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        <title>Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research Feed</title>
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        <copyright>All rights reserved 2026, University of Physical Education in Warsaw</copyright>
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            <title><![CDATA[Sport as a Site of Meaning Discovery in Frankl’s Existential Psychiatry]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0010</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 13 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[“Meaning” has become a recurring term in scholarship and practice on sport and physical activity. Existential and narrative work has described how sport can support, threaten, or transform a life, yet Viktor Frankl – perhaps the most recognisable author in this area – remains marginal within this literature. This conceptual study offers a disciplined reconstruction of Frankl’s account for sport studies, while locating that reconstruction within neighbouring debates on meaning in life rather than recasting the article as a general survey. A conceptual reconstruction is employed, combining close reading of Frankl’s primary texts with reconstruction of core distinctions and their implications for sport. The analysis clarifies the study’s reconstructive scope, defines the key terms that organise the argument, and specifies the boundaries within which sport can be described as meaning-bearing in a Franklian sense. The reconstruction yields a three-part account of meaning through (i) self-transcendence, (ii) value-realisation across creative, experiential, and attitudinal domains, and (iii) the by-product structure of fulfilment that renders success and pleasure secondary. Frankl’s neglected essay on sport frames sport as a modern form of voluntary asceticism that reintroduces “necessary” tensions within affluent conditions, while also warning against the idea that sport drains aggression harmlessly. The study concludes with a concise framework for interpreting meaning claims in sport and with more explicit limits on what a Franklian reconstruction can and cannot establish.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[When Coaches Become Brands: How Fitness Instructors’ Personal Brand Shapes Members’ Self-Congruity, Brand Attachment, and Purchase Intention]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0015</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study examines the effects of fitness instructors’ personal brand on members’ self-congruity, brand attachment, and purchase intention in the context of fitness services. An online questionnaire survey was conducted, and data were collected from fitness club members in Taiwan using snowball sampling, resulting in 336 valid responses. The research model was examined through reliability and validity assessments, structural equation modeling, and mediation analysis. The findings indicate that fitness instructors’ personal brand has significant positive effects on both self-congruity and brand attachment. Self-congruity also positively influences brand attachment; however, its direct effect on purchase intention is not statistically significant. In contrast, brand attachment has a significant and strong positive effect on purchase intention and plays a key mediating role in the relationship between fitness instructors’ personal brand and members’ purchase intention. The findings suggest that members’ intentions to continue purchasing or recommending fitness courses are driven not only by their cognitive identification with an instructor’s brand image, but more importantly by the emotional attachment developed through repeated interactions and accumulated trust. Overall, this study highlights the importance of personal brand management for fitness instructors and provides practical implications for strengthening member relationships, deepening emotional connections, and improving customer retention in the fitness industry.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Passive Sports Tourist Attending a Major Sports Event: Influencing Factors on Future Intentions]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0012</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Attendance at sporting events has increased in recent years as part of globalization, and event-related services represent an important type of tourism that influences socioeconomic development and visitor attraction. This study aims to analyse the elements that influence the future intentions of a passive consumer at a major sporting event. The sample consisted of 152 people who participated in a stage of the La Vuelta and completed an 18-item questionnaire divided into six criteria. From a statistical perspective, the AMOS software was used to test the measurement model (confirmatory factor analysis) and verify the postulated relationships (structural equation model), obtaining a reasonable fit for the measurement model and the structural model (through the combination of χ
