Argiris Theodosiou *, Chrysa Gerani **, Vassilis Barkoukis *, Nikolaos Tsigilis *, Amalia Drakou *, Sarah Williams ***, Andrew Kershaw **** and Matt Rose *****
(*) Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
(**) 1st Experimental Primary School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
(***) Sheffield Hallam University
(****) Alfred Salter School
(*****) John Donne School
Citation
Theodosiou, A., Gerani, C., Barkoukis, V., Tsigilis, N., Drakou, A., Williams, S., Kershaw, A., Rose, M. (2021). Motivation and well-being in school physical education A cross-national study of self determination theory. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 52(3), 213-232. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2021.52.213
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine the effect of SDT’s variables on students’ well-being indices within the context of PE. In particular the present study was designed to investigate the invariance of the motivational process linking autonomy support in PE, need satisfaction in PE and students’ affect and subjective happiness across different populations. Seven hundred forty-three Greek and UK elementary and secondary school students participated in the study. Students completed a survey including measures of motivational climate, psychological need satisfaction, affect and subjective happiness. The results of the path analysis supported the positive relation of autonomy support and need satisfaction with students’ well-being. The association of the motivational processes with the well-being indices was largely invariant across the two countries. The findings of the study are in line with self-determination theory and support the positive relation of autonomy support with students’ well-being.
Keywords: Affect, Happiness, Motivational climate, Need satisfaction, Physical education