Relationship between the degree of enthusiasm for physical education classes in junior high school students and their adjustment to such classes:

Abstract

This study examined the relationship among the degree of enthusiasm, avoiding attitude, and adjustment to physical education in junior high school students. The sample comprised 708 students (male=371, female=337, mean age=13.92±.89 yr). The measures included scales for determining any inferiority complex in connection with physical education classes (C-MS [Complex focused on Motor Skills] and C-PPF [Complex focused on Psychosocial and Physical Factors eventually leading to an inferiority complex]) developed by Sasaki and Suko (2016), a scale for determining adjustment to physical education classes (intention of solidarity and adjustment to physical education classes) developed by Sasaki (2003), and students' liking or disliking for physical education classes. The relationship between the students' degree of enthusiasm for physical education classes and their tendency to avoid them or adjust to them was examined using covariance structure analysis. The results suggested the following: (1) The degree of enthusiasm for physical education classes had a direct positive influence on intention for solidarity and adjustment to physical education classes. (2) The degree of enthusiasm for physical education classes had a negative influence on C-MS, which in turn had a positive influence on intention for solidarity. (3) The degree of enthusiasm for physical education classes had a negative influence on C-PPF, which in turn had a negative influence on intention for solidarity and adjustment to physical education classes. In conclusion, to enhance the adjustment of students to physical education classes, it is important to improve their degree of enthusiasm and to reduce C-PPF.