:Physical Education-Causes of Indifference: A Qualitative Study with Females in Early Adolescence

Physical Education- Causes of Indifference: A Qualitative Study with Females in Early Adolescence

Nicola Manson, United Kingdom

The lack of support and facilitation in sports participation for young females has been well documented. Adolescent females who tend to reject physical activity and school physical education (PE) are unable to reap the psychological benefits, such as increased self-confidence, which participation could evoke. At a time when heightened awareness of physical and cognitive changes particularly in relation to others, can often become manifested in self-effacing behavior and low self-esteem, this rejection is of particular concern.

This exploratory piece of qualitative research used inductive content analysis from interviews in six North London schools with girls in Year 7. The research aimed to identify the relationship between sociocultural influences as well as those which may be inherent to adolescence and pubertal maturation, in girlsÕ avoidance of PE.

Six dimensions emerged from verbatim narrative within the interviews. These prominent categories were perceived by girls as most pertinent in their experience of PE. The dimensions were: Gendered Socializations and Negative Role Models, Conflict with Looks, Perceived Futility of PE, Parental and Peer Endorsement, Competitory GirlsÕ Team Fun verses Comparative Pressure, and Significant Affect of Teaching and Environment.
This paper confines the prolonged existence of inequality and sexism in young girlsÕ relationship with sport. More disconcertingly, the majority of girls viewed a loss of interest in PE as a natural part of growing up. Sociocultural factors presided over biological factors in adolescence, in relation to girlsÕ experience of PE. The pivotal factor consistently emerging through the research was the impact of PE teachers, and their ability to accentuate or modify the barriers to physical activity participation.

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