Virtual vs Reality: Using physical activity as a means of reducing screen habits.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

screen time has surged among children and adolescents worldwide,

often exceeding recommended limits. This sedentary behavior is associated with health issues.
Interventions reducing screen time have proven effective, but it is unclear which strategies work best.
The researchers systematic review and meta-analysis seek to identify the most effective behavior
change techniques and study characteristics for reducing screen time in youth, aiding better
intervention design and resource allocation. (Jones, A. et. al., 2021)

The researcher found theories to support the study and is primarily based on Behavioral Psychology,
Substitution Theory, and Social Learning Theory.

Behavioral psychology emerged in the early 20th century and significantly

impacted the field of psychology by focusing on the precise analysis of observable behaviors and the
processes of learning. It seeks to understand how individuals respond to environmental stimuli,
especially rewards and punishments, with a dedicated effort to unravel the mechanisms behind
acquiring, modifying, and maintaining behaviors, often using models like classical and operant
conditioning. Behavioral psychology intentionally avoids exploring internal cognitive processes,
emphasizing the study of external actions and reactions within a stimulus-response model to explain
behavior determinants. It finds practical applications in education, therapy, and animal training,
underpinned by a commitment to scientific rigor and empirical examination of tangible outcomes,
offering a pragmatic perspective on understanding human behavior without delving into intricate
philosophical debates. (Hagger M. and Wee M., 2019) Furthermore, it highlights specific strategies such
as nudges, cue-reminders, goal priming, the question-behavior effect, and if-then planning, which have
been effective in promoting health behavior change by enhancing the accessibility of relevant targets.
Additionally, the study suggests that other strategies like self-monitoring, message framing, anticipated
regret inductions, and habits may also operate. (Sheeran P. et. al., 2022) Wherein A habit is a recurring,
often automatic pattern of behavior that becomes ingrained through repetition and reinforcement.
These behaviors are typically triggered by specific cues or environmental contexts and are performed
with minimal conscious thought. Habits streamline daily routines by making actions more efficient and
predictable. The formation of habits involves a feedback loop, where a behavior is associated with
positive outcomes or rewards. When an action leads to pleasurable or advantageous consequences, the
brain strengthens the neural pathways responsible for that habit. As a result, individuals are more likely
to engage in those behaviors repeatedly. Habits can be both positive and negative. Positive habits
include regular exercise, healthy eating, and effective work routines, while negative habits may
encompass smoking, overeating, or procrastination. (Robbins T.W. and Costa R., 2017)
 The Substitution Theory underscores the idea that children are more likely to
reduce screen time if they have appealing alternatives readily available. It's important to make these
alternatives enjoyable and rewarding to compete effectively with screen-based activities. The theory is
often used in designing interventions and strategies to promote a healthier balance between screen
time and physical activity in children's lives. One way to reduce screen habits is to replace screen time
with physical activity. This process involves forming new habits of engaging in physical activities. The
study's insights into the process of habit formation, including repetition and automaticity, can inform
strategies for promoting physical activity as a substitute for screen time. The study also mentions that to
reduce screen habits, individuals need to break the automatic and inflexible nature of these behaviors.
The study's findings about the difficulty of changing habits or perseverating in certain behaviors when
circumstances change is relevant here. Encouraging physical activity as an alternative habit can help
disrupt the automaticity of screen time. (Jones A. et. al., 2021) School-based interventions that promote
physical activity could indirectly help reduce screen habits by providing alternative activities that engage
children and adolescents. Encouraging physical activity as part of the school routine can potentially
divert attention from screens and lead to more active and healthier behaviors. Combining interventions
aimed at reducing screen habits with those promoting physical activity may yield more successful
results. Schools can implement comprehensive health programs that address both physical activity and
screen time as part of a broader strategy to improve overall well-being. The study suggests that school-
based physical activity interventions can improve physical fitness. This is relevant because regular
physical activity is associated with various health benefits, and children with better fitness levels may be
more inclined to engage in physical activities instead of excessive screen time. It emphasizes the
importance of school-based physical activity interventions in improving physical fitness and, to some
extent, decreasing sedentary time. Combining such interventions with strategies specifically aimed at
reducing screen habits can provide a more holistic approach to promoting healthier lifestyles among
children and adolescents (Neil-Sztramko S. et. al., 2023)

Social learning theory, developed by Canadian American psychologist

Albert Bandura, is a psychological theory that emphasizes the importance of observational learning,
imitation, and modeling in the acquisition of behaviors, attitudes, and knowledge. This theory suggests
that individuals learn from observing the behaviors of others and the consequences of those behaviors.
It highlights the role of social interactions and the environment in shaping one's behavior and cognitive
processes. Social learning theory has been widely applied in fields such as education, psychology, and
criminology to explain how people acquire new skills, beliefs, and behaviors. It underscores the
importance of positive role models, effective teaching methods, and creating environments that support
desirable behaviors and discourage undesirable ones. a consistent positive relationship between parent
and child physical activity, unaffected by factors like the child's age, the gender of the parent-child pair,
or the type of physical activity assessed. This suggests that both fathers and mothers play similar roles in
influencing their children's physical activity behaviors. Furthermore, parents go beyond modeling
behavior; they actively encourage and support their children, possibly by involving them in organized
sports activities, thereby contributing to their overall health and well-being. However, the study also
underscores significant methodological challenges in this research area. Variations in factors like
thresholds, epoch lengths, and accounting for periods when activity monitors are not worn affect the
interpretation of results and lead to differences in the estimated relationship between parent and child
physical activity. Standardization of methods, greater transparency, and addressing methodological
shortcomings are essential for future research. Ultimately, the study highlights the need for more high-
quality research to gain a deeper understanding of how parents influence their children's physical
activity. Such research can help identify more effective strategies to promote physical activity among
children, which can have a positive impact on their health and overall well-being. (Petersen T. et. al.,
2020)