The effect of problem solving skills on job satisfaction in physical education teachers

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of physical education teachers' problem-solving skills on their job satisfaction. The population of the research consists of physical education teachers working across Türkiye during the 2024–2025 academic year. The sample includes 400 physical education teachers selected through a simple random sampling method. The study analyzes how teachers cope with professional challenges, how their problem-solving strategies shape their job satisfaction, and which factors influence these relationships. In addition, it evaluates the contribution of teachers' problem-solving methods in the workplace to their professional motivation and overall satisfaction levels. A descriptive survey model, one of the quantitative research methods, was employed to determine the relationship between problem-solving skills and job satisfaction among physical education teachers. Data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of three main sections: the first section included demographic information; the second measured problem-solving skills using the Problem Solving Inventory; and the third assessed job satisfaction using the Job Satisfaction Scale. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS 26 statistical program. During the analysis process, frequency analysis, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Tukey test, and correlation analysis were used. The findings indicate that the problem-solving skills of physical education teachers directly affect their job satisfaction. In particular, hasty and avoidant problem-solving approaches were found to be among the factors that increase job satisfaction. Significant differences were identified in various sub-dimensions of the Problem Solving Inventory based on participants' marital status and years of professional experience (p<0.05). Similarly, significant differences were found in different sub-dimensions of the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale according to age groups and years of experience (p<0.05). In conclusion, marital status, years of professional experience, and age groups were found to have an impact on the problem-solving skills and job satisfaction of physical education teachers.