| The Role of Physical Education Classes in Promoting Happiness, Social Interaction, and Academic Motivation among Elementary School Girls |
| Paper ID : 1524-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Rasoul Azadi *1, Tahereh Habibolahi2, Shahin Azadi3 1PhD in Sport Management, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran Physical Education Teacher, Departments of Education, Tehran Counties, Tehran, Iran 2Elementary School Teacher, Department of Education, Tehran Counties, Tehran, Iran 3MA in Educational Sciences and Elementary School Teacher, Department of Education, Kermanshah, Kermanshah, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Elementary school is critical for children’s holistic development. While physical education (PE) offers benefits beyond physical health, its role in enhancing happiness, social skills, and academic motivation is under-researched, especially for girls. This study investigates the role of PE in promoting these variables among elementary school girls in Shahr-e Qods. Methods: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 250 female students in the second stage of elementary school in Shahr-e Qods, selected through a multistage cluster sampling method. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires: Oxford Happiness Inventory (OHI), Matson Social Skills Inventory (MSSI), and Academic Motivation Scale (AMS). Pearson correlation analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: Descriptive statistics indicated that the mean scores of happiness (52.3 ± 9.1), social interaction (78.5 ± 12.4), and academic motivation (65.2 ± 10.8) were at satisfactory levels. Pearson correlation results revealed significant positive relationships between active participation in PE classes and all three variables: happiness (r = 0.48, p < 0.01), social interaction (r = 0.55, p < 0.01), and academic motivation (r = 0.29, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that higher quality and engagement in PE classes are associated with notable increases in happiness and social interaction, as well as a significant improvement in academic motivation. Conclusion: The findings emphasize that PE classes are a powerful, multidimensional tool whose impact extends beyond physical health to the psychological, social, and academic domains of elementary school girls. High-quality PE classes not only enhance happiness and social skills but can also serve as a facilitator for increasing students’ motivation for learning other subjects. Therefore, it is recommended that educational policymakers and school administrators consider PE classes as a strategic investment in students’ holistic development and maximize their effectiveness through play-based and participatory program designs. |
| Keywords |
| Physical Education, Happiness, Social Interaction, Academic Motivation, Elementary School Girls |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
