Personal Beliefs, Values & Attitudes
Participation in sport and physical activity is essentially
influenced by the personal beliefs, values and attitudes of a person. As all
other factors such as, human needs, self-esteem and other components of Figueroa’s
framework contribute to the development of an individual’s beliefs, values and
attitudes. Socialisation and a person's past experiences are key influences of this, and depending on whether these have been positive or
negative experiences they will determine, one’s beliefs, values,
personal stereotypes and finally, attitudes and behaviours in sport and
physical activity (Amezdroz et al, 2010; Kiss et al, 2010). The individual has
been objective to positive experiences in dance which consequently, assists in
the likelihood of the individual participating in the future (seen in figure 8).
![Picture](/uploads/3/0/2/4/30246883/3754017_orig.jpg)
Figure 8: A diagram derived from Kiss et al (2010) Illustrating that experiences whether positive or negative will have a significant impact on an individuals beliefs, values and attitudes which then influences behaviour in physical activity. Also, Figure 8 explains how the diagram specifically relates to the individual and their participation in dance. Where it identifies the individual has had positive experiences which have formed accepting feelings and behaviours in dance.
Positive
experiences in physical activity develops positive and accepting beliefs, values
and attitudes ultimately causing an increase in participation (as present in figure 7). This is also evident in primary data collected where 4 out of 6 males currently in grade 12 said they would be likely to participate in dance. The reasons for their likely participation in dance was based on; positive experiences and enjoyment where the same 4 out of 6 males stated they have had positive experiences in dance.
Alternatively, negative experiences objectively have the opposite effect; limiting participation in sports and physical activities. A significant cause of these negative experiences and a limiting factor for males participating in sports such as dance are; gender stereotypes. Dance is socially stereotyped as a females sport because it possesses feminine qualities such as gracefulness and expressive movements (Amezdroz et al, 2010). Often males who participate in dance are labelled as homosexuals, so to avoid scrutiny such as this males will take up sports considered more masculine (e.g. soccer and rugby). Consequently, diminishing males personal beliefs, values and attitudes towards dance, reducing their participation in such an activity (Amezdroz et al, 2010; Kiss et al, 2010). However, this stereotype has not hindered the individual’s beliefs, values and attitudes in and about dance, nor future aspirations to dance. The accepted beliefs and attitudes the individual has in and about dance, in particular towards males participation, is also seen in 75% of students (males and females) who possessed similar views and believed that dancing was not a feminine activity. These personal beliefs, values and attitudes by the individual, are a consequence of his experiences of success and enjoyment in dance which has increased the individual’s self-concept by raising his self-confidence and self-esteem. This self-concept and self-esteem has been further strengthen by the individual possessing a stereotypically accepted body type for dancing. Supported by Kiss et al (2010) who states that, people are capable and more likely to overcome stereotypical norms and participate in the sports they desire if they have a high self-esteem, and confidence. Therefore, through the positive personal beliefs, values and attitudes towards dance has enhanced the individual's self-concept and ultimately his future participation in dance. |
To conclude how both the individual's genetic makeup and personal beliefs, values and attitudes have contributed to an enhanced self-concept and consequently increased likelihood of participation in dance after grade 12 see the 'self-concept conclusion' page: