Sport Attitudes Research Articles

Association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity trajectories and academic achievement in Chinese primary school children: a 3-year longitudinal study

BackgroundPast cross-sectional studies have reported a positive association between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and academic achievement in children and adolescents. Despite this, the influence of variations in MVPA over time on academic achievement remains yet to be definitively understood. Therefore, this study aims to track the patterns of MVPA and examine how they are associated with academic achievement over a three-year period among Chinese primary school students.MethodsThe longitudinal study examined the MVPA and academic achievement of a cohort of 202 primary school children over a three-year period. MVPA was assessed via accelerometers and analysed using Compositional Data Analysis (CoDA). Academic achievement was quantified using standardised test scores in reading, mathematics, and language. Group-Based Trajectory Models (GBTMs) were used to identify patterns of MVPA. Covariates such as demographics, sleep duration, and attitudes towards sports were adjusted in the Generalized Estimating Equations (GEEs) used to examine associations with academic achievement. All statistical analyses were conducted using R and SAS 9.4 software.ResultsThis study identified three distinct MVPA trajectories: Low (74.8%), Decline (13.2%), and High (12.0%). At baseline, the High MVPA group had better academic achievement with mean scores of 89.8 in reading, 94.5 in mathematics, and 94.7 in language, compared to the Low MVPA group with mean scores of 80.4, 83.0, and 84.9, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, GEE models showed significant associations between MVPA trajectories and improved academic achievement. Compared to the Low MVPA group, the Decline MVPA group exhibited significant score increases in reading (β = 4.11, 95% CI: 1–7.21) and mathematics (β = 2.79, 95% CI: 0.09–5.5). The High MVPA group exhibited significant score increases in reading (β = 11.3, 95% CI: 7.93–14.67), mathematics (β = 12.32, 95% CI: 9.61–15.02), and language (β = 11.53, 95% CI: 8.99–14.06). Additionally, notable gender differences in MVPA trajectories were observed, and a positive association was found between favorable sports attitudes and improved academic achievement.ConclusionsThis study reveals three distinct MVPA trajectories among Chinese primary school children and demonstrates that those with high MVPA trajectories showcase superior academic achievements, particularly in reading, mathematics, and language. This highlights the vital role of MVPA in supporting academic excellence.

Development and validation of a questionnaire for table tennis teaching in physical education

This study aimed to validate the “Racquet Sports Attitude Scale (RSAS)” questionnaire intended for the educational field. The RSAS is a Spanish instrument developed using the Delphi method and consists of 42 questions divided into five subsections benefits of table tennis (TT), facilitators for the application of TT, barriers to applying tennis table in physical education (PE), difficulties in applying the tennis table as a PE content and positive attitude toward racket sports), designed to evaluate the use and impact of the practice of the racket sports, in particular TT, among PE teachers. The semantic validation process involved a panel of experts (n = 16), followed by an evaluation carried out by a group of teachers from various secondary schools (n = 20). Three studies were conducted, the first of which was descriptive, comparative and correlational, to establish the data’s sociodemographic characteristics. The second was an exploratory factor analysis to confirm the number of dimensions of the questionnaire and its reliability and validity. The last study was a confirmatory factor analysis (to establish the final number of items and their structure. The ordinal alpha values ranged from 0.65 to 0.72, obtaining an average value of 0.70, indicating coherence between the measurement of the items. Chi-square values (X2 = 197.383; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.934; TLI = 0.923 and RMSEA = 0.030), showed that the original 5-factor model and 21 final items prevailed over the one-factor model, obtaining values >0.90. On the other hand, the validation results indicated that the factor structure of the RSAS scale was able to explain 46.72% of the variance (F1 = 13.93%; F2 = 10.97%; F3 = 8.57%; F4 = 6.85%; F5 = 6.38). It can be concluded that the structure of the RSAS is fully confirmed by the statistical analyses derived from the different models of structured equations and confirmatory factor analysis, suggesting that the validated model optimally addresses the data provided and contributes to the validation of the questionnaire under study.

