The purpose of this study was to explore middle school girls’ subjective experiences regarding their low levels of physical activity and the barriers that hinder participation, and to suggest implications for promoting their engagement in physical a...
The purpose of this study was to explore middle school girls’ subjective experiences regarding their low levels of physical activity and the barriers that hinder participation, and to suggest implications for promoting their engagement in physical activity. To this end, eight female students from A Middle School were selected as research participants, and in-depth interviews were conducted. Findings revealed that middle school girls experience multidimensional barriers to physical activity, categorized into three core themes: structural barriers in daily life, physical-situational barriers, and socio-psychological barriers. Specifically, time limitations caused by schoolwork and private tutoring, physical difficulties such as decreased fitness, pain, and injuries, psychological burdens including low motivation and concerns about others’ gaze, were found to be major barriers. Additionally, family attitudes, limited access to exercise spaces, and weather conditions were identified as environmental factors that hinder participation in physical activity. These findings suggest the need to provide positive physical activity experiences and to create environments in which middle school girls who are in a developmentally sensitive stage can participate without the pressure of comparison or fear of failure.