               2/df, RMSEA, CFI, IFI, TLI, and PCFI indices) as well as adequate reliability and validity indices. The results of the relationship model confirmed 6 of the 12 hypotheses, determining that staff have a positive impact on communication and the destination’s image, and that communication influences electronic word-of-mouth, improving the destination’s image, a dimension that positively influences satisfaction, which in turn influences the future intentions of passive tourists. The scale used has adequate psychometric properties and allows for the assessment of passive tourists’ perceptions of sporting events. These findings are particularly relevant for event managers, as they highlight the importance of paying special attention to staff and volunteers, as well as to electronic word-of-mouth. These practical implications guide strategies to improve service delivery and tourists’ intentions to recommend the destination/event.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[A Review of Cultural Safety Initiatives in Sports and Arts Activities]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0013</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Cultural safety has grown from an initial focus on Indigenous communities to encompass diverse social groups, including those defined by age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, and differing abilities. Work on cultural safety has also expanded from healthcare to other settings, including sports and arts activities. This rapid scoping review explores the impact of cultural safety initiatives in sports and arts activities across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada and analyses how included studies defined cultural safety. A comprehensive search of 9 academic databases identified 33 relevant articles, mostly focused on Indigenous populations. Results found that culturally safe sports programmes promoted empowerment, self-determination, and improved health outcomes, while culturally safe arts programmes fostered cultural reconnection and belonging. Key themes in cultural safety definitions encompassed recognising and respecting individual identities; the importance of shared knowledge and mutual understanding; acknowledging colonial histories and systemic discrimination; reducing power imbalances; and understanding cultural practices. Cultural safety is essential for reducing health and well-being inequities and requires ongoing reflection, partnership, and innovation. By aligning the findings of this review with their strategic priorities, public health and other organisations can play a pivotal role in fostering environments where all individuals feel valued and supported in their cultural identity, facilitating improved health and well-being outcomes.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Adaptation and Validation of a Competency-based Assessment Instrument for Moroccan Physical Education Teachers]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0014</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Competency-based approaches have significantly reshaped teacher education in Physical Education (PE); however, validated assessment instruments remain limited in the Moroccan context. This study aimed to adapt and validate a competency-based assessment tool for PE teachers in Morocco while examining its factorial structure. A quantitative design was implemented through a two-stage validation process: an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) conducted on a sample of 160 teachers to identify the underlying structure and refine the instrument, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on a larger sample of 400 teachers to test the proposed model. Reliability and validity were assessed through internal consistency, as well as convergent and discriminant validity measures. The EFA results indicated a three-factor solution, whereas the CFA supported a hierarchical model including a general competency factor and four dimensions: teaching–learning processes, biological and psychomotor knowledge, pedagogical and cultural diversification, and health-related education, with satisfactory fit indices. These findings are consistent with international frameworks while reflecting specificities of the Moroccan educational context. Overall, the study provides a robust and valid instrument to support competency assessment and foster professional development among PE teachers.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Reasons for Membership Termination in Franchise and Boutique Fitness Centre Business Models]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0011</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The impact of fitness centre business models with different structural and organisational characteristics is clearly evident in membership termination decisions. The purpose of this study is to determine the reasons for membership termination in franchise and boutique fitness business models using qualitative research methods with 42 participants who previously terminated their memberships. As a result of the research, common reasons for termination in both business models included facility member density, unsuitable programmes, high membership fees, inadequate ventilation, unsuitable location, and trainer indifference. Furthermore, specific factors distinguished the models: franchise centres were primarily affected by lack of modern equipment and cleanliness, while boutique studios were influenced by revolving-door instructors and training monotony. This study contributes to the literature by identifying these model-specific reasons for membership termination, which will facilitate strategic decision-making regarding member loyalty for businesses seeking to increase market share within evolving fitness trends.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Beyond the Jersey: How National Bias Fuels Player Identification and Reshapes Sports Consumption]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0009</link>
