The Mirror, the Gym Hall and Physical Education: On the relationship between high school students' perceptions of body, learning environment and PE participation

Aim: The purpose of the study was to investigate and analyse to what extent high school students' participation in physical education is influenced by perceived body image and physical education learning environment. Possible differences between gender, ethnic background, type of programme and school year. Method: A quantitative design was applied through a survey to collect data from high school students in Sweden. Data was statistically analyzed covering descriptive information, correlation analysis and group comparisons. Result: A total of 140 students participated in the survey. A positive relationship was found between high school students´ participation in physical education and both perceived body image and physical education learning environment. Participation in leisure activities also correlates with these factors, though weaker. Male students reported higher participation in physical education and leisure activities, more positive body image and perceived learning environment, than female students. Conclusion: Self Determination Theory was used as a theoretical framework in the analysis for a better understanding of the results. This study highlights the importance of body image and learning environment regarding participation in physical education.