Factors influencing high school girls’ enrolment in elective physical education: an exploratory qualitative inquiry

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis exploratory study sought to describe the meaning high school girls in the mid-Atlantic region of the USA ascribe to their physical education (PE) experiences, inquire about the factors influencing their enrolment in elective PE, and to explore desired changes to PE. Sixteen girls aged 15–17 years participated in semi-structured focus group interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive open coding approach revealed three themes: (a) ‘Being physically active with my friends’ (b) ‘To take or not to take elective PE? That is still the question’ and (c) ‘More personal, more educational PE’. The participants desired less fitness testing, the incorporation of more common sports, and allowing elective PE courses to count towards credits for graduation. These findings provide meaningful implications to increasing girls’ enrolment in elective PE, which subsequently impacts the habits they form in late adolescence and carry into adulthood.