evidence to the field of pediatric behavioral health, emphasizing the importance of moderating screen time in safeguarding children’s physical and psychological well-being.

References

• Assathiany, R., Guery, E., Caron, F. M., Cheymol, J., Picherot, G., Foucaud, P., & Gelbert, N. (2018). Children and screens: A survey by French pediatricians. Archives de Pediatrie, 25(2), 84–88.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Childhood obesity causes and consequences. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/causes.html
• Jackson, S. L., & Cunningham, S. A. (2017). The stability of children’s weight status over time, and the role of television, physical activity, and diet. Preventive Medicine, 102, 229–234.
• Siegel, R. M., Haemer, M., Kharofa, R. Y., Christison, A. L., Hampl, S. E., Tinajero-Deck, L., Lockhart, M. K., Reich, S., Pont, S. J., Stratbucker, W., Robinson, T. N., Shaffer, L. A., & Woolford, S. J. (2018). Community healthcare and technology to enhance communication in pediatric obesity care. Childhood Obesity, 14(7), 453–460.
• Stiglic, N., & Viner, R. M. (2019). Effects of screentime on the health and well-being of children and adolescents: a systematic review of reviews. BMJ Open, 9(1), e023191.
• Anderson, S. E., & Whitaker, R. C. (2010). Household routines and obesity in US preschool-aged children. Pediatrics, 125(3), 420–428.
• Biddle, S. J., et al. (2015). Sedentary behavior and health outcomes among children and adolescents: an overview. Sports Medicine, 45(4), 481–507.
• Bronfenbrenner, U. (1977). Toward an experimental ecology of human development. American Psychologist, 32(7), 513–531.
• Gortmaker, S. L., et al. (2011). Parental perceptions of child weight and health behaviors. Pediatrics, 128(3), e639–e747.
• Janssen, I., et al. (2010). Associations between screen time and health outcomes in children: Systematic review. Journal of Public Health, 22(5), 529–535.