From Atheoretical to Motivation Theory-based Youth Discretionary-time Physical Activity Promotion: Current and Future Directions

This article describes the importance of promoting children’s discretionary-time physical activity (DTPA) in connection with the rising international obesity epidemic. School based recess is highlighted as exemplar of an opportunity for children to obtain more DTPA. Brief review of the extant research focused on efforts to increase children’s recess physical activity (RPA) is provided. Literature from the field of sports psychology that has established a strong foundation of evidence regarding factors that increase youth motivation in various physical domain contexts will guide the proposed expansion to theoretical examination of predictors of youth DTPA. Three relevant motivation theory frameworks will be discussed as the basis for recommendations of future systematic research on promotion of youth DTPA

Attraction to Physical Activity for Youth Who are BVI/DHH at a Residential School

Youth who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) and youth who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) often have low participation in sport and regular physical activity. Minimal research has sought to explore the variables associated with relatively low involvement in sport and physical activity among youth with BVI and/or DHH at residential schools. Financial situations and budget cuts have forced many states to combine residential schools for low incidence disabilities such as BVI & DHH. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the nature of attraction to physical activity for those attending a residential school for DHH and BVI. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 school residents (n = 5 blind; 3 male, 2 female and n = 6 deaf; 4 male, 2 female) who ranged in age from 10-18 years. Deductive content analyses revealed a number of meaningful themes in each category for both disability groups. Findings suggest that both hearing and visually impaired youth enjoyed physical activity and valued health benefits. However, this desire did not translate into being physically active. Youth suggested barriers for this including low parental encouragement for sport and physical activity and some social exclusion from non-disabled peers in game settings

The Relationship between Motivation for and Engagement in Good and Poor Behavior in Youth Ice Hockey

Moral development is often an omnipresent reason for parents supporting adolescent participation in youth sport (Arthur-Banning et al., 2018). However, motivational forces that influence both the cognitive and behavioral manifestations of moral and immoral behavior in youth sport remain convoluted (Hodge & Lonsdale, 2011). Ryan and Deci (2000) proposed motivation is a function of environmental structures that fluctuate on a continuum of overt control or support of autonomy. Theoretically, support of autonomy relates to intrinsic forms of motivation, whereas controlling environments relates to extrinsic forms (Ryan & Deci, 2000). Youth hockey athletes (N= 68, Mage = 12.24, SDage = 2.33) completed measures of self-reported hockey-specific good and poor sport behavior (GPSB; Lavoi & Stellino, 2008), and two adapted versions of the behavioral regulation in sport questionnaire (BRSQ; Lonsdale et al., 2008) to reference good and poor hockey behaviors. Correlations were initially conducted to analyze the data followed by linear regressions to interpret directionality of theorized relationships. Results indicated intrinsic motivation for good sport behavior was a significant predictor of both dimensions of good sport behavior; Concern and Respect for Others and Graciousness (F(1,65) = 4.71 -6.22, p = .02 - .03, B = .26 - .30). Extrinsic motivation for poor sport behavior was a significant predictor of one dimension of poor sport behavior; Play and Talk Tough (F(1,65) = 4.59, p = .04, B = .26) and intrinsic motivation for poor sport behavior was a significant predictor of the other dimension of poor sport behavior; Complain and Whine (F(1,65) = 6.04, p = .02, B = .29). Findings emphasize the necessity to measure domain specific moral and immoral motivations for behaviors to thoroughly understand the complexities associated with moral development in the youth sport context. Implications of the current results, limitations, and future research directions will also be presented

The impact of parent-created motivational climate on adolescent athletes' perceptions of physical self-concept

This is a preliminary version of this article. The official published version can be obtained from the link below.Grounded in expectancy-value model (Eccles, 1993) and achievement goal theory (Nicholls, 1989), this study examined the perceived parental climate and its impact on athletes' perceptions of competence and ability. Hierarchical regression analyses with a sample of 237 British adolescent athletes revealed that mothers and fathers' task- and ego-involving climate predicted their son's physical self-concept; the father in particular is the strongest influence in shaping a son's physical self-concept positively and negatively. It was also found that the self-concept of the young adolescent athlete is more strongly affected by the perceived parental-created motivational climate (both task and ego) than the older adolescent athlete's self-concept. These findings support the expectancy-value model assumptions related to the role of parents as important socializing agents, the existence of gender-stereotyping, and the heavy reliance younger children place on parents' feedback

