The Effect of Counseling Depending on the TV Watching Frequency of Children on Their Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Abstract

Objective: While television continues to exist in many homes, it is thought that the situation of children being affected by the frequency of watching television is an important issue that is overlooked. This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of counselling given to parents and teachers depending on the TV watching frequency of children going to pre-school education institutions on their emotional behavioural problems. Methods: The study was conducted as an experimental study with pre-test – post-test control group. Data were collected by using ‘Family Introduction Form’, and ‘Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire’. Data were analysed using SPSS 20.0. Results: The study found significant differences between the pre-test and post-test mean scores of the families and teachers in the experimental group and control group for the total score of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the mean scores of all subscales, as well as significant difference between the pre-test and post-test mean scores in the experimental group for intra-group analysis (p< .05). Conclusion: The study found that the counselling training given to parents and teachers lead to a significantly positive change in the mean scores for emotional, behavioural, and peer problems as well as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders and it also has a significant positive impact on the TV watching duration of children.