@misc{10481/107430,
year = {2025},
month = {9},
url = {https://hdl.handle.net/10481/107430},
abstract = {Introduction: The Service-Learning (SL) promotes the acquisition of curricular
competencies through enriching experiences that respond to real social needs,
within a framework of critical reflection and ethical commitment. Through an
intergenerational SL program, this article addresses the global phenomenon
of population aging. Preventing ageism as a potential discriminatory behavior
should be  the foundation for building positive prosocial behaviors from
childhood. In addition, Physical Education (PE) can be  an effective tool to
promote social inclusion.
Methods: A total of 106 students, divided into two methodology groups
(Traditional vs. Service-Learning; age = 10.49 ± 0.50), participated in a 10-
week intervention with older adults in a day center, using physical activities as
the main tool. The study incorporated standardized questionnaires assessing
prosocial behaviors (PB) and students’ self-perception of PE lessons.
Findings: The results show significant improvements in most PB dimensions
(Empathy, Respect, Sociability, and Leadership; all, p < 0.05) and in selfperception of the PE subject in the SL group (p < 0.05), in contrast to the TM
group, which showed no improvements.
Discussion: In general, an experiential methodology with an inclusive focus
such as SL fosters civic and respectful behaviors in adolescents, especially
when they engage with socially disadvantaged groups. Furthermore, the role
of PE is crucial, as it enables direct and progressive interaction with the target
population, in this case, older adults.},
publisher = {Frontiers Media},
keywords = {Service-Learning},
keywords = {Prosocial behavior},
keywords = {Intergenerational education},
title = {Effects of an intergenerational service-learning program on prosocial behaviors and perception of physical education in primary education students},
doi = {10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1650084},
author = {Ruiz-Montero, Encarnación E. and Sanchez-Trigo, Horacio and Chiva-Bartoll, Óscar and Ruiz Montero, Pedro Jesús},
}