Risks of Television Viewing Among Children With and Without ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disorder that affects over 1.6 million children each year. Previous researchers have determined that the cause is still unknown, although genetics and environmental factors are under study. One environmental factor is the association between excessive television viewing prior to the age of 2 and attention problems by age 7, although these researchers have presented inconsistent findings. This quantitative quasi-experimental design utilized a convenience sample of parents of children ages 7 to 10 years, with and without ADHD diagnosis, to determine who watched more television, and if there is a relationship between excessive television viewing, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and inattention. The framework supporting this study included both biological data on ADHD/ brain development and the social learning theory, suggesting that children who view excessive amounts of television may have higher rates of ADHD symptoms. Research questions were analyzed using chi square analyses and ANOVA. This is an important contribution to the existing literature and would enhance social change initiatives.