Abstract

Introduction and Objective: This research investigates the effectiveness of a selected, structured sports training course on the physical and psychological self-concept, and self-confidence of 14-to-16-year-old students with communication difficulties.



Methodology: In this study, 20 students with communication difficulties were randomly selected and divided into two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group underwent an 8-week aerobic exercise program using selected sports training, while the control group received no intervention. Measurement tools included self-concept and self-confidence questionnaires, which were administered to both groups before and after the intervention. An independent t-test was used to examine the training’s impact, and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and Mann-Whitney U tests were employed to determine the extent of differences between the groups.



Findings: The results indicated that the sports training had a significant and positive effect on improving the physical and psychological self-concept and self-confidence of the 14-to-16-year-old students with communication difficulties. The findings confirmed the hypothesis regarding the impact of a structured sports training course on the mean scores of the research group for both physical/psychological self-concept and self-confidence.



Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that structured sports training can be utilized as an effective method for improving physical self-concept, psychological self-concept, and self-confidence in students with communication difficulties. It is suggested that these types of programs be more widely incorporated into schools and educational centers.