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Examining the mediating role of perceived psychosocial support in the relationship between sport grit and psychological well-being among high school student-athletes
Daphne Scott Fernandez1, Kahreen Lou Mondina21. Saint Louis College La Union,Saint Louis College La Union , PH2. Saint Louis College La Union,Saint Louis College La Union , PH2026-08-01|page 182-195AbstractBackground: Psychological well-being is essential for student-athletes because they must simultaneously cope with competitive sport demands and academic responsibilities. Although both sport grit and perceived psychosocial support have been associated with positive psychological outcomes, the mediating role of psychosocial support in the relationship between sport grit and psychological well-being remains insufficiently understood.
Objectives: This study examined whether perceived psychosocial support mediates the relationship between sport grit and psychological well-being among high school student-athletes.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional correlational design with a mediation analysis framework was employed. A total of 362 high school student-athletes from the first district of La Union, Philippines, participated using total enumeration sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires assessing sport grit, psychological well-being, and perceived psychosocial support. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and bias-corrected bootstrap mediation analysis (5,000 resamples) were performed using JASP.
Results: Student-athletes reported high levels of sport grit, psychological well-being, and perceived psychosocial support. Sport grit significantly and positively predicted psychological well-being, whereas it did not significantly predict perceived psychosocial support. Perceived psychosocial support demonstrated a significant but negative association with psychological well-being. Furthermore, the indirect effect of sport grit on psychological well-being through perceived psychosocial support was not statistically significant, indicating the absence of a mediating effect.
Conclusions: Sport grit is an important direct psychological resource associated with psychological well-being among high school student-athletes. Although perceived psychosocial support contributes to athletes' psychological functioning, it does not explain the relationship between sport grit and psychological well-being. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening athletes' internal psychological resources while maintaining supportive sport environments.
APA Citation StyleFernandez, D. S. , & Mondina, K. L. (2026). Examining the mediating role of perceived psychosocial support in the relationship between sport grit and psychological well-being among high school student-athletes. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 182-195. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i2.725 -
Determinants of athlete motivation and engagement in collegiate team sports: Toward a sports development framework
Teejay D. Panganiban1, Samboy Nabor21. Batangas State University TNEU JPLPC-Malvar , PH2. University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Las Piñas , PH2026-04-14|page 147-159AbstractBackground: Athlete motivation and sustained engagement are essential for retention in collegiate sports programs; however, the institutional and environmental factors that influence these outcomes remain underexplored.
Objectives: This study aimed to examine the determinants of athlete motivation and engagement in collegiate team sports using a Self-Determination Theory perspective, with engagement serving as a proxy for retention behavior.
Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed involving 75 collegiate student-athletes representing basketball, volleyball (men and women), baseball, and softball teams. Quantitative data were collected using a validated, researcher-developed questionnaire based on Self-Determination Theory and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, multiple regression, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). In contrast, qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Findings revealed that organizational commitment (M = 3.42) and environmental support (M = 3.47) were rated very high, while incentives and facilities were rated high. All program components were significantly associated with athlete engagement (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that environmental support (β = .36) and perceived support (β = .31) were the strongest predictors, explaining 68% of the variance (R² = 0.68). SEM results indicated a good model fit (CFI = 0.95; RMSEA = 0.061).
Conclusions: Qualitative findings highlighted intrinsic motivations, such as passion and belonging, as well as extrinsic motivators, including scholarships and rewards, alongside barriers, including financial delays, academic conflicts, and burnout. The study concludes that environmental and perceived support are the primary determinants of athlete engagement, emphasizing the critical role of competence-supportive environments in sustaining motivation and improving athlete retention.
APA Citation StylePanganiban, T. D. , & Nabor, S. (2026). Determinants of athlete motivation and engagement in collegiate team sports: Toward a sports development framework. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 147-159. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.718 -
Psychosocial predictors of academic achievement in physical education among Indonesian university students: Testing the mediating role of mental toughness
Muhad Fatoni1, Agam Akhmad Syaukani2, Pungki Indarto3, Imron Nugroho Saputro4, Ismi Husniyah Musyfiroh51. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta , ID2. University of Technology Malaysia , MY3. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta , ID4. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta , ID5. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta , ID2025-12-12|page 291-301AbstractBackground: Academic performance in this context is conceptualized holistically, encompassing the integration of cognitive, affective, psychomotor, and physical achievements. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and Social Cognitive Theory, the study posits that physical activity interest and social skills serve as predictors of both mental toughness and academic outcomes.
