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

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.