Work

Enjoyment of physical education during transition to secondary school: links with attitudes, activity, and self-concept in Welsh adolescents

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigated enjoyment levels in physical education (PE) among adolescent students in their first year of secondary school in Wales (UK), examining associations with attitudes toward PE, physical self-perceptions, enjoyment of physical activity (PA), and PA behaviours. Participants were 192 Year 7 pupils (102 boys, 90 girls; M age = 12.31 years) from three secondary schools in South-East Wales. Students completed validated questionnaires assessing PE enjoyment (FIPE), PA enjoyment (PACES), PA behaviour (PAQ-A), physical self-perceptions (CY-PSPP), and attitudes toward PE (PEAAS). A one-way MANOVA revealed significant gender differences across measures, Wilks’ Λ = .86, F(10, 181) = 2.93, p = .002, with a large effect size (η2 = .14). Boys scored higher on sports competence and PE attitudes. Correlational analyses showed moderate associations between PE enjoyment and PA enjoyment, behaviour, and self-perceptions, with distinct gender patterns. Regression analyses identified key predictors of PE enjoyment, accounting for 21% of the variance in boys and 33% in girls, highlighting the role of activity enjoyment, self-worth, and perceived competence. These findings highlight opportunities to enhance PE strategies within the revised Welsh curriculum, promoting greater enjoyment, health, and PA participation among early adolescents.

Source: Cogent Education

DOI: 10.1080/2331186x.2025.2584915

Authors: Stuart Jarvis, Paul Rainer

Institution: University of South Wales

Language: English

Topic: Physical Education and Pedagogy

Subfield: Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,165