The satisfaction of basic psychological needs in physical education classes and their relationship with satisfaction with life in adolescents

Abstract

The aim was to analyze the satisfaction of basic psychological needs in Physical Education classes and their relationship with life satisfaction, as well as to verify the differences according to gender and the habit of physical and sports practice outside of school. For this the participants answered the scales of “Basic Psychological Needs in Exercise” and “Satisfaction with Life” were answered. The sample consisted of 464 high school students from 12 to 17 years old. The results indicated that most of them felt satisfied with their three basic psychological needs, especially the relationship with others. A positive relationship between needs and satisfaction with life was demonstrated. It was the boys who felt more competent and with greater satisfaction with life and those who practiced exercise in their free time claimed to have more satisfied the basic psychological needs and greater satisfaction with life.