EFFECT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY COURSE CONSIDERING THE INSTRUCTIONAL ALIGNMENT ON SOCIAL PHYSIQUE ANXIETY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS

Dr. Saadettin Kirazci
Middle East Technical University

ABSTRACT

Purpose of the study was to investigate effects of a fitness assessment course using social cognitive theory based physical activity considering steps in instructional alignment on physical self concept (Physical Self Description Questionnaire – PSDQ) & Social Physique Anxiety (SPA) of college students. Participants were divided into a self-fit group (SelfFit) (n=34) taking an elective fitness assessment course where they self-evaluated own performance with population norms while discussing & practicing methods to develop health related fitness, & a control group (Con) (n=42) enrolled to non-physical activity elective course. Significant differences were observed between SelfFit & Con group on ten factors of the PSDQ (Wilks’ Λ=.58, F(11,64)=4.29, p<.01) in favor of SelfFit group but no difference for the SPA (F(1,79)=.23, p>.05). In conclusion a fitness assessment course where students self-evaluate own performance, practice & discuss fitness seem to enhance physical self concept compared to students taking other elective courses. It is known that providing significant development on some of the health related fitness levels, e.g. aerobic endurance, requires at least 3 days in a week participation on certain physical activities (Powers & Howley, 1997) that could not be achieved at a formal course due to time restraint. However, in this study students would be able to improve some of them. This improvement could be related to the increased awareness, and the influence of this awareness on extracurricular physical activity participation levels. A course aimed to improve the students’ health related fitness awareness using social cognitive theory based physical activity can enhance the related characteristics possibly by increasing the physical activity participation.

Anahtar Sözcükler

Instructional alignment, Physical activity, University students, Social physique anxiety, Physical self concept.

FULL TEXT