The Effect of Fidget Spinners on Attention and Anxiety in Typically Developing Children
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Authors
Kirby, Taylor
Issue Date
2020
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
anxiety , Psychology , attention , anxiety in children , fidget spinners
Alternative Title
Abstract
Advertisements have led consumers to believe that fidget spinners assist children in
maintaining attention and decreasing stress (Libassi, 2017). The current study tested these claims
with a sample of 47 typically developing children, ages 8 to 12. Participants were randomly
assigned to use a fidget spinner or not (control group) while completing a test of attention and
working memory as well as an anxiety-provoking task. The experimental and control group did
not differ in age, gender, experience with fidget spinners, or parent-rated anxiety. However, the
experimental group received higher parent ratings of hyperactivity compared to the control group
prior to the experimental manipulation. Contrary to expectations, the experimental group (M =
22) and control group (M = 25) did not differ with regard to performance during the attention and
working memory task, t(45) = .605, p = .548, d = .18. Additionally, the experimental group (M =
3.05; SD = 2.22) and control group (M = 3.54; SD = 2.08) also did not differ with regard to peak
anxiety during the anxiety provoking task, t(45) = -.266, p = .79, d = .08. Fidget spinners do not
appear to disrupt attention or decrease anxiety among typically developing children.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Washburn University