Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze adapted physical education instructors’ views about the application of the theory of planned behavior (TpB) in teaching physical education undergraduate courses. Participants (n = 17) were instructors of adapted physical activity courses from twelve randomly selected institutions of higher education in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The research paradigm was qualitative descriptive using a multisite interview design positioned in the theoretical orientation of planned behavior. The primary data source was interviewing. Interview data were analyzed with constant comparative method. The following themes were extracted during the data analysis: (a) disability socially constructed; (b) too little and too late; and (c) skepticism. The instructors’ views ranged from skeptical to encouraging toward the application of TpB in teaching physical education courses and had salient influence. The findings and recommendations are discussed.

Key words: Adapted physical activity, Brazil, higher education, physical education teacher education, theory of planned behavior.