1. Introduction
The human being, by definition, is an active being, constantly adopting a wide variety of behaviors to survive [
1], adapting to the environment, using both internal and external means, and responding to changes and needs as they arise [
2].
The thinking, behavior, and way of acting of students in the field of physical education (PE) continue to be the object of study due to the implications they have [
3], in addition to the information that helps teachers understand how motivation, enjoyment, or the feeling of competence combine and interact to impact student learning [
4]. Therefore, it must be taken into account that, in childhood and adolescence, school PE is an ideal element to improve participation in physical activities since almost 100 percent of schoolchildren must go to school [
5,
6]. On the other hand, the key elements in this participation in physical activities are enjoyment [
7,
8], motivation [
9,
10], and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness [
11] as drivers of participation in extracurricular physical activity [
9,
12]).
One of the most widely used theories for the study of motivation, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and enjoyment in PE is self-determination theory (SDT; [
13]), understood as a broad framework for the explanation of motivation and human behavior [
14]. SDT is made up of several mini theories, including the theory of basic psychological needs. These needs refer to the psychological construct that people need to feel motivated to behave and determine the existence of at least three basic psychological needs that explain human behavior: the need for autonomy, the need for competence, and the need for relatedness [
14,
15]. The first, autonomy, refers to the need that people have to have or feel the ability to make decisions for themselves in various life activities. If this ability is frustrated, passive and dependent behaviors may appear, as well as emotional futility and hopelessness [
13,
14,
15]. The need for competence, and therefore to perceive one’s own capabilities, is fundamentally related to the previous one in the sense that it is based on the ability to control what happens with one’s own actions, but in this case it focusses on the belief that one has sufficient resources to carry out certain behaviors. It is the belief that we are capable and that the actions we choose to perform autonomously can be carried out successfully thanks to our capabilities and that they will, to a certain extent, influence what happens [
15]. Finally, the need for relatedness has to do with the feeling or need to feel part of a group with which we can interact positively and form mutually supportive relatedness [
16]. Satisfying these needs provides energy to perform certain behaviors, such as physical activity [
13]. Previous research shows that meeting students’ psychological needs has a positive effect on their enjoyment of PE [
8,
10]. In addition, different research has found differences in the satisfaction of these needs by gender [
17].
Following the mini theory of causal orientations, the existence of three main types of motivation is established: intrinsic or autonomous, extrinsic or controlled, and impersonal or unmotivated [
13,
14]. In the case of intrinsic or autonomous motivation, it represents what motivates us to act from within and carry out a behavior because it is fun [
14,
18], since the three basic psychological needs are satisfied, which leads the individual to act based on their will and choice [
15]. On the other hand, there are more extrinsic forms of motivation that can be divided into three types of controlled or extrinsic regulation [
14]: external regulation, in which activities are carried out due to external stimuli or factors, such as to obtain a reward or, in the case of physical education, a good grade [
18,
19,
20]; introjected regulation, in which activities are carried out due to internal pressures or thoughts (for example, the feeling of guilt); and identified regulation, in which the person acts due to the benefits that arise from carrying out the activity [
18,
19,
20,
21]. Furthermore, it is also necessary to include integrated regulation, which, according to self-determination theory (SDT), represents the highest level of the internalization of extrinsic motivation. In this type of regulation, people perform activities because they have fully integrated them into their personal identity and values [
22]. For example, a student may participate in physical education classes not only because they recognize their benefits but also because physical activity has become an essential part of their healthy lifestyle. Finally, amotivation is derived from the feeling of a lack of competence and autonomy, where the subject thinks that actions have no effect on reality, has no interest, or feels incapable of carrying out an activity [
13]. Previous research has shown that these different types of motivational regulation are associated with emotional consequences such as enjoyment [
23]. Enjoyment is positively related to autonomous forms of motivation (intrinsic motivation) and negatively related to controlled forms of motivation [
10]. These differences also hold with respect to gender [
24]. Compared to girls, boys tend to show greater intrinsic motivation and identify and internalize rules to participate in physical education classes for fun and personal satisfaction [
25,
26]. In terms of basic psychological need satisfaction, boys reported being more satisfied with their needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness, which translated into greater motivation for and enjoyment of physical activity [
27]. In comparison, girls tend to have lower levels of self-determined motivation, enjoyment, and satisfaction of these needs, which may negatively affect their experience in physical education classes [
24,
28,
29].
