Fourth Graders' Social Standing with Peers: A Prospective Study on the Role of First Grade Physical Activity,Weight Status,and Motor Proficiency |
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| Authors: | Yngvar Ommundsen Kari Aasen Gundersen Per Egil Mjaavatn |
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| Institution: | 1. Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and University of Agder yngvar.ommundsen@nih.no;3. University of Agder;4. Norwegian University of Science and Technology |
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| Abstract: | We prospectively examined the role of physical activity involvement, weight status, and motor functioning capability in 1st grade for social status among other pupils in class in the 4th grade. Our sample included 80 Norwegian 1st grade pupils (Girls N = 44; Boys N = 36). 1st grade motor proficiency and objectively measured physical activity, but not weight status was predictive of 4th grade social standing among pupils in class as measured by socio‐metric status. Interaction findings also revealed that 1st grade healthy weight children being proficient in the motor domain benefit more in terms of their social standing among peers in 4th grade than do 1st grade overweight but equally motor proficient children. Being physically active in the 1st grade seems more important for social standing among peers in 4th grade for 1st grade girls than for boys. Results may inform early intervention efforts in school to enhance pupils' psychosocial development. |
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| Keywords: | schoolchildren socio‐metric status physical‐motor functioning |
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