PERSONALITY ATTRIBUTES AS DETERMINANTS OF SPORTS PARTICIPATION AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study.
Personality has been one of the foremost subject areas in psychological research since the beginning of the 20th century and many areas of personality research are applicable to sport and exercise settings. For example, the idea that successful sport performance can be predicted by personality traits has intrigued sport psychologists since the early days of Griffith (1928). Other examples of personality research include determining which personality attributes contribute to participation in sports and exercise, how participation in sports and exercise may change personality, or how personality may be associated with maladaptive behaviors in sport (e.g., eating disorders, drug use).
Personality is defined as those characteristics of the person that account for consistent patterns of feeling, thinking, and behaving. Sanja and Sandra, (1995) opined on the analysis of personality traits of athletes and non-athletes, with the aim of verifying the theory about the connection of personality and sports activities, is one of the common topics in sports psychology. Assuming that some differences do exist, the question raised is whether these assumptions are in favor of sports activity, or rather to what extent is the realization of sports activities productive or counterproductive in the development of the personality of adolescents, and it is the combination of these characteristics that gives each individual their uniqueness. Sport participation is governed by many psycho-cultural factors, even among students in tertiary institutions in developing countries. This is due to the fact that frantic efforts are often made in Africa to expose the children to psycho-socialization from the childhood. The line of action to be toed is greatly influenced by the parents at the early years of age because the child has to depend on the family, as he cannot meet his demands of life. Sohi (1995) maintained that the child has to seek the approval and has to avoid disproval in his day-to-day behaviour in form of learning of various skills, attainment of knowledge, development of attitudes and introduction of competitive sport. Studies have shown that a sport parent usually provided a social milieu, which was conducive to involving of the children into competitive sports. Various psycho-cultural factors such as parents, gender, religion and others determine the extent and limitation of sports participation among students in higher institution especially in developing nations. Religion as an integral part of culture significantly determines acceptability and non-acceptability of any line of action in certain human society (Fadoju 1999). An important thing to note in the socialization process is that the values which are imbibed or planted in the early years of children continues to pervade their behaviour in one way of the other in later years, even when such individuals are in higher institutions where academic and social independence are provided for the purpose of optimizing their potentials.
The conversations and utterances of parents reflected the importance that parents place on what they feel are basic school activities. Many parents give much thought when their children are going to schools to how they can help them do well in the so-called academic courses but spend very little effort encouraging their wards to do well in sport that relates to their health, social and physical well-being. To such parents sport and kinetic activities are sometimes regarded as appendages or frills in the school programmes. When parents show interest in sport for their children, it is much likely that substantial energy will be expended to motivate them to participate in it. Fadoju (1999) noted that a participating father in sport is likely to influence the children to take part in sport whereas, a non-participatory one is likely to discourage them. Babatunde (2001) opined that a participation parent stands better chance to influence the children in the choice of sport through provision of equipment.
Effective performance of sporting activity depends largely upon the personality attributes of the individual. Participation in sport is particularly a product of many personal attribute such as age and marital status. Sports by nature be it recreational or competitive involves physical activities. In the words of Omolawon and Ananomo (2006) , age has a strong influence on physical performance. The fact that the university admits a large number of student into various courses yearly makes expectation about sport development in the university a source of concern to organizers and administrator. Omolawon and Ananomo, (2006) indicated that most undergraduate student are between the age of 32-39. Effective performance of sporting activity depends largely upon the personality attributes of the individual. Participation in sports is particularly a product of many personal attributes such as age and marital status. Sports by nature be it recreational or competitive involves physical activities. In the word of Ikulayo (1986) age has a strong influence on physical performance. The fact that the University admit a large number of students into various courses yearly make expectation about sports development in the University a source of concern to organizers and Administrators
This group is noted for its ability to engage in physical exercises for prolonged period of time. This explains the physiological basis why youths are more engaged in varied physical actives specially sports. The unique role of age in sports participation is incontestable. It is a known fact that there is a certain age noted for excellent sports performance particularly competitive sports. Competitive sports by its very nature require lot of energy, power and agility. This is the more reason why competitive sports have always been identified with youth. It is expected that undergraduate students would be more involved in sports as most of them are at their adult age with varied sports potentialities and skills which if well motivated could produce excellent sports results.
