Determination of middle school students' liking for physical activity, happiness and depression levels

This study aimed to examine the levels of physical activity enjoyment, happiness, and depression among middle school students in Aksaray province, as well as their variations based on gender, age, grade level, and sports participation. The study, designed using a correlational survey model, included 350 students from five middle schools in Aksaray during the 2024-2025 academic year. Data were collected using the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short Form, and the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale. Statistical analyses were conducted using the SPSS software. Data were gathered through face-to-face surveys, and descriptive statistical techniques such as percentage, frequency, standard deviation, and arithmetic mean were employed for analysis. To determine differences between variables, independent samples t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. Additionally, the Pearson correlation coefficient was utilized to investigate relationships between variables. The findings revealed that middle school students exhibited high levels of physical activity enjoyment, moderate levels of happiness, and low levels of depression. Regarding gender differences, female students displayed significantly higher depression levels compared to male students, while no significant differences were observed in physical activity enjoyment or happiness levels. No significant relationships were found between students' age and their levels of physical activity enjoyment, happiness, or depression. Regarding grade level, significant differences were observed in physical activity enjoyment and depression levels, but no significant differences were found in happiness levels. Furthermore, while no significant differences were observed in happiness or physical activity enjoyment based on sports participation, students who did not regularly engage in sports exhibited significantly higher depression levels. A significant positive relationship was found between physical activity enjoyment and happiness levels, whereas no significant relationship was observed between physical activity enjoyment and depression levels.