The impact of physical education on interpersonal relationships: a systematic review

Abstract

Promoting gender equity and a peaceful and inclusive coexistence becomes an educational imperative that physical education must address, as motor practices provide a unique environment for educating in interpersonal relationships. Motor praxeology helps us understand how the internal logic of motor practices influences motor interactions and affects interpersonal relationships, as interactions are precursors to social relationships. This article represents the first systematic review that examine the impact of motor interactions during physical education sessions on students' interpersonal relationships. The results revealed that motor interactions have the potential to improve interpersonal relationships of either gender during physical education sessions. This research demonstrates how physical education can promote peaceful and equitable coexistence, improving care networks, relational inclusion and social acceptance. This review highlights the use of sociometry and social network analysis as methodologies to assess socio-affective relationships, offering methodological and practical recommendations that enhance future research and educational proposals.