empirical study of children's enjoyment and perceived competence in physical education and its effects on their physical activity participation outside of school

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between children's enjoyment and perceived competence in physical education (PE) and the effects these factors may have on physical activity participation outside of school. Fifth through eighth grade (n = 100) school children completed questionnaires pertaining to their enjoyment in PE, perceived competence in PE, and physical activity participation outside of school. Results indicated a positive significant relationship between enjoyment in PE, and perceived competence in PE (p<0.01). Children with higher perceptions of competence in school PE, reported greater physical activity participation outside of the school environment (p<0.002). Enjoyment in PE had no statistical significance in determining physical activity participation outside of school (p>0.05). Understanding the factors which influence physical activity participation can help inform future policies and strategies aimed at providing developmentally appropriate experiences, ultimately providing intrinsic motivation to seek out, and sustain, regular physical activity strategies aimed at providing developmentally appropriate experiences, ultimately providing intrinsic motivation to seek out, and sustain, regular physical activity participation.