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            <pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The research presents novel insights by examining the underexplored role of sports fan ethnocentrism(SFE) in shaping player identification and team identification (TI), and reveals how national pride affects sports consumption behaviors. By applying partial least squares (PLS)-structural equation modeling with survey responses gathered from 488 Bangladeshi cricket enthusiasts, the research reveals two key findings: (1) SFE shows a stronger association with fans’ connection with individual players than with teams, and (2) TI remains the strongest predictor of long-term fan engagement behaviors. Theoretically, the study advances social identity theory by demonstrating how ethnocentrism operates differently at player vs team levels in sports fandom. For practitioners, these findings suggest that sports organizations should develop dual strategies, leveraging star players to attract ethnocentric fans while strengthening team identity to maintain loyalty. Employing importance-performance map analysis identifies priority areas for managerial intervention to optimize fan engagement strategies.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Comparative Analysis of Sport Systems: Examining Structure, Strategies, and Public Funding in Relation to Elite Sports Outcomes in Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0008</link>
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            <pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study examines how post-communist reforms have shaped the structure, strategy, and funding of elite sport systems in Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, and how these transformations have influenced international sport performance. Despite extensive research on sport governance and funding in Western countries, there is a lack of comparative analysis focusing on nations transitioning from centralized, state-controlled systems to market-oriented models. Drawing on institutional theory, this study explores how historical legacies and policy adaptations have affected national approaches to elite sport development. The research employs a comparative case study methodology, combining document analysis, policy reviews, and secondary data on public sport financing and performance outcomes from 2012 to 2023. Key indicators include public sport expenditures, governance reforms, and combined medal results from the Olympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships. Through cross-country comparison, the study identifies patterns of institutional continuity and change in each nation. Findings indicate that while all four countries implemented governance reforms and introduced diverse funding mechanisms, the degree of institutional inertia varied significantly. Hungary and Poland maintained more consistent investment in elite sport, reflected in relatively stronger international sport performances. In contrast, Romania and Slovakia exhibited fragmented strategies and declining medal counts. The study concludes that institutional adaptability rather than funding alone is a key determinant of elite sport outcomes in post-communist contexts. These insights offer valuable implications for policymakers aiming to improve performance in resource-constrained environments and contribute to a deeper understanding of sport system evolution in transitioning economies.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Match or Mismatch? The Influence of Athletes’ Leadership Style Preferences on Perceived Coaching Effectiveness in Sports]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0006</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study examines how athletes’ preferred coaching leadership styles relate to and influence the coach–athlete relationship and leadership effectiveness. A total of 90 collegiate badminton players from Taiwan’s general division were recruited using purposive sampling. The researcher personally administered the implicit association test and conducted a survey questionnaire with each participant using a two-stage data collection process. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, difference analysis, correlation analysis, and multiple regression to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings show that coaches who adopt a democratic leadership style positively influence the coach–athlete relationship and leadership effectiveness. Athletes who prefer democratic leadership significantly moderated the association between coaching leadership behavior and leadership effectiveness. When coaches adopted a democratic style, coaching effectiveness increased significantly. Differences between the coach’s displayed style and athletes’ preferences did not produce a significant effect on the coach–athlete relationship; however, when coaches employed an autocratic approach while athletes preferred a democratic style, athletes’ evaluations of coaching effectiveness declined significantly. Overall, collegiate badminton players generally preferred coaches who demonstrate a democratic leadership style, which helps create a harmonious training climate and fosters team cohesion. This contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of coaching leadership.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Tackling Bullying: Adaptation and Validation of the Handling Bullying Questionnaire in Hungarian Physical Education Context]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0007</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Physical education classes may carry a higher risk of bullying than other classes due to students perceived freedom, competitive environment, limited teacher supervision, and visible physical differences. Despite these risks, research on how teachers intervene is limited, yet this study sheds light on intervention methods perceived by future teachers who are in a critical period of professional development. Therefore, this study aimed to translate, adapt, and validate The Handling Bullying Questionnaire (HBQ) among physical education teacher candidates (PETC) in Hungary. A total 170 PETC completed the HBQ that measures the likelihood of using the strategies in a hypothetical bullying scenario. Linguistic adaptation was carried out using the back-translation technique. