Motivational profiles in Physical Education: an approach from the 2x2 Achievement Goals Theory.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to know de motivational profiles in students of physical education analyzing the 2x2 achievement goals and the different perceptions of the motivational climate according these profiles, and the differences by gender. Using the Achievement Goals theory (Nicholls, 1989) as guiding framework, 390 Spanish secondary school students (113 girls and 227 boys; 14-16 years old) completed the 2x2 Achievement Goals in Physical Education Questionnaire and the Learning and Performance Orientations in Physical Education Classes Questionnaire. The differential analysis by gender showed a greater task-orientation and a higher perception of mastery-climate by girls. Cluster analysis showed four distinct groups. The first profile was characterized by high achievement goals, the second one was composed by moderate goals, the third one was formed by low achievement goals, and the last one noted by having high levels of approach and mastery goals. Then a multivariate analysis revealed that the students of the first and the fourth profiles have high levels of task-involved motivational climate. The findings were discussed and it was suggested the promotion the mastery goals in PE classes joint to performance-approach goals for enhance adaptive motivational profiles.