Trends in research on vocation and career choice in Physical Education, sport, and recreation: a bibliometric analysis (2000–2025)

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v72.117494

Keywords:

Career choice, physical activity , Physical Education, recreational activities, vocational guidance

Abstract

Introduction: Physical education, sport, and recreation are areas of professional training characterized by a growing diversity in vocational motivations and career choice processes.

Objective: To conduct a bibliometric analysis of research on vocation and professional choice in physical education, sport, and recreation during the period 2000–2025.

Methodology: The study was developed under a quantitative approach, with a bibliometric design and an exploratory and descriptive scope.

Results: The annual evolution of publications during the period analyzed was evidenced, distributed across different countries and academic contexts. The trend revealed a progressive growth, which became more consolidated between 2018 and 2023.

Discussion: When comparing the findings with previous studies, convergences and nuances were identified that enrich the understanding of the subject.

Conclusions: The findings confirmed that academic interest in the study of vocational guidance and professional decisions in the field of physical activity progressively consolidated, responding to the need to understand the factors influencing the training and development of future professionals in the area.

References

Andrew, K., Richards, R., & Padaruth, S. (2017). Motivations for Pursuing a Career in Physical Educa-tion: The Rise of a Fitness Orientation. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 88(4), 40–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2017.1280438

Bisquerra, R. (2009). Metodología de la investigación educativa (2.ª ed.). Madrid: La Muralla.

Echevarría, O., Tamayo, Y., & Jeffers, B. (2020). Talento deportivo: reorientación vocacional. Mundo FESC, 10(S1), 7-13. https://doi.org/10.61799/2216-0388.389

Fang, Y., Xu, T., Ye, M., & Li, C. (2025). The relationship between physical activity and career decision-making self-efficacy in Chinese college students: the mediating roles of self-control and social anxiety. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1541211

Hernández, R., Fernández, C., & Baptista, P. (2014). Metodología de la investigación (6.ª ed.). México: McGraw-Hill.

Hernández, V., Carné, J., Jové, C., & Reverter, J. (2025). Global research trends on physical education practices: a bibliometric analysis and science-mapping study. Frontiers in Sports and Active Liv-ing, 7, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1532754

Limones J., & Velasco, G. (2025). La vocación profesional y el rendimiento académico de los estudian-tes del Instituto Tecnológico Superior Zacatecas Norte. Ciencia Latina Revista Científica Multi-disciplinar, 9(1), 3667-3691. https://doi.org/10.37811/cl_rcm.v9i1.16107

Mehmet, H., & Uzun, S. (2024). Career Decision Regrets in Faculty of Sport Sciences. European Scien-tific Journal ESJ, 28, 416. Retrieved from https://eujournal.org/index.php/esj/article/view/18040

Mohammed, A. (2018). Determinants of Choice of Career Among Physical Education Majors of Two Nigerian Universities. Education Journal, 8(1). https://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/article/10.11648/j.edu.20190801.14

Mombaers, T., Van Gasse, R., Vanlommel, K., & Van Petegem, P. (2023). ‘To teach or not to teach?’ An exploration of the career choices of educational professionals. Teachers and Teaching, 29(7–8), 788–820. https://doi.org/10.1080/13540602.2023.2201425

Mujica, Felipe., & Orellana, N. (2018). Autopercepción de la vocación en docentes de educación física escolar en Chile. CPU-e, Revista de Investigación Educativa, (27), 203-229. https://doi.org/10.25009/cpue.v0i27.2563

Özman, C., & Pekel, A. (2022). The Relationship between Academic Motivation Levels and Career Deci-sions of Physical Education and Sports Science Students. Pakistan Journal of Medical and Health Sciences, 16(01), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs22161594

Patton, K., & Parker, M. (2022). Career Transitions: Decision-Making Dynamics Regarding Physical Education Teacher Education Doctoral Program Applications and Entry. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 42(4), 589–599. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2022-0139

Pearson, G. (2023). Student-Athletes’ Decision-Making Process for Selecting an Academic Major. [Tesis de maestría, Eastern Illinois University] https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/4979/?utm_source=thekeep.eiu.edu%2Ftheses%2F4979&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages

Peña, C., Salazar, C., & Medina, R. (2022). Representaciones sociales sobre educación física y deporte de estudiantes de una universidad pública mexicana. Sinéctica, (59), 1-21. https://doi.org/10.31391/S2007-7033(2022)0059-006

Sánchez, E. (2003). La Vocación entre los Aspirantes a Maestro. Educación, 21(6), 203-222. https://www.redalyc.org/articulo.oa?id=70600608

Supriyatni, D., Nopembri, S., Yuliarto, H., Paramitha, S., Ramadhan, M., & Purnomo, E. (2025). Análisis bibliométrico del aprendizaje de la educación física en escuelas inclusivas: tendencias, contri-buciones e impacto de la investigación. Retos, 66, 773–787. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v66.113077

Yaakop, N., Koh, D., & Mohammad, R. (2023). Tendencias Globales del Conocimiento Docente de Edu-cación Física: Un Análisis Bibliométrico. Retos, 49, 174–188. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v49.97291

Downloads

Published

27-09-2025

Issue

Section

Original Research Article

How to Cite

Castillo Del Valle, H. M., Sarmiento Guerra, S. I., Pozo Yagual, J. G., & Castillo Ramos, H. J. (2025). Trends in research on vocation and career choice in Physical Education, sport, and recreation: a bibliometric analysis (2000–2025). Retos, 71, 1249-1258. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v72.117494