Objectives: This study examines the mediating role of mental toughness in the relationship between physical activity interest, social skills, and academic performance among university students enrolled in physical education programs.
Methods: A quantitative approach was employed, involving the administration of structured questionnaires to 235 active students. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling with a Partial Least Squares approach to assess construct validity and the relationships among variables.
Results: The results reveal that interest in physical activity and social skills has a significant influence on both mental toughness and academic performance. However, mental toughness did not serve as a substantial mediator within the proposed model.
Conclusions: These findings underscore the critical direct roles of affective and social factors in predicting academic success in physical education contexts. Theoretically, this study clarifies the functional position of mental toughness, while practically, it promotes the development of instructional strategies that enhance intrinsic motivation and collaborative skills within physical education curricula.APA Citation StyleFatoni, M. , Syaukani, A. A. , Indarto, P. , Saputro, I. N. , & Musyfiroh, I. H. (2025). Psychosocial predictors of academic achievement in physical education among Indonesian university students: Testing the mediating role of mental toughness. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 291-301. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i3.624 -
Teaching personal and social responsibility: An analysis of TPSR-based behaviors in physical education
Rama Adha Septiana1, Tite Juliantine21. Indonesia University of Education , ID2. Indonesia University of Education , ID2025-12-30|page 332-343AbstractBackground: The rapid growth of online gaming among students has raised concerns regarding behavioral regulation, responsibility, and social interaction in educational contexts.
Objectives: This study aims to systematically review empirical research on the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) model and student behavioral outcomes, and to explore its potential implications for online gaming and digital behavior contexts.
Methods: A literature review was conducted using SAGE Journals and Taylor & Francis Online databases, selected due to their strong coverage of peer-reviewed research relevant to physical education and pedagogy. The search covered publications from 2014 to 2024 using the keywords “TPSR” AND “student” AND “behavior” AND (“online game” OR “gaming”). Inclusion criteria were: (1) peer-reviewed international journal articles, (2) empirical or review studies addressing TPSR and student behavior, (3) student populations, and (4) publication within the last ten years. Articles that did not explicitly address TPSR-based behavioral outcomes were excluded. From 43 initial records, 4 articles met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized using narrative synthesis.
Results: The included studies primarily focused on TPSR implementation in physical education contexts, emphasizing behavioral responsibility, psychosocial mechanisms, and pedagogical approaches. Of the four studies, two employed quasi-experimental designs, one used survey methods, and one adopted a literature review approach. Overall, the findings indicate that TPSR-based learning is associated with improvements in personal and social responsibility, positive behavior regulation, and supportive learning climates, although direct evidence linking TPSR to online gaming behavior remains limited.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that TPSR offers a promising pedagogical framework for fostering responsible behavior and social regulation among students in the digital era.APA Citation StyleSeptiana, R. A. , & Juliantine, T. (2025). Teaching personal and social responsibility: An analysis of TPSR-based behaviors in physical education. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 332-343. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i3.647 -
Improving physical self-perception and health-related fitness through gamification in physical education: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Ferdinando Cereda11. The Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan , IT2026-03-08|page 7-27AbstractBackground: The global decline in adolescent physical activity necessitates pedagogical innovation to counter disengagement. Traditional norm-referenced physical education (PE) often alienates less skilled students, whereas gamification offers a promising criterion-referenced strategy to enhance motivation and learning.
Objectives: This study investigated the efficacy of a 12-week gamified didactic intervention on perceived physical self-concept, health-related fitness, and physical activity enjoyment among high school students.
Methods: A two-arm, parallel-group, cluster randomized controlled trial (Cluster-RCT) was conducted with 210 Italian adolescents (mean age 15.4 ± 0.9 years) nested within 10 intact classes (average cluster size = 21). Intact classes were randomised to an experimental group (gamified ‘MoveQuest’ module, k = 5) or a control group (traditional direct instruction, k = 5). Data were collected using the Revised Physical Self-Perception Profile (PSPP-R-IT), the ALPHA-FIT test battery, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES). Following a per-protocol analytical approach, Linear mixed models (LMMs) were employed to analyse the data, accounting for the nested structure of the educational setting and handling cluster-level variance intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Significance levels were interpreted considering the multiplicity of outcomes.
Results: Significant group × time interactions were observed, with the gamified group demonstrating superior improvements in sports competence (d = 0.65), physical self-worth (d = 0.58), and enjoyment (d = 0.82) compared to the control group. Physiologically, the experimental group showed significantly greater gains in cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O₂ max) and agility, while body attractiveness remained stable in both groups.
