The role of gender in predicting life satisfaction of the interest in physical education lesson

Background and Study Aim. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the relationship between the level of interest in physical education lesson and life satisfaction of students studying in secondary schools Material and Methods. The research group consisted of 421 students in total 52.3% (n=220) were male students and 47.7% (n = 201) were female students. Structural equation model was used in the analysis of research data. Results. The effect of interest in physical education lesson on life satisfaction was found to be 19.8% (R2 = .198, p <0.05). In the gender variable, the effect of interest in physical education lesson on life satisfaction in girls is 12.8% (R2 = .128), whereas it is 25.7 (R2 = .257) in boys. According to the model, as the level of interest in physical education lesson of students studying in secondary school increases, their life satisfaction increases. While it is concluded that the interest level of students studying in secondary schools in physical education and sports lessons positively predicts their life satisfaction, this rate is higher in male students. Conclusions. Since the participation of students in physical education and sports activities contributes to the multifaceted development and life satisfaction of students, it is necessary to increase the interest of students in physical education lessons and especially to engage female students. It is very important for physical education teachers to provide an environment for student participation in physical education and sports lessons. School-based interventions that can increase female students' participation and interest in physical education and sports lessons can be effective.