From attitudes to self-efficacy: Understanding inclusive practices in physical education teachers

Abstract

Physical Education (PE) teachers' attitudes and self-efficacy toward the inclusion of students with disabilities are key determinants of effective inclusive education. However, research has been limited by the scarcity of culturally adapted and psychometrically robust instruments and by an incomplete understanding of how sociodemographic factors shape these constructs and their interaction. A quantitative research design was employed with large national samples of in-service (n = 1073; Mage = 48.5 years) and pre-service (n = 413; Mage = 21.7 years) Portuguese PE teachers. Two psychological instruments, namely SE-PETE-D and MATIESp, were used to assess self-efficacy and attitudes, respectively. Different statistical procedures, such as reliability analyses, measurement invariance, regression, and multivariate moderation analyses, were applied according to each study's objectives. The first study revalidated the Portuguese Self-Efficacy Scale for Physical Education toward Children with Disabilities (SE-PETE-D), confirming its three-factor structure, reliability, and gender invariance. The second study translated, adapted, and validated the Multidimensional Attitudes toward Inclusive Education Scale (MATIESp), supporting a five-factor structure. The third and fourth studies examined sociodemographic, professional, and experiential predictors of attitudes and self-efficacy, showing that "adapted physical education (APE) training courses" and "previous contact with students with disabilities" were the strongest predictors. The fifth study examined the interaction between attitudes and self-efficacy, revealing that "APE training" and "teaching experience with students with intellectual disability" strengthened positive beliefs and affective attitudes. Professional training and practical experience emerged as central for promoting inclusive PE teachers' self-efficacy. This thesis offers a comprehensive contribution to inclusive PE by combining validated instruments, large national samples, and sophisticated statistical analysis, providing valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers.