engleski

Why children do not exercise – differences in participation motivation and motivational climate between sport-involved and sport-non-involved children

This research examined whether participation motives and motivational climate in physical activities and sport differ between children who regularly participate in sports activities and children who exercise only in school during physical education (PE) lessons. A total of 155 children completed Participation Motivation Inventory and Perceived Motivational Climate Sport Questionnaire. The questionnaires were analysed using Mann-Whitney U test and regular t-test for independent samples. Descriptive analysis showed that sport-involved children rated higher teamwork and affiliation, skill acquisition, mastery and physical fitness, whereas sport-non-involved group preferred fun and action. Mann-Whitney U test revealed statistically significant differences in later two characteristics. T-test for independent samples examined differences between two groups in motivational climate PMCSQ-2. On 4 of 6 subscales children differed significantly (p < 0.01) – in cooperative learning, important role, effort/improvement, punishment for mistakes. Coaches and teachers should provide the children with activities which are enjoyable and fun and which encourage the children to increase physical activity participation. Sports workouts should also be less competitive to enhance children’s feelings of competence and joy.

children; exercise; participation motivation; motivational climate

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