The Relationship Between Perceived Physical Competence and the Physical Activity Patterns of 5th and 7th Grade Children

The Relationship Between Perceived Physical Competence and the Physical Activity Patterns of Fifth and Seventh Grade Children

by

Kenneth W. Bell

Dissertation submitted to the faculty of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION Approved: George M. Graham (Chair) Andrew J. Stremmel

Kusum Singh

Richard K. Stratton

Jerome A. Niles

June, 1997 Key Words: Perceived Competence, Self-Efficacy, Children, Physical Activity © Kenneth W. Bell, 1997

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERCEIVED PHYSICAL COMPETENCE AND THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF 5TH AND 7TH GRADE CHILDREN by Kenneth W. Bell Dr. George Graham Curriculum and Instruction (ABSTRACT)

This study examined the relationship between the perceptions of physical competence and patterns of physical activity of 83 5th and 7th grade children in one school in rural southwest Virginia. Gender and grade level differences in perceptions of competence and physical activity patterns were also investigated. The Perceived Physical Competence Subscale for Children (PPCSC) (Harter, 1982) was modified to measure children’s perceptions of physical competence (26 self-efficacy questions). Children’s patterns of physical activity were measured by a modification to Sallis & McKenzie’s Self Administered Physical Activity Checklist (SAPAC). Each item on the PPCSC was matched with an activity on the SAPAC scale. Modifications to both scales were made as a result of pilot testing performed with the sample population.

A significant positive linear relationship was found between children’s perceptions of competence and their amount of physical activity. Significant positive correlations were also found for a number of self-efficacy measures and the amount of time children chose to engage in these specific activities. Significant gender differences were found between boys and girls in overall... [continues]

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