Sports Motivation, Attitude, and Well-Being Among Chinese Non-Sports Majors

This study determines the relationship among sports motivation, sports attitude and happiness of non-sports major college students in China. The analysis and discussion of the relationship and influence between the three can help schools to fully understand the needs of students, timely adjust the content of education policies and plans, clarify the key and difficult points of teaching goals, and formulate sports programs that adapt to and meet the needs of students. In this paper, 814 college students were investigated using survey questionnaire, Data were analyzed by descriptive analysis, reliability and validity test, difference analysis and correlation analysis. Through the analysis, we have a deeper understanding of the intrinsic causal relationship between sports motivation, sports attitude and happiness. The results show that there is a significant relationship and positive correlation between sports motivation, sports attitude and happiness, that is, the stronger the sports motivation, the more positive the sports attitude; the higher the motivation of exercise, the higher the level of happiness. Positive attitude towards sports can effectively improve the happiness of college students. Therefore, schools should not only pay attention to students’ academic performance, but also pay more attention to students’ physical and mental health, social interaction and self-realization of happiness. According to the needs of students, the school gives corresponding policies and teaching support, and actively guides college students to participate in sports activities. At the same time, the purpose of this study is to enhance college students’ sports motivation and attitude by revealing the causal relationship among sports motivation, sports attitude and happiness, so as to enhance college students’ happiness. The research results also provide a reference direction for humanistic management and education teaching in schools, which is the significance of the research.

Swipe, view, engage: the interplay of athlete social media content and viewer attitudes on sports perception and interest

PurposeInfluencers in physical activity and sports have gained significant prominence in promoting health and well-being via digital social networks. This research investigates the impact of athlete influencers on sports perceptions, with a focus on korfball. Using korfball as a representative sport minimizes biases, allowing a nuanced exploration of athlete-generated content’s direct influence on viewer attitudes.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey with 319 respondents explores variables like athlete attitude, attractive appearance, social media profile attitude, emotional engagement toward korfball, korfball perception, korfball interest and general sports attitude. Structural equation modeling analysis examines relationships among these variables.FindingsThe study delves into the complex interplay among athlete attitude, social media attitude and emotional engagement toward sports, emphasizing the pivotal role of authenticity in fostering deeper connections. Contrary to expectations, athlete attractiveness did not significantly influence viewer priorities, signaling a notable shift towards valuing authenticity and performance. Furthermore, the research explores how general sports attitudes moderate relationships between sports perceptions and interest, offering critical insights for sports sociology and marketing.Originality/valueThis study innovates by focusing on korfball, emphasizing authenticity over attractiveness and providing insights into the evolving dynamics of sports marketing and consumer behavior in the digital age. This research evidences the profound impact of the digital age on sports engagement, laying a foundation for future studies and practical applications in sports sociology, marketing and consumer behavior.

The contribution of physical education and sports attitudes to emotional intelligence: an examination of secondary school students

The primary aim of this study was to examine the attitudes of secondary school students towards physical education and sports and their emotional intelligence levels. The study was conducted with 360 students. Data were collected using a personal information form and a voluntary consent form. Emotional intelligence was assessed with a 60-item measurement tool developed by Bar-On and adapted into Turkish by Köksal. Students' attitudes were measured using the 24-item “Physical Education and Sports Attitude Scale” developed by Demirhan and Altay. The data were analyzed with SPSS 25 program. Normality tests revealed that the data were normally distributed, so independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. The significance level was set at 0.05. Analyses revealed significant differences in physical education and sport attitude scores and emotional intelligence scores based on gender and participation in sport activities. In addition, significant differences were observed in emotional intelligence scores depending on the educational level of the parents. However, no significant differences were found in physical education and sport attitude scores depending on these variables. The findings were discussed in the light of the literature and recommendations were made. Keywords: Secondary Education, Physical Education and Sports, Attitude, Emotional Intelligence

Sports Attitudes in Childhood and Income in Adulthood

Research shows that sports participation in youth is associated with earnings in adulthood. However, studies have often relied on self-reported earnings and on single indicators of sports participation. Using large-scale data linked to administrative records, we investigate: (a) whether sports attitudes at age 13 are uniquely related to income at ages 30–36 and (b) whether educational attainment and mental health in early adulthood mediate this association. We find that a one SD increase in sports attitudes is related to a 10% increase in income. This association is not entirely confounded by preexisting and co-occurring risk factors. Educational attainment mediates 22% of the association between sports attitudes and income. Sports attitudes are potentially a form of capital deployed in the pursuit of socioeconomic advantages.

