The relationship between popular motor games and emotional intensity in undergraduate students

Abstract

Games play a crucial role in strengthening social skills and facilitating the management of emotions while creating spaces for interaction, active participation, and teamwork. In addition, popular games allow the transmission of cultural heritage from one generation to the next. These games are an educational tool with the potential to promote cooperation and encourage individuals to value and respect others regardless of gender. Regarding emotions, it is essential to practice self-regulation. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the effects of popular motor games on emotional intensity and determine the relationship between motor action domains and gender. The sample consisted of 132 university students from a Physical Education Faculty of in Colombia. The instrument used was the GES Scale (Games and Emotions Scale). The results indicate high intensity for positive emotions, intermediate levels for ambiguous emotions, and lower values for negative emotions. There were no significant differences between men and women in terms of negative and positive emotions. This study concludes that it is essential to prepare future physical education teachers with social and emotional competencies to create an environment in the classroom that fosters well-being and promotes experiential experiences that strengthen socialization. In addition, the importance of play as a significant scenario in which positive emotions are generated is emphasized. Finally, we recommend the design and implementation of activities to create an inclusive and equitable space.