Effects of Humor in Physical Education on Enjoyment, Intention to Physical Activity, and School Happiness in Primary School Students

Introduction: The importance of physical education within educational institutions is well recognized; however, there exists a paucity of research examining the role of humor in enhancing the quality of physical education (PE).Objective: This research aims to assess the impact of humor in PE on students’ enjoyment, their intention to physical activity (PA), and school happiness among primary school pupils.Methods: This study employed a semi-experimental design with a practical application, incorporating both pre-test and post-test assessments alongside a control group. The sample comprised 44 primary school male students, who were organized into two groups: the intervention group and the control group, each containing 22 students. Enjoyment, intention to PA and school happiness were measured using Enjoyment in Physical Education, Intention to Physical Activity, and School Happiness Scale. Data was analyzed using ANCOVA.Results: The analysis performed at the end of the intervention period indicated significant differences among the groups regarding enjoyment (F=5.684, P<0.001), intention to PA (F=7.339, P<0.001), and school happiness (F=18.749, P<0.001).Conclusion: These findings suggest that the humor-based intervention implemented in PE effectively enhanced enjoyment, intention to PA, and school happiness among male students in primary school. Physical educators significantly contribute to the establishment of a supportive and conducive learning atmosphere.