Students’ Perspectives and Experiences of Self-Compassion in a High School Physical Education Program

• In Event: Examination of Learners and Learning in PE/PETE

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences and perspectives of ninth-grade students in a self-compassion-focused physical education (PE). This qualitative case study involved implementing a self-compassion-focused PE and conducting individual and focus group interviews with 42 students. Reflexive thematic analysis Braun and Clarke (2021) generated five themes: I’m always getting better; We learn how to respect people; I’m okay with where I am; I’m using the skills outside the classroom; and I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t like. The themes with supporting quotations showed the potential of integrating self-compassion for PE. The findings support that incorporating self-compassion in high school PE can facilitate students’ well-being and encourage positive attitudes towards physical activity, acknowledging the need to address challenges in implementation.

Authors

• Ben Dyson, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Yongjin Lee, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Tsz Lun Chu, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Seunghyun Baek, SUNY - College at Cortland

• Judy A. Fowler, University of North Carolina - Greensboro