Conclusions: Gamified didactics significantly enhance psychological engagement and specific motor performance parameters by prioritising individual progress over social comparison. This approach represents a valuable pedagogical tool for fostering physical literacy in secondary PE.APA Citation StyleCereda, F. (2026). Improving physical self-perception and health-related fitness through gamification in physical education: A cluster randomized controlled trial. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 7-27. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v5i1.677 -
The association between healthy dietary habits and physical fitness among junior high school students: A rural school case study
Moch. Yunus1, Yulingga Nanda Hanief2, Muhammad Putra Ramadhan3, Erika Ayu Sylvianingrum41. State University of Malang , ID2. State University of Malang , ID3. State University of Malang , ID4. State University of Malang , ID2025-12-30|page 344-354AbstractBackground: The health conditions of the community, particularly in relation to the physical fitness of junior high school students, require serious attention, especially in rural areas that differ significantly from urban areas. Previous research findings on dietary patterns and physical fitness still show inconsistent results.
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between healthy eating habits and physical fitness among junior high school students residing in rural areas.
Methods: This study used a quantitative design with a cross-sectional approach. The research subjects consisted of 27 students from public junior high schools in rural areas, selected through a balanced stratified random sampling process that involved all grade levels. Eating habits were measured using a 24-hour food recall, as it is an effective method for monitoring food intake over a short period. Physical fitness was measured using the Nusantara Student Fitness Test (TKPN), a national standard instrument. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation, and linear regression.
Results: Most of the study participants were underweight with varied eating patterns. The analysis results showed no significant relationship between physical fitness and healthy eating patterns, as indicated by a correlation coefficient of 0.061 and a p-value of 0.764. The small effect size suggests that eating patterns did not have a significant impact on fitness levels in this group of participants.
Conclusions: The study shows that rural junior high school students achieve their physical fitness through exercise and their exercise-rest patterns and their inherited characteristics rather than their diet.APA Citation StyleYunus, M. , Hanief, Y. N. , Ramadhan, M. P. , & Sylvianingrum, E. A. (2025). The association between healthy dietary habits and physical fitness among junior high school students: A rural school case study. Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 344-354. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i3.665 -
Global trends of gamification in enhancing students’ social skills in physical education (2015–2025)
Rajip Mustafillah Rusdiyanto1, Ari Wibowo Kurniawan21. State University of Malang , ID2. State University of Malang , ID2025-07-01|page 125-138AbstractBackground: The development of digital technology has triggered a more interactive learning transformation through gamification, namely using game elements to increase students' motivation, engagement, and social skills, such as cooperation, communication, empathy, and problem solving.
Objectives: This study aims to analyze global research trends on gamification in enhancing students' social skills, particularly in physical education, through a bibliometric analysis from 2015 to 2025.
Methods: This study employed a bibliometric design. Data were retrived from the Scopus database on April 22, 2025, using specific keywords: (gamification OR gamified learning OR game-base-based learning) AND ("physical education" OR "PE class" OR "sport education") AND (social skills" OR "social competence" OR "social interaction") AND (elementary school" OR "primary school" OR "midle school" OR "junior high school" OR "high school" OR "secondary school" From an initial 120 documents, 47 met the inclusion criteria. VOSViewer was used to analyze keyword co-occurrence, visualize trends, and identify thematic clusters by completely counting on all keywords with at least two documents per author.
Results: 47 relevant articles were identified, with publication peaking in 2020. Keyword analysis revealed five main thematic clusters: gamification in education, digital game-based learning, collaborative learning, emerging technologies, and motivation. The most frequent keywords were game-based learning (n=12), gamification (n=9), and students (n=8). The University of Patras emerged as the most productive institution, while the leading journal was the International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research.
Conclusions: Although research on gamification has grown significantly, its application in physical education remains underexplored. This study reveals a gap in leveraging gamification to develop students' social skills in physical education. Future research should focus on integrating gamification in this context while considering sociocultural and technological factors to ensure inclusive and effective implementation.
APA Citation StyleRusdiyanto, R. M. , & Kurniawan, A. W. (2025). Global trends of gamification in enhancing students’ social skills in physical education (2015–2025). Physical Education and Sports: Studies and Research, 125-138. https://doi.org/10.56003/pessr.v4i2.598












