EXAMINATION OF SOCIAL COMPARISON LEVELS OF STUDENTS MAJORING IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS WITH REGARD TO DIFFERENT VARIABLES

This research is a descriptive study to determine whether social comparison levels of physical education and sports majors vary by various variables. Totally 565 students (208 female and 357 male) studying at 3 different departments ( hysical Education Teacher Education, Sport management and coaching) of the School of hysical Education and Sports participated in the study. The mean age of the sample was 22.41±2.74 years ( Female 21.65±2.40; male 22.86±2.84). The Social Comparison Scale-SCS, developed by Gilbert et al. and culturally adapted into Turkish by Şahin and Durak, was used as a data collection tool in the study. Results demonstrated significance difference between female and male students in terms of their social comparison levels. In addition, high achieving students made more positive social comparison compared to low achieving students. However, any significant difference in students` social comparison levels in terms of department, income, participation in sports, having hobby, belonging to social circle, residence condition, satisfaction in the department, and willpower in the choice of department. In conclusion, participation in physical activities and sports believed to lead an increase in social perception and it is recommended to increase provision of adequate physical activity and sports facilities in the society.