The effect of three play styles (competitive, free, and cooperative) on raising social adjustment indicators according to gender among primary school students (9-10 years old) in Basra Governorate

Abstract

This research aims to study the impact of three play styles (free, competitive, and cooperative) on enhancing social adjustment indicators among primary school pupils aged (9-10) years in Basra Governorate, according to gender variable. The researcher used the experimental method, with a sample of (36) male and female pupils equally distributed across three experimental groups, with (6) males and (6) females in each group. An educational program of small games was applied for (8) weeks, with (3) lessons per week. The researcher constructed a social adjustment scale and verified its validity and reliability. The results showed statistically significant differences between pre-test and post-test in favor of the post-test across all three groups. The results also demonstrated the superiority of the cooperative play group over both free and competitive play groups in improving social adjustment, for both males and females. The researcher recommended paying attention to cooperative play in primary schools, providing appropriate facilities for different play styles, and training physical education teachers to employ play as a therapeutic and educational tool for developing social adjustment.