Past research revealed that goal orientations differentially influence behavior in physical education and sport settings. However, it is not clear so far, whether this differential effect is based on values’ background or on situational factors. The present study investigated the influence of high school students’ values on the formation of goal orientations during physical education lessons. The sample consisted of 317 high school students with an age range between 12 and 15 years old (Μ = 13.8, SD = .84), who completed TEOSQ and YSVQ. The results of the cluster analysis revealed three meaningful segments. In the first segment students scoring high in moral values and competence values and low in status were included. In the second segment students scored high on all value subscales while in the third segment scored low on all subscales. Analysis of variance revealed that the low value group had higher scores on ego orientation. The findings of the study provide useful information on the development of practices promoting task orientation through the establishment of high values.
task orientation, ego orientation, moral values, competence values, status values, physical education.