Given the importance of a relationship between these constructs in the field of school PE and the practice of physical activity with learning, and given the current lack of scientific evidence on this matter, in our country, that combines these elements in primary and secondary education, the objective of this study was to determine whether there are differences in motivation, basic psychological needs, and enjoyment in PE classes between primary and secondary education students and between boys and girls, having as a starting hypothesis that the determined intrinsic motivation plus self-motivation, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs and enjoyment, will be greater in primary education students than in secondary education students and, in turn, will be greater in boys than in girls.
3. Results
A total of 740 primary school students (n = 310; 41.9%) and secondary school students (n = 430; 58.1%) between the ages of 10 and 17 participated in this study (M = 13.60; SD = 2.03). Of the total sample, 410 were girls (55.4%) and 330 were boys (44.6%).
3.1. Reliability, Correlations, and Descriptive Statistics
The reliability analysis showed adequate results for the variables studied; thus, the reliability coefficients (McDonald’s Omega) were as follows: intrinsic regulation, 0.82; identified regulation, 0.81; introjected regulation, 0.69; external regulation, 0.72; amotivation, 0.71; autonomy, 0.70; competence, 0.70; relatedness, 0.81; and enjoyment, 0.92.
The associations between the study variables showed that enjoyment was positively correlated with intrinsic regulation, identified regulation, introjected regulation, autonomy, competence, and relatedness among primary education students (
Table 1). There was also a positive correlation between enjoyment and intrinsic regulation and identified regulation. A negative correlation was found between enjoyment and external regulation and amotivation.
Among secondary education students (
Table 2), there were positive correlations between intrinsic regulation and identified regulation, introjected regulation, autonomy, competence, relatedness, and enjoyment, and negative correlations with external regulation and amotivation. Enjoyment was positively correlated with intrinsic regulation, identified regulation, introjected regulation, autonomy, and competence. Amotivation and external regulation were negatively correlated with enjoyment.
The descriptive statistics showed that primary education students have higher scores than secondary students in intrinsic regulation, identified and introjected regulation, autonomy, competence, relatedness, and enjoyment (
Table 3). However, secondary education students show higher scores in external regulation and amotivation, although the latter is much lower than the scores that appear in the other dimensions.
3.2. Multivariate Analysis Based on Gender and Educational Stage
The results of the MANOVA based on the educational stage factor indicate that there are statistically significant differences in intrinsic regulation [F (1, 736) = 61.505, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.077]; identified regulation [F (1, 736) = 42.753, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.055]; introjected regulation [F (1, 736) = 8.396, p = 0.004, η2 = 0.011]; perceived competence [F (1, 736) = 51.720, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.065]; relatedness [F (1, 736) = 476.531, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.392]; and enjoyment [F (1, 736) = 52.509, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.066]. In all the variables studied, primary education students obtained higher scores than secondary education students. No significant differences were found in external regulation (p = 0.285), amotivation (p = 0.076), or autonomy (p = 0.102).
The results of the MANOVA depending on the gender factor indicate that there are statistically significant differences in intrinsic regulation [F (1, 736) = 7.994, p = 0.005, η2 = 0.011]; identified regulation [F (1, 736) = 7.216, p = 0.007, η2 = 0.055]; and enjoyment [F (1, 736) = 6.670, p = 0.010, η2 = 0.009]. In these three variables studied, boys obtain higher scores than girls. No significant differences were found in the rest of the variables (p > 0.05).
