Motivations of Secondary School Students Toward Physical Education Class: Relatedness, Competence, and Autonomy

The purpose of this study was to explore the factors affecting the motivation of middle school students within the framework of Self-Determination Theory. In this case study, twenty-four 7th-grade students (14 female, 10 male; mean age: 12.5) were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through focus group interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings were divided into themes, categories, and codes under the three basic needs of Self-Determination Theory: relatedness, competence, and autonomy. According to the theme of relatedness, it was concluded that students were more motivated when they were given opportunities for social interaction, such as spending time with friends or social interaction with the teacher. According to the theme of competence, it was concluded that students’ motivation increased when they were supported by factors such as improving their physical skills, feeling triumphant, and setting goals. According to the autonomy theme, students’ motivation increased when their desire to choose activities freely, act independently, and experience different sports were met. Overall, it was concluded that students’ motivation to participate in physical education classes is compatible with the three basic psychological needs (relatedness, competence (sense of achievement), and autonomy) within the framework of Self-Determination Theory. The fulfillment of these needs increases students’ interest and motivation in the lesson and has the potential to develop positive attitudes toward the physical education. As a result, increasing the opportunities for relatedness, competence, and autonomy in physical education classes is recommended.

Cite this article as: Yılmaz, E. B., Dalkıran, O., & Uysal, S. N. (2026). Motivations of secondary school students toward physical education class: relatedness, competence and autonomy. Research in Sports Science, 16, 0015, doi: 10.5152/rss.2026.25015.