How did the television get in the child's bedroom? Analysis of family interviews.
OBJECTIVE
Although recent research has shown associations between a television in the bedroom of children (BTV) and obesity, medical and negative societal consequences, the family decision making process supporting or opposing BTV is not yet understood. A qualitative research approach elicited rich, decision making experiences of families.


METHODS
Structured family interviews (n=21) in spring 2011 in Oklahoma City captured direct quotations about family beliefs and practices related to BTV. Systematic constant comparative methods of grounded theory guided identification of patterns and themes across families to develop a model of family decision making for BTV.


RESULTS
Nine themes represented family decision making processes for BTV. Supporting themes included "I didn't even think about it" and "benefit to me." Opposing themes included: "watch a lot more TV and get less sleep," "bedroom door would probably be closed a lot," "everyone knows it rots your brain," and "what the heck are they watching."


CONCLUSIONS
Development of a conceptual model represented the basis for decisions opposing BTV in child concerns for development and missed opportunities while decisions supporting BTV reflected its use as a parenting tool. The emerged model could be useful in guiding strategies to modify family routines and address active and passive parenting strategies that negatively affect child health.
Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA.
Jennifer Susong
JS
Crowder
Susan B
SB
Sisson
Elizabeth
E
Ramey
Sandra H
SH
Arnold
Sandra
S
Richardson
Beth W
BW
DeGrace
D002648:Child; D003657:Decision Making; D003663:Decision Trees; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D009825:Oklahoma; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013690:Television