Annowicer:

Mr. Rapert

Dre Wheeler

Dr. Wheeler

Mr. Raport

Dre Wheeler

PHYSICAL EDUCATION FOR HEALTH
November 3, 1938

"Physical Educetion and the New Psychology"
(Dre Re H. Wheeler and Mire dim Raport)

Wie are breeking in en e conversation between Dre R. Hy Wheeier,

internationally Imown authority on psycHolegy, a leading Gestalt
psychologist. and head of the Psychology Department here at the
Tniversity, aud Mr, Jim He Raport, instructor in Physical Education,
who aro discussing psychology and its relation to physical educa-
vLone

Physical education teachers believe, Dr,» Wheeler, that physical
education is far more important for the individual and for the
community than most people realize. They believe that physieal
education is not only a safeguard for physical health, but also
for mental health. Do you as a psychologist subsoriibe to this
point of view?

Yes, Mrs Report, I ‘think you @re right. While it is true that a
certain number of the world's greatest minds have lived in weak
bodies, this was because they were determined to accomplish big
things in spite of their handicaps. All the evidenee goes to show
that when the individual is adequately inspired or encouraged the
best minds live in the best bodies. This is true of children as
well as of adults, so that every pessible care should be taken to
guarantee physical healthe

t am glad to hear you say that, Drs Wheeler. But is there not
mother important reason why physical education is valuable, es-
pecially for the growing child and for youth? Isn't it true that
@ Sowid and strong bedy works for better mental health, better
attitude of mind, a happier individual?

   

 

Yes, indeed other things being equal, it is natural for one to

take pride im‘ being vigorous, strong, and healthy. Pride generates _
mtal energy, and, as a consequence, the individual is less easi-
ly broken mentally by disappointments or failurese In this way
physical education is a valwable aid in promoting adequate mental
adjustment to life.

 

Here is another question that I would like to ask you, Dre Wheeler,
while we are discussing the values of physical education. We hear
it said that if a socioty or a nation spent more time in sports
and games that they would be more peaceful and leas anxious for
wer, Is this true, in your estimation?

That is a difficult question to answer. But I believe that human
beings, cither as individuals or in groups, are naturally pugnacious.
at least to some degree. They are aggressive and selfish. And,

until adequately socialized, they will fight in the belief that a