Last Updated on November 30, 2022 by IANS
Wellington, Nov 30 (IANS) Excessive television viewing as a child can lead to a higher risk of smoking and gambling disorders in adulthood, a new study has showed.
The researchers’ follow-up data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (known as the Dunedin Study) and investigated how television viewing in childhood was related to the risk of having a substance use disorder or disordered gambling in adulthood, according to the University of Otago, New Zealand.
Dr Helena McAnally, the study’s author says, “Excessive TV viewing during leisure time between the ages of 5 and 15 may contribute to the development of later disorders.”
“People often talk of television viewing as an addiction; this research indicates that, for some people, television viewing may be an early expression of an addictive disorder or may lead to later substance-related and other addictive disorders,” said McAnally.
For tobacco and gambling, these associations were independent of other potential influences on these outcomes such as sex, socioeconomic status, and measures of childhood self-control, said the study.
“Excessive leisure time television viewing in childhood and adolescence has been associated with a range of poorer adult health and well-being outcomes, but to our knowledge, this research is among the first to assess how a common, but potentially addictive behaviour, such as television viewing is related to later substance disorder and disordered gambling,” said co-author Professor Bob Hancox.
“The study highlights the potential need for guidance on digital health and wellbeing,” Hancox added.
–IANS
shs/uk/
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
