Research indicates that Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is associated with a
poor self-concept and high levels of anxiety (peens et al., 2004; Piek et al., 2000; Skinner &
Piek, 2001). Research also substantiates that participation in a well planned motor
intervention programme can enhance the self-concept of a child with DCD (Colchico et al.,
2005). Literature further indicates that DCD is associated with neuro-motor problems which
may vary in severity (Sigmundsson & Hopkins, 2005). It is further indicated that more boys
than girls are diagnosed with DCD and also that, in general, boys have a higher self-concept
than girls (Maldonado-Duran, 2002; Stein et al., 1998).
The aim of this study was firstly, to determine the influence of DCD on the self-concept and
anxiety of 7-9 year old children in the Potchefstroom district. Secondly, the study aimed to
determine whether gender and the ethnic group of DCD children have an effect on the
success of different intervention programmes. A third aim was to determine whether a motor
based intervention programme, a self-concept enhancing programme or a combination of the
two (psycho-motor intervention programme) would have the best effect on enhancing
children's self-concept and motor proficiency. Lastly, the study attempted to determine
whether neuro-motor problems could have a negative influence on an intervention
programme for DCD children.
The Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC), Bruininks-Oseretsky Test for
Motor Proficiency (BOTMP-SF), Sensory Input Measurement Instrument (SIM) and Quick
Neurological Screening Test II (QNST) were used to determine children's motor proficiency
as well as possible neuro-motor problems. The Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (Child Form)
(TSCS-CF) and Child Anxiety Scale (CAS) were used to determine the children's self-concept
and anxiety respectively.
One way variance of analysis, repeated measures analysis, independent t-testing, co-variance
of analysis as well as correlational coefficients (r) were conducted, using the Statistica
computer package in order to analyze the data according to the above-mentioned aims. A p-value
of smaller than or equal to 0.05 was accepted as a significant difference.
From the results of the study it seemed that the self-concept and anxiety of randomly selected
7-9 year old children (N=58) diagnosed with DCD are negatively influenced and that girls are
more vulnerable to these influences. Repeated measure analyses over a period of one year
showed that of the three programmes the motor intervention programme showed the best
results at improving the children's motor proficiency while, on the other hand, the psychomotor
intervention programme improved their self-concept most. Ethnic group and gender
did not have a significant effect on the success of intervention programmes. Lastly, it was
found that underlying neuro-motor problems could influence the effect of an intervention
programme negatively. It is clear from this study that DCD has a negative effect on children,
but that participation in a well planned intervention programme will have positive effects on
both their motor proficiency and self-concept. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Human Movement Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/999 |
| Date | January 2005 |
| Creators | Peens, Anquanette |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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