TEACHER SUPPORT/CONTROL OF SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS, CLASS COHESION, AND POSITIVE/NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between teacher support/control of students' social relations and class engagement and disruptive behaviors, as well as to examine the mediating effect of class cohesion. 718 Physical Education students between 15 and 18 years participated (M = 15.65; SD = .70) in this study. The results of the correlational study showed that teacher support for relatedness was positively related to engagement and negatively related to disruptive behaviors. In contrast, relatedness control was negatively related to engagement and positively related to disruptive behaviors. Finally, the results showed that class cohesion mediated relatedness support and engagement. In conclusion, relatedness support and class cohesion can significantly impact engagement and disruptive behaviors.

Keywords:
Physical Education and training; Teaching; Behavior and behavior mechanisms; Self-determination