This study explored the effect of basic psychological needs in secondary physical education (PE) classes in South Korea on physical self-efficacy and attitudes toward PE. Data from 296 middle-school students were collected from May to June 2022 in Seoul or Gyeonggi-do. Participants were surveyed via simple random sampling. Confirmatory factor, correlation, and multiple regression analyses were conducted, and reliability was assessed with Cronbach's α. Basic psychological needs had a significant positive effect on physical self-efficacy. Competence and autonomy positively and significantly affected perceived physical competence (β = 0.535 and 0.320, respectively). Basic psychological needs had a significant positive effect on classroom attitudes toward PE. Autonomy and relatedness positively and significantly affected basic attitudes (β = 0.317 and 0.388, respectively) and social attitudes (β = 0.3498 and 0.213, respectively). Physical self-efficacy had a significant positive effect on PE classroom attitudes. Perceived physical competence and physical self-presentation confidence had a positive and significant effect on basic attitudes (β = 0.258 and 0.166, respectively). The results implied that attitudes toward school life can be improved through physical activity in secondary PE classes.
Keywords: South Korea; basic psychological need; middle school; physical education; physical education attitude; physical self-efficacy.