In pairwise comparisons, significant differences were found in intrinsic regulation (p = 0.001), identified regulation (p = 0.006), and enjoyment (p = 0.040) between secondary school boys and girls with higher scores in boys. Furthermore, significant differences have been found in intrinsic motivation (p < 0.001), identified regulation (p < 0.001), competence (p < 0.001), relatedness (p < 0.001), and enjoyment (p < 0.001) between children in primary education and secondary education, with higher scores in children in primary education.
Significant differences were found in intrinsic regulation (p < 0.001), identified regulation, introjected regulation (p = 0.010), competition (p < 0.001), relatedness (p < 0.001), and enjoyment (p < 0.001), among girls of both stages, with higher scores in primary school girls in all the variables studied.
4. Discussion
The objective of this study was to determine whether there are differences in motivation, basic psychological needs, and enjoyment in PE classes between primary and secondary education students and between boys and girls. Based on the results obtained, in general, primary education students have a higher intrinsic motivation, an important factor according to the SDT [
14,
39,
40], which maintains that in order to improve intrinsic motivation, the satisfaction of psychological needs is necessary [
41]. Furthermore, in general, primary education students obtain higher scores in two of the three basic psychological needs: competence and relatedness, as well as enjoyment. These results are in line with the theoretical assumptions described in the SDT [
13,
14], which indicates that higher scores in basic psychological needs would directly and indirectly imply greater enjoyment in PE classes [
42]. Regarding the comparison between boys and girls, boys present greater intrinsic and identified motivation and greater enjoyment than girls, both in primary and secondary education, as occurred in previous research that demonstrated differences between boys and girls in terms of enjoyment of PE [
8,
17] and motivational regulation [
7,
43].
Regarding motivation, previous research has shown that motivation towards PE classes varies within age groups, especially between primary and secondary education students [
12,
44], as demonstrated by the results of our study. In younger children, there is a higher score in intrinsic, identified, and introjected motivation towards physical education, which would mean that these students have a more self-determined profile [
45,
46,
47]. This may indicate the interest of primary education students in the subject, in which, despite it being mandatory in the educational curriculum and therefore subject to normative evaluation [
44], participation can be associated with the pleasure of participating in classes and with fun and enjoyment [
48], as demonstrated by the results. Regarding external regulation and demotivation, the scores are higher among secondary education students [
12]. These scores are in line with the study by Jaitner et al. [
49], and this may be because students must participate in PE sessions in a mandatory manner, either for fear of punishment or for fear of failing the subject (external regulation), or simply because students believe that it is what they should do and it is the right thing to do, and that is why they are forced to participate in classes [
50].
In relation specifically to boys, it was found that they presented a higher intrinsic and identified motivation than girls in both primary and secondary education [
51], which is consistent with the scientific evidence that indicates that girls present a higher demotivation towards PE than boys [
52], consequently showing higher levels of amotivation compared to boys. Girls also present lower scores in intrinsic motivation and introjected regulation, which could be associated with low perceptions of competence and lower interest in the tasks performed in PE classes [
52,
53].
Regarding the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, primary education students again present higher scores than secondary education students in competence and relatedness with others [
8,
17]. This could be due to the fact that primary education teachers foster a more collaborative and supportive environment than PE teachers in secondary education [
17] or to the fact that the methodology in primary education tends to be more playful and participatory [
51]. On the other hand, as in our study, those students who present higher scores in competence and relatedness also present higher scores in enjoyment. These results agree with previous studies that revealed that the satisfaction of students’ psychological needs has a positive impact on enjoyment in the context of physical education; specifically, enjoyment has been related to perceived competence and social relatedness [
26,
54].
Regarding gender differences, and contrary to what occurs in our study, scientific evidence suggests that boys show higher levels of satisfaction in terms of competence and relatedness [
55]. The results of our study may be motivated by the use of interpersonal methodological styles that focus on gender differences among students and try to address the tastes of each of them [
56].
