Motivational Climate, Motor-Skill Development, and Perceived Competence: Two Studies of Developmentally Delayed Kindergarten Children
in Journal of Teaching in Physical EducationClick name to view affiliation
Two studies were conducted to examine the effects of motivational climate on motor-skill development and perceived physical competence in kindergarten children with developmental delays. In Experiment 1, two intervention groups were exposed to environments with either high (mastery climate) or low autonomy for 12 weeks. Results showed that the mastery-climate group demonstrated significantly better locomotor performance and higher perceived physical competence postintervention than did the low-autonomy group, although both groups improved in locomotor and object-control skill performance. The second investigation extended the findings of the first by determining that the intervention effects were present 6 months later. In summary, the mastery-climate group showed positive changes in skill development and perceived physical competence, and this positive pattern of change was maintained over time.
Valentini is with the Dept of Physical Education, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil. Rudisill is with the Department of Health and Human Performance, Auburn University, 2050 Beard-Eaves Memorial Coliseum, Auburn University, AL 36849-5332.
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