Effect of a Social Support Intervention on Intrinsic Motivation, Enjoyment and Participation in Physical Activity among Primary School Students

area that has not been extensively explored.
Objective: This research aimed to examine the effects of a SS intervention on intrinsic motivation (IM), enjoyment, and participation in PA among children.
Methods: This research utilized a quasi-experimental framework, incorporating both pre-test and post-test evaluations alongside a control group. Participants were 40 male children aged 9 to 11, who were subsequently divided to either the intervention or control groups. Intrinsic Motivation Scale, Physical Activity Enjoyment and RAPA were utilized to assess the study's variables. Over an eight-week period, a SS program was implemented for the parents. Data analysis was conducted using paired and independent t-tests with SPSS version 27.
Results: The findings indicate a significant increase in IM in the intervention group following intervention (3.41±1.07 vs. 4.18±0.81, t=-5.574, P<0.001). Additionally, participants in the intervention group reported an increase in enjoyment of PA (2.41±0.15 vs. 3.02±0.49, t=-4.987, P<0.001). Finally, participants in the intervention group engaged in PA more in the posttest compared to the pretest (3.55±0.60 vs. 4.51±0.42, t=-5.742, P<0.001).
Conclusion: The home and family environment play a crucial role in shaping PA patterns of children, as parents serve as vital sources of SS. Establishing an active lifestyle during these formative years is likely to influence an individual's future levels of PA.
Methods: This research utilized a quasi-experimental framework, incorporating both pre-test and post-test evaluations alongside a control group. Participants were 40 male primary school students aged 9 to 11, who were subsequently divided to either the intervention or control groups. Intrinsic Motivation Scale, Physical Activity Enjoyment and Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity were utilized to assess the study's variables. Over an eight-week period, a social support program was implemented for the parents. Data analysis was conducted using paired and independent t-tests with SPSS version 27.
Results: The findings indicate a significant increase in intrinsic motivation in the intervention group following intervention (3.41±1.07 vs. 4.18±0.81, t=-5.574, P<0.001). Additionally, participants in the intervention group reported an increase in enjoyment of physical activity (2.41±0.15 vs. 3.02±0.49, t=-4.987, P<0.001). Finally, participants in the intervention group engaged in physical activity more in the posttest compared to the pretest (3.55±0.60 vs. 4.51±0.42, t=-5.742, P<0.001).
Conclusion: The home and family environment play a crucial role in shaping the physical activity patterns of children, as parents serve as vital sources of social support. Establishing an active lifestyle during these formative years is likely to influence an individual's future levels of physical activity.