Motor Skills and Internalising Problems: Investigating the Elaborated Environmental Stress Hypothesis

Abstract

The Elaborated Environmental Stress Hypothesis posits that the relationship between motor skills and internalising problems (symptoms of anxiety and depression) is mediated and moderated by psychosocial and physical factors. My research tested several of these hypothesised pathways. Support for the framework was identified in one review and four empirical studies. These studies enlisted samples ranging from early childhood to adulthood. Different pathways were supported in different age-groups, highlighting age-appropriate targets for future intervention/prevention programs.