Examination of satisfaction and psychological resilience of secondary school students taking Physical Education and Sports courses

Aim: This study explores the relationship between students' satisfaction with physical education and sports courses and their levels of psychological resilience at the secondary school level. Physical education and sports are widely recognized as essential components of adolescents' physical, social, and psychological development. Despite their significance, there is limited research investigating the extent to which students feel satisfied with these courses and how such satisfaction may influence their psychological resilience. Accordingly, this research seeks to deepen the understanding of how participation in physical education and sports contributes to students' personal and social growth, and to offer insights for enhancing the existing curriculum. Materials and Methods: In this study, a relational screening model was employed, utilizing quantitative research methods. The sample consisted of secondary school students enrolled in educational institutions located in Diyarbakır during a single academic year. To assess students' satisfaction with physical education and sports courses, the Physical Education and Sports Course Satisfaction Scale (PSS) was administered. Psychological resilience levels were measured using the Child and Youth Resilience Scale (CYRS), while demographic data were gathered through a structured information form. The collected data were analyzed using various statistical techniques, including descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, independent samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Result: The findings of the study indicate that students generally report a high level of satisfaction with physical education and sports courses, and this satisfaction appears to positively influence their psychological resilience. Moreover, demographic factors such as gender, age, socioeconomic status, and prior engagement in sports were found to influence both satisfaction and resilience levels to varying degrees. Notably, students who regularly participate in sports activities demonstrated significantly higher levels of satisfaction and psychological resilience compared to those who do not. Conclusion: The findings suggest that physical education and sports courses serve not only as a means to enhance physical well-being but also as effective tools for fostering students' emotional resilience and their ability to cope with stress. These results highlight the necessity of revising educational curricula to better align with students' developmental needs and optimizing instructional strategies accordingly. The outcomes of this research offer valuable insights for educators, families, and policymakers involved in shaping educational practices and promoting student wellbeing. Keywords: Physical Education, Sports, Middle School Students, Satisfaction, Psychological Resilience, Education, Adolescence.