The aim of this research was to determine which values can be transmitted through rhythmic gymnastics in general and which values are transmitted through recreational and competitive rhythmic gymnastics. The objectives were to identify the scope of values conveyed through rhythmic gymnastics according to Slovenian coaches and to examine whether statistically significant differences exist in the values conveyed at different levels of practice.
The master’s thesis employed a quantitative approach to data collection. To gather data, we used Musek’s Value Scale (MLV). The sample consisted of 52 rhythmic gymnastics coaches active in recreational and competitive programs in Slovenia. Data were analyzed in SPSS using an independent-samples t-test.
We found that coaches rated the following values as important: honesty, diligence, sport and recreation, health, friendship, order and discipline, knowledge, kindness and unselfishness, comradeship and solidarity, self-improvement, safety and security, justice, equality among people, freedom and movement, joy, and fun. We also found statistically significant differences between recreational and competitive coaches for the following values: knowledge, diligence, longevity, social prestige, respect for laws, loyalty, self-improvement, wisdom, order and discipline, fame and admiration, and outperforming and surpassing others. In all cases, ratings were slightly higher among coaches in the competitive group.
At the level of value orientations, the recreational group rated the traditional-moral orientation the highest, whereas in the competitive group, alongside this orientation, the self-actualization, sensual/sensory, and social/family orientations were also highly rated. Significant differences were observed in the status, self-actualization, societal/democratic, cognitive, and patriotic orientations.
Regarding value types, the moral type was the highest in both groups. Significant differences emerged in the potency and fulfillment types.
At the level of supercategories, Apollonian values were higher than Dionysian values in both groups; however, Dionysian values were significantly higher among coaches in the competitive group.
This research underscores the importance of rhythmic gymnastics in developing values among children and adolescents and seeks to encourage sports educators to include rhythmic gymnastics in their teaching.
|