Regarding enjoyment in PE classes, primary education students obtain higher scores than secondary education students [
48,
51]. This may be due to the fact that the learning environment in primary education is usually more playful and less competitive [
51]. In addition, primary education teachers tend to use more participatory and student-centered methodologies, which may increase enjoyment [
48], or secondary education students may feel greater pressure to improve their academic performance, which may negatively affect their enjoyment of PE classes [
57]. Furthermore, girls, both in primary and secondary education, obtain lower scores than boys. This may be motivated by several factors, including differences in socialization, present from an early age in which boys and girls are socialized in relation to sport differently [
17], or having had previous negative experiences in PE classes such as feeling excluded or not receiving the same level of attention and support as boys, which can affect enjoyment [
58].
As limitations of this study, we would like to highlight that, as it is a cross-sectional study, causality cannot be inferred from the data and the relationships obtained in each of the constructs analyzed, so future studies on this topic should approach it longitudinally to establish cause and effect. The data from this study correspond to an intentional and convenience sample, which would lead us to suggest that future studies attempt to carry out a representative random sample to improve reality. Furthermore, although there is emerging literature regarding the assessment of frustration and neglect of basic psychological needs in school contexts, these variables were not studied in the present study. Finally, as it is a cross-sectional study, this study only shows the student’s thinking at a given time without taking into account the type of content that was being taught in PE classes, so the data should be taken with caution.
5. Conclusions
The results of the study allow us to conclude that primary education students present greater self-determined motivation (intrinsic, identified, and introjected regulation) than secondary education students. Likewise, these same students have a greater sense of competition and relatedness than secondary education students. Finally, primary education students obtain higher scores in enjoyment in PE classes. This suggests that primary education students have a more self-determined motivational profile and greater satisfaction of their basic psychological needs than secondary education students. On the other hand, secondary education students present higher scores in external regulation and amotivation, although these differences are not statistically significant. This indicates a tendency towards less self-determination and greater dependence on external factors for their motivation.
Boys have higher motivation and intrinsic enjoyment than girls; that is, boys engage and participate in PE classes because of the pleasure and satisfaction they receive from their own practice. Furthermore, comparisons also show that boys in secondary education have significantly higher scores in intrinsic regulation, identified regulation, and enjoyment compared to girls. This suggests that boys in secondary education are more motivated by internal reasons and find more enjoyment in PE classes compared to girls in the same educational stage. Identified regulation implies that students see a personal value in the activity and consider it important to them.
6. Practical Applications
As practical applications of this study, we would like to highlight and show that self-determination in PE and sport consists of three components: emotions, feelings, and cognition. Therefore, students must perceive the subject of PE as pleasant, satisfying, and useful. Thus, these aspects are influenced by several factors, including relatedness with peers in the classroom, type of course, teaching style, methods, or content. Therefore, the teaching strategies necessary to increase student participation in PE classes must include and offer different methods to promote autonomy, provide feedback on the skills performed, and promote respect and care in the group.
Regarding the different methods, teaching strategies could be proposed that use active and participatory teaching methods; that is, using teaching methods that actively involve students, such as project-based learning or cooperative learning.
In terms of feedback, teachers should aim to provide positive and constructive comments that acknowledge students’ achievements; for example, instead of simply saying “good job”, one could say “You’ve really improved your throwing technique; keep it up”, which helps students feel competent and motivated to keep improving.
Regarding the promotion of respect and care in the group, it is proposed, for example, to include activities that generate a classroom environment where positive relatedness between students is encouraged. For example, organizing team activities that require collaboration and mutual support, such as teamwork, empathy, and conflict resolution through the organization of cooperative tasks and games where students must work together to achieve a common goal; norms of respect and care can also be established within the class group, ensuring that all students feel valued and supported. For example, implementing a “buddy” system where students support each other during different tasks.
