Julie C. S. Boiché *, Emma Guillet **, Julien E. Bois *** and Philippe G. Sarrazin ****
(*) University of La Réunion, France
(**) University of Lyon I, France
(***) University of Pau and Pays de l’Adour, France
(****) Joseph Fourier University of Grenoble, France
Citation
C. S. Boiché, J., Guillet, E., E. Bois, J., G. Sarrazin, P. (2011). Antecedents, accuracy and consequences of parents’ behaviours. A cross sectional study based on Eccles Expectancy Value model. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 42(4), 368-389.
Abstract
Recent reviews of the literature raise questions about parental influence in sport. Based on Eccles’ model, this study investigated the relationships between certain antecedents of parents’ behaviours, athletes’ perceptions of their parents’ behaviours and sport outcomes. 161 athletes, 134 mothers and 114 fathers volunteered to participate in the study. Questionnaires assessed parents’ perceptions of their child and selfreported behaviours; athletes’ perceptions of their parents’ behaviours, perceived competence, and value accorded to their activity. The analyses revealed significant relationships between (a) athletes’ sex and age, and parents’ child-specific beliefs, and (b) the four categories of behaviours – Active Involvement, Praise and Understanding, Directive Behaviour, Pressure – for mothers and fathers, respectively. There were also significant correlations between parents’ self-reported behaviours and athletes’ perceptions. Finally, perceived parental behaviours significantly predicted perceived athletes’ sport competence and value. Taken together, the results contribute to enrich the complex picture of parents’ socialization in sport.
Keywords: Competence, Motivation. Parents’ behaviour, Value