The effect of simulated ostracism on physical activity behavior in children.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of simulated ostracism on children's physical activity behavior, time allocated to sedentary behavior, and liking of physical activity.


METHODS
Nineteen children (11 boys, 8 girls; age 11.7 ± 1.3 years) completed 2 experimental sessions. During each session, children played a virtual ball-toss computer game (Cyberball). In one session, children played Cyberball and experienced ostracism; in the other session, they were exposed to the inclusion/control condition. The order of conditions was randomized. After playing Cyberball, children were taken to a gymnasium where they had free-choice access to physical and sedentary activities for 30 minutes. Children could participate in the activities, in any pattern they chose, for the entire period. Physical activity during the free-choice period was assessed via accelerometery and sedentary time via observation. Finally, children reported their liking for the activity session via a visual analog scale.


RESULTS
Children accumulated 22% fewer (P < .01) accelerometer counts and 41% more (P < .04) minutes of sedentary activity in the ostracized condition (8.9(e+4) ± 4.5(e+4) counts, 11.1 ± 9.3 minutes) relative to the included condition (10.8(e+4) ± 4.7(e+4) counts, 7.9 ± 7.9 minutes). Liking (8.8 ± 1.5 cm included, 8.1 ± 1.9 cm ostracized) of the activity sessions was not significantly different (P > .10) between conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
Simulated ostracism elicits decreased subsequent physical activity participation in children. Ostracism may contribute to children's lack of physical activity.
Department of Exercise Science, The School of Health Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA. jbarkle1@kent.edu
Jacob E
JE
Barkley
Sarah-Jeanne
SJ
Salvy
James N
JN
Roemmich
D000367:Age Factors; D000886:Anthropometry; D035841:Behavioral Research; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003657:Decision Making; D030141:Feedback, Psychological; D005260:Female; D005717:Games, Experimental; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D012059:Rejection, Psychology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012737:Sex Factors; D012934:Social Isolation; D018910:Video Games