Social attitudes of Turkish students towards participation in physical education and sport

The aim of the study was to determine the factors that are effective in encouraging Turkish high school students to try sports and to identify ways to increase the number of students taking part in sport. The importance of sport in acquiring appropriate social attitudes, making good use of free time, and acquiring self-discipline and positive attitudes by learning patience, anger management, tolerance, courage, affection, and competition has been noted. In the study it was found that factors that are effective for encouraging potential participants vary according to gender and family economic situation. It was found that families give more encouragement to males compared to females for participating in sports. Wealthier families were also found to provide more support compared to less well-off families.