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability analysis are used to examine the structure of the scale. Based on exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, a construct with 22 items and 5 factors replicated the same measurement results with the previous studies. The scale explains 58.82% of the total variance. Cronbach alpha values ranged from 0.692 to 0.750. The results indicate that PETCs are not in favor of ignoring bullying but are more inclined toward authority-based strategies and involve others in the incident, while tending to work less with victim. It was determined that the strategies varied according to gender, age, and year of study. Findings indicate that Hungarian version of HBQ is a valid and reliable measurement tool for PETCS.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Investigating Youth’s Motivation for Practising Traditional Martial Art – Vovinam: Moderating Role of National Identity]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0005</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[In Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, young people are drawn to the martial art known as “Vovinam,” which has deep cultural origins in Vietnam. Young people in the “capital of a thousand years of civilisation” are both dynamic in discovering new things and eager to preserve the culture of the nation. With an emphasis on the moderating influence of national identity, this study attempts to determine the variables influencing students’ motivation to practice Vovinam. The current study examined the youth’s decision to continue practising Vovinam by testing constructs such as consciousness of health, perceived workout benefits, the necessity of exercise and continuance intention and extended components like National Identity using the extended Uses and Gratifications Theory and Social Identity theory. An online survey was sent to over 350 valid students practising Vovinam. SmartPLS software was used to analyse data, and then partial least squares structural equation modelling techniques (PLS-SEM) were used to test the data statistically. The results show a moderating effect of national identity on the relations between exercise needs and intention to continue exercising in Vovinam. The findings also indicate that the factors, including consciousness of health, perceived workout benefits, and the need for exercise, have positive and significant effects on the youth’s intention to continue exercising Vovinam. The study emphasises the cultural and motivational elements that influence Vietnamese students’ engagement in practising Vovinam. The findings might be used as a foundation for governments and educational institutions to support Vovinam, which would boost youth physical health and national pride.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Excitement vs Entertainment – Intrinsic Motivations and Spending Habits of Spectators at Individual Sport Competitions: The Case of FINA World Championships]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0004</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0004</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 02 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Major international sports events are held in high regard by spectators, who contribute with their spending to the organizers and even to the given national economy where the event is organized. We investigated the intrinsic motivational factors of foreign spectators and their association with their event-related expenditure in the 2022 FINA World Aquatics Championships. The survey method was applied, and the sample consisted of n = 385 foreign spectators. Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted on the event-related sports motivations of the foreign spectators, and regression models were calculated with these factors and economic and demographic variables. Convenience and Excitement, Fan of the national team, and Entertainment were the three event-related sports motivational factors of foreign spectators, and all of them were significantly associated with spectators’ expenditure. The Entertainment factor on its own was negatively associated with expenditure, whereas the Convenience and Excitement, and the Fan of the national team factors had a strong positive association with spectators’ expenditure. Economic factors were also significantly associated (positively) with expenditure, but from the demographic variables, age was the only one with a significant association (also positive). Excitement seems to be an event-related sports motivational factor that increases foreign spectators’ expenditure, whereas only Entertainment focus decreases it.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Errata: Eratum to: Suchanekas, E., Poteliuniene, S. &amp; Lisinskiene, A. (2025). Expectations and Evaluation of Volunteers’ Experience at the Paralympic Swimming European Championship. Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research, 111(1), 2025. 1-13. https://doi.org/10.2478/pcssr-2025-0025]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2025-0031</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/article/10.2478/pcssr-2025-0031</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Exploring the Relationship Between Anxiety and Recovery Among Hungarian Athletes]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0003</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between the use of recovery techniques and competitive anxiety among athletes. A total of 216 Hungarian athletes, representing both team and individual sports, participated in the study. Participants completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2, along with a custom-developed questionnaire – based on existing literature and practical experience – assessing the type, frequency, and purpose of recovery technique use. While no significant correlations were found between the frequency of recovery strategy use and the components of competitive anxiety, the reasons for using certain recovery techniques significantly predicted levels of