A qualitative investigation of the factors perceived to influence student motivation for school-based extracurricular sports participation in Japan

Kenryu Aoyagi,Kaori Ishii,Ai Shibata,Hirokazu Arai,Hanako Fukamachi,Koichiro Oka

doi:10.1080/02673843.2019.1700139

Abstract

ABSTRACT Lack of sufficient physical activity in youth is a worldwide concern. School-based extracurricular sports activities (SBECSA) are considered a central opportunity to increase youth physical activity. However, the factors that influence students’ participation in SBECSA are not well established. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to clarify the factors perceived to influence the motivation of Japanese students to participate in SBECSA. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 junior high and high school students who participated in SBECSA. The KJ method was used to qualitatively analyse the transcribed interview data. Internal/intrapersonal factors included: attraction of sports; sense of responsibility and continuity; spirit of challenge; sense of advancement and physical condition. External factors included: team climate; encouragement and support; attributes of peers; policy and content of coaching; content of practice; events in school life and weather.

Highlights

Low levels of physical activity and increasingly unhealthy diets are leading causes of obesity, diabetes, lifestyle-related illness, and death (Dumith, Hallal, Reis, & Kohl, 2011; Kohl et al, 2012; World Health Organization, 2010, 2011; Zhang & Chaaban, 2013)
This category, which seems the most similar to intrinsic motivation in self-determination theory, comprised the following six subcategories, with further explanation and examples provided in Table 1: Love of the sport; enjoyment; desire to move the body; could not do school-based extracurricular sports activities (SBECSA) yesterday; existence of SBECSA and stress release
To clarify the factors affecting the motivation of students to participate in SBECSA, one-on-one semistructured interviews were conducted with 23 junior high and high school students who participate in SBECSA

Summary

Introduction

Low levels of physical activity and increasingly unhealthy diets are leading causes of obesity, diabetes, lifestyle-related illness, and death (Dumith, Hallal, Reis, & Kohl, 2011; Kohl et al, 2012; World Health Organization, 2010, 2011; Zhang & Chaaban, 2013). The World Health Organization (2010) and national governments recommend that adolescents engage in physical activities and sport to support their physical and mental well-being (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan [MEXT], 2011; Sport Council Wales, 2009). The proportion of adolescents meeting the recommended level of physical activity is insufficient (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2013; Troiano et al, 2008). School-based extracurricular sports activities (SBECSA) have been widely recommended to encourage adolescent participation in physical activity and sports (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2012; Edwards, Kanters, & Bocarro, 2011; MEXT, 2013b; Sport Council Wales, 2009). Japanese teachers coaching extracurricular activity spend on average 3–4 times longer than those in the other

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