A study of self-esteem,motivation and perceived barriers to participation in sport and exercise among secondary school pupils

Abstract

IN March 1992 a pilot survey was undertaken to col lect data on the views of Year 10 (14-15-year-old) secondary-school children in Manchester, to dis cover what motivates and what prevents them from taking part in sporting activities. They were also asked about which sports they preferred to do. Relationships between these variables and their self-esteem were examined. Motivation contained elements of intrinsic enjoyment and social partici pation. Exercise was not deliberately used to reduce stress, but its stress-reducing effects were clearly identified. Barriers to participation were both psychological and practical in nature. High levels of self-esteem were associated with few perceived bar riers to participation. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings for health promotion and education are discussed.