Sporting activity contributes in maintaining good health among both the young and old (Omolawon and Ananomo, 2006). Several factors contribute to student attitudes towards sport among which are age marital status. These factors form an important aspect of personality attributes that either reinforce or inhibit the extent to which individuals can participate in sporting activities. However, the role of marital status is undergoing significant changes both at work play and in the family. Omolawon and Ananomo, (2006) stated that discriminatory practices exist against women involvement in sport. Some women however dare consequence. Sports is a social agent that brings different people ages and religious backgrounds together either as sport producers or consumers, so that both can make good use of their leisure time. Sport, generally by all standards, is what is played and watched all over the world by both young and old, male and female. In fact, it has assumed an enviable status of being an instrument for promoting unity, understanding and fostering peace where others like politics and religion failed. Sport does not exist in a vacuums. It is an integral part of total educational system. It is more than playing outdoor recreation, athletics games of skills for which prizes are given. It is now more of a cultural phenomenon of great magnitude and complexity, having positive and negative consequence for individuals
1.2 Statement of Problem
Many things can account for why individual participate in sport. Competitive sport require a lot of energy, power and agility (Omolawon and Ananomo, 2006). This is why majority of people who take part in competitive sport are youth. The human body is designed for an active life. In several respects, people around the world are becoming more aware, more interested and more committed to a healthier life. Everybody now wants to live a healthy life so that they can have a prolonged life. However, modern technology and automation have led to physical inactivity since machines now do most jobs previously done by manual labour. The consequence of this is a situation where minimum state of physical fitness, which is a pre-requisite for healthful living and longevity, is seriously lacking. Many people in Nigeria today are now living a sedentary life lacking physical and vigorous activities.
The problem of physical inactivity is recently being compounded by modern advancement in automation and information technology. People do not need to travel long distance any more on foot or move from one spot to another for messages. When viewed cumulatively, the impact of this diminished movement and reduction in energy expenditure is detrimental to health. It is my contention to say that sport can perform the role of preventive medicine in making people healthy so as to live full and worthwhile adult life.
1.3 Purpose of Study
The purpose of this study is to examine the personality attributes that determine sport participation among undergraduate students of University of Lagos.
1.4 Research Questions
The study will provide answers to the following questions
- Will personality attributes determine sport participation among undergraduate students of University of Lagos?
- Will age determine sport participation among undergraduate students of University of Lagos?
- Will marital status determine sport participation among undergraduate students of university of Lagos?
- Will physique determine sport participation among undergraduate students of university of Lagos?
- Will gender determine sport participation among undergraduate students of university of Lagos?
- Will religion determine sport participation among undergraduate students of university of Lagos?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The following hypotheses were formulated for this study
- Personality attributes will not significantly determine sport participation among undergraduate students of University of Lagos.
- Religion will not significantly determine sport participation among undergraduate students of University of Lagos
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is important because it would serve as a guide on how to promote sport at the University level. The school management will know those sporting facilities that are lacking in the University environment and make plans on how to make the available. It will also help the school administrator to know how to approach the non participant in sporting activities among undergraduate in university of Lagos. It will also help in identifying the factors affecting the attitudes of sport participation and development in the University. Measuring participation rates in high school sport can inform policymakers on ways to promote physical activity among adolescents now, and in the future.
1.7 Scope and Delimitations of the Study
The study examines Personality Attributes as Determinants of Sports Participation among Undergraduate Students of University Of Lagos. The study is delimited to the following : University of Lagos; and Undergraduate students of Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education; 200 and 300 level students
Limitations of the Study
The limitations of the study are:
- General apathy to research in Nigeria as most of the respondents complained of lack of time to fill the questionnaires and where it is filled, the responses cold be biased.
- Respondents may claim to be sceptical in releasing certain facts and information about their personal lives.
1.8 Operational definition of terms
Some terms used in the research work are operationally defined as follows:
Personality Attributes: The attributes of individual which make him unique and different from other individuals.
Attitude: The interest of students towards recreation and sports programme.
Physical exercise: activities that enhance or maintain physical fitness and overall health or wellness.
Sport Participation: The art of taking part in any sporting activity.
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