Stepping Towards Growth: Examining the Relationship Between Physical Activity Engagement and Personal Growth Initiative Among Filipino Students

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between physical activity engagement and personal growth initiative among Filipino students. Adopting a quantitative research design, particularly descriptive correlation, the study gathered data from 821 respondents using simple random sampling. The instruments utilized for data collection included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess physical activity engagement and the Personal Growth Initiative Scale to measure the respondents' personal growth initiative. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including the Pearson Correlation Coefficient, were employed to evaluate the relationship between the variables. Results revealed significant relationships between certain dimensions of physical activity engagement and specific areas of personal growth initiative, notably in resource usage. These findings suggest that physical activity positively influences certain aspects of personal growth, especially in areas requiring proactive strategies. The study's implications highlight the importance of incorporating physical activity into educational practices to foster holistic development, emphasizing enhancing students’ resourcefulness and self-driven behavior. This research contributes to the broader understanding of how physical activity can catalyze personal development and underscores the importance of aligning physical education programs with personal growth objectives. Ultimately, this study emphasizes that integrating physical activity into educational policies and practices can promote greater student well-being and personal advancement, supporting academic and developmental goals.