The Role of Novelty Satisfaction in Distance Physical Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective

Purpose: To better understand the role of novelty satisfaction in distance physical education (PE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study aimed to determine the relationships among students’ novelty satisfaction, basic psychological needs satisfaction, autonomous motivation, effort, and enjoyment and to examine the mediating effects of autonomous motivation in the relationships between novelty satisfaction and effort and enjoyment. Methods: The participants were 332 undergraduate students from 10 PE classes. Structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. Results: Satisfaction of students’ need for novelty and the three basic needs positively predicted autonomous motivation, which in turn positively predicted effort and enjoyment. The relationships between students’ novelty satisfaction and their effort and enjoyment were mediated by autonomous motivation. Conclusion: This study provides important insights into needs satisfaction and motivational underpinnings of outcomes in distance PE during the COVID-19 pandemic. We suggest that future studies develop novelty support strategies based on our findings.