Examining The Thinking Styles of Executives and Their Attitudes Toward Sports: Research on Private Sector Employees in Türkiye

Thinking style and attitude significantly influence individuals' actions and behaviors across various domains. Previous research has highlighted the challenges of integrating these thinking styles and attitudes with the complexities of real-world scenarios. This article investigates the thinking styles and attitudes of executives (n=216) towards sports, examining the relationships between these variables in the context of gender, active sports participation, frequency of sports activity, and purpose of sports engagement. The study employs causal-comparative and correlational research designs. The findings indicate that executives predominantly favor a liberal thinking style, with a conservative thinking style being the least preferred. Analysis of the sub-dimensions of the general attitude scale revealed that while executives generally place high importance on and interest in sports, their active participation in sports is moderate. A regression model assessing the specific impact of thinking styles on attitudes towards sports demonstrated that the legislative, executive, judicial, monarchic, hierarchical, oligarchic, anarchic, global, local, internal, external, liberal, and conservative thinking styles collectively have a significant relationship with general attitudes towards sports. However, only the legislative, hierarchical, and liberal thinking styles were significant predictors of overall sports attitudes. Specifically, an increase in the legislative thinking style correlated with a decrease in positive sports attitudes, whereas increases in hierarchical and liberal thinking styles were associated with enhanced positive sports attitudes. The final findings revealed low-level positive and negative correlations between all sub-dimensions of the executives' thinking styles inventory and their general attitude towards sports and its sub-dimensions.Keywords: Attitudes, Executives, Private Sector, Sport, Thinking Styles

Shared leadership in MNC agile software teams: The role of team leadership style and attitude to sport

This study investigates whether and how vertical leader transformational and transactional styles impact team members' perceptions of shared leadership. It also investigates the mediating role of a leader's attitude to sport on these relationships. Using a matched sample of 154 team leaders and 354 team members from agile teams in two MNCs located in Ireland and China, we found that both vertical transformational and transactional leadership were linked to team members' shared leadership behavior; however, the impact of transformational leadership was significantly greater. We also found that a vertical team leader's attitude to sports, and specifically the pleasure and participation attitude, positively mediated the relationship between transformational and transactional leadership and shared leadership behavior. This contrasted with the power and performance sports attitude, which mediated both transformational and transactional leadership styles, but for which the impact of transactional leadership on shared leadership became negative. We extend research on the antecedents of shared leadership and the important role that both a vertical leader's style and attitudes play within an agile software team. We discuss implications for theory and practice.

The Effect of 12-Week Outward-Bound Training on Sports Attitude, Heart Rate and Physical Fitness Among College Students in China

Outward-bound training (OBT) originated in the UK as an outdoor survival method during World War II and is an experiential training course that emphasizes shaping teamwork, enhancing and strengthening individual psychological and athletic potential, and promoting organizational growth. However, OBT to improve sports attitude and physical fitness among college students remains unclear. The purpose of this study investigated the effect on sport attitude, heart rate and physical fitness among college students in China. Sixty college students (Aged 18-20, 19.05±0.85y) who were selected from Jiangxi Teachers College took part in this study. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups EG and CG. The EG completed 12 weeks OBT combined normal PE class intervention and the CG only for 12 weeks normal PE class intervention. The result indicated that the EG was statistically significant difference than control group after Paired-samples T test analysis for sports attitude questionnaire score (Male T=-11.515, P=0.001 and Female T=-23.070, P=0.001); HRMax (Male T=-5.755, P=0.001 and Female T=-4.007, P=0.001); HRAvg (Male T=-5.072, P=0.001 and Female T=-4.801, P=0.001); 50m run (Male T=8.085, P=0.001 and Female T=8.413, P=0.001); 800m run (Female T=5.949, P=0.001); 1000m run (Male T=3.722, P=0.001); Standing long jump (Male T=-2.233, P=0.042 and Female T=-5.824, P=0.001); Sit and reach (Male T=-3.872, P=0.002 and Female T=-5.274, P=0.001); Sit-up (Female T=-11.042, P=0.001 ); Pull-up (Male T=-4.276, P=0.001). Therefore, the conclusion suggested that 12-week OBT intervention was significant to improve sports attitude, heart rate and physical fitness among college students in China.

