Disruptive behaviours in Physical Education classes: A descriptive research in compulsory education

Abstract

The aim of this research was determining disruptive behaviours of Primary and Secondary Schoolchildren in physical education classes according to educational stage, age and gender. The sample consisted of a total of 1304 students from 10 to 16 years old (M = 12.77; SD = 1.89), of whom 548 were Primary Education and 756 of Secondary Education; 612 were boys (46.9%) and 692 were girls (53.1%). The data collection was conducted through to the appropriate conduct scale in physical education and sport (CCDEF). The results obtained showed significant statistical differences in the age factor on Aggressiveness (AGR) (p < .001), Irresponsibility (IRRP) (p < .001), Fails to follow directions (FFD) (p < .001), Distracts or disturbs others (DDO) (p < .001) and Poor self-management (PSM) (p < .001). Regarding gender, there were statistically significant differences between boys and girls in FFD and on PSM (p < .001). Also, significant statistical differences were found on stage factor on AGR (p < .001), IRRP (p < .001), FFD (p < .001), DDO (p < .001) and PSM (p < .001). Disruptive behaviours scores increase with age and are higher in Compulsory Secondary Education than in Primary education schoolchildren. Boys in Primary Education scores higher than girls in all dimensions studied, while boys in Compulsory Secondary Education do so on aggressiveness.