Novelty has recently been suggested as a potential basic psychological need within self-determination theory. Taking into account the lack of research on this new construct, the purpose of this study was to show the role of novelty satisfaction in physical education, analyzing its relations with some outcomes that are relevant for academic achievement. Secondary school students completed measures of basic psychological need satisfaction (autonomy, competence, and relatedness), novelty satisfaction, the three types of intrinsic motivation (to know, to accomplish, and to experience stimulation), and different outcomes (vitality, dispositional flow, and satisfaction) for physical education. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a high correlation between autonomy and novelty satisfaction. The problem of discriminant validity was solved by removing an item from the original version of the Novelty Need Satisfaction Scale due to its overlap with the autonomy construct. This modification contributed to improving the psychometric properties of this scale. Structural equation modeling showed that satisfaction of the need for competence was the strongest predictor of intrinsic motivation to accomplish and to experience stimulation, whereas novelty satisfaction was the strongest predictor of intrinsic motivation to know. Positive direct and indirect effects from novelty satisfaction were found on vitality, dispositional flow, and satisfaction with physical education classes. These results suggest the importance of teachers developing strategies to provide novelty support, with the aim of achieving multiple positive outcomes in physical education.

Objectives: To evaluate the associations of physical education (PE) with school violence and bullying. Design: Systematic review. Method: Using a systematic search in Medline, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Scopus, relevant studies with a quantitative and qualitative design were identified that met previously established eligibility criteria. Quality was assessed (bias risk analysis) and data were extracted from a previously elaborated template. Results: The systematic review finally included 16 studies, of which 10 had a quantitative design (n = 12795), 5 a qualitative design (n = 79) and 1 a mixed design (n = 86). The high heterogeneity presented by the measures used in the included studies hindered the comparison of the outcomes and prevented meta-analysis of the data. Although there is insufficient evidence about the positive impact of PE on bullying prevention, the results of this review indicate that some aspects of PE programs could improve students’ skills to cope with these situations. Conclusions: The results of this review suggest the importance of PE in the prevention of bullying. Secondly, it is emphasized that bullying situations have a negative impact on students’ enjoyment of PE, leading to detrimental consequences for their physical and psychological health. Thirdly, the figure of the PE teacher as a key element to prevent and/or encourage bullying was obvious.