Why Do Children Engage in Sedentary Behavior? Child- and Parent-Perceived Determinants

: Todays children spend a large amount of their time sedentary. There is limited evidence on
the determinants of sedentary behavior in children, and qualitative studies are especially lacking.
Therefore, this study aimed to explore determinants of children’s sedentary behavior from the childand parent perspective. Qualitative data were collected during concept mapping sessions with
four groups of 11–13 years old children (n = 38) and two online sessions with parents (n = 21).
Children and parents generated sedentary behavior motives, sorted related motives, and rated their
importance in influencing children’s sedentary time. Next, multidimensional scaling and hierarchical
cluster analysis was performed to create clusters of motives resulting in a concept map. Finally, the
researchers named the clusters in the concept map. Concept maps of children yielded eight to ten
perceived determinants, and concept maps of parents six to seven. Children and parents identified
six similar potential determinants, and both rated as important: Sitting because ... “it is the norm
(I have to)”, and “I can work/play better that way”. In addition, children rated “there is nobody
to play with” as an important potential determinant for engaging in sedentary behavior. The most
important child- and parent perceived determinants were related to the social/cultural and physical
environment, indicating that these are promising targets for future interventions.