Explore athletes’ sports attitude and its influence on mental health

This study is devoted to exploring how athletes' sports attitude affects their mental health, and explores this complex relationship through descriptive statistics, longitudinal analysis, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The research sample includes athlete data at multiple time points, covering mental health indicators such as positive attitude, negative attitude, anxiety, depression and self-esteem. Descriptive statistical results reveal the overall trend of athletes in positive attitude, anxiety, depression and self-esteem. On average, athletes show a positive attitude towards sports, but there are some variability in mental health indicators. The results of longitudinal analysis show that with the progress of the season, the positive attitude shows an upward trend, while the level of anxiety and depression shows a downward trend in some cases, which provides a detailed observation for the long-term evolution of athletes' psychological state. Correlation analysis reveals the positive correlation between positive attitude and self-esteem, positive correlation between negative attitude and anxiety, and negative correlation between teamwork attitude and depression. Regression analysis further verified the influence of positive attitude and negative attitude on anxiety. The results emphasize that the improvement of positive attitude may help to slow down the increase of anxiety level, while the increase of negative attitude may be related to the increase of anxiety. Generally speaking, the findings of this study highlight the complex relationship between athletes' mental health and their attitude towards sports. This study provides profound insights for formulating targeted psychological support strategies and emphasizes the importance of comprehensively considering multi-dimensional factors in athletes' mental health management.

The Interactive effect of Social Support and Sports Attitudes in the Successful Aging of Elderly Individuals Engaged in Recreational Sport

The Interactive effect of Social Support and Sports Attitudes in the Successful Aging of Elderly Individuals Engaged in Recreational Sport

The Relationship of Attitude and Physical Activity Barriers in Kids' Athletic Learning in Bandung City

The Relationship of Attitude and Physical Activity Barriers in Kids' Athletic Learning in Bandung City

Decisional trade-offs towards doping and their association with moral attitudes and health risk perceptions: A mixed methods study

ABSTRACT The objective of the present research was to examine doping-related decisional trade-offs, and their relationship with health risk perceptions towards doping and moral attitudes in sport. A mixed methods sequential-explanatory design was used. In Study 1,249, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) athletes from 16 countries completed anonymous online questionnaires on decisional trade-offs related to doping, health risk beliefs towards doping, moral attitudes in sport, and socio-demographic variables. The results showed that almost 1 in 10 athletes would trade their life for sporting success, independently of the moral implications of their choice. When mortal threat was absent, 31.5% of the athletes would trade morality for sporting success. Decisional trade-off choices differentiated scores in moral attitudes, such as acceptance of cheating and keeping winning in proportion. In Study 2, 11 British competitive MMA athletes were interviewed about decisional trade-offs involving moral violations or mortal threats. Thematic analysis corroborated the Study 1 findings, with most athletes dismissing the doping choice involving a mortal threat but endorsing the one where the mortal threat was absent. Anti-doping education in MMA athletes should target the decision-making process underlying doping, with an emphasis on moral values and the adverse health risk effects of doping.

Linear regression analysis of the correlation between students’ physical education performance and academic achievement in the context of smart physical education in colleges and universities

Abstract In this paper, the principles, algorithms and different linear regression models are sorted out and finalized to determine the multiple linear regression model suitable for this study. The different types of regression are synthesized through the elastic net algorithm. Based on the multiple linear regression model, students’ performance in language, mathematics and English was used as the dependent variable Y on behalf of academic performance, and five sports such as physical education and hygiene were used as the independent variable X, to carry out an empirical study on 3,800 students. From this, it was concluded that the contribution rates affecting language achievement were sports attitude, environment, and hygiene in the order of coefficients of 0.548, 0.312, and −0.266. In contrast, exercise habit [B=−0.032, t=−1.574, P=0.116] and sports knowledge [B=0.027, t=1.561, P=0.119] did not pass the test of significance. The contribution of influencing math achievement was in the order of sports environment and attitude with coefficients of 0.402 and 0.327, which were positively correlated with math achievement Y2. The contribution rate affecting English achievement is in the order of sports hygiene, sports attitude and exercise habit, and their coefficients are 0.398, 0.295 and 0.124, all of which are positively correlated with English achievement Y3.

