Emotional competencies and physical activity in primary school children: A comparative study across levels of learning support

• Students without support measures (No-LISM) showed higher emotional differentiation and identification indices. • Students with universal support measures (U-LISM) had higher levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity. • No direct link was found between physical activity levels and emotional development outcomes in this sample. Children's emotional development is a determining factor for their school success and overall well-being. Additionally, physical activity is recognized as a relevant contribution in promoting emotional self-regulation, self-esteem, and social inclusion. This aspect is especially important in the inclusive educational context, where it seeks to respond to the needs of students with learning difficulties through diversified support measures. The study aimed to analyse the relationship between differentiation and emotional identification indices and levels of physical activity in primary school children (ages 6–10). Three distinct groups were considered: students without Learning and Inclusion Support Measures (No-LISM), with Selective Learning and Inclusion Support Measures (S-LISM), and with Universal Learning and Inclusion Support Measures (U-LISM). The sample size consisted of 69 children (mean age = 814 ± 1.13 years). Data were collected on sports practice and physical activity using accelerometry, as well as emotional indices were collected through the Inventory of Identification of Emotions and Feelings. The results revealed statistically significant differences in emotional indices between the groups, with No-LISM students presenting higher levels of differentiation and emotional identification. In contrast, students with U-LISM demonstrated higher levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity. It is concluded that, although physical activity is important in the inclusive educational context, its associations on emotional development are not always consistent. These results suggest the need for more structured psychoeducational strategies to enhance the potential impact of physical activity on emotional development, particularly in students with greater support needs.