Testing a model of antecedents and consequences of defensive pessimism and self-handicapping in school physical education

There has been very limited research on the use of self-worth protection strategies in the achievement context of school physical education (PE). Thus the aim of the present study was to examine some antecedents and consequences of defensive pessimism and self-handicapping. The sample comprised 534 British pupils (275 females, 259 males) recruited from two schools who responded to established questionnaires. Results of structural equation modelling analysis indicated that self-handicapping and defensive pessimism were positively predicted by fear of failure and negatively predicted by competence valuation. In addition, defensive pessimism was negatively predicted by physical self-concept. In turn, defensive pessimism negatively predicted enjoyment in PE and intentions to participate in future optional PE programmes. Self-handicapping did not predict enjoyment or intentions. Results from multi-sample structural equation modelling showed the specified model to be largely invariant across males and females. The findings indicate that although both strategies aim to protect one's self-worth, some of their antecedents and consequences in PE may differ.     

Preschool attendance and kindergarten readiness

Scores on the Georgia Kindergarten Assessment Program (GKAP) of 171 students (81 students who had attended preschool and 90 students who had not attended preschool) were analyzed to determine whether school readiness test performance was influenced by participation in preschool programs. Students who had attended preschool demonstrated statistically higher overall school readiness, higher Physical scores, and higher Personal scores than students who did not attend preschool. No difference, however, was found in GKAP scores as a function of type of preschool attended. Only one gender difference was revealed, that in the Social measure on the GKAP in which girls outperformed boys. Implications of our findings and suggestions for further research are discussed.