Cohesion and Heterosexist Attitudes in Men’s Collegiate Athletics

While attitudes toward gay men in sport have improved, sexual prejudice persists in sport, with the potential to decrease team social bonds. We examined the relationship between heterosexist attitudes and cohesion in men’s collegiate sports. Male college athletes (N = 264) completed the Heterosexist Attitudes in Sport–Gay Men scale and the Group Environment Questionnaire. We found a significant multivariate relationship among heterosexist attitudes and cohesion, Λ = .88, F(8, 518) = 4.28, p < .001, with 10.6% overlapping variance between the two variate sets. Cognitive/affective heterosexist attitudes, attraction to group-task, group integration-task, and group integration-social contributed to the relationship. Heterosexism and sexual prejudice may serve as distractions from team objectives. Mental performance consultants working within men’s college sport should challenge negative stereotypes of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer individuals; reward inclusive efforts; and leverage team building to reduce heterosexism in sport.

Sport Attitudes and Sport Engagement: A Sociological Survey in St. Petersburg in Russia

Sport Attitudes and Sport Engagement: A Sociological Survey in St. Petersburg in Russia

Winter recreational activities of male students staying at dormitory and their attitudes towards sports

Background: This study aims to analyze the winter recreational activities of male university students, their attitudes towards sports, and their physical activity states. Methods: The population of this cross-sectional study consists of the students staying in a male dormitory. Data were collected through a personal evaluation form and a scale of attitude towards sports. Results: Average sports attitude of students is 82.92. Playing okey game, playing football, spending time in the cafeteria and studying in the library are recreational activities that students frequently prefer in winter. There is a statistically significant difference between hobbies of students, playing football, spending time in the cafeteria and library activities and sports attitudes (p<0.05). The odds of doing moderate and high aerobic physical activity for those who spend time in cafes are 2 times higher than those who do not, 2.8 times higher for those who go to fitness compared to those who do not, and 3.9 times higher for those with an income of 1000-1500 TL (Turkish Lira) compared to those with 1500 TL and more. Conclusions: The sports attitudes of those who have winter hobbies, play football, and have recreational activities in the library and cafeteria are high. Although fitness recreational activity does not make a significant difference in sports attitudes, it comes to the fore in the weekly recommended moderate and high-intensity aerobic physical activity behaviors. While recreational football made a difference in sports attitudes, it did not make this difference in the recommended physical activity behavior. Students often prefer to play okey, which takes place indoors outside the campus in the winter. For a healthy life, it is necessary to concentrate on recreational activities that will increase the sports attitude and physical activity behavior of the students on the university campus or student dormitory.

