Analysis of the motivational climate towards sport and the problematic use of video games in schoolchildren in Granada

Abstract

Videogames have led to a «technological sedentary lifestyle», which caused a sedentary style of life in children and teens that must be opposed through the practice of physical activity. Therefore, this study focuses on understanding how the influence of the environment or space in which Physical Education is practiced infers in the students, and on analyzing whether they are more prone to a task or ego climate, and what relationship exists between the use of electronic devices and the desire to practice physical activity. Several measuring instruments were used to collect the data (such as test, PMCSQ-2 and CERV). The results showed that primary school students who devote more than 3 hours per week to practice sport display greater orientation towards the Climate task. Those who do not practice sport for at least 3 hours, on the other hand, tend to adopt an ego-orientated climate. Also, the study showed that 7 out of 10 kids showed no problems when using video games, and they can be used to promote students’ motivation in physical education, to encourage a compromise with the physical practice, and to promote a healthy lifestyle.