Can physical education foster leisure-time physical activity in middle childhood during seasonal transitions?
Year: 2025
Type: dissertation
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: ABSTRACT This thesis explores whether a multimethod pedagogical intervention grounded in Self-Determination Theory (SDT), Psychological Skills Training (PST), Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT), and the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model can promote leisure-time physical activity (PA) among 11–12-year-old pupils during the seasonal transition from autumn to winter. The 7-week school-based intervention, implemented in a Finnish elementary school, aimed to enhance autonomous motivation, develop psychological flexibility, and support the transfer of learned skills beyond the classroom. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design was employed, supported by participatory methods in which pupils acted as co-researchers. Quantitative data showed a significant increase in weekly PA frequency and motivation toward physical activity, while daily PA remained stable—a notable result given the seasonal decline typically observed. Qualitative findings revealed that pupils valued autonomy-supportive teaching and reported applying psychological skills in daily life contexts which helped to increase the motivation toward leisure time physical activity. The study demonstrates the potential of a holistic, theory-driven approach in physical education to support motivation, behavior change, and personal development among children. Future research should explore larger sample, longer-term interventions and follow-up to assess sustained impact.
Author: Mäenpää, Jussi
Institution: University of Jyväskylä
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7200112285