The Impact of Enjoyment Factors in General Physical Education Classes on Class Engagement, Exercise Adherence, and Recommendation Intention

This study examines the impact of various enjoyment factors in general physical education(GPE) classes on college students' class engagement, exercise adherence, and intention to recommend the course. Specifically, the study identifies the key enjoyment factors as maintaining physical and mental health, a sense of achievement, ease of class participation, freedom, and social interaction. These factors were conceptualized as core components of enjoyment in GPE classes. The primary purpose of the research was to analyze how these components influence the aforementioned outcomes and to provide foundational data for the improvement and design of more engaging and effective GPE programs. Using a convenience sampling method, data were collected from students at universities across nine regions in South Korea, including Seoul, Gyeonggi et al. With the cooperation of GPE instructors and administrators, 50 questionnaires were distributed to each participating university, yielding 450 distributed surveys. After data screening and coding, 447 valid responses were retained for analysis of SPSS 27.0. The results revealed three significant findings. First, physical and mental health maintenance and class ease were significant predictors of students' engagement in the class. Second, physical and mental health maintenance, class ease, and a sense of achievement significantly influenced students' adherence to exercise. Third, maintaining physical and mental health and ease of class participation significantly influenced students' intention to recommend the course.