Does Aerobic Fitness Buffer the Associations Between Young Children’s ADHD Symptom Severity and Academic and Social Functioning?
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Published:2024-01-21
Issue:
Volume:
Page:
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ISSN:1063-4266
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Container-title:Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
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language:en
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Short-container-title:Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Author:
Dennis Marissa1,
Shoulberg Erin K1,
Hoza Betsy1,
Krasner Allison1,
Scott Hannah1,
Smith Alan L.2ORCID
Affiliation:
1. The University of Vermont, Burlington, USA
2. Utah State University, Logan, USA
Abstract
This study examined whether the links between children’s ADHD symptom severity and academic and social functioning varied based on their aerobic fitness levels. Hierarchical regression models were used to examine the main and interactive effects of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive (HI) symptom severity and aerobic fitness levels on academic and social functioning in 198 children ( Mage = 6.83; 53% male; 68% White, 14% Mixed Race, 8% Black or African American; 2% Asian; 8% selected the “Other” category when reporting racial identity; across race categories, 15% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity). Children’s aerobic fitness levels were assessed using a multistage fitness test. Parents rated children’s ADHD symptoms, and teachers rated academic and social functioning. Results highlighted negative associations between ADHD symptom severity and adaptive academic and social functioning. Aerobic fitness was positively linked with academic performance. Aerobic fitness moderated the associations between HI symptom severity and academic outcomes, highlighting that aerobic fitness may be protective against academic impairments for children with elevated HI symptoms.
Funder
United States Health and Human Services Administration on Developmental Disabilities
National Institute of Mental Health
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health,Clinical Psychology,Developmental and Educational Psychology,Education