Effects of an Awareness Program Towards Disabilities in Physical Education

Abstract

Physical Education is in an outstanding position to generate lasting physical activity habits in young people. In this context, the satisfaction of the psychological variables of competence, autonomy, relatedness and novelty can be crucial for students to have positive experiences and a high level of commitment towards physical activity. The objective of this research was to analyze the effects of an awareness program towards disabilities in physical education on the aforementioned psychological variables. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design, without control group, with pre- and post-test measures. A total of 312 students aged between 11 and 18 years of age participated in the research (174 males and 138 females). Results showed an increase in the values of the variables autonomy and novelty after the application of the program. On the other hand, the variable relatedness decreased significantly. No differences were found between the variables competence and commitment. In conclusion, programs that promote inclusive physical education should be further improved and implemented with the aim of improving students' motivation and thus their adherence to physical activity.