The Influence of Elementary School Students' Art Courses on Academic Achievement

Although all sectors of society in China have paid attention to the positive impact of physical activity on academic performance, students are often accused of loving art sports because of the influence of intellectual education rather than art. In schools, the phenomenon that art class are occupied by other main teachers also occurs from time to time. Even with the continuous emphasis on quality education, there are many areas that teachers, parents and students need to improve in their ideas and actions. Therefore, if students can prove a positive relationship between art and academic performance in the way of scientific research, it is of great significance for students to form sports awareness, correct sports attitude and develop sports habits. This study explores the relationship between art literacy and academic performance through a combination of qualitative and quantitative surveys. The hypothesis of this study is that students 'art participation, art movement attitude and art sports skills are positively associated with students' academic performance. The research methods include literature and data method, questionnaire survey method, mathematical statistics method and interview method. The eighth-grade students from two middle schools in Shanghai were questionnaires. In this study, the questionnaire data and academic performance were mainly analyzed by SPSS26.0 and AMOS24.0, and the data were analyzed by frequency analysis, reliability and validity test, paired sample T-test, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis respectively. The results of the analysis are that the participation degree of art movement, learning attitude, art skills and art accomplishment of junior high school students are significantly related to students' academic performance. Based on the questionnaire survey, on the basis of 216 students, art class experiment, and at the beginning of this semester for academic test and questionnaire survey, the front test, after classroom experiment, near the final students’ academic test and questionnaire survey, namely the back test, after two tests, analysis of the relationship between the students 'art course and academic performance, through the art course experiment, whether can improve students' academic performance, and analyze the influencing factors of academic course performance, provide reasonable Suggestions for teaching. In view of these reasons, the following suggestions are put forward: appropriately increase students 'art teaching time to cultivate students' art values, improve the learning evaluation method and pay attention to the cultivation of students' thinking.

Competition Anxiety in Combat Sports and the Importance of Mental Toughness.

Combat sports require participants to engage in potentially dangerous forms of contact-based competition. Pressure to succeed, coupled with the risk of severe injury can induce significant levels of anxiety, which if uncontrolled, can negatively impact performance and possibly promote unsporting conduct. The present study examined competitive anxiety levels of combat sports athletes and determined whether self-reported scores were associated with mental toughness and Sportspersonship attitudes. A cross-sectional survey design was used whereby participants (N = 194) completed a battery of questionnaires measuring competitive combat sport experiences, demographic details, Sportspersonship traits (compliance towards rules, respect for opponents, and game perspective), and competition anxiety (somatic, cognitive, and self-confidence; reported retrospectively). Results suggest that mentally tough athletes experience lower levels of cognitive and somatic anxiety, and higher self-confidence, prior to competitions. Findings also found that athletes endorsing more altruistic and respectful attitudes in sport (Sportspersonship) reported higher levels of competition anxiety. The findings demonstrate that mental toughness is allied to positive attributes and could potentially be operationalized to improve both the retention and performance of combat sports athletes. Thus, the authors advocate the use of mental toughness coaching interventions within combat sports.

Investigation of Secondary School Student's Value Perceptions and Attitudes Regarding to Physical Education and Sports Lesson

This research aimed to examine the value perceptions and attitudes of secondary school students towards physical education and sports lessons. The research, which was designed in a quasi-experimental model with a pretest-posttest control group, was conducted with 91 7th-grade students in the second semester of the 2020-2021 academic year. The students were divided into 4 groups according to the course content applied in the physical education lesson: “Sports Education Model (SEM)”, “Physical Activity Card (PAC)”, “Traditional Children's Games (TCG)” and “Control Group (CG)”. Physical education lessons were carried out with the groups for 10 weeks. The data were collected using the mixed method explanatory sequential design approach. "Physical Education and Sports Lesson Values Education Scale" and "Physical Education and Sports Attitude Scale" were used to collect quantitative data. In the analysis of the data, arithmetic means, correlation, Wilcoxon, Mann Whitney U, and Kruskal Wallis analyzes were performed. Qualitative data, on the other hand, were collected through lesson observations and focus group interviews and analyzed by content analysis. According to the research findings; there has been an increase in secondary school students' physical education lesson value perceptions and attitudes. The most developed value of the students was friendship, followed by self-control, helpfulness, justice, and responsibility, respectively. The students in the TCG and SEM groups showed more improvement in their helpfulness, friendship, and general value perception. Those in the TCG group improved more in responsibility and self-control than the CG and PAC groups. Physical education lesson attitudes of SEM, PAC, and TCG group students improved more than CG students. While there was a development in favor of males in self-control value, no significant difference was found in other values dimensions and course attitudes according to gender. A positive moderate relationship was found between students' value perceptions and course attitudes. In the focus group interview, the students in different groups interpreted the research findings in different ways. As a result of the research; TCG and SEM were at the forefront in the development of students' value perception, and PAC and TCG in the development of course attitudes. Based on these results, it is recommended that teachers teach lessons with different models, methods, and course materials.