Self-Determined Motivation, Goal Orientations and Motivational Climate in Physical Education

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze the extent to which predictions can be made in terms of the goal orientations that students adopt and how the motivational climate they perceive in physical education lessons promotes self-determined behaviors. The sample included 846 high school students from the Murcia region (Spain) aged 12-19 years old. The Spanish versions of the Perception of Success Questionnaire, the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 and the Motivational Climate Scale were the instruments used to collect data. A descriptive, correlated and stepwise multiple regression analysis was carried out following the Self Determination Index. Results show that the majority of students were task oriented, they perceive a task climate and were intrinsically motivated. Moreover, the relevance of the role of the teacher in physical education classes was demonstrated, as the main predictor variable of self-determined behavior in students was the motivational climate.