Instructional climates in preschool children who are at-risk. Part II: perceived physical competence

Res Q Exerc Sport. 2009 Sep;80(3):543-51. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2009.10599592.

Abstract

In Part II of this study, we examined the effect of two 9-week instructional climates (low-autonomy [LA] and mastery motivational climate [MMC]) on perceived physical competence (PPC) in preschoolers (N = 117). Participants were randomly assigned to an LA, MMC, or comparison group. PPC was assessed by a pretest, posttest, and retention test with the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance. A significant Treatment x Time interaction (p < .001) was present, supporting that MMC participants reported significantly higher PPC scores over time, while no positive changes were present in LA and comparison participants. The results show that an MMC leads to psychological benefits related to achievement motivation. These findings should encourage early childhood educators to consider the effect of instructional climates on children's self-perception.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Child Development*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Learning*
  • Male
  • Motivation*
  • Motor Activity
  • Motor Skills / physiology*
  • Personal Autonomy*
  • Program Development
  • Program Evaluation
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Risk Assessment
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Environment
  • Social Perception
  • Teaching
  • Time Factors