LE3 .A278 2005

2005

Dodge, Ann

Acadia University

Bachelor of Kinesiology

Honours

Kinesiology

Kinesiology

The mandate of Physical Education programs in Canada is to facilitate active living and healthy lifestyles among youth. Unfortunately, the findings of recent studies suggest that this goal is not being met when it comes to adolescent females. For at least two decades, young women have expressed clear dissatisfaction with existing Physical Education programs. One factor that has been identified as contributing to this dissatisfaction is the social environment in which Physical Education occurs. Numerous studies have found coeducational Physical Education classes to be filled with ridicule, embarrassment, and limited participation opportunities for female students. As a result, many young women report negative feelings toward Physical Education and choose not to enroll in Physical Education classes as soon as they become a curriculum elective. This is of great concern as physical activity levels among adolescent females continue to decline. It has been suggested that single-sex Physical Education environments may be more effective in meeting the needs of female students and providing a satisfying Physical Education experience. The purpose of this study is to investigate the nature of satisfaction that females attach to single-sex Physical Education experiences. Sixteen adolescent females in grades 9 and 10 participated in this study. The Satisfaction Construct provided the theoretical framework for the study. This approach has been used by researchers to assess satisfaction from two dimensions: source of satisfaction and level of specificity. In-depth interviews served as the primary data collection method. The results of this study found self-esteem, social influences, skill level and value to be the primary factors attached to the satisfaction that females experience in single sex Physical Education. It is suggested that a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which friends are present and skill level is generally equal, creates greater opportunity for participation and success and leads to a satisfying Physical Education experience for adolescent females.

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