Longitudinal associations between sedentary behavior types and mathematics ability mediated by externalizing and internalizing problems

This study examined the associations between sedentary behavior (SB) at age 11 and mathematics ability at age 17, and assessed the mediating effect of internalizing and externalizing problems at age 14, using UK Millennium Cohort Study data (N = 3622; 53% male). Self-reported frequency of SB (listening to music, Internet use, reading, and playing games) and parental-reported SB duration (time spent on TV viewing and doing homework) were collected at age 11. Behavioral issues were assessed at age 14 via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Mathematics ability was examined at age 17 using the Number Analogies Activity Task. Negative binomial regression and mediation analysis (med4way in Stata) were applied. Among female adolescents, reading, doing homework, and using the Internet were positively associated with mathematics ability. For males, TV viewing was negatively associated with mathematics ability, mediated by internalizing problems. Findings suggest that in children sex-dependent association between SB characteristics and mathematical abilities exists, implying that future initiatives targeting SB may consider leveraging sex-specific interventions.