The Relationship between Home and Family Environment and Fundamental Motor Skills in Children
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship and predictive power of the home and family environment dimensions on fundamental motor skills in 5- 6 year old children.
Methodology: This descriptive-correlational study included a sample of 248 children (138 girls, 110 boys) selected through purposive and convenience sampling from District 2 of Isfahan, Iran. Instruments included the Home and Family Questionnaire (HFQ) and the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. The construct validity of the HFQ was confirmed via Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and reliability was acceptable (Cronbach's α = 0.83). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and stepwise multiple regression analysis.
Findings: Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between all three HFQ subscales (Maturational Facilitation, Child's Use of Motivating Items, and Parent-Child Emotional Relationship) and gross/fine motor subtest scores (P<0.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that all three predictors significantly contributed to the model explaining fundamental motor skills (P<0.001), with "Child's Use of Motivating Items" emerging as the strongest predictor (β = 0.719).
Conclusion: The findings underscore that an enriched physical home environment combined with positive parental interaction plays a critical role in facilitating fundamental motor skill development during the preschool years. These results highlight the importance of family-based interventions to enhance children's motor literacy.
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