Parental involvement in sport and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs: Perspectives from parent–child dyads

Abstract

In early adolescence, parents generally retain a high level of influence in their children’s lives but as they get older, children typically look to gain more autonomy over decision-making and parents’ role gradually shifts to that of support. The purpose of the study was to examine parents’ and children’s perspectives on how parental involvement in sport influences basic psychological needs satisfaction. Basic psychological needs theory (BPNT) was used as a theoretical framework. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight parent–child dyads in Canada. Dyads were composed of eight athletes (three males, five females, M age = 14.0 years; SD = 1.32, age range: 12–16 years) and eight parents (six males, two females, M age = 44.0 years; SD = 5.96, age range: 36–53 years). Results from the deductive-inductive thematic analysis indicated how parental behaviours within the sporting environment were generally believed to satisfy athletes’ basic psychological needs, although needs frustration was also reported. Results are presented in a dyadic format, with instances of convergence and divergence in perspective between parents and their children revealed. Theoretical implications are discussed and applied recommendations are provided.