Sports participation and examination-related stress among selected Kenyan secondary school students
Loading...
Date
2011-07-21
Authors
Muniu, Robert Kangethe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between sports participation and examination related stress in selected National Secondary Schools in Kenya. The study was guided by the null hypothesis that there are no significant differences in stress levels between subjects participating in sports and those who did not in their Form Three second term and just before they sat for the mock examinations in Form Four. The study was longitudinal involving a quasi experimental design. Through random sampling two stratified samples of sports and non-sports participants were obtained. Independent variables were participation, non participation and gender. The dependant variable was stress which was measured through questionnaires and physiological measures. In total, there were 469 subjects, of which 254 were sports active while 215 were non-sport active. Of this 224 were girls and 245 were boys. A pretest was conducted in Form Three and a post-test in Form Four. Data was analyzed using a one-way ANOVA, an independent T-Test and Chi Square. Findings indicate that all the students had the same level of stress in Form Three and Form Four (p<0.05), male students had less examination related stress than female students (p<0.05). The sports active students suffered fewer ailments than the non sports active ones (p<0.05). All physiological measures did not yield any significant differences between the groups. Academically the non-sports active students performed better (p <0.05). In conclusion, the sport active students perceived less examination related stress than the non-sports active students. Sports active male students perceived less examination stress than the sports active females. Non sports active males perceived less stress than non sports active female students. The activities undertaken by the sports active students were not vigorous enough to produce any significant physiological change. From this study, sports participation can be used to moderate examination related stress. This however should be more vigorous to produce desired physiological changes. More emphasis should be placed on regular participation from Form One to Form Four. The Ministry of Education insists on mass participation with particular emphasis on girls schools. It should also provide qualified teachers and facilities to the school. There is need to sensitize administrators, teachers and students on the therapeutic nature of exercise and sports participation
Description
Department of Exercise, Recreation and Sports Science,150p.GV 706.45.M8 2009
Keywords
Sports and scholastic achievement--Kenya