cognitive anxiety and self-confidence in some cases. Furthermore, professional athletes reported significantly higher usage rates of recovery techniques compared to their recreational counterparts. The study also identified the five most and least commonly used recovery methods. Results showed that female athletes reported significantly higher levels of cognitive and somatic anxiety, as well as lower self-confidence, than male athletes. These findings underscore the importance of individualized recovery planning and suggest that the purpose and method of recovery may influence athletes’ levels of anxiety. For coaches and sport psychologists, integrating personalized recovery strategies into mental skills training may offer meaningful benefits. It is also worth noting that, to our knowledge, this is the first study to jointly examine these two constructs in this manner. Therefore, further research is needed to deepen our understanding of the interplay between recovery practices and competitive anxiety.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Sporting Success in Peripheral Cities: Women Non-fans’ Perceptions of Premier League Promotion and Urban Identity]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0001</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study examines how women non-sports fans in a peripheral city perceive and interpret their local football team’s promotion to the Premier League. While existing research focuses primarily on economic impacts and fan relationships with clubs, there remains limited exploration of how professional sports success affects broader populations, particularly non-fans. Through semi-structured interviews with 12 women residents who self-identify as non-fans, this research reveals complex dynamics of urban identity formation and social cohesion in peripheral urban settings. The findings demonstrate a notable duality in residents’ responses, characterized by renewed civic pride coupled with persistent skepticism about sustainable urban development. Analysis reveals three major themes: “Local Pride and Skepticism,” “Social Cohesion and Community Engagement,” and “Dynamic Urban Identity.” Particularly significant was the emergence of new patterns of community engagement among non-traditional stakeholders, suggesting that sporting achievement can foster social connections even among those who maintain personal distance from sports culture. The study contributes to our understanding of how sporting achievement influences peripheral urban communities beyond traditional fan bases, while highlighting the complex relationship between sports success and sustainable urban development through the unique lens of women non-fans’ perspectives.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Educational and Value Status of Physical Education and Vectors of Preventing and Resisting Marginalisation: Grounded Theory Literature Review]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0002</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/article/10.2478/pcssr-2026-0002</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This article uses grounded theory as a method to carry out the literature review in accordance with the guidelines developed by Wolfswinkel et al. ((2013). Using grounded theory as a method for rigorously reviewing literature. European Journal of Information Systems, 22(1): 45–55. doi: 10.1057/ejis). Based on the 35 selected articles, 8 subvectors and 3 vectors were formed: (1) self-initiative leadership, (2) transformation, and (3) policy for a comprehensive multilevel response to the low educational status of physical education. The article establishes that counteracting the low educational status of physical education requires comprehensive teamwork at different levels – educational, academic, and public. The vector of self-initiated leadership indicates that the profession should select and retain active people who have appropriate leadership qualities, are capable of broad communication and cooperation with all stakeholders, and are inclined to form and interact in professional communities. The transformational vector concerns (a) setting goals and an agenda in physical education, (b) creating special educational programmes in Physical Education Teacher Education that prepare for possible negative scenarios (e.g., reality shock) and the institute of mentors, and (c) readiness for self-transformation, openness to change and experimentation in a professional career. The policy vector represents a kind of idea of “representative democracy” in physical education, when it is supposed to mobilise stakeholders and capable actors for political action to protect and lobby for physical education at the levels (from local to state) on which it depends. The generalisability of the findings should be taken with the limitation that most of the studies included in the literature review were conducted in the United States.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Expectations and Evaluation of Volunteers’ Experience at the Paralympic Swimming European Championship]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2025-0025</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/article/10.2478/pcssr-2025-0025</guid>
