| Abstract [eng] |
Title. Approach to Physical Activity Among 9th–12th Grade Students in the Šilutė District Municipality The thesis presents a theoretical analysis of physical activity and inactivity, experiences during physical education lessons, and aspects of attitudes towards physical activity. Hypothesis. It is assumed that: 1. The attitudes of 9–12 grade students in Šilutė district gymnasiums towards physical activity are positive; 2. Experiences during physical education lessons influence the development of students’ physical activity skills; 3. Non-organized, i.e., independent physical activity of students, is evaluated more positively than organized physical activity. Relevance of the topic: Physical activity is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle. Numerous lifestyle studies conducted both abroad and in Lithuania confirm the decreasing tendencies of physical activity across all age groups, including academic youth. Insufficient physical activity causes undesirable consequences. Health behavior formed during adolescence has a significant impact on a person’s future life. Gymnasium students make up a considerable part of the young population; therefore, it is important to identify issues related to their lifestyle. Researchers emphasize that a positive attitude towards physical activity is one of the most important factors determining students’ willingness to engage in regular movement, participate in physical education lessons, and maintain an active lifestyle in the future. Attitude is one of the key factors enabling the prediction of behavioral intentions related to physical activity practices. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine attitudes towards physical activity and its impact. Issue analyzed in the research. Based on the analyzed issue of decreasing physical activity and the topic of attitudes, this master’s thesis research was chosen to reveal students’ attitudes toward physical activity. Instrument of a research – a questionnaire survey – was developed, allowing the collection of numerical (quantitative) data and their subsequent statistical analysis. The questionnaire was designed according to the Likert scale, one of the most commonly used Scales in quantitative research are intended to measure respondents’ opinions, attitudes, or the level of agreement. The survey involved 261 participants. The empirical part of the study examined students’ physical activity and inactivity by gender, the overall attitude towards physical activity and inactivity, factors shaping students’ understanding of the benefits of physical activity, and daily choices that positively affect students’ health. Conclusions: Conclusions. An analysis of the scientific literature revealed that physical activity is an important factor in students’ physical and mental health, social well-being, and personality development An analysis of the theoretical aspects of physical education revealed that students’ attitudes toward physical activity and their engagement in physical education activities depend on the environment created by the physical education teacher, motivation, emotions experienced, and positive experiences during lessons. The study results showed that the majority of 9th–12th grade students in Šilutė District Municipality’s gymnasiums have a positive attitude toward physical activity and recognize its importance for health, well-being, and quality of life; however, only a small proportion meet WHO recommendations. The study’s hypothesis was essentially confirmed: a positive attitude toward physical activity among students was identified, the significance of experiences in physical education classes for the development of physical activity was confirmed, and a more favorable assessment of independent physical activity was observed. |
