Purpose: The aim was to examine the relationship between students’ motivation for physical education (PE) and: i) habits regarding physical activity during leisure time; and ii) parents’ commitment towards PE. The study is based on the self-determination theory (SDT).
Method: High school students (n = 147) answered a self-report questionnaire about physical activity habits and parent’s involvement. Data were analyzed by correlations, multiple regression analysis and MANOVA.
Results: Subtile interrelations were found between students’ motivation and level of physical activity. Students who were physically active more frequently also tended to be more autonomous motivated for the subject compared with none-physically active. Subtile interrelations were also obtained between type of motivation and parental involvement.
Conclusions: Autonomous motivation seems beneficial in relation to student’s level of physical activity and in relation to parental involvement. It is proposed that PE should promote psychological needs within SDT, to further autonomous motivation and healthy behaviors.