Parenting experiences in elite youth football: A phenomenological study

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of parents of elite specializing stage youth footballers. Method: A descriptive phenomenological approach guided the study design. Data from interviews with five mothers and five fathers of youth players registered to English football academies were analysed using descriptive phenomenological analysis (Giorgi, 2009). Findings: Three essences characterized the phenomenon of being a parent of an elite youth footballer: parent socialization into elite youth football culture; enhanced parental identity; and increased parental responsibility. Parents’ socialization into the football academy culture was facilitated by their interaction with coaches and parent peers, highlighting the social nature of parenting. Being the parent of a child identified as talented meant that parents experienced enhanced status and a heightened responsibility to facilitate his development. Although parents were compelled to support their son in football, their instinct to protect their child meant they experienced uncertainty regarding the commitment required to play at an academy, given the potential for negative consequences. Together, these findings illustrate that parents experienced a transition as their son progressed into the specialization stage of football. We postulate that formal recognition of a child as talented contributed to this transition, and that knowledge of sport and perception of the parent-child relationship shaped how parents adapted. Conclusions: This study provides a new way of understanding the psychological phenomena of parenting in elite youth football. Implications for practitioners working with parents in sport are provided

Parenting in youth sport: A position paper on parenting expertise

This article was published in the journal, Psychology of Sport and Exercise [© Elsevier] and the definitive version is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2014.03.001Objectives: In line with the aims of this special issue, the purpose of this paper is to forward a position on the concept of sport parenting expertise through the presentation of six key postulates. Design: Literature review and position statement. Method: By adopting methods associated with an academic position paper, a statement is presented that we believe encapsulates sport parenting expertise. Six key postulates of parenting expertise, formulated from critically reviewing and interpreting relevant literature, are then presented. Results: We propose that sport parenting expertise is dependent on the degree to which parents demonstrate a range of competencies; namely that parents, (a) select appropriate sporting opportunities and provide necessary types of support, (b) understand and apply appropriate parenting styles, (c) manage the emotional demands of competitions, (d) foster healthy relationships with significant others, (e) manage organizational and developmental demands associated with sport participation, and, (f) adapt their involvement to different stages of their child's athletic career. Conclusion: Expertise in sport parenting requires parents to develop knowledge and utilize a range of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and organizational skills in order to support their child, manage themselves, and operate effectively in the wider youth sport environment. Recommendations for applied researchers to further investigate these postulates and substantiate the components of sport parenting expertise are offered

Parenting in sport

This paper provides a brief summary and commentary on the growing literature on parenting in sport, with a particular emphasis on literature from the last 2-3 years. Following a brief introduction overviewing the topic area, we firstly focus on the influence of parental involvement on children. Specifically, we examine the range of factors that influence children’s perceptions of parental involvement and the consequences of different behaviors. Next we discuss the factors influencing parental involvement, such as the challenges and stressors associated with parenting children in sport and the culture within different sports. Finally, our review focuses upon the strategies developed by parents to facilitate their involvement in their children’s sport, as well as the few papers focused upon parent education and support. We conclude by examining the need for further research and examination of support strategies for parents

Reviewing the family unit as a stakeholder in talent development: Is it undervalued?

As elite youth sport becomes more organized and professionalized, the role of the family is increasingly acknowledged as significant to the development of young talent. High profile examples across a range of professional sports, both positive and negative, have drawn attention towards this important stakeholder. Accordingly, in this review we first examine the key issues in relation to family involvement in Talent Development, with relation to what is perceived as good and bad practice on behalf of the family. We next consider the key theoretical underpinning, Family Systems Theory, and how it may be integrated within elite youth sport. Finally, we conclude with a summary of where the current literature leaves us, and where we can progress from here. We suggest two possible inputs that could benefit the effectiveness of family involvement, with a focus on the family holistically, and a second on the role different family members can play