Links between Adolescent Athletes' Prosocial Behavior and Relationship with Parents: A Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sports Science
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• Parent-adolescent relationships are crucial for developing prosocial behavior in youth.
• Existing research primarily focuses on parental practices, neglecting the broader parent-athlete relationship's impact.
• Internal working models in youth sports may shape adolescent prosocial behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between parent-athlete interactions and adolescent prosocial behavior.
• To explore how these relationships influence prosocial behavior in teenage athletes.
• To understand the perspectives of both adolescent athletes and their parents on youth sports and relationships.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was employed.
• Quantitative data collected from 1348 athletes and non-athletes (ages 12-16).
• Qualitative data gathered from 12 adolescent athletes and 12 parents through interviews.

Main Results:

• Quantitative assessment included six forms of prosocial behavior (public, anonymous, dire, compliant, altruistic, emotional).
• Qualitative findings revealed themes such as 'sport as an escape' and 'parent-child relationships in youth sports' from athletes' perspectives.
• Parental themes included 'sport as protection' and 'understanding adolescent behavior.'

Conclusions:

• Secure attachment in young athletes actively involved in sports correlates with reduced delinquent behavior and enhanced prosocial behavior.
• Parent-athlete relationships play a vital role in shaping adolescent prosocial behavior and development within sports.
• Understanding the dynamics of parent-athlete relationships is key to fostering positive youth development in sports.