            <pubDate>Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The high rate of young athletes dropping out of sports encourages researchers to understand the causes of this phenomenon and analyse the factors that can increase the retention of young athletes in sports. Engagement is associated with more positive outcomes, and lower risks of dropping out of the sport and burnout. Therefore, studying engagement can provide deeper insights into young people’s behaviour in sports. Youth sports coaches have a significant influence on shaping young athletes’ experiences and fostering their positive development. Studies highlight the impact of coach behaviour and the quality of athlete-coach interactions on athlete engagement. Research on young athletes’ perceptions of coaching effectiveness can enhance coaching practices and boost athlete engagement. This study investigated young volleyball players’ engagement in sport, perceived coaching effectiveness, and links between the components. The study sample included 317 volleyball players between the ages of 12 and 19. Data were gathered through an anonymous questionnaire survey. The results revealed that athlete engagement has a weak statistically significant correlation with perceived coaching effectiveness. There were no significant differences in sports engagement variables regarding age and sex, except females reported higher scores in the variable Dedication to sport compared to males. Finally, female athletes rated significantly higher on overall coaching effectiveness and motivation compared to male athletes. Younger athletes scored substantially higher in motivation compared to older athletes. Also, athletes aged 12–14 years rated significantly higher on overall coaching effectiveness compared to athletes aged 17-19 years.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Trends in Job Satisfaction and Employment Conditions Among Sport Sciences Graduates in Spain (2019–2024): A Social Sustainability Perspective]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2025-0024</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study analyzes, from a social sustainability perspective, the evolution of working conditions and professional satisfaction among graduates in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences (PASS) in Spain, by comparing two representative cohorts from 2019 and 2024. Using a cross-sectional design and non-probabilistic sampling, data was collected from 1,547 professionals (918 in 2019 and 629 in 2024) through the Total Job Satisfaction questionnaire, which assesses intrinsic, extrinsic, and overall satisfaction. The results reveal a significant decline in intrinsic satisfaction, particularly in key dimensions such as autonomy, recognition, and task variety. Although extrinsic satisfaction also decreased, it remained at moderate dissatisfaction levels, with salary and contract stability being the most critical factors. Regarding contractual conditions, there was an increase in temporary contracts (from 29.6% to 47.4%) and a decrease in civil servant positions (from 20% to 4.5%). Simultaneously, there was a rise in working hours exceeding 35 per week and in the highest salary brackets.]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Physical Activity and Sport as a Tool for Connection in a Prison Context: Ethnographic Evidence]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2025-0020</link>
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            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This article aims to analyse the social benefits of sports practice for prison inmates. With this objective, and thanks to the collaboration of practitioners and academics, a two-and-a-half-year ethnographic study was conducted in a Catalonian prison. The main findings show that through physical activity and sports it is possible to establish bonds, foster cohesion, break prejudices among inmates, and even promote solidarity with other groups. Thus, inmates consider physical activity and sports essential in a prison. However, data also reflect that sports practice can create a hostile environment. The conclusions emphasize the potential of physical activity and sports as a tool for resocialization among inmates, though it is crucial for these practices to have a pedagogical intent.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Professionalization of Physical Education and Sports in Brazil: Higher Education Evolution]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/pcssr-2025-0029</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">/article/10.2478/pcssr-2025-0029</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The education of sports coaches is transforming globally, with European nations recognizing its importance and promoting professionalization through European Commission initiatives. More than two decades ago, Brazil officially recognized sports coaches as a profession and as one of the activities for a Bachelor of Physical Education . This development sparked a broader discourse regarding the professionalization of individuals within this field. This study analyzes the state of Physical Education within Brazilian higher education following this formal recognition. This study employs a secondary analysis of governmental summary reports from 2004 to 2019. The Physical Education program currently ranks in the top ten undergraduate courses, with an enrollment of 239,008 students. 2019 Bachelor’s degree programs in Physical Education increased to 825, compared to 553 programs in 2017. Throughout the analyzed period, there has been a notable increase in PE teacher licenses and bachelor’s degree offerings in Physical Education, especially within the private sector. Throughout the analyzed timeframe, there was a significant rise in the availability of Physical Education teachers and bachelor’s undergraduate courses, particularly within the private sector. This trend indicates a growing emphasis on physical education curricula and the preparation of qualified professionals in this field. Furthermore, there has been a marked diversification in the demographics of enrolled students, encompassing a wider range of ages and ethnic backgrounds, alongside a growing number of low-income applicants. The statistics from Brazil may provide insights into coach professionalization; however, they should not be regarded as a standard for international benchmarking.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
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