Are gender-stereotyped attitudes and beliefs in fathers and daughters associated with girls’ perceived motor competence?

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Children can internalise social and parental gender stereotypes and this may influence their perceived motor competence (PMC). This study aimed to examine the association between father and daughter gender-stereotyped attitudes/beliefs and girls’ PMC. Methods Girls (N = 68, M age = 8.9 years, SD = 1.7) and their fathers were recruited at baseline from a physical activity intervention. Girls’ PMC was assessed using the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence. Gender-stereotyped attitudes/beliefs of girls and fathers were assessed using the Occupation, Activity, and Trait – Attitude/Personal instrument. The girls’ questions were interviewer administered to ensure comprehension, whilst fathers completed an online survey. Correlations were calculated, followed by linear regressions adjusted for girls’ age and fathers’ education. Regression models were used to investigate associations between father-daughter gender-stereotyped attitudes/beliefs, and whether these attitudes/beliefs were associated with girls’ perceptions of their object control/locomotor, active play, and overall skill competence. Results Girls’ gender-stereotyped attitudes negatively correlated with overall PMC, r(60) = –.36, p = .004, and object control perception, r(60) = –.36, p = .004. These associations remained evident in linear regression analysis. No other associations were found. Conclusions Girls with more gender-stereotyped attitudes have lower motor skill perceptions, which may impact negatively on physical activity and sport participation. Future interventions aimed at reducing sociocultural gender stereotypes in children may improve girls’ motor skill perception and positively impact physical activity.