Francis Ries

Self-identity as a component of the Theory of Planned Behaviour in predicting physical activity

This study aimed to investigate the role of self-identity, defined as salient and enduring aspects of one’s self-perception (Sparks, 2000), in relation to adolescent physical activity (PA) intentions within the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). School students aged 12 to 18 from two cultural groups (Estonia and Spain) completed measures of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, self-identity, and intentions for PA. Four weeks later participants completed self-reported measures of PA. A structural equation model showed that self-identity had a direct effect on PA intention (β = .33, p < .01) and PA behaviour (β = .31, p < .01). The model accounted for 45% of the variance of PA behaviour from which 4% can be attributed to self-identity. The effect of self-identity on PA was also partially mediated via intention. The multi-group comparison between two cultural groups indicated that no invariances existed between the models of the observed samples.

Relaciones entre ansiedad-rasgo y ansiedad-estado en competiciones deportivas

En esta investigacion se pretende comprobar la teoria de la interaccion de Spielberger (1972) en el ambito de la competicion deportiva, analizando las relaciones entre ansiedad-estado y ansiedad-rasgo en la competicion, segun las dimensiones somaticas y cognitivas de la ansiedad-rasgo y ansiedadestado. Para evaluar ambos constructos se utilizo la version alemana de los cuestionarios WAI-T y WAI-S, en una muestra de 135 deportistas de Luxemburgo. Los resultados obtenidos senalan que se pueden confirmar las hipotesis de Spielberger (1972), sobre la interaccion entre ansiedad-rasgo y ansiedad-estado, ampliandose su validez en el ambito de las competiciones deportivas. Asimismo, se comprueba la necesidad de separacion multidimensional en las componentes somaticas y cognitivas de la ansiedad para el registro de la ansiedad-rasgo competitiva y la ansiedad-estado competitiva.

Acculturation through sport: Different contexts different meanings

Research on the role of sport as a social integrative agent for migrants has provided equivocal results. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation between ethnic–cultural identity and sport environmental factors. Young migrant male athletes from two different societal and sport contexts were studied: migrants from Eastern European countries living in Greece (n = 60) and from Latin America living in Spain (n = 60). Participants completed measures of ethnic and cultural identity, task-oriented motivational climate, and autonomy-supportive coaching behaviour. Analysis of variance revealed that Eastern European inhabitants of Greece scored higher on fringe and assimilation, and lower on lack of interaction compared to Latin American inhabitants of Spain. In addition, for the former group, a mastery motivational climate and autonomy-supportive coaching predicted an integrative identity, whereas for the latter group, the motivational environment did not predict acculturation patterns. The results suggest that sport may serve different acculturation purposes, thus explaining to a degree the lack of consistent results regarding the integrative role of sport. The study provides preliminary support for the importance of the sport motivational environment for the facilitation of integration.

Homophobia and heterosexism: Spanish physical education teachers’ perceptions

Abstract Physical education is traditionally a heteronormative environment, despite current studies highlighting the existence of positive changes in sport towards sexual diversity. In Spain, physical education teachers’ attitudes towards sexual minorities are an under-researched area. The current study identifies physical education teachers’ perceptions towards homophobia and heterosexism, raising questions as to whether societies are hostile or more tolerant in regard to gays and lesbians in sport. This research involved 170 physical education teachers from mixed schools, using a modified version of the questionnaire of homophobia and heterosexism perceptions. Results show heterosexist and homophobic behaviour is apparent in physical education lessons, with teachers aware of these behaviours. Furthermore, it is highlighted that students use homosexually themed language as an instrument to discriminate against gays and lesbians. This language use is not common amongst teachers, although when it is present, it is clearer and more frequent amongst male teachers.

Análise da literatura em língua Inglesa sobre os imigrantes, atividade física, esporte e integração

The article discussed , is a review of the existing literature on social integration, immigrant groups, physical activity and sport. The literature found was obtained from international databases using various combinations of descriptors . All studies were classified with three criteria chronology, language and areas. From the information obtained in 50 articles it is concluded that the scientific field of sport and immigration is very heterogeneous, being athletic talent migration and sociological studies related to sport and immigration, the most repeated themes.