Examination of associations across transformational teacher leadership, motivational orientation, enjoyment, and boredom in physical education students

Previous research has highlighted positive associations between teacher transformational leadership and student enjoyment in school. However, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the mediating effect that motivational orientation has on the relationships between transformational leadership and enjoyment in physical education classes. Given that an affinity for physical education fosters healthy behaviors among adolescents outside of school, this study explores the relationships between teachers’ transformational leadership style and enjoyment experienced by students in physical education, examining the mediating role played by motivational orientation in these relationships. A total sample of 478 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years (mean = 14.55; standard deviation = 1.11) participated. To assess the study variables, the Transformational Teaching Questionnaire, the Task and Ego Orientation in Sports Questionnaire, and the Sport Satisfaction Instrument in Physical Education were used. The findings from the applied structural equation model revealed a significant and positive relationship between teachers’ transformational leadership style and students’ perceived satisfaction, while negative relationships were observed with feelings of boredom. Additionally, positive connections were established between task orientation and enjoyment, along with negative associations with boredom. Indirect effects were also found between a transformational leadership style and both enjoyment and boredom, mediated by the variable task motivational orientation. These results underscore the importance of evaluating both students’ motivational factors and their perceptions of teachers, since they may interact with each other to determine their school satisfaction. Consequently, teachers may need to modify their behavior to improve their interactions with students and increase the chances of adherence to physical activity.