Themes Depicted in Running-Related Films: An Opportunity for Co-Viewing and Active Mediation

Sport participation is an important part of the development of children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify themes depicted in a select number of running-related films. Thirty-one running-related films were independently viewed and analyzed by 4 reviewers. The number of positive and negative themes was 29.5 (95% confidence interval = 26.1-33.4) and 9.0 (95% confidence interval = 7.9-10.2) mean events per hour for all included films, respectively. The most common positive themes were “overcoming physical limitations,” “overcoming mental obstacles,” and “encouragement from family/friends/fans” (2.6, 2.4, and 2.3 mean events per hour, respectively). The most common negative themes were “giving up/losing confidence,” “ignoring injuries,” and “discouragement/ridicule from coach/athletic trainer” (1.2, 1.1, and 0.66 mean events per hour, respectively). In conclusion, the co-viewing of running-related films with pediatric athletes in order to focus on “teachable moments” may encourage the acquisition and development of positive themes and the avoidance and de-emphasis of negative themes.