Predictors of intrinsic motivation among adolescent students in physical education

This study examined the relationships among social factors, individual diff erences, intrinsic motivation, and effort persistence in the physical educa tion context using cognitive evaluation theory as a framework. Female (n = 201) and male (n = 206) high school students completed measures of motivati onal climate, teaching style, perceived competence, self-determination, goo d orientations, and intrinsic motivation. teachers rated the students on ef fort and persistence in the class activities. Hypothesized relationships am ong the variables were tested using structural equation modeling. results r evealed that perceived competence and goal orientations directly predicted intrinsic motivation and mediated the efforts of motivational climate and t eaching style on intrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation directly predic ted effort and persistence. Task goal orientation mediated the effects of l earning climate on perceived competence and self-determination. The stronge st predictors of intrinsic motivation and effort and persistence were task goal orientation, perceived competence, and learning climate.