| Children are not at appropriate fitness levels associated with health standards (Ross, Pate, Caspersen, Damberg, & Svilar, 1987; Ross & Pate, 1987). Alienation from physical education and perceived competence appear to affect participation in fitness activities (Carlson, 1995; Brustad, 1996, Kimiecik, Horn, & Shurin, 1996). This study is to determine if a relationship exists between alienation, perceived physical competence in physical activity and fitness, and fitness levels in children. 242 sixth, seventh and eighth grade students from ages 11 to 16 were used. Dependent variables of mile run, grip strength, standing long jump, and percent body fat were used to determine the relationship between the independent variables of gender, age, perceived competence toward physical fitness, perceived physical competence toward physical activity, and alienation. Modified versions of the PES (Carlson, 1995), perceived competence toward fitness (Brustad, 1996) and physical activity (Kimiecik et.al., 1996) were used. Two fitness factor scores were calculated and defined general fitness and absolute strength. These scores were used as the dependent variable in two regression equations. Univariate analysis (ANOVA), factor analyses, and regression analyses using the Statview and SuperAnova Software programs were used to analyze the data.;There were significant gender differences in height, sum of skinfolds and percent body fat, with males having a lower incidence of overweight students. The males showed higher levels of alienation. There was a gender difference in the way that the males and females perceived both physical activity and fitness in that males perceived themselves to be more competent in both areas. Those students that expressed low alienation scored higher on the perceived competence toward physical fitness and physical activity indicating feelings of competence. There were significant gender differences on the four fitness variables with male students performing better than the females in all areas. The variables of alienation, perceived physical competence toward fitness and physical activity were related to the factors of general fitness and absolute strength. If feelings of alienation were expressed, performance on fitness variables was low. Those students that perceived themselves to be competent in fitness and physical activity performed better on the fitness variables. |
