Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1988

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Physical Education

First Advisor

James E. Lidstone

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine if student attitude toward physical activity changed following exposure to one semester of fitness and lifetime skills instruction. The study specifically examined attitude difference and change by gender and class level for 343 college aged males and females. Subjects for the study were selected via a stratified random sample of courses offered within the Physical Education 100 Fitness and Lifetime Skills Program. Attitude measurements were obtained utilizing Kenyon's multi-dimensional Attitude Toward Physical Activity and Body Image Inventory administered in a test-retest procedure. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant pretest differences for gender and class level (p < .05). Males and females differed significantly on the variables (a) pursuit of vertigo, (b) aesthetic experience, (c) catharsis, and (d) ideal body image. Freshmen/sophomores held significantly different attitudes toward physical activity (ATPA) than juniors/seniors for the dimensions of (a) social experience, (b) pursuit of vertigo, (c) catharsis, and (d) overall ATPA. Repeated measures ANOVA's were performed to determine if attitudes changed significantly from pretest to posttest. Findings indicated a significant increase in ATPA as a social experience, health and fitness, aesthetic experience, and catharsis. Also, significant class level interactions were observed on the ascetic, catharsis, and perceived body image dimensions. It was concluded that attitudes toward certain dimensions of physical activity can change following participation in one semester of fitness and lifetime skills instruction.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Physical fitness

Physical education and training

Exercise

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

140

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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