Effects of a physical education based-TPSR programme on responsibility and values

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to: (a) investigate the effects of a teaching programme within physical education on personal and social responsibility and on positive youth development values; and (b) compare the results between schools in different socioeconomic contexts (lower-middle/upper-middle). Method: Participants were 210 students (ages 10–12). The intervention lasted 8 months and a quasi-experimental design was employed, using questionnaires and checklists. Two analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) tests were completed to analyse the programme’s effect and to study the differences by socioeconomic context. Results: The intervention had a positive effect on values (p = .023). Likewise, significant improvements in personal and social responsibility (p = .004) and positive youth development values (p < .001) were detected in the lower-middle context groups. Conclusion: The applied programme is a useful tool for the responsibility and values education in children from lower-middle socioeconomic status.