The relationship between Developmental Co-ordination Disorders, child's perceived self-efficacy and preference to participate in daily activities

B. Engel-Yeger, A. Hanna Kasis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD) may negatively impact children's self-efficacy and limit their performance and participation in school as well as in leisure activities performed after school hours. However, a lack of information exists regarding the relationships between DCD, child's self-efficacy and participation. Moreover, the literature about the way children with DCD experience these limitations and report about them is scarce. This study aimed to compare the perceived self-efficacy and the preference to participate in leisure activities of children with DCD and typical peers and to illuminate the relationship between self-efficacy, activity preference and DCD severity. Methods: Participants were 37 children with DCD and 37 typical peers, aged 5.08-9.83 years. All children performed the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, the Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting System and the Preference for Activities of Children. Results: The scores of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children confirmed the motor gaps between the two groups. Children with DCD scored significantly lower in self-efficacy on all the Perceived Efficacy and Goal Setting System subscales and demonstrated a lower preference to participate in leisure activities according to all scales of the Preference for Activities of Children. The lower their self-efficacy, the lower their motor performance and their preference to participate in activities. Conclusions: Children's preference to participate in activities may be limited by motor difficulties, but further hindered by low self-efficacy. Early identification of DCD and associated negative outcomes, also based on child's self-reports, should receive special attention in intervention programmes in order to enhance children's self-confidence, feelings of belonging, optimal development and participation in daily activities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)670-677
Number of pages8
JournalChild: Care, Health and Development
Volume36
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2010

Keywords

  • Activity preference
  • Child
  • Daily activities
  • Developmental Co-ordination Disorders
